1998 Toyota Avalon Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 178 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Toyota Avalon, 7% of the 178 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On a 98 Toyota Avalon xls: the A/C and heating system shuts down completely occasionally. The front and rear defoggers fail also. When the shut down occurs, the air vents emit very hot air, even though the thermostat is set for A/C. I almost had an accident when it started raining and the defoggers failed to operate. It appears to be an electrical wiring defect for which I have appealed to Toyota to take responsibility,but without any success”
NHTSA complaint #10133740, filed 2005-08, 75,000 miles“Severe rusting on rear brake rotors on a 1998 Toyota Avalon effectively reducing the braking power of the car. John summers a district parts and service manager representative of Toyota stated that braking effectiveness is reduced, however, he stated that this is normal and not subject to recall. He encourged me to file this report with your office”
NHTSA complaint #10119607, filed 2005-05, 101,000 miles“A failure of the left front brake line caused the loss of all brake fluid in the master cylinder. The reservoir does not have a separation that would have prevented all the brake fluid from being lost. Most master cylinders have a partition in them, so at least the front or back brakes would still be functional. I believe that this is a major function that should be investigated. I could have had a major accident if I had been on the road. As it was I had just pulled off the road and was unloading passengers when the brake line failed. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #767666, filed 2002-09“The contact owns 1998 Toyota Avalon. When the vehicle is on a slight incline, while in reverse or moving forward a loud metal noise is present in the fuel tank. The dealer stated that brake failure was the cause of the noise and that the brakes needed to be replaced. An independent mechanic confirmed that the baffle was loose inside the fuel tank and that the brakes were not related to the failure. The fuel tank has not been repaired. The contact is concerned that the failure could cause a fire. The current mileage was 49,950 and the failure mileage was 49,920.”
NHTSA complaint #10291777, filed 2009-11, 45,920 miles“Brake problem started at 7000 miles. Brakes and the rotors were replaced at 14000 miles and 19000 miles. Also, ABS brake light was coming on/off, and brakes were squeaking.”
NHTSA complaint #860220, filed 2000-04Related service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A 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…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 13% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 1 | 10% |
| 2019 | 6 | 8% |
| 2018 | 2 | 8% |
| 2017 | 1 | 7% |
| 2016 | 2 | 9% |
| 2015 | 11 | 26% |
| 2014 | 7 | 7% |
| 2013 | 12 | 9% |
| 2012 | 3 | 10% |
| 2011 | 8 | 8% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 10 | 11% |
| 2008 | 7 | 2% |
| 2007 | 25 | 10% |
| 2006 | 28 | 8% |
| 2005 | 25 | 11% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 15 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 13% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
| 2000 | 22 | 13% |
| 1999 | 6 | 7% |
| 1998 | 13 | 7% |
| 1997 | 11 | 9% |
| 1996 | 12 | 11% |
| 1995 | 11 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Avalon
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsEquipment
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsTires
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota Avalon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology