Toyota Tacoma / 1998
1998 Toyota Tacoma problems
Owners have filed 358 complaints about the 1998 Toyota Tacoma with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 27.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 13.1%.
Complaints358
Crashes56
Fires0
Injuries34
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Structure 27.7% · 99
Air bags 13.1% · 47
Tires 8.9% · 32
Suspension 8.4% · 30
Seat belts 6.4% · 23
Service brakes, hydraulic 5.9% · 21
Vehicle speed control 4.7% · 17
Unknown or other 4.5% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 56 describe a crash, 34 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 29 model years of the Toyota Tacoma in this data, 1998 sits 12th by complaint volume. 2006 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 139,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The frame of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma xtracab truck we own has severe rust issues to the point that it is not safe to drive. I have attached 4 pictures total with 2 of the pictures showing the damage to the cab from movement there are other areas that are rusted worse, but can not get good pics of. We live midwest, a area that salt is not a factor. We notced this damage after feeling that the bed was moving. Structure · reported at 168,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the main frame and rear bumper exhibited severe rust. In addition, the front and rear shocks were replaced due to excessive rust and within a one year period, both new shocks required a second replacement. The vehicle was not examined or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000. Updated 02/07/11 *bf updated 04/21/11 Structure · reported at 182,000 miles
I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 4cyl and I have recently noticed that the frame rot was so bad that the rear portion looks like swiss cheese. The frame has actually gotten so bad it broke away from the leaf spring mounts and is no longer connected. I am very upset because the car is only 10 years old and I used to link Toyota with quality. This could be my last Toyota because I feel cheated. Structure
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…