1998 Toyota Camry: engine failure

15 of the 600 complaints about the 1998 Toyota Camry describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 15
of this car's complaints: 3%
typical mileage: 93,600
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2022
2
2021
2
2020
1
2019
5
2018
8
2017
1
2015
4
2014
2
2013
5
2012
8
2011
5
2010
4
2009
23
2008
12
2007
57
2006
3
2005
10
2004
13
2003
27
2002
19
2001
4
2000
10
1999
22
1998
15
1997
22
1996
14
1995
6
1994
8
1993
1
1992
2
1991
2

What owners say

Filed May 23, 2017 · Engine · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 toyota camry. While the vehicle was stationary, it stalled without warning. The vehicle was diagnosed as needing a new engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 6, 2006 · Engine · 82,000 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the engine blew. Smoke came out of the engine compartment as the vehicle was driven off to the side of the highway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the inspection determined a lifter rod had fractured and blown out the bottom of the engine casing. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified.

Filed Jul 1, 2006 · Engine · 62,670 miles · FL

1998 camry, 4 cylinder, 62650 miles. While driving at around 50 MPH speed, heard an unusual sound and smoke coming from under the hood, pulled over to the shoulder and found there was a hole in the lower half of the engine and the oil dip stick was sheared in to 2 pieces. Mechanic told me that the engine threw a rod and put a hole. Had to replace the engine with a refurbished one at a private shop. Contacted the dealer service department and was told that since the car was out of warranty, toyota will not be replacing the engine and the least quote for repair was $4500.00 I bought the car used from a dealer in jan 2001 and have had regular service oil change and maintenance done on it. In feb 2006 had the 60k mile service done. In may 2002 had received a letter from toyota about possible gelling issue with engine oil. Suspect the engine failure is a result of engine oil gelling. The failed engine may still be available at the shop, not sure.

Filed Nov 20, 2004 · Engine · 93,600 miles · OH · fire

Owner driving vehicle, came to a stop, began to accelerate, engine blew a rod through the front of the engine block. Vehicle caught fire and burnt beyond recognition within 15 minutes. Vehicle investigation followed because the car was under warranty, build up of sludge from engine oil. Company declined to fulfill warranty obligation because of the age and mileage on the car.

Filed Jul 2, 2004 · Engine · 58,430 miles · MD

Without warning engine died at night while driving on a dual lane highway. Pulled over to the side of the highway before car momentum died. Would not restart and the "engine check" light was lit.*ak car was towed to a service repair station that evening. Service station found the water pump failed resulting in the timing belt failure. Belt and water pump replaced, timing reset, but failed to start. Investigation revealed timing had slipped and cause was the crankshaft pulley key had sheared. That was replaced, timed again, and engine was back to normal. Oldmobile parts not availiable.

Filed Feb 17, 2004 · Engine · PA

While driving my car, it turned off with no warning. I could not turn the car back on as I tried, the engine light went on. I notified the dealer. The dealer informed me that my engine had seized. My car is a 98 camary with 75000 miles which was purchased from the dealer and has had all service checkups from the dealer. The dealer informed me that it would cost me 4700 dollars to replace the engine and my warranty was up in july of 2003. I am wondering what is going on with toyota. My family has had six toyotas since 1988. This car and our last toyota camary have been horrible. The 2000 needed a brand new transmission and now this. In addition to this when I called the dealer they told me to purchase another car as if it was just that easy. I am a single mother who brought a toyota because of the supposed dependablity. I guess I was wrong.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 93,613 miles · CA

Engine failed due to oil gelling or sludge.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NC

My camry started acting funny. While leaving work to take my car to the toyota dealer, the engine started making noises so I pulled over, shut the car off and waited for the tow truck. This was wednesday june 25, 2003. On friday morning, my husband was notified that we needed a new engine because of "oil gelling" or "oil sludging" and it would be $3,500. I took all of the paperwork with a copy of the june 2002 toyota letter to my dealer to see if I would "qualify" for their support program. When I asked the service tech why the cars had not been recalled due to the extent of damage that could be caused and he told me it was only a small number of consumers. I have found that to be untrue. I would expect for toyota to pay for a new engine plus a comporable rental car until my car is fixed along with offering a extended or new warrenty sine the same problem seems to be reoccurring.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · KY

Engine failed due to oil sludging.dealer told me it is my fault do to infrequent oil changes.they say I need new engine.I repaired myself so it is drivable,but still has problems.some kind of knock and oil leak.I received letter stating toyota will back there product, but dealer still will not help. Dealer is toyota on nicholasville.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 123,000 miles · PA

The engine in my camry blew. The car was well maintained and running fine. The toyota dealership informed me that they couldn't find any oil sludging/gelling. However, they couldn't explain why the engine blew. All they could tell me is that a piston blew through the engine. Since they claimed there was no oil sludging/gelling they refused to cover costs of repair.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 77,500 miles · OR

Have noticed for the past couple of months that a lot of blue-black smoke coming from the exhuaust upon startup. I have found out that a lot of toyotas have had engine failure caused by oil sludge build-up. Now I'm concerned that the engine may fail soon. I have had regular oil changes (some done by toyota dealership and some by myself). The toyota dealer in coos bay assured me that this was not a problem and only happens once in about 25,000 cars. The facts seem to be quite different.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Engine · 67,000 miles · SC

The engine in my 1998 toyota camry threw a rod (#4) through the engine block. There were no warning signs, like abnormal engine noise or loss of power, before this catastrophic failure. The vehicle has 67000 miles and has had the oil changed within the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Also, the 45000 mile maintenance was performed at the toyota dealership. The local toyota management said that I did not posses sufficient maintenance records to support them paying for the replacement engine. I had the receipts from the oil changes. Toyota corporation told me that they are not responsible for cars over 60000 miles. My complaint with the manufacturer is pending review.