Egr valve broken and vacuum switching valve not working. Engine dies (sometimes totally dies and sometimes dies and starts after a moment) after taking exit from highways and sometimes on highways at 65 m/hr. Steering gets locked (cannot turn) because engine dies out. Fortunately didn't involve in major accidents because of this. However there were minor accidents with no damage to any property including my vehicle. Problem resolved after replacing egr & vsv assemblies. Very fortunate I didn't involve in any serious accidents as several times my vehicle stopped all of a sudden on highways at around 60 m/hr.
1998 Toyota Camry engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 95, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The balance shaft hit the oil pan and made a hole in the engine and the oil spread all over the engine that LED to lot of smoke from the engine.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 toyota camry. While driving approximately 30 MPH on normal conditions there was a loud noise inside the vehicle. There were no warning light indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The driver stopped the vehicle and observed flames from underneath the hood. The front end of the vehicle exhibited damages with heavy smoke and flames. The fire department and police were notified. There were no personal injuries sustained. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to the contacts residence. The contact is aware of the safety risk. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. Updated 09/18/09. *lj updated 09/18/09.
On 2/21/2008 I was driving on the freeway and my auto burst into flames. My auto is a 1998 toyota camry 4cyl. I received notification of a class action lawsuit about two years ago stating that toyota has an engine oil sludge defect on certain models. My auto is one of them. Additionally the notification I received stated that I can take my auto into toyota to be repaired. Over about two years I took my auto in with all the paper work/documents and each time toyota stonewalled me. Also I just went into toyota for the same reason and with all the paper work on 2/14/2008 and again toyota told me they knew nothing about this and they would not do anything. I am very much lucky to have survived this incident on 2/21/2008.
Air induction hose on 1998 toyota camry le japan built is failing. The air induction hose from the air filter box that leads to the throtle body is cracking. And I have checked into this matter from reading user reviews of this year model car and im the only one who is experencing this issue. The car is still functional how ever it has a very diffucult time starting in the morning.
My daughter has 2 1998 toyota camrys both have had massive engine block failure by the front motor mount, one resulted in a fire under the hood. Her first camry I helped her buy it used about 1 1/2 years ago (this car was actually titled in my name) and approximately 6 months ago while driving at highway speed the engine block came apart by the front motor mount spraying oil all over the engine compartment, which proceeded to catch on fire, luckily no one was hurt and the fire was contained under the hood. There was parts of the engine block, and bolts and oil scattered on the highway. That camry was not repairable. We found her another 1998 camry about two months ago and this one she bought all on her own and it is titled in her name. Well a couple of days ago her new 1998 camry had massive engine block failure at the front motor mount in the same location as the other camry. There was no fire involved on this one. The police were called to both scenes, and the fire dept. Was called on the first incident. This form does not have input for 2 vehicles. The second 1998 camry in my daughters name. We do still have possession of both vehicles and in the same condition as the day they stopped working.
I own a toyota camry 1998 model. The engine oil leaks non-stop. Several months back I received a notice of class action settlement with the toyota company. It stated that all toyota camrys 1998 had an engine oil leak defect, and as per the class action settlement I could take my car to a toyota dealership and they would fix this problem at their cost. Also, that if I had incurred any costs trying to have this problem fixed on my own, toyota will pay such costs to the owner. Accordingly, I took my car to the dealership. They took the copy of the notice from me and informed me that it does not apply to my car. I was told that they could check and fix the problem, but I would have to pay for it. If this was the case, then why was I sent a notice in the first place to take my car to a dealership for the problem fix? This has been a very frustrating and embarrassing experience. This is my complaint, and I request help in getting this problem resolved.
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.
Blue smoke come from tail pipe after car sit for a few days and the front right strut or something on that side rattle. The date is when I first heard the noise but the previous owner heard the noise a year or two after purchase,she had the struts changed and the noise is still there.
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.
