1998 Toyota Corolla Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Toyota Corolla, 8% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving her 1998 Toyota Corolla with approximately 75,000 miles on it, my mother experienced steering problems with her car and before she had the opportunity to stop the vehicle it drove off the road and hit a tree. She said the car jerked quickly to the right then left then right again before it hit the tree and it was impossible for her to control it. The car was towed and scrapped before any further examination of the car's erratic behavior could be determined. The vehicle was considered totaled by the insurance company and replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10317509, filed 2010-03, 75,000 miles“When turning the steering wheel towards the left consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the steering column. Consumer contacted dealership, and mechanic determinedthat the tie rod assembly needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10061215, filed 2004-03, 84,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Corolla. While driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly seized and the driver was not able to turn the vehicle. The contact also stated that the speed independently increased and caused the vehicle to crash into a second vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 8/21/15 updated 12/4/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10713050, filed 2015-04, 62,000 miles“The contact owns a 1998 Toyota Corolla. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the left, as if it were slipping on ice. The vehicle crashed into a median after moving across four lanes of traffic and was destroyed. The contact sustained injuries to her a back, left wrist, hand, bruises and a concussion. A police report was filed. The contact previously noticed that the vehicle would drift to the left from time to time. She had not spoken with the dealer or the manufacturer to-date. The current and failure mileages were approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10311229, filed 2010-02, 85,000 miles“Consumer has been experiencing problems with steering wheel column. Whenever consumer maneuvers the steering wheel, it makes a very loud noise. The vehicle has been in the shop several times, and the dealer couldn't find a solution to the problem. The manufacturer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #829877, filed 1998-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 10% |
| 2024 | 12 | 18% |
| 2023 | 16 | 22% |
| 2022 | 5 | 5% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 8 | 3% |
| 2019 | 8 | 4% |
| 2018 | 5 | 4% |
| 2017 | 13 | 7% |
| 2016 | 22 | 10% |
| 2015 | 15 | 7% |
| 2014 | 18 | 7% |
| 2013 | 39 | 19% |
| 2012 | 18 | 4% |
| 2011 | 43 | 7% |
| 2010 | 371 | 30% |
| 2009 | 382 | 26% |
| 2008 | 12 | 4% |
| 2007 | 43 | 5% |
| 2006 | 22 | 3% |
| 2005 | 22 | 3% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 2000 | 11 | 8% |
| 1999 | 9 | 6% |
| 1998 | 17 | 8% |
| 1997 | 5 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 10 | 6% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 2 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Corolla
61 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsSeat belts
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 29, 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