1998 Toyota Corolla problems
The Toyota Corolla (Japanese: トヨタ・カローラ, Hepburn: Toyota Karōra) is a series of compact cars (formerly subcompact) manufactured and marketed globally by the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. Introduced in 1966, the Corolla was the best-selling car worldwide by 1974 and has been one of the best-selling cars in the world since then. In 1997, the Corolla became the best-selling nameplate in the world, surpassing the Volkswagen Beetle. Toyota reached the milestone of 50 million Corollas sold over twelve generations in 2021.
The name Corolla is part of Toyota's naming tradition of using names derived from the Toyota Crown for sedans, with "corolla" Latin for "small crown". The Corolla has always been exclusive in Japan to Toyota Corolla Store locations, and manufactured in Japan with a twin, called the Toyota Sprinter until 2000. From 2006 to 2018 in Japan and much of the world, and from 2018 to 2020 in Taiwan, the hatchback companion had been called the Toyota Auris.
Early models were mostly rear-wheel drive, while later models have been front-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive versions have also been produced, and it has undergone several major redesigns. The Corolla's traditional competitors have been the Nissan Sunny, introduced the same year as the Corolla in Japan and the later Nissan Sentra, Nissan Sylphy, Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer. The Corolla's chassis designation code is "E", as described in Toyota's chassis and engine codes.
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Common 1998 Toyota Corolla problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1998 Toyota Corolla, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Running Rough or Overheating: Some owners have experienced issues with the engine running rough or overheating. This can be indicative of various underlying problems such as cooling system issues, fuel system problems, or engine component malfunctions.
- Transmission Failures: Complaints about transmission failures have been noted. Transmission issues can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or unusual noises during gear changes. These problems can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and drivability.
- Leaks in Air Conditioning Units and Door Seals: Owners have reported leaks in the air conditioning units and door seals. Air conditioning leaks can lead to a loss of cooling efficiency, while door seal leaks can result in water entering the vehicle, causing interior damage and potential mold growth.
- Interior Lights Malfunctioning: Some owners have faced problems with interior lights not working properly. Malfunctioning interior lights can be a nuisance, affecting visibility inside the vehicle, especially during nighttime driving.
- Quality of Build in Plastic: Complaints have been raised regarding the quality of build in plastic components. Issues with plastic quality can lead to premature wear, cracking, or breakage of interior or exterior plastic parts, affecting the overall aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle.
- Excess Oil Consumption: Starting from the 1998 and 1999 models, there have been reports of excess oil consumption. Excessive oil consumption can indicate engine problems such as worn piston rings, valve seals, or gaskets, potentially leading to engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Timing Belt Replacement: It is recommended to replace the timing belt around 150,000 kilometers or based on the manufacturer's specified time period. Failure to replace the timing belt can result in severe engine damage if it breaks, emphasizing the importance of timely maintenance.
- Anti-lock Brakes and Side Airbags Optional: One drawback reported is that anti-lock brakes and side airbags are optional features. Lack of standard safety features like anti-lock brakes and side airbags may compromise the vehicle's safety in certain driving conditions or accidents.
These common problems highlight various issues that owners of the 1998 Toyota Corolla have encountered, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
How many miles will a 1998 Toyota Corolla last?
If you're considering a Toyota Corolla, you may be wondering, “How long do Toyota Corollas last?” With regular service and maintenance, the Toyota Corolla has a life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles.
Are 1998 Corollas reliable?
The average rating is a 4.7 out of 5 stars. The 1998 Toyota Corolla Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5. It ranks 8th out of 32 for all car brands.
What is the most common issue of Toyota Corolla?
Some common problems with the Toyota Corolla include:
- Oil leaking/excessive oil use.
- Jerky acceleration.
- MAF sensor problem.
- Car vibrating.
What is the best year Corolla to buy?
Determining the "best" year for the Toyota Corolla depends on various factors, including reliability, updates, and consumer satisfaction. However, many enthusiasts and experts often highlight the 2014 and 2020 models as standout years for different reasons.
Is a 1998 Corolla a good car?
