1998 Toyota Solara problems

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The Toyota Camry Solara, popularly known as the Toyota Solara, is a mid-size coupé/convertible built by Toyota. The Camry Solara is mechanically based on the Toyota Camry and effectively replaced the discontinued Camry Coupé (XV10); however, in contrast with its predecessor's conservative design, the Camry Solara was designed with a greater emphasis on sportiness, with more rakish styling, and uprated suspension and engine tuning intended to provide a sportier feel. The coupe was launched in late 1998 for model year 1999. In 2000, the convertible was introduced, effectively replacing the Celica convertible in Toyota's North American lineup.

The second-generation Camry Solara debuted in 2003 for model year 2004, initially offered as a coupe; the second-generation convertible was introduced in the spring of 2004 as a 2005 model. Coupe production ended in mid-2008. Despite official statements that the convertible might be sold until 2010 if demand was sufficient, production was suspended in December 2008 and never resumed.

First generation (XV20; 1998–2003)

The Solara was created to appeal to a demographic of more sport-minded drivers than those who prefer the Toyota Camry sedan, while still needing "room and comfort." The Camry Solara thus aspired to blend "sporty" looks and style with spacious practicality. Prior to the production of the Camry Solara, the 2-door version of the Toyota Camry was simply known as the Camry Coupe. It was added to the third generation Camry lineup in 1993 for model year 1994 to compete with the Honda Accord and other cars in its class. However, due to it never being nearly as popular as the 4-door sedan of the Camry, the Camry Coupe was dropped in 1996 when the sedan was redesigned for model year 1997. A distinct successor went into development in the mid-1990s, resulting a winning design entry in 1995 from Warren J. Crain of Calty Design and Research. After design approval, production development ran from 1995 to the first half of 1998. Patents were filed at the Japan Patent Office on January 18, 1996, under 1020408 and November 14, 1996, at the United States Patent Office USPTO under D407350.

The first generation Camry Solara went on sale in the third quarter of 1998 as a 1999 model to replace the Camry Coupe. It was based on the mechanical platform of the previous generation XV10 Toyota Camry and was built at the TMMC facilities in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. This model featured a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 136 hp (101 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm, and a 3.0-liter V6 engine with 200 hp (149 kW) at 5,200 rpm, and 214 lb⋅ft (290 N⋅m) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engines are the same as the ones used in the fourth generation Camry, but slightly revamped to have a small gain in power (two and six horsepower, respectively). The V6 claimed a 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time of 7.1 seconds.

TRD Solara

"The TRD recipe starts with a tasteful seven-piece body kit ($1675) available in all '99-'00 factory colors. To be sure the sporty look is backed by more straightline performance, TRD developed a supercharger kit (around $3300) for the 3.0-liter V-6 engine. According to TRD, it bumps horsepower to 262, a 62-horsepower gain over stock. Torque is also raised, going from 214 pound-feet to a much stronger 268. The TRD Solara we tested (equipped with five-speed manual transmission) produced a strong 0-60-mph time of 5.6 seconds compared with 6.9 for stock, a noticeable improvement on the street.

The Solara has been criticized as being too soft in the handling department, and TRD comes to the rescue. New parts include sport springs ($278) that drop the car 1.25 inches in front and 1.75 inches in the rear. Next, come a set of gas-pressurized front struts and rear shocks ($1230) and a larger rear anti-roll bar (price N/A). The final items are 17x7.0-inch TSW aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/45ZR17 Toyo tires ($1859). When installed on our test car, these parts dramatically improved the handling numbers over stock (see chart). On the road, the car is noticeably stiffer, telegraphing more road feel up to the driver. However, the ride is more than tolerable. Besides, we've driven plenty of sports cars that ride worse and don't handle as well. TRD will soon introduce a front strut tower brace as a part of the supercharger package that should further improve handling.

Other upgrades include a sport muffler ($391, nice deep tone), a quick-action manual shifter ($163, faster gear changes), and stainless-steel brake lines (price N/A) and carbon-metal brake pads ($70, improved braking performance).

Other upgrades include a sport muffler ($391, nice deep tone), a quick-action manual shifter ($163, faster gear changes), and stainless-steel brake lines (price N/A) and carbon-metal brake pads ($70, improved braking performance)." -

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The Toyota Camry Solara is also the first vehicle in the Toyota lineup, after their 1997 partnership agreement, to feature a JBL premium stereo option. All models came with a single-slot in-dash CD player and cassette deck from JBL. The SE models come standard with 15-inch steel wheels and hubcaps, upgradable to 15-inch alloy wheels. The Sports Package also adds a retuned suspension, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, perforated eight-way power-adjustable leather seats, an upgrade to 16-inch alloy wheels, retuned steering, minor trim changes and a rear lip spoiler.

In 2000, the SE and SLE convertibles were added to the lineup; these cars were built as semi-finished coupes, shipped to an American Sunroof Company (ASC) facility where the roofs were removed and convertible tops installed, and were then shipped back to Toyota for painting and final assembly. Claiming that the car's basic structure was designed for this treatment, Toyota made no suspension changes from the coupe. Toyota did strengthen the rocker sections by doubling them up, while adding steel bracing between the wheel wells, adding 171 lb (78 kg) over the coupe's weight. Nonetheless, the car was considerably less rigid than the coupe.

1998 Toyota Solara

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Common 1998 Toyota Solara problems

The Toyota Solara, produced from 1998 to 2008, is known for its reliability, with only four recalls during its 10-year run. However, certain model-specific concerns have been reported by owners. This article will discuss common problems with the Toyota Solara 1998, based on complaints from owners, and provide details on each problem.

