1998 TOYOTA TACOMA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

358

Owner Complaints

56 Crashes 1 Death

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

7

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA

The 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA has received a total of 358 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bagsfrontal (30 complaints), Structurebody (30 complaints), and Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields (30 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA, potentially affecting up to 232,253 vehicles.

Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

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Recall 06E049000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 27,176 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

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Recall 98V188000 — AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

| 84,323 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STATEMENT REQUIRED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL THAT "...THE ON-OFF SWITCH SHOULD ONLY BEN USED WHEN A MEMBER OF A PASSENGER RISK GROUP IDENTIFIED IN THE REQUEST FORM IN APPENDIX B......IS OCCUPYING THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEATING POSITION..." IS MIS-STATED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

Consequence: IF THE AIR BAG SWITCH IS "OFF," THE SEAT OCCUPANT WHO IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE PASSENGER RISK GROUP WOULD BE SUBJECT TO INCREASED INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA

358 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 30 29 Crashes 19 Injuries
Structurebody
Complaints: 30
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 30
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 28
Tires
Complaints: 19
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 16 1 Crash
Seat Belts
Complaints: 14
Suspension
Complaints: 14
Air Bags
Complaints: 13 10 Crashes 4 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 13 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 9
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 8
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 7
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 7 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 6
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 4 4 Crashes 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 4
Structure
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 4
Wheels
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Power Train
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 3
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 3 1 Crash 1 Injury
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3
Electrical System
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 2
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicbrake Fluid Low Warning Lamp
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment Adaptivemobility
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assemblyleaf
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11642253 | STRUCTURE | | 164,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the subframe was severely corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Campaign: 10030357-0006 (Frame Corrosion-Preventative Compound); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
#11503438 | STRUCTURE | | 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while inspecting the subframe of the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the rear passenger side wheel well. The contact stated that the failure had increased significantly. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as an unknown recall had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
#11503438 | SUSPENSION | | 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while inspecting the subframe of the vehicle, he noticed that there was a hole in the rear passenger side wheel well. The contact stated that the failure had increased significantly. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as an unknown recall had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
#11474087 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles Crash
I had an accident over a year ago and the airbags did not deploy then I ask the guy that fixed it told me that it didn't have the sensor on the front of my truck, and I wonder why. Now I realized the never saw that sensor on my truck, and want to know what is happening with my truck if other vehicles are involved in the same situation. Sincerely: [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
#11456901 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
Left and right Frame members forward of the rear leaf spring mounts are severely rusted. According to the Toyota dealership who inspected it, the frame is compromised and their is a potential for structural failure in a collision. I purchased the vehicle in October of 2020 from the original owner who maintained it in immaculate condition. The rusted areas are not very obvious while inspecting the outside of the frame, however the interior portions have severe damage. I contacted Toyota Brand Enhancement, on the dealerships recommendation and was told they would not assist based on the lack of a recall.

View all Air Bagsfrontal complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA

Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

BO02600 — STRUCTURE:BODY

INFORMATION ON WATER LEAK FIELD-FIX REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. *JB

EL00400 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

SUBJECT ON DELAYED UPSHIFT TO OVERDRIVE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. *MJS

BO01399 — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

SOME VEHICLES STARTING WITH VIN 4TAVL52N*XZ469062 MAY EXHIBIT A RATTLE NOISE CAUSED BY THE FRONT LOWER WINDOW GLASS FRAME. *TT

021899 — STRUCTURE

EXPERIENCING TICKING NOISE IN THE CABIN IN COLD TEMPERATURE (0.F.). *TT

EG01498 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

EXPERIENCING A TICKING NOISE INT HE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE IN COLD TEMPERATURES ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE VIN WZ139300. *YC

0616 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FOR WATER LEAK FIELD-FIX. *YC

970829AX007 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES ON RUNNING BOARD INSTALLATION. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the TOYOTA TACOMA

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Other TOYOTA Models

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