1998 Toyota Corolla

225 federal complaints (278 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 69 service bulletins · 1 Canadian recall
See all 47 model years of the Toyota Corolla →
Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
24 city / 30 hwy
Federal complaints
225
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Air bags
64
Body & structure
24
Suspension
19
Engine & cooling
19
Steering
18
Speed control
18
Seat belts
17
Electrical system
16
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 32 complaints01 years old: 23 complaints2 years old: 18 complaints3 years old: 10 complaints4 years old: 14 complaints5 years old: 18 complaints56 years old: 13 complaints7 years old: 11 complaints8 years old: 6 complaints9 years old: 5 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 5 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 178 of 225 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 1 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 5 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 8 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 14 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 14 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 7 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 2 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 2 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 59 of 225 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Air bags

64 complaint records1 fire report26 crash reports
"AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY, IN JULY OF 1999 THE FRONT AND RIGHT SEATBELT ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. *SLC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Body & structure

24 complaint records1 crash report
"THE DOOR FAILED TO OPENED. *JB THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF THE VEHICLE WHICH MEANT THAT THE DOOR COULD NOT BE CLOSED FROM THE INSIDE. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Suspension

19 complaint records
"CONTROL ARM HAD BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND HAD CAUSED VEHICLE EARLY WEAR ON TIRES, EVERY 20,000 MILES HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
TiresPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
T-SB-0218-17_Rev
Jul 2017
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner...
TSB018217
Jan 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2015
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 2015
Electrical SystemTSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches.
T-SB-0014-11 Rev
Oct 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement.
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 2014
Power TrainTSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0043-14
Jul 2014
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-TT-0010-10 Rev
May 2014
Back Over PreventionTech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2014
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
T-SB-0185-13
Dec 2013
VisibilityThe following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 2013
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-SB-0122-11 Rev
Nov 2013
EquipmentBeginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Toyota may affect side...
T-SB-0071-11 Rev
Oct 2013
Power TrainThe purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage.
T-SB-0141-13
Sep 2013
Parking BrakeSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TC13-019
Aug 2013
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
T-SB-0054-13
Apr 2013
EquipmentCalifornia (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures.
T-PG006-00 Obsol
Apr 2013
EquipmentThis bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 2013
Air BagsToyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision.
TSB-0122-11
Sep 2011
Air BagsTOYOTA: INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR REPLACING THE SEAT COVERS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *PE
T-SB-0071-11
Jun 2011
Power TrainSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
00304
Mar 2004
EquipmentA/C COMPRESSOR INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *MR
ST00601
Dec 2001
SteeringSUBJECT REGARDING STEERING RACK END NOISE. *TT
BO02601
Oct 2001
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *YD
T-PG007-01
May 2001
EquipmentReplacement vin plates.
AX00101
Mar 2001
StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING RETRO-FIT INTERNAL TRUNK RELEASE KITS. *TT
394
Dec 2000
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT. *TT
395
Dec 2000
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION PLATE WASHER. *TT
SU00300
Dec 2000
SuspensionSUBJECT REGARDING PART NUMBER CHANGES MADE TO THE REAR SUSPENSION SUPPORT SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND SUSPENSION SUPPORT NUTS. *TT
SU00400
Dec 2000
SuspensionINFORMATION REGARDING A PROCEDURE DEVELOPED FOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES DUE TO THE ADDITION OF PLATE WASHERS BETWEEN THE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT AND SUPPORT NUTS. *TT
BR00200
Mar 2000
Service BrakesINFORMATION CONCERNING A NEW FRONT DISC BRAKE PAD KIT FOR FRONT BRAKE VIBRATION. *TT
ST00100
Jan 2000
SuspensionSOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT
BO01099
Apr 1999
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON FRONT CUPHOLDER VERSATILITY ON VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES. *TT
AX00499
Mar 1999
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING TOYOTA DINGHY TOWING GUIDE. *TT
021899
Feb 1999
Exterior LightingSUBJECT REGARDING DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT RELAY SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT. *TT
EL00798
Nov 1998
Exterior LightingSUBJECT ON DRL RELAY SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT. *YC
ST00598
Nov 1998
SteeringCONCERNS OF STEERING COLUMN NOISE. *YC
EL00698
Oct 1998
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A DELAYED UPSHIFT TO OVERDRIVE AFTER CRESTING A HILL WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. *YC
BO02698
Sep 1998
StructureEXPERIENCING WATER LEAKING INTO REAR CAB. *YC
980827
Aug 1998
StructureINFORMATION ON DECK LID CLOSING EFFORT. *YC
980825
Aug 1998
StructureTHE CENTER CONSOLE STEREO COVER OPENING ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN IMPROVED TO INCREASE THE STRENGTH AND DURABILITY OF THE COVER HINGE. *YC
BO02598
Aug 1998
StructureCENTER CONSOLE STEREO COVER OPENING ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN IMPROVED TO INCREASE THE STRENGTH AND DURABILITY OF THE COVER HINGE. *YC

Showing 60 of 69 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Corolla →