1998 Toyota Corolla Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Toyota Corolla, 8% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car '98 Corolla that has been regularly maintained as per manufacturers recommendations blew its engine while driving on the highway. I was in the fast lane and had to dangerously veer the vehicle to the shoulder. The car had done only 50,000 miles. The engine breakdown was caused by sludging and excessive engine wear and tear that developed in the car when it had done just 36,000 miles. This was brought to my attention by suburban Toyota of troy, mi. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070390, filed 2004-01, 51,890 miles“Of the eleven (11) vehicles that I have owned thus far, at least eight (8) has been Toyota, one a ford, and two were nissan's. All the Toyota's gave me excellent service, except the last. This was a 1998 Toyota Corolla ce that was regularly serviced and well taken care of. So much so, that we purchased a smart choice warranty for twelve hundred dollars ($1200) to give us an added piece of mind. This vehicle was puirchased for my college going daughter, based on the premise that this brand is based on reliabilty, economy and durability. …”
NHTSA complaint #10049080, filed 2003-12, 75,000 miles“My car '98 Corolla that has been regularly maintained as per manufacturers recommendations blew its engine while driving on the highway. I was in the fast lane and had to dangerously veer the vehicle to the shoulder. The car had done only 50,000 miles. The engine breakdown was caused by sludge and excessive engine wear and tear that developed in the car when it had done just 36,000 miles. This was brought to my attention by suburban Toyota of troy, mi. I have been regular with oil change and preventive maintenance and have receipts to prove that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023180, filed 2003-06, 51,888 miles“Consumer was driving at 55 MPH and suddenly the engine made a noise. Then, vehicle slowed, and the serpentine belt came off. Consumer had a mechanic examine the vehicle, and it was discovered the bolt connecting the serpentine belt to the engine broke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the same defect was found.”
NHTSA complaint #10105299, filed 2004-12, 97,300 miles“Vehicle was leaking oil. Dealership found the plate for the timing gear cover was leaking. Dealership replaced gasket and timing chain tensioner. While driving 71 miles later, the cam gear pin sheared off, the vehicle died out and internal damage occurred. Dealership not willing to take responsibility.”
NHTSA complaint #568259, filed 2003-02, 102,045 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 10 | 1% |
| 2009 | 42 | 3% |
| 2008 | 33 | 11% |
| 2007 | 68 | 8% |
| 2006 | 104 | 12% |
| 2005 | 92 | 11% |
| 2004 | 46 | 10% |
| 2003 | 92 | 13% |
| 2002 | 19 | 16% |
| 2001 | 31 | 23% |
| 2000 | 47 | 32% |
| 1999 | 20 | 13% |
| 1998 | 17 | 8% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 7% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 4 | 2% |
| 1993 | 14 | 11% |
| 1992 | 22 | 35% |
| 1991 | 15 | 21% |
| 1990 | 8 | 30% |
| 1989 | 5 | 22% |
| 1988 | 3 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Corolla
61 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsSeat belts
17 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 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 27, 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