1998 Toyota Tacoma

300 federal complaints (358 component records) · 1 recall campaigns on file · 77 service bulletins
See all 32 model years of the Toyota Tacoma →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
19 city / 22 hwy
Federal complaints
300
Recall campaigns
1
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.

Body & structure
99
Air bags
47
Tires
32
Suspension
30
Seat belts
23
Brakes
23
Speed control
17
Other
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: 47 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 29 complaints3 years old: 8 complaints4 years old: 11 complaints5 years old: 5 complaints56 years old: 8 complaints7 years old: 7 complaints8 years old: 5 complaints9 years old: 21 complaints10 years old: 21 complaints1011 years old: 3 complaints12 years old: 8 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 9 complaints15 years old: 9 complaints1516 years old: 10 complaints17 years old: 9 complaints18 years old: 14 complaints19 years old: 10 complaints20+ years old: 9 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 259 of 300 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 2 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 6 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 10 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 12 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 13 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 18 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 9 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 14 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 6 complaints200,000+ miles: 27 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 117 of 300 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.

Body & structure

99 complaint records1 crash report
"1998 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 BOTH FRAME RAILS HAVE ROTTED THROUGH RIGHT BEHIND THE CAB WITH THE TRUCK ALMOST BREAKING IN TWO. *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 →

Air bags

47 complaint records43 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 40MPH. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *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 air bags parts in the directory →

Tires

32 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING AROUND A CURVE THE LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE WILDERNESS TIRE BLEWOUT, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BUT WAS NOT HURT...."- 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 tires parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
98V188000Air BagsVEHICLE 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...Normally free

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
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
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: 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
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-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.
WLK052418
May 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingProvides instructions for returning Walker Exhaust Systems' BM Premium Pipe (P/N 55096). Because the part did not have the oxygen sensor fitting drilled out, it will not allow the sensor to be installed.
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
EquipmentTSB: 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
Air BagsBeginning 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-TT-0269-13
Oct 2013
VisibilityThe appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
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
EquipmentA new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge.
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.
TCS-11-029
Sep 2011
StructureTOYOTA: INFORMATION PERTAINING TO REISSUANCE OF FOLLOW UP NOTIFICATION LETTER TO CUSTOMERS FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES FOR THE PHASE 2 CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND TO FRAME OF TRUCKS. *PE
TSB-0122-11
Sep 2011
SeatsTOYOTA: INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR REPLACING THE SEAT COVERS FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIRBAGS. *PE
LSC-90-D
Apr 2011
StructureTOYOTA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. A NUMBER OF VEHICLES OPERATING IN SEVERE COLD CLIMATE AREAS WITH HIGH ROAD SALT USED EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST CORROSION TO THE FRAME, CAUSING PERFORATION OF THE METAL.
TC-11-013
Mar 2011
StructureTOYOTA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO APPLY ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS FOR VEHICLES IN COLD STATES. 1996-2004 TACOMAS. *RM
POL08-03
Mar 2008
StructureTOYOTA SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM - WARRANTY COVERAGE EXTENSION FOR FRAME RUST CORROSION PERFORATION ON CERTAIN 1995 THROUGH 2000 MY TACOMA VEHICLES. *NJ
03704
Sep 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE BANK 1 AND BANK 2 A/F AND 02 IDENTIFICATION. VARIOUS TOYOTA MODELS. *TT
PG00503
Aug 2003
TiresSPARE TIRE CARRIER OPERATION. VARIOUS MODLELS INCLUDING THE 2004 LANDCRUISER AND 4 RUNNER. *TT
DL00203
Aug 2003
Power TrainREAR AXLE SEAL DESIGN CHANGE. *TT
BO01901
Aug 2001
Seat BeltsINFORMATION REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *JB
T-PG007-01
May 2001
EquipmentReplacement vin plates.
345
Nov 2000
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING WATER LEAK FIX REPAIR. *TT
1698
Oct 2000
StructureWATER LEAK FIELD-FIX REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. *YC *TT
BO02600
Oct 2000
StructureINFORMATION ON WATER LEAK FIELD-FIX REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS. *JB
BO01900
Jul 2000
WheelsSUBJECT REGARDING FRONT MUDGUARDS FOR VEHICLES STARTING WITH VIN 4TAPM62N*YZ653866. *TT
EL00400
Apr 2000
Power TrainSUBJECT ON DELAYED UPSHIFT TO OVERDRIVE WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. *MJS
116
Apr 2000
VisibilityELECTRONIC MAIL REGARDING EXTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY. *TT
BO01200
Mar 2000
VisibilityINFORMATION INTRODUCING CHANGES MADE TO IMPROVE THE ADJUSTABILITY OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR ON VEHICLES STARTING WITH VIN 4TAWN72N9XZ564100. *TT
BO00100
Jan 2000
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING A NEW ANTI-CHIP TAPE DEVELOPED TO HELP PREVENT REPEAT OCCURRENCES OF PAINT CHIPPING ON THE REAR QUARTER PANELS. *TT
EC01299
Nov 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING RADIATOR LEAK FROM OVERFLOW PIPE. *TT
EG01299
Nov 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A RADIATOR LEAK FROM THE COOLANT OVERFLOW PIPE HOSE. *TT
EG01199
Oct 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING 5VZ OXYGEN SENSOR IMPROVEMENT. *TT

Showing 60 of 77 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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. 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 Tacoma →