This car is so reliable, a great workhorse, borrowed by the family for towing and it has never needed more than basic maintenance . I'm reluctant to part with it, though I would like a more modern car. This is a Toyota that feels like it will go on forever.
How many miles will a 1998 Toyota Corolla last?
If you're considering a Toyota Corolla, you may be wondering, “How long do Toyota Corollas last?” With regular service and maintenance, the Toyota Corolla has a life expectancy of up to 10 years or 300,000 miles.
What is the common problem of Toyota Corolla?
Owners have reported instances of rough shifting, slipping gears, or even complete transmission failure. These issues can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, or faulty solenoids. Some Toyota Corolla models are known for excessive engine oil consumption.
What year was bad for Corolla?
A: Avoid Toyota Corolla models from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2014. These models have been identified as having a higher frequency of complaints regarding excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and other reliability issues.
1998 Toyota Corolla car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Corolla problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Structure problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Corolla vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Toyota Corolla
The NHTSA has received 248 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Corolla. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Toyota Corolla vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-22
- VIN: 1NXBR18E3WZ
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact's wife owns a 1998 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while his wife was taking items out of the trunk of the vehicle, the trunk lid closed abruptly. The contact later noticed that the trunk lid driver’s side hinge was fractured. The contact's wife did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trunk lid hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-19
- VIN: 2T1BR18E2WC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: My auto mechanic and I, after extensive diagnosis, have confirmed that the Pulse mileage/route tracking device that Metromile car insurance had me plug into the computer port of my 1998 Toyota Corolla LE is failing or has failed, and this caused a potentially disastrous situation to develop w/my car engine. When starting the engine from cold, it would cause repeated misfires, causing the rpms to drop quickly, then surge up, before settling into the proper cold idle speed. This would repeat itself every few seconds until the engine warmed up completely (usually about 10 minutes). When in gear, the car would buck violently, putting repeated, extreme stress on the drive train; but even when in neutral gear, two mechanics have told me it could easily destroy my crankshaft bearings and/or other parts of the drive train. We have now tested this five times briefly in neutral gear. When we plug the pulse device in the problem occurs immediately. When we remove the device the problem goes away. We can also insert the mechanic's diagnostic device into the computer port and everything works fine. The new "Pulse" device was received as a replacement for the old one I had been using, that had worked fine, and was first inserted into the computer port on 8/9/21. So it worked fine for about a month. Supposedly the only difference between the old and new devices is that the new one uses 5G instead of 4G to receive and transmit data.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-26
- VIN: 1NXBR18E5WZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. WHEN I LOOKED UP ANY RECALLS ON THIS YEAR OF TOYOTA, THERE WERE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS AND NO FIXES. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD FIX THIS SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAGS, IT IS A BIG DEAL NOT FEELIG SAFE ON THE ROAD. THE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN WE WERE DRIVING. WE TRIED TO RESET IT BUT HAS NO EFFECT. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA.THIS IS NOT A COINCIDENCE, IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACUTURER. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THE PROBLEM, IT IS THERE FAULT. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-22
- VIN: 2T1BR18E9WC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL MY 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA IS LISTED AS ONE OF THE CARS EFFECTED BY THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. TODAY I NOTED A BLINKING LIGHT ON MY DASH BOARD FOR THE AIRBAG. PLEASE ADVISE.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-01
