1998 Toyota Prerunner problems
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation (model years 2005 through 2015) and third generation (in production since 2015) models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.
As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.
The name "Tacoma" was derived from the Coast Salish peoples' name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.
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Common 1998 Toyota Prerunner problems
The 1998 Toyota Tacoma is known for its reliability and durability, but like any vehicle, it can have certain issues that may arise over time. Here are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma:
- Differential Fluid: It's important to check the differential fluid in a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, as some owners have reported that it can be crusty or in need of replacement, especially if the vehicle has high mileage.
- Frame Rust: The 1998 Toyota Tacoma is known to have issues with frame rust, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads.
- Radiator Replacement: Some 1998 Toyota Tacomas may require a radiator replacement after many years of use, as the factory radiator may eventually fail.
- Fuel Pump Failure: A small number of 1998 Toyota Tacomas may experience fuel pump failure, which can lead to starting issues and require replacement of the fuel pump.
- Air Conditioning Compressor Failure: Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning compressor, which may require replacement.
- Power Window Regulator Failure: The power window regulator may fail in some 1998 Toyota Tacomas, requiring replacement of the regulator.
- Oxygen Sensor Failure: The oxygen sensor may fail in some 1998 Toyota Tacomas, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and require replacement.
- Ignition Coil Failure: The ignition coil may fail in some 1998 Toyota Tacomas, which can lead to starting issues and require replacement of the ignition coil.
- Brake Light Switch Failure: The brake light switch may fail in some 1998 Toyota Tacomas, which can lead to the brake lights staying on and require replacement of the switch.
- Exhaust Manifold Gasket Leak: Some 1998 Toyota Tacomas may experience exhaust manifold gasket leaks, which can lead to decreased performance and require replacement of the gasket.
- Steering Gearbox Leak: The steering gearbox may leak in some 1998 Toyota Tacomas, requiring replacement of the gearbox.
It's important to note that not all 1998 Toyota Tacomas will experience these issues, and many owners report high levels of satisfaction with their vehicles. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or catch these issues early, potentially saving owners time and money in the long run.
What are bad Tacoma years?
A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.
What is the mpg on a 1998 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner?
EPA fuel economy: 17 city, 20 highway.
How long do Tacoma engines last?
With proper care and regular maintenance, it is not uncommon for a Toyota Tacoma engine to last well over 200,000 miles (320,000 kilometers) or more. Some Tacoma owners said their engines lasting even beyond 300,000 miles (480,000 kilometers) with no major issues.
What years are the Toyota PreRunner?
Given the most obvious name possible, the Toyota Tacoma PreRunner was a special trim available on the truck from 1998 all the way to 2015, and took a very different approach to most other rugged trucks of its era.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota Tacoma?
Common Toyota Tacoma Issues
- Not Shifting Correctly. One of the biggest problems of Tacomas is its tendency not to shift correctly. ...
- Sticky Accelerators. ...
- Clear Coat Peeling And Cracking. ...
- Excessive Driving Vibration. ...
- Issues With Lower Ball Joint. ...
- Faulty Air Flow Meter. ...
- Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You.
What is the mpg on a 1998 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner?
EPA fuel economy: 17 city, 20 highway.
What years are the Toyota PreRunner?
Given the most obvious name possible, the Toyota Tacoma PreRunner was a special trim available on the truck from 1998 all the way to 2015, and took a very different approach to most other rugged trucks of its era.
What year was the Toyota Tacoma bad?
A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.
1998 Toyota Prerunner car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prerunner problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Prerunner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Toyota Prerunner complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Prerunner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: 5TEJU62N38Z
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE HAVE A 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA. SOON AFTER PURCHASING THE TRUCK WE NOTICED THAT IT WOULD SURGE WHEN AT A STOP. IN OTHER WORDS, THE ENGINE WILL REV UP EVEN THOUGH WE DON'T HAVE OUR FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. WE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE AGENCY WHERE WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO TOYOTA. THEY REPORTED BACK TO US THAT THEY AND TOYOTA HAD NEVER HAD ANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS OF THIS KIND AND THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. WE WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM WHEN TEST DRIVING WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE AGENCY. WE NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. WHEN MY WIFE TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, HE TRIED TO CONVINCE HER THAT IT WAS HER FAULT AND IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WAY SHE DROVE THE TRUCK. HE SAID THAT SHE SHOULD CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL THE TRUCK GOT USED TO HER DRIVING STYLE. WHAT A CROCK OF CRAP. AFTER THE PROBLEM AROSE AND WE GOT ALL THIS '!@#$%' FROM THE AGENCY, I LOOKED AROUND THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN FATAL ACCIDENTS. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED. I FILLED IN A DATE BELOW, BUT REALLY DON'T KNOW WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED. IT WAS AT VARIOUS TIME SINCE WE PURCHASED THE TRUCK. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-05
- VIN: 4TASM92N6WZ
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK.*JB
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Prerunner problems:
1998 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Toyota Tacoma? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Toyota Tacoma.
Common Tacoma problems I should be aware of? | Tacoma World
Oct 19, 2008 ... I was wondering what some of the common problems are with tacomas. I am looking at buying one and so I would like to know what I should ...
1998 Toyota Tacoma Stuttering Problem - YotaTech Forums
Mar 5, 2012 ... 95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners - 1998 Toyota Tacoma Stuttering Problem - So my dad has a 98 tacoma with the 2.4L engine.
Thinking of getting a tacoma. Are there any frequent problems you ...
Nov 27, 2021 ... I am interested in getting a tacoma for personal driving. Can anybody speak on its reliability? Have you had any major issues with the car?
Known problems with 3.4l? - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest ...
Sep 9, 2011 ... More common would probably be sludging....but any engine is susceptible to sludge if the oil is not changed regularly. Even sludged up, the 3.4 ...
Other years of Toyota Prerunner
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