Brakes started grumbling when applied. I thought it was the anti-lock brakes, but it turned out a thorough cleaning of the rear brakes fixed the problem.
Rear cup holder lasted about a year.
The throttle had a ‘catch’ in it due to a loosened throttle choke plate. This was rather exciting at times on starting from stop sign, as it wouldn’t release initially.
Ignition switch was replaced.
Periodically the trunk lock fails to work.
One design glitch is that there is not enough ground clearance under the front bumper. It rubs the concrete on normal height curbs.
The only failure of significance are the valve stem seals leaking, causing smoking for a few seconds on startup. Although I don’t know for a fact, I have read where the seals have been a problem with the 4-cyl engine. Dealer cost is nearly $1000 to replace.
The pluses are the car is quiet and comfortable. Visibility is good. Fuel economy is very good for a car of this size, around 32-34 on the highway, 28-29 overall. 4 cylinder engine has adequate power for most driving, although when driving in the hills, the 6-cylinder would be a plus.
Bought a 98 camry LE 7 months ago at a carmax dealership with 88000 miles on it now at 98000 having to bring it in for rear engine and side engine seal replacements... this is the second time for the side (against the firewall) which was replaced at 89000 miles... thank goodness for the extended warranty purchase or this would be a very bad experience indeed! Also, must say that am a bit disappointed in the interior quality of the trim pieces - constantly breaking/falling out, poor quality... several trim pieces have had to be replaced including some of the seat belts.
My rear cup holder is history, as well. Not very sturdy, durable or even functional when it was not broken.
I have three toyota camrys 1998 and all of them have a problem with smoking on starting up. Additionally, the door arm rest becomes malformed over the years and leaves a gap between the electric window/lock panel and the rest.
Your valve guide seals leaking is more of a common problem than you might think. I am certified with several manufacturers and have seen this from all of them. The difference in the petroleum based oils can cause the seals to dry out and crack as well as carbon build-up can push the seal away from the valve itself allowing oil to leak in the combustion chamber when the car is not running.
I have had great success in using Top Engine cleaner available at the GM dealer. I do suggest allowing the technician to do it because there is a chance you could hydro-lock the engine. But I really do swear by this process and have seen it do amazing stuff. And I am very opposed to mechanics in a can.
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