The consumer received a letter from the manufacturer in may 2000 stating that his 1998 camry had the potential of oil gelling or sludging. *ts the letter also explained that this problem could be diagnosed by the presence of blue smoke or excessive oil consumption. The consumer vehicle didn't exhibit any signs of a problem when the letter was received. Eventually the consumer started noticing smoke coming out of the tailpipe on startup and took the vehicle to the dealer. The letter was presented to the service manager. The dealer refused to diagnose the problem without the consumer paying a fee. The consumer refused to pay and the problem was never diagnose or fixed. The consumer contacted the manufacturer but they also stated that he had to pay the dealer for the diagnostic test.
A problem with white smoke coming from exhaust when starting the car for the first time each day. Burns off quickly but should not be doing this at all. Dealer says the problem may be a valve lifter, but that this car is too new for that. Car has 80,000 miles on it. Concerned about smoke and fire or emissions problem. This car is rated for ca emissions and was made in japan.
Dt: the steam seal valve is leaking oil to the chamber of the engine. The problem first started in april 2005. When the vehicle is cold and it is started there is smoke coming out of the tail pipe. The consumer is concerned that the vehicle may catch on fire.
I brought my 98 camry into toyota city in mamaroneck, ny on 11/6/03 because of blue smoke that was coming out of the tail pipe. Seals were replaced but there was still leaking of oil. On 6/2/04 the camry has more repairs done with gaskets and seals replaced but still there was oil leaking . I brought the car back to have the leak checked and I am always told there is no leak. I have smoke coming into the car from the engine area and put a quart of oil in every week.
My 1998 toyota camery always burned some oil.then at about 108000 miles it started burning oil at a rapid pace. I brought it in to toyota to have it looked at for the oil sludging problem ,which they know of.they said my engine is shot and I did not have the oil sludge problem, so they would not cover repairs.they said one reason I did not have this problem is because I changed oil every 3000 miles.
We own a 1998 toyota camry VIN [xxx], and we are the original owners of this car. About a one and a half years ago, we replaced the idle speed control unit for approximately $400.00. The camry had problems starting when it is cold, and the hayward california toyota dealer wants to charge us another $400.00 to replace the same part that they replaced about 18 months ago. The part is a toyota manufacturing part, and it cost about $250.00. Toyota has not recalled this part, and it should last longer than 18 months. I have talked with a number of auto repair shops, and they know that this part fails on the toyota camry. I have filed a complaint with toyota corporation reference number [xxx], but I do not feel toyota will address this problem. I have not heard from them, and I filed the complaint about two months ago. I am hoping that you will investigate this problem and let me know what you discover. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.*ak updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
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.
On a cold start, the idle air control valve failed. The car was taking to the dealer where the part was replaced. Old part not available.
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.
Engine sludge. Not yet failed but inevitable if not repaired.
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.
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.
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.
I changed my oil and the attendent said the oil was gelling up. Since that day foward my car burns 4quarts of oil in less than 200 miles I bought the car from the dealer less than a year in a half ago.(dec 22,2002). Not one garage wants to repair my vechile they told me it was oil rings or valves but its due to the oil sludge. I called toyota dealership and they told me too bad that I had to pay for the dealer to take the head off and than let them determine if it indeed it is oil gelling. Than toyota USA would look over my file to see if it would fix the problem very rude and univiting.
Driving the camry down the interstate when oil light came on. Within 2-3 miles I was able to pull off and as I rolled into a gas station the engine began knocking. When towed to a toyota dealer they said the engine was ruined but claimed it wasn\\'t related to the well-known oil sludge problem. The oil had been changed every 3000-5000 miles and neither leaked nor used oil. The dealer had no explanation why the engine would so suddenly be robbed on oil that it would throw a rod and be ruined. I have since learned the engine has given so many problems that toyota discontinued it (the 2.2 4liter). Since I had to have a used engine put in (toyota wanted $5300!!) I have no assurance that this engine won\\'t do exactly the same thing!!
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.
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.
Engine had to be replaced due to oil gelling.
Engine blow up and blew rods, rod bars, crank, oil pump, rings, pistons, thrust washers, shims.
Currently experiencing oil sludge problem. My toyota dealership has not committed to taking care of the problem. We are currently still working with them to see if they will take care of the problem.
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