  • Ignition coil issues: Ignition coils deliver power to the spark plugs and enable the firing of the cylinder inside an engine. If an ignition coil fails, it could lead to misfires or some cylinders staying unfired completely, resulting in reduced engine power output and unpredictable acceleration at high speeds.
  • Oil thickness problems: The first-gen Toyota Solara equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine has problems with oil forming into sludge within the engine. This issue could lead to overheating and seizing the engine, as clean oil can't flow through the oil lines inside the engine.
  • Rear suspension faults: There have been reports of issues with the rear suspension system, although specific details on this problem are not provided in the search results.
  • Power window regulator failure: This issue is particularly common in first-generation models produced from 1999 to 2003. The power window regulator is responsible for moving the window glass up and down and can experience issues with wear and tear over time. Symptoms include windows that do not respond to the switch or move slowly, grinding or clicking noises when the windows are operated, and windows that are stuck in the open or closed position.
  • Air conditioning compressor failure: This problem is more prevalent in the SLE trim level. The air conditioning compressor may fail, causing the air conditioning system to stop functioning properly.
  • Common repairs and replacements: Some of the most common repairs for the Toyota Solara include the replacement of brake pads and rotors, alternator, starter, fuel pump, catalytic converter, and transmission. These repairs can range in cost from $300 to $3,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of replacement parts used.

In conclusion, while the Toyota Solara is known for its reliability, certain model-specific concerns have been reported by owners. Regular maintenance and addressing any issues as soon as they arise can help prevent further damage and ensure optimal performance and longevity for the Toyota Solara.

1998 Toyota Solara engine

Is a Toyota Solara a reliable car?

In terms of reliability, Toyota is known for setting a high standard, and the Solara is no exception. Although it had a production run from 1998 to 2008, certain years stand out as exceptionally dependable: 1999 Toyota Solara. 2001 Toyota Solara.

Why did Toyota stop making the Solara?

From model year 2005 to 2008, sales fell from roughly 50,000 units annually to just over 20,000. After the 2008 model year, the coupe was discontinued due to faltering sales, but the convertible, which accounted for the majority of units sold, continued to be produced.

Does the Solara have the same engine as the Camry?

The Solara was manufactured to replace the Toyota Camry Coupe from four years earlier (competition to the Honda Accord Coupe). It was designed to be a mid-sized car with sporty features and it had a four-cylinder engine with more power than the standard Camry.

How many miles per gallon does a Toyota Solara get?

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2006 Toyota Camry Solara
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Fuel Economy
EPA MPGRegular Gasoline 24 combined city/highway MPG 21 city 30 highway 4.2 gals/100 miles

Is a Toyota Solara a reliable car?

In terms of reliability, Toyota is known for setting a high standard, and the Solara is no exception. Although it had a production run from 1998 to 2008, certain years stand out as exceptionally dependable: 1999 Toyota Solara. 2001 Toyota Solara.

Is Toyota Solara fuel efficient?

EPA fuel economy: 20 miles per gallon city/29 highway. Fuel capacity/type: 18.5 gallons/unleaded premium recommended.

Why did Toyota stop making the Solara?

From model year 2005 to 2008, sales fell from roughly 50,000 units annually to just over 20,000. After the 2008 model year, the coupe was discontinued due to faltering sales, but the convertible, which accounted for the majority of units sold, continued to be produced.

Is the Toyota Solara a luxury car?

The Toyota Solara is a reliable luxury vehicle that looks great & has plenty of space and leg room plus adddequate trunk space.

1998 Toyota Solara car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Solara problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Solara vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Toyota Solara complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Solara.

2004-03-22

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2004-03-12
  • Number Of Injuries: 3
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 2T1CF28P31C
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. IT LOST CONTROL AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON. VEHICLE FLIPPED ON ITS HOOD AND SLID APPROXIMATELY 100 FEET BEFORE STOPPING. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS SUSTAINED INJURIES AND WERE TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO HOSPITAL. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Solara problems:

Top 5 Problems Toyota Solara Coupe 1st Generation 1998-2003 ...
Top 5 Problems Toyota Solara Coupe 1st Generation 1998-2003 ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTxkZUDeId4

Feb 9, 2021 ... In this video, Len discusses the most common problems with the Toyota Solara from 1998 to 2003, and he offers tips on how you can prevent or ...

Common 2004 Toyota Solara Problems: Troubleshooting Alarm and ...
Common 2004 Toyota Solara Problems: Troubleshooting Alarm and ...
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/d6xiw-2004-toyota-solara-s-alarm-going-off-car-won-t.html

Nov 23, 2019 ... My 2004 Toyota Solara's alarm is going off and the car won't start. What can I do? The key doesn't work in the door.

Problems to Look out for When Buying a Used Toyota Solara ...
Problems to Look out for When Buying a Used Toyota Solara ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT7o4VNOJdg

Oct 8, 2022 ... ... Toyota Solara the best used cabriolet that you can buy. There were two generations of the Solara. The first generation ran between 1998 and ...

1997 camry common problems | Toyota Nation Forum
1997 camry common problems | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/1997-camry-common-problems.1663470/

Aug 20, 2019 ... Camry and Solara Forum · Camry 3rd and 4th Gen '92 ... 1997 camry common problems. Jump to Latest ... I had a 1998 Camry V6 and one of the engine ...

This Toyota Solara Just Won't Quit! - YouTube
This Toyota Solara Just Won't Quit! - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayney6D4qvw

Mar 25, 2022 ... Greatest cars of all time are 1997 to 2001 Toyota Camry/solaria especially with 2.2 4cyl. in my opinion. 3.0 V6 is excellent but not so ...

Other years of Toyota Solara

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Solara 1997
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