1998 Toyota Tacoma Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 300 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma, 4% of the 300 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,750 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.
“Hello, my vehicle is a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. It has approx. 152,000 miles on it. The issue I am having with the vehicle is primarily frame rust, the frame is beginning to look like swiss cheese. The frame of the vehicle is in terrible shape, the spare tire even fell out due to rust. I called Toyota to inquire about the frame rust and was told that there is no warranty to cover this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10543620, filed 2013-09, 152,500 miles“Driving down a busy boulevard, my wheel fell off and my vehicle slammed on the ground. I am lucky to not have killed anyone, and am still afraid to drive my vehicle. Faulty ball joints + rusted frames make this vehicle potentially very dangerous. Toyota initiated a program to buy tacomas back directly from consumers, but I was not notified of the program. Now I am stuck with a potentially incredibly dangerous truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10631243, filed 2014-09, 149,000 miles“I had exited the freeway for fuel. I had to come to a full stop and then make a left turn to go over the freeway. As I made the turn, the right front wheel broke a ball joint and the tire/wheel swung out at a right angle to the car. Given the miles on the car, I accepted the failure of the part. However, the initial failure was repaired by a Toyota dealer. Yesterday, 6/30/15, the same failure occurred. I came to a stop to make a right turn. The same thing occurred. My right front wheel broke a ball joint and the tire/wheel turned at 90 degrees to the side of the truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10731563, filed 2015-07, 235,000 miles“1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 reg cab there is a knock and play in the steering wheel. Most Toyota dealerships say it is normal and say nothing is wrong. The problem has been isolated to the slip joint in the main steering column coming loose. This was done by a Toyota service tech. The problem was taken to another dealership with this information and was fixed but they say it will most likely happen again due no change in design by Toyota. The slip joint is crimped over the shaft, and after use it becomes loose causing play in the steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #10141341, filed 2005-10, 92,000 miles“1995 through 2000 model year Tacoma frame rust corrosion warranty extension received a letter from Toyota attached. Requested frame inspection attached. Requested another frame inspection attached. My vehicle case was not handled consistent with the intent of Toyota's program nor was I contacted by their impartial services group (isg). As a result the safety of me and my passengers has been neglected be not allowing me the safety benefits of their warranty offerings.”
NHTSA complaint #10915619, filed 2016-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 9 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 9% |
| 2013 | 14 | 11% |
| 2012 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 19 | 6% |
| 2009 | 39 | 8% |
| 2008 | 41 | 9% |
| 2007 | 54 | 10% |
| 2006 | 40 | 5% |
| 2005 | 61 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 12 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma
98 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsTires
29 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Toyota Tacoma
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