- VIN: 1NXBR18E2WZ
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THIS COMPLAINT IS ABOUT A GPS DEVICE THAT ATTACHES TO THE CAR THROUGH THE OBDII PORT. MANUFACTURERED BY AGNIK CORPORATION SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAME VYNCS. THE DEVICE, WHEN INSTALLED, HAS CAUSED INTERMITTENT STALLING OF THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED SUCH APPROACHING A STOP OR IDLING IN GEAR AT A STOP. THIS WAS REALIZED TO BE CAUSED BY THE DEVICE AFTER ABOUT 1 WEEK OF EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STALLING. WHEN THE DEVICE WAS REMOVED FROM THE CAR, THE STALLING ISSUE DISSAPEARED. I HAVE RETAINED THE DEVICE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE NHTSA FOR TESTING. WHEN I BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THE MANUFACTURER ATTENTION THEY CEASED COMMUNICATION WITH ME, DISABLED THE GPS SERVICE, AND CLOSED MY ACCOUNT, WHEREBY I COULD NO LONGER EXTRACT ANY HISTORICAL COMMUNICATIONS FROM THEM. ADDITIONAL ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT THEM THROUGH [email protected] HAVE BEEN UNANSWERED. AGNIK DOES NOT PUBLISH AN ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-25
- VIN: 1NXBR18E2WZ
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SAFETY ISSUE!!! THE LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE HAS A STRANGE ISSUE THAT TOYOTA SEEMS UNABLE TO REPAIR! 139000.0 MILES THE VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY REFUSE TO START. T THE KEY UNLOCKS BUT ONLY SO FAR IT REFUSES TO ENGAGE THE STARTER OR ALLOW THE AUTO GEAR SELECTOR TO WORK! STRANDS MY WIFE IN THE BAD PARTS OF TOWN AND CAUSES DISTRESS AND DANGER BECAUSE OF THE STRANDED VEHICLE CONDITION! NO CODES GENERATED AND TWICE TOYOTA HAS HAD FOR TWO DAYS AND NO FIX! CORPORATION HAS CASE OR INCIDENT REPORT OPEN BUT NOT FIXED. SO FAR IGNITION REPLACED BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE FOLLOWING COULD BE ISSUE? 1. IGNITION KEY CYLINDER 2. IGNITION ELECTRICAL SWITCH AND OR RELAY, 3. TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK SWITCH, 4. GEAR SHIFT LEVER BUTTON? GEAR SHIFT LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT TO ENSURE CAR IS IN PARK PROPERLY FOR INTERLOCK SWITCH TO WORK. EACH TIME IT COSTS OVER $200.00 AND A NEW $200.00 OR MORE WORTH OF PARTS! WOULD THIS NOT BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE WITH GEARSHIFT NEUTRAL INTERLOCK OR SOMETHING? MY ALTERNATIVE IS TO KEEP DRIVING A GAS HOG SUV THAT IS AT LEAST SOMEWHAT RELIABLE? SO MUCH FOR SAVING FUEL OR THE ENVIRONMENT IF A CAR IS NOT RELIABLE OR ACCORDING TO TOYOTA FIXABLE WITHOUT THROWING CASH AT MECHANICS OR DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX WITHOUT JUST GUESSING AT RANDOM PARTS REPLACEMENTS? THE VEHICLE IS AT REST AFTER DRIVING AND IS IN PARK WITH KEY ENGAGED PROPERLY WITH BRAKE ENGAGED PROPERLY TO START THE IGNITION PROCESS THAT INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGES SOLUTIONS ... MAKE A NEW KEY?, REPLACE KEY AND CYLINDER OR ANY NUMBER OF OTHER THINGS? NEVER A RENTAL OR LOANER SO LOJACK NOT AN ISSUE, NO BLUETOOTH, NO GPS DISABLER TO MY KNOWLEDGE IF ONE EXISTS IT IS A CRIMINAL ACT TARGETING MY WIFE OR MYSELF. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-13
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND HINDERED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09E012000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 08E050000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), 06E065000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), AND 06E026000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-20
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-31
- VIN: 2T1BR18E9WC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE ENGINE CONSUMES OIL AT AN ALARMING RATE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR 15 YEARS AGO. TOLD A TOYOTA SHOP FOREMAN ME ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HE TOLD ME THAT TOYOTA DOESN'T WANT TO ADMIT ANY FAULT. HE SAID THEY MADE THE PISTONS TOO SMALL AND THE RINGS TOO BIG. HE IS A CLOSE FRIEND WHO KNOWS I TAKE CARE OF MY CARS EXTREMELY WELL. HE SAID TO JUST KEEP NURSING THE CAR LIKE I DO. AND FOR 15 YEARS I HAVE BEEN NURSING MY CAR EVERY WEEK I CHECK THE OIL. IF IT IS A SLIGHT BIT LOW I WILL ADD OIL TO THE FULL LINE. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THE CAR LAST, IF I LET IT GO AND DIDN'T CHECK THE OIL, THERE WOULD BE NOTHING LEFT IN THE CRANKCASE, THE ENGINE WOULD PROBABLY SEIZE UP BECAUSE OF LACK OF OIL. I NOTICED THIS CONDITION WITH THE ENGINE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR 15 YEARS AGO USED. THE CAR WAS A YEAR AND HALF OLD. I CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT IT BACK THEN IN THE YEAR OF 2000 AND THEY DENIED ANY PROBLEM OR RECALL LIKE THEY STILL DO TODAY. SINCE THEN, I HAVE CONFRONTED OTHER TOYOTA COROLLA OWNERS WITH THE SAME YEAR AS MINE GIVE A TAKE A YEAR OR TWO AND THEY HAVE ALL STATED THAT YES THERE OIL WAS EXTREMELY LOW ALSO. ONE STRANGER I WALKED UP TO IN THE PARKING LOT SAID TO ME "YES, I ADD OIL TO IT EVERY WEEK." SO TO SUM THINGS UP. I FEEL THAT TOYOTA SHOULD COMPENSATE OWNERS LIKE ME WHO HAVE FAITHFULLY ADDED OIL TO THE ENGINE EVERY WEEK FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THAT CAR. TOYOTA SHOULD BE SUED FOR NOT BEING HONEST ABOUT THEIR OIL BURNING ENGINES FOR THE 1998 TO 2002 COROLLA MODEL YEAR. THERE IS NO OIL LEAKING UNDER THE CAR AT ALL AND ALL OF THE GASKETS ON THE ENGINE ARE DRY WITH NO LEAKS. THE INTERIOR OF THE TAILPIPE HAS ALOT OF BLACK SOOT INDICATING OIL CONSUMPTION WITHIN THE ENGINE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-29
- VIN: 1NXBR18E1WZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER DID NOT STOP CRANKING, ALTHOUGH IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND KEY WAS REMOVED. CONTINUED CRANKING UNTIL AFTER LARGE AMOUNT OF BLACK SMOKE BILLOWED FROM ENGINE. EVENTUALLY STOPPED BEFORE CATCHING FIRE. FOUND MAIN ENGINE WIRE HARNESS MELTED, CHARRED:; STARTER CHARRED: BATTERY CASE MELTED; BATTERY WIRE MELTED. UNABLE TO ROLL WINDOW BACK UP, EVEN AFTER RECONNECTING BATTERY. REQUIRED TOW HOME.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-06
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE SEAT/SHOULDER BELT DID NOT LOCK AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2T1BR12E8WC
- Components: STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED AND THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SPEED INDEPENDENTLY INCREASED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 8/21/15*CN UPDATED 12/4/2015*JS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-16
- VIN: 2T1BR18E8WC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT AFTER BEING UTILIZED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000. UPDATED 4/30/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REASON THE SEAT BELT FAILURE, WAS BECAUSE PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS IN AN ACCIDENT; UPDATED 05/07/15*JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-17
- VIN: 1NXBR18E1WZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO CHARGED $ 100 FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $500 TO FIX. I THEN TOOK IT TO A SELF EMPLOYED MECHANIC WHO HAD WORKED FOR TOYOTA. HE SAID IT HAD JUST BECOME DISCONNECTED UNDER THE SEAT. HE WAS ABLE TO FIX IT, IT SEEMED, FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, BUT THE PROBLEM KEEPS COMING BACK. I RECENTLY LEARNED ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. SEVERAL WHO HAVE SHELLED OUT THE MONEY TO TOYOTA TO HAVE IT "FIXED" SAY THE PROBLEM HAS NOT GONE AWAY. I AM SO ANGRY THAT TOYOTA HASN'T TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY AND NHTSA IS NOT HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-14
- VIN: 1NXBR18E7WZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AT THIS APPROXIMATE DATE, I BEGAN GETTING A WARNING LIGHT RE. MY AIR BAGS. MY DEALER SAID I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE FAULTY STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG ASSEMBLY COSTING ME BETWEEN $1000-1500 OR MORE TO REPLACE IT. NOW, OTHER COROLLAS ARE BEING RECALLED BUT MINE IS NOT BEING RECALLED. IT APPEARS THAT MY CAR HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM FOR AN EVEN LONGER PERIOD OF TIME THAN THOSE THAT ARE BEING RECALLED. I HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. I RECENTLY READ IN THE NEWS THAT THESE PROBLEMS BEGAN IN 1998, THE YEAR I PURCHASED MY CAR. MY CAR HAS JUST NOW TURNED 100,000 MILES AND I FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE ONGOING RECALL THAT INCLUDES OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS. I BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT ONLY ARBITRARY BUT DANGEROUS FOR ME FOR YOU TO EXCLUDE ME FROM THIS RECALL. I HEREBY REQUEST THAT YOU INCLUDE MY CAR IN THIS RECALL. THANK YOU. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-24
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN RADIAL XDT TIRES, SIZE P185/65/R14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE DOT NUMBER AND THE VIN NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 172,000.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-01
