1998 Toyota Land cruiser problems
The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā) (also sometimes spelled as LandCruiser) is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.
Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.
Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a 'light-duty' version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.
As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, and Australia, and also in Africa where it is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into "technicals" by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.
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Common 1998 Toyota Land cruiser problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Toyota Land Cruiser 1998, several common problems have been identified:
- Shock Absorber Failure:
- Owners have reported issues with the suspension due to shock absorbers failing. Symptoms include leaks around the suspension springs and shock absorbers, indicating the need for replacement to ensure proper vehicle performance.
- Automatic Gearbox Problems:
- The Land Cruiser 1998 has known issues with the automatic gearbox, particularly struggling when changing gears. This can be a major concern, especially with manual gear changes, and may require professional attention for selector replacement.
- Air Conditioning Problems:
- If the air conditioning is not functioning correctly on all settings, it could be due to a fractured pipe. Identifying and replacing the damaged pipe is crucial to restore the proper functioning of the air conditioning system.
- Bonnet Strap Failure:
- Bonnet straps in the Land Cruiser have been known to fail, especially in holding the weight of the bonnet when open. Replacing the bonnet straps is necessary to ensure safety and proper functionality of the bonnet.
- Increased Stopping Distances:
- Owners have reported increased stopping distances, indicating potential issues with the brake vacuum pump rotor blades. Replacing the worn-out components is essential to maintain optimal braking performance and safety.
- Lots of Play on Steering Wheel:
- Excessive play on the steering wheel can be a sign of a component fault in the steering shaft. This issue can lead to a loss of steering control over time and requires immediate attention to prevent safety risks.
- Musty Smell From HVAC:
- A common problem in the HVAC system is a musty smell caused by blocked evaporator housing drain pipes. Thoroughly cleaning the HVAC system and addressing the blockage is necessary to eliminate the smell and prevent mold growth.
- Beeping When Pressing Brake:
- Continuous electronic beeping when pressing the brake pedal can indicate low brake fluid. Topping up the brake fluid is a simple solution to stop the beeping sound and ensure proper brake function.
- Engine Stalling:
- Engine stalling and fuel leaks on the road could be due to loose fuel pipes. If under warranty, owners can get replacement parts and repairs done for free; otherwise, ordering the parts and installing them is necessary to address this issue.
How reliable are older Land Cruisers?
They can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, provided they're serviced regularly. In fact, it's very likely that you'll be able to drive a Land Cruiser for between 15 and 17 years without requiring any extensive repairs. Another reason these vehicles are coveted is that they're capable of off-road travel.
How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
What year is the most sought after Land Cruiser?
2007
The 2007 Land Cruiser is the rarest and most sought after/desirable 100-series.
Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
How reliable are old Land Cruisers?
What Are the Issues to Watch Out for With a Land Cruiser? Other than normal wear-and-tear issues, nothing really stands out as a major failing on these vehicles. Even 20-year-old models are still running strong. The Land Cruiser's engine, transmission, transfer case, and 4WD systems are all tough as nails.
How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
What is the most reliable Land Cruiser engine?
Here are some key features and reasons why the 1HZ engine is often considered one of the most reliable Land Cruiser engines… Durability – The 1HZ engine is known for its robust construction and durability. It has a cast-iron block and cylinder head, making it capable of withstanding tough conditions and heavy use.
Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
1998 Toyota Land cruiser car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Land cruiser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Service brakes problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Land cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Toyota Land cruiser complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Land cruiser.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-26
- VIN: JT3HT05J6W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I live in Utah, The incident occurred in San Francisco with children in car. going down one of the steeper roads towards fisherman wharf. the ABS alarm went off and I lost all breaking power. I immediately downshifted(automatic trans), used the emergency break almost killed some pedestrians.. pulled over. I checked all fuses, breaks. etc. I did not have any money, so as nightfall came upon us, with ABS glaring in our ears. I drove through the night back to Utah when the traffic was the lowest and used the emergency break all the way home, it was a horrific experience. The repair on this was not cheep where I had the ABS/brakes fixed so the breaks would work at our local dealer where I live, This was about 8-10 years ago, I am still pretty upset someone cold have been killed, why would the breaks fail if the ABS fails.. this could have killed my family and/or someone else. I would have to check with Menlove Bountiful Toyota for an exact date of repair.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3HT05J4W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU AND AS I APPROACHED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I PRESSED MY BRAKE PEDAL AND HAD ZERO RESISTANCE AS MY PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND ZERO RESPONSE FROM BRAKES. AS I DEPRESSED PEDAL, MY ABS LIGHT WENT ON THE DASHBOARD AND A BEEP ALARMED. I TRIED HITTING THE PEDAL AGAIN TO NO AVAIL AND TURNED TO ATTEMPT TO MISS THE VEHICLE AND PULLED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WAS MOVING AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED AND HAD ZERO HISTORY OF BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES. AFTER SOME HOMEWORK ONLINE, I AM SEEING IT IS IN LINE WITH A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCES WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAVING AN ABS MOTOR FAILURE, BOOSTER MOTOR FAILURE, AND/OR AN ACCUMULATOR FAILURE. *TR
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-28
- VIN: JT3HT05J0W0
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: EXPERIENCED SPONTANEOUS SUNROOF EXPLOSION. DRIVING FROM ESTES PARK, CO TO LOUISVILLE, CO WITH MY 9 YEAR OLD SON IN BACK SEAT. HEARD LOUD EXPLOSION OVERHEAD ABOUT 5 MILES NORTH OF BOULDER, CO ON HWY. 93. NEAREST CAR WAS 6-7 LENGTHS IN AHEAD AND TRAVELING AT 60 MPH. IT WAS A WARM SEPTEMBER DAY WITH INTENSE 2:00P SUN. WE WERE FINALLY ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AFTER 5 MINUTES. THERE WAS A NICKLE SIZED HOLE IN THE SUNROOF.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-19
- VIN: JT3HT05J2W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: FOR THE SECOND TIME, A COMPLETE BRAKING FAILURE DUE TO MASTER CYLINDER MOTOR FAILURE. OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY WAS GOING UNDER 20 MPH ON A VACANT STREET AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO A STOP.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-11
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT PART OF THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER THAT ATTACHED NEAR THE SUSPENSION MOUNT AND TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER AND THE FRAME RAIL WERE ALL CORRODED THROUGH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-09
- VIN: JT3HT05J1W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING - WHEN THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BUZZER SOUNDED THERE WERE ZERO BRAKES. JUST STARTING OUT IN THE MORNING. AS WE LIVE ON A LONG TWISTING ROAD THAT IS MOSTLY DOWNHILL INTO TOWN, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. WHO DESIGNS A BRAKE SYSTEM THAT FAILS TO ZERO???
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 1998 LAND CRUISER IS ALSO ON ITS THIRD FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. BOTH HAD RING FAILURE WITH ONE OF THEM GOING THROUGH THE CASE. THIS HAS TO BE A FACTORY DEFECT WHICH THE DEALERS WILL NOT ADDRESS. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3HT05J1W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH UNDER BLACK ICE ROAD CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLIDE UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE SUPPORT COLUMN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES. THERE WERE FRACTURES TO THE RIBS, STERNUM AND LEFT TIBIA. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT WAS NOT IN THE PROPERLY SEATED POSITION FOR THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-12
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 1998 LC470 HAS HAD TWO FRONT DIFFS. FAIL NOW. BOTH TIMES THE RING GEAR FAILED, ONCE GOING THROUGH THE HOUSING. I TRIED TO CONTACT TOYOTA BUT NO ANSWER. ANYONE ELSE WITH THIS PROBLEM???? *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-01
- VIN: JT3HT05J2W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE APPLIES THE BRAKES OF HER 1998 TOYOTA LAND-CRUISER THE VEHICLE VIBRATES. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY IN MAY ' JULY OF 2006 WHILE DRIVING AT 60 - 70 MPH. THE VIBRATION NOW OCCURS AT 30 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,428. THE CONTACT HAS REPEATEDLY TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO VIBRATE AND THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED, AND BALANCED THE TIRES, AS WELL AS, HAVING THE VEHICLE ALIGNED. THE CONTACT HAS RESEARCHED AND FOUND SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH TOYOTA SUV'S. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-20
- VIN: JT2HT05J8W0
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: ANTI THEFT CHIP IN THE REMOTE FELL OUT AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER UNIT DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-20
- VIN: JT2HT05J8W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: ANTI THEFT CHIP IN THE REMOTE FELL OUT AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER UNIT DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. MJS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-20
- VIN: JT2HT05J8W0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ANTI THEFT CHIP IN THE REMOTE FELL OUT AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX PROBLEM IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER UNIT DUE TO DESIGN FLAW. MJS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-03
- VIN: JT3HT05J7W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A LIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY OVERRIDEN AND IT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFERENCE IF THE CAR WAS PUT IN PARK OR REVERSE, THE CAR STILL WAS BUCKING FORWARD. IT STOPPED WHEN THE IGNITION WAS KILLED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED AND THE MOST SEVERE CASE. THE FIRST TIME IT ONLY STARTED TO REV BUT DID COME TO A STOP AT THE LIGHT. THE INCIDENTS WERE APPROXIMATELY 2-3 WEEKS APART.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: MY FATHER WAS DRIVING A 1998 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER WHICH HE HAD HAD FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS, AND HAD ALREDY TAKEN ON COUPLE OF LONG TRIPS. IN THE POLICE REPORT OF THE ACCIDENT IT SITED THAT THE CAUSE OFTHE ACCIDENT WAS THAT THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL OF THE CAR BROKE OFF DUE TO A FAULT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE CAR. I HAVE WRITTEN AND FAXED AND CALLED TOYOTA A NUMBER OF TIMES BUT THEY DO NOT RESPOND. I HAVE READ OF TWO OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS WITH THE SAME CAR, ONE IN ITALY AND ONE IN INDIA - REPORTED BECAUSE SOME PROMENENT PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED IN THE CRASHES, AN AMBASSADOR AND A SINGER. WHEN I HEARD ON CNN ABOUT TOYOTA RECALLING A NUMBER OF ITS MODELS, THE PROBLEM THEY SITED SOUNDED A LOT LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FATHER'S CAR. THE PROBLEM WITH THE OTHER MODELS THEY SAID WAS THAT THE HEAT OF THE FRICTION FROM LONG OR BUMPY RIDING CAUSES THE FRONT WHEEL CONNECTIONS TO BECOME LOOSE AND MAYBE FALL OUT. CAN YOU HELP ME? OR DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THINGS I MIGHT DO TO FIGURE OUT WHY THE WHEEL OF MY FATHERS CAR BROKE OFF ON A FLAT STRAIGHT ROAD WITHOUT ANY OTHER CARS INVOLVED. I ALSO HAVE LOTS OF PICTURES OF THE CAR AND THE PART THAT BROKE OFF, AS WELL AS THE CAR ITSELF, AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO SEND THEM. THANK YOU.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-22
- VIN: JT3HT05J3W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR ,RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS REPLACED VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-08
- VIN: JT3HT05J2W0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-08
- VIN: JT3HT05J2W0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-03
- VIN: JTP3HT05J2W
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER 2-3 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR BRAKES. WAITING TO HEAR FROM MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE BRAKE PROBLEM.*AK
Positive 1998 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Land cruiser problems:
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Dec 1, 2021 ... I can't think of another company that has this good of reliability. What was Toyota's intent with this level of engineering?
Other years of Toyota Land cruiser
Are you having problems with your 1998 Toyota Land cruiser?
General Abshire 2024-11-07
Great car! It feels really sturdy and dependable, and it's also incredibly powerful.
Vince Schultz 2024-09-26
I see that you bought a used 1998 cruiser in 2001 and have been driving it 14k per year without any problems. That's great to hear! As someone who is also 6' 2
Cortez Koch 2024-09-14
I purchased one of the first new V8 LC's in Michigan due to a strange US CAFE law that prevented me from buying a GM full-size SUV that year. The build quality is excellent, and the engine's smoothness (DOHC V8) is the best I've ever experienced. It is much smoother than a SOHC Mercedes V8 of the same vintage. The AWD is great. My only quibbles are that the headlights are not very bright, and the engine heat shields need to be replaced every 40K miles. Additionally, the standard Dunlops are mediocre, so I recommend replacing them with Michelin Cross Terrains. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to others.
Wyatt Kemmer 2024-08-24
N/A
Carlos Hyatt 2024-06-05
This vehicle rides like a dream and has great performance too. Reliable and impressive.