Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Car bottomed out over any uneven surface evan after I replaced shocks and mounts for over 850 dollars on front end. Fiinally replaced front and rear springs and struts for 2000 dollars and car still bottoms out and is unsafe to drive . Contact Toyota about problem but no dealer would admit to suspension design flaw in 1998 Camry suspension. Other faults with acceleration and serious injuries due to gas pedals we're a natural progression in camrys that followed.
Front suspension, noise when driving over bumps, uneven pavement. Sounds like something is loose. Dealer suggests trying different parts but none seems to correct the problem. Its getting expensive and the problem is still there. The service tech stated his wife has the same car and it has the same problems and was not sure how to correct it. He also stated the Toyota solara was having the same problems.
I have a '98 Toyota Camry le with a front-end rattling noise emanating from the suspension. When I drive off in the morning (cold) over a moderately bumpy road, its sounds like my front end was going to fall off. This rattle is definitely temperature dependent and driving me crazy. Looking at the web found the same problem also on camrys and avalons from '97-'99.
Front suspension makes excessive noise over bumps. The mechanics I sent it to don't know what's causing the noise. I had all the struts and springs changed but the noise persists. All the parts were from the dealer. I would like to know what I can do and if this is a safety hazard. Thank you for your help.
1. Front spring retainer collapsed into tire and shredded tire in motion, lost control, replaced shock absorber assy' 2. Rear stabilizer bar split in half, rear wheel wobbled uncontrollably condition, temporary weld, must be replaced, part available.
I notice the same issue with my Camry the noise is constant it makes a rattling noise in the front and then it also squeaks in the front. I bought it to pep boys 6 times and they can't find the problem it is a horrible noise that is very loud.
Just before 30,000 miles my right font suspension began to rattle occasionally. The car now has 93,000 miles and the rattle is still heard now and then. Numerous trips to the shop have not turned up any cause.
Front noise if passing over bumps. I have been told this very common to Toyota camrys for this year the dealer states the only way to get rid of the noise is to replace the front struts at cost to me.
Front supension makes clunking and banging noise when driving over even small pot holes. Noise gets much worse with larger pot holes. Noise started around 25K miles.suspect front struts and strut mounts.
I bought my car new in May 1998. I had the brakes replaced at least 3 times the first time being 11/8/99. I have complained several times of front end noise, car drifting, and steering vibrations. Each time I was told it was either incorrect tire pressure, out of balance or alignment. Most of the time I was told the noise is normal road noise and the drifting is normal drifting. I think something needs to be done about this. My car is no longer under warranty. I bought a new car to avoid having to pay for all these expensive repairs and because I had a 7 month old baby. I now have two children and sometimes I am afraid to drive them in my car. My car still makes the noise, drifts, steering wheel vibrations. I have even reported clunking noises from the bottom of the car and was told it needed to be greased or the bolts tightened. …
Suspension complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Toyota Camry, 12% of the model year's 600 complaints. The component named most often is front (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Toyota Camry suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1998 Toyota Camry, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Toyota Camry suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.