1998 Toyota Camry: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 29, 2010 · Lights · FL

1998 toyota camry, front head light covers have clouded up reducing head light brightness and distance of head lights effectiveness.

Filed Dec 26, 2001 · Lights, Steering · MI

I tried working with toyota to resolve there issues, but becasue the warranty time is expired they won't assist in fixing there defects. I was told if I wanted to pay the $2,000.00 bill they would be happy to order the parts. The head lamps are so dim I have nearly hit deers in the road on 5 seperate occasions I know these can't pass fmvss requirement. The drivers seat is loose in the track and rocks when accelerating and stopping. The front struts mounting brackets rattle, shake, vibrate and bang. The steering wheel vibrates while turning. The rear stuts are too weak for the vehicle so people can't ride in the rear or the car bottoms out. The car alarm somtimes works and somtimes doesn't. The burlwood dash is splitting,craking, fading and peeling. I was told by the asst. Service mgr. At the toyota dealership that toyota is aware of all these defects and it's a result of poor engineering and vehicle test validation. I then heard him tell a mechanic "what people think just because it's a toyota it doesn't ever break" he then laughed and said these cars are the worst. I think we need some help in making toyota fix there known defects because this is uncalled for.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Lights · IN

When headlights are in use, driver cannot see any more than approximately 25 feet in front going down a hill. Problem has been reported to dealer, and parts were replaced. Problem still exists. *ak

Filed Jul 7, 2000 · Body, Brakes · CA

When making a sudden stop brakes will experience a longer stopping distance intermittently. Dealer cannot determine defect. *ak dealer would make so called adjustments, however would not remedy the problem, a brake specialist detected brake problem, but could not find the exact problem, consumer feels brakes are unmatching parts or something along those lines that does not allow for repair, the dealer has adjusted rear brakes, replaced brake pads, machined rotors, replaced rear wheel cylinders. Consumer states vehicle is too low to the ground, vehicle would scrape the ground while entering and exiting driveway that had a very small peak, dealer stated strusts were fine, consumer feels struts are defective. Vehicle has a loud engine noise and idles high on a cold start, dealer adjusted the timing belt. Left sun visor is loose, dealer tightened, visor mirrors were crackedm dealer replaced. Air conditioner has an odor when in use. Tires keep losing air, found tires were missing a valve stem. Engine light illuminated, dealer replaced air fuel sensor, engine stalls at times when starting, deale replaced the iac valve. Right headlamp is dim, dealer ordered new bulb assembly, bulb shorted. Consumer contacted previous owner of vehicle who stated that there were many brake problem that the dealer could not fix, manufacturer told her that some of these vehicles were made with an ill fitting part that would eventually be recalled, previous owner had returned vehicle due to these brake problems, when current owner bought vehicle toyota hid the fact that vehicle was leased and that it had experienced these brake problems.

Filed Jan 18, 2000 · Lights · NC

Headlights provide poor visability at night, the left side has dark spots. Headlights have been adjusted three times, and there has been know change. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Oct 20, 1999 · Lights · CA

Low beam (left) only illuminates about 3 car lengths ahead of car ,whereas the right low beam illuminates way out and a little to the right. Twice took vehicle to service dept. ,don't seem to understand problem.made slight adjustment on right beam. I believe there is a definite problem with the left beam and living in deer country this represents a safety problem! Plase help.

Filed Apr 14, 1999 · Lights · IA

About 20 feet out from head of driver the right headlight creates a shadow in front of vehicle about 20' to 40' front center of line to right shoulder. It is much worse on bright lights. Dealer contacted and was aware of the problem. Adjustments made, problem could nt be remedied. Problem still exists.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Lights · CA

Day time running head lighting system, causing poor visibility.

Filed Jan 7, 1999 · Lights · VT

When driving at night with the low beam lights on there is a blind spot in front of the vehicle, making it difficult for consumer to see the road. Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Dec 22, 1998 · Lights · AR

Right beam on the headlights is focused higher than the left. Cause unknown . Dealer adjusted the beam which did not remedy the problem. Please give any further details.

Filed Nov 30, 1998 · Lights · PA

Consumer has been experiencing problems with headlights. The consumer stated that the headlights only illuminate for a short distance. Also oncoming pedestrians couldn't be seen unless the vehicle gets very close. The manufacturer has been contacted.

Filed Jul 21, 1998 · Lights · NY

Inadequate headlights, unsafe for night visibility.