1998 Toyota Corolla Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 7%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,600miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Toyota Corolla, 7% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,600 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10760587, filed 2015-08, 127,000 miles“Engine starter motor continues to run after engine has started. Starter continues to run even after engine was stopped and key was removed. Starter motor caught fire. Car now inop. Some wiring needs replacement. Starter motor needs replacement with remanufactured starter motor if available.”
NHTSA complaint #10138519, filed 2005-10, 110,000 miles“My car starter would not stop cranking after I stopped and pulled the keys out. It kept cranking until the battery died. A fire started which melted the harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10030546, filed 2003-07“The contact stated without incident, the airbag light illuminated on and off. The dealership determined the connections were loose. The connections were tightened and the code was reset. The consumer was told the air bag would probably not deploy if the light was flashing. Updated 11/21/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10168234, filed 2006-09, 61,200 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10938531, filed 2016-12Related service bulletins
- 10152205Jan 6, 2017TSB: 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…
- 10111390Apr 10, 2015TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
- 10111197Apr 10, 2015TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 | 8 | 12% |
| 2023 | 14 | 19% |
| 2022 | 21 | 21% |
| 2021 | 23 | 12% |
| 2020 | 34 | 11% |
| 2019 | 15 | 7% |
| 2018 | 12 | 9% |
| 2017 | 21 | 12% |
| 2016 | 14 | 7% |
| 2015 | 18 | 8% |
| 2014 | 52 | 19% |
| 2013 | 11 | 5% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 75 | 6% |
| 2009 | 89 | 6% |
| 2008 | 22 | 7% |
| 2007 | 89 | 11% |
| 2006 | 85 | 10% |
| 2005 | 59 | 7% |
| 2004 | 24 | 5% |
| 2003 | 34 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 9% |
| 1995 | 18 | 10% |
| 1994 | 12 | 7% |
| 1993 | 14 | 11% |
| 1992 | 12 | 19% |
| 1991 | 7 | 10% |
| 1989 | 3 | 13% |
| 1988 | 2 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Corolla
61 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsTires
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEquipment
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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