- VIN: 1NXBR12E3WZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT STAY LOCKED INTO THE SEAT BELT LATCH. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-07
- VIN: 1NXBR18E7WZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG WARNING KEPT FLASHING THAT THE AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. WE TOOK CAR TO DEALER, IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER SAID WE WOULD HAVE TO "REPAIR IT OURSELVES" IF WE COULD FIND A CONSOLE THAT WOULD REPAIR IT AND HE THOUGHT THERE WAS ONLY ONE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR APPROXIMATELY $2000. WE WROTE TO TOYOTA WHO EVENTUALLY WROTE BACK TO US STATING THAT TOYOTA WOULD NOT REPAIR THIS CAR AND HAD NO INTENTION OF RECALLING THIS CAR DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND WE WOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THIS CAR OURSELVES AT THE DEALER LOCATION. NOW WE SEE IN THE NEWS THAT TOYOTA IS RECALLING 1.3 MILLION OTHER CARS FOR WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE--THE CONTROL OF THE AIR BAGS. DEALER TOLD US HE DID NOT KNOW HOW THIS WOULD AFFECT IF THE AIR BAGS WOULD GO OFF IN AN ACCIDENT OR NOT IN THE FUTURE OR ANY OTHER TIME. THE CONSOLE CONSTANTLY SHOWS THAT A DOOR IS OPEN AND THAT THE AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE SERVICED AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT EXCEPT TO HOPE IT WILL REACT PROPERLY. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1NXBR18E3WZ
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES. *TR
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-27
- VIN: 1NXBR12EXWZ
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WON'T OPEN BOTH FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT THE TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO MALFUNCTION OF THE LATCH IN DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS STARTING TO SHOW THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS OCCURRED SOME 2 YEARS AGO. IT WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCE WHEN THE OCCUPANT(S) NEED TO BE EVACUATED FROM THE VEHICLE SHOULD SOMETHING HAPPEN IN EMERGENCY, E.G. FIRE, ROAD HAZARD, CRUSH, ETC. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2T1BR18E0WC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN RIB, FRACTURED BONE AND WHIPLASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 167,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-18
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1NXBR18EXWZ
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY WIFE'S 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA WAS HIT HEAD ON AT 70MPH BY A FULL SIZE PASSENGER TRUCK AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE HAS BEEN THE SOLE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASE. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT, IN THE COURSE OF OWNERSHIP, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON PERIODICALLY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO TWO DIFFERENT AUTHORIZED TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS AND BOTH REPORTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. THIS, IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT THE LIGHT CONTINUED TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY. WE HAVE RETAINED THE DIAGNOSTIC RECEIPTS FROM THE DEALERSHIPS. I CONTACTED TOYOTA MOTORS, AND THEY HAVE CREATED A CASE NUMBER. TOYOTA MOTORS REQUESTED CRASH PHOTOGRAPHS TO BE E-MAILED TO THEM, WHICH I HAVE DONE. NO FURTHER CONTACT HAS BEEN RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA MOTORS. THE VEHICLE IS BEING HELD AT OUR INSURERS SALVAGE YARD FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: 2T1BR18EXWC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER STATES SEAT BELT DEFECTIVE. *TGW SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THE SEAT BELT BEGAN FRAYING AS A RESULT OF BEING SCRAPED BY THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MECHANISM AS IT SLID THROUGH THE SLOT. THE SEAT BELT HAS LOST ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ITS WIDTH. THE DEFECT APPEARS TO BE THE SLOT IN THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. SO, MERELY REPLACING THE SEAT BELT WOULDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2T1BR18E2WC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING HER 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA WITH APPROXIMATELY 75,000 MILES ON IT, MY MOTHER EXPERIENCED STEERING PROBLEMS WITH HER CAR AND BEFORE SHE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO STOP THE VEHICLE IT DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE. SHE SAID THE CAR JERKED QUICKLY TO THE RIGHT THEN LEFT THEN RIGHT AGAIN BEFORE IT HIT THE TREE AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO CONTROL IT. THE CAR WAS TOWED AND SCRAPPED BEFORE ANY FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THE CAR'S ERRATIC BEHAVIOR COULD BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND REPLACED. THE CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND DRIVEN FREQUENTLY AND DID NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY STEERING PROBLEMS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-20
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PERIODIC UNCONTROLLED BURSTS OF ACCELERATION ON A 1998 TOYOTA COROLLA, SINCE I'VE HAD THIS CAR (1999 TO NOW). *TR
1998 Toyota Corolla recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1998 Toyota Corolla.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
- Manufacturer: AJ MOTORSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
Negative 1998 Toyota Corolla car reviews
Positive 1998 Toyota Corolla car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share that I've been driving my Corolla for 8 months now and I've already put 15000 miles on it. I must say, the ride is incredibly smooth and the engine is so quiet! Plus, it's great to know that when I need a little extra power, the engine can deliver. Thanks for listening!
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If you're looking for a reliable vehicle that requires minimal maintenance, the Corolla is a great choice. It drives beautifully and is known for its dependability. Just make sure to keep up with scheduled oil changes and regular maintenance.
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This vehicle is incredibly fun to drive and it's also really fast. I drove this car from Philadelphia to North Carolina with my kids and we were all so comfortable. I'm so glad that Toyota made this car. Thank you, Toyota!
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This car is wonderful! No matter how many times I crashed it, it always ran like it was new. You couldn't ask for a more reliable car.
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I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my car that I bought brand new in 1998. From the very first year, it has been incredibly smooth and quiet. I was pleasantly surprised by its performance, especially for a small car. Ours has the 5-speed, which has been great for mileage. Recently, in 2005, I drove 412 miles on just 10.67 gallons of gas, which is an impressive 38 MPG! This was not all interstate miles either, it was a mix of city and highway driving. That was pretty impressive considering the car just passed 138,000 miles. The AC and heat are both great, which is a relief. The only downside is that the channel preset buttons on the radio are all falling off, which stinks. Also, the cup holder in the rear seat was placed in a bad spot. However, the cloth seats are adequate and durable, and the interior panels are resistant to temperature extremes (no cracking so far). Overall, it's been a great car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Corolla problems:
1998 Toyota Corolla Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
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Are you having problems with your 1998 Toyota Corolla?
Alfonzo Schuppe 2024-04-04
I bought this car two years ago and unfortunately, it has caused me a lot of troubles. First, the battery became bad, so I had to change it. Then, the alternator was broken, and after that, the brakes started having some issues. It also has some problems with starting, and even after changing the plus wires, it did not help at all. I really wish I had never bought this car, it has been quite troublesome.
Fletcher Ryan 2024-02-07
The wife loves the car in all respects. However, I find it uncomfortable to drive as I am 5'10
Tyson Jacobi 2024-01-16
This car is amazing! I've driven it for just under 270,000 miles, using it every day like a taxi to go from client to client, with a mix of city and expressway driving. The only repairs I've had to make were to the struts, CV joints, and rack and pinion unit. The alternator, starter, ignition, and exhaust are all still original, and the AC and transmission have never needed repairs. Although the interior materials may look a bit worn, the car still drives almost as well as it did when it was new.
General Kuhlman 2024-01-12
This car is pretty good, but it does bottom out in the rear quite often. It would be great if the shocks were better than the ones it came with. I had a problem with the seatbelt sensor and my front lightbulbs wear out quickly.