1998 Toyota Tacoma Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 98about this part
- Share
- 33%of 300 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 98 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma, 33% of the 300 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 1 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.
“The frame of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma xtracab truck we own has severe rust issues to the point that it is not safe to drive. I have attached 4 pictures total with 2 of the pictures showing the damage to the cab from movement there are other areas that are rusted worse, but can not get good pics of. We live midwest, a area that salt is not a factor. We notced this damage after feeling that the bed was moving.”
NHTSA complaint #10980906, filed 2017-04, 168,000 miles“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“I bought a 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 automatic with 106995 on the odometer and I am having a hard time getting it inspected because of the right side rear frame is tested to bad”
NHTSA complaint #11399788, filed 2021-03, 106,995 miles“I bought my '98 Toyota Tacoma in 2000. Since that purchase I have never received a letter regarding any recalls or safely issues. I have only moved once since I purchased this vehicle and that was in 2003. So I feel that Toyota made no honest effort to contact me regarding any issues so I should be able to address and have repaired any problems that were recalled such as the corroding frame. This is a serious issue that Toyota conveniently let fall through the cracks.”
NHTSA complaint #10863004, filed 2016-05, 209,000 miles“The frame of my 98 Toyota Tacoma truck has rotted out. The truck is in decent shape and runs well but the frame is rotted. I'm told drains were not properly designed to remove excessive water and the vehicle was not properly protected for resistance to rust and rotting. It's dangerous. I had to weld the frame once before as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10224505, filed 2008-04, 135,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123420Oct 27, 2017TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available…
- 10042927Sep 22, 2011Toyota: information pertaining to reissuance of follow up notification letter to customers for certain vehicles for the phase 2 corrosion resistant compound to frame of trucks.
- 10030357Apr 1, 2011Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. A number of vehicles operating in severe cold climate areas with high road salt used exhibited excessive…
- 10038974Mar 28, 2011Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. A service campaign to apply anti-corrosion materials for vehicles in cold states. 1996-2004 tacomas.
- 10024521Mar 7, 2008Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Customer support program - warranty coverage extension for frame rust corrosion perforation on certain 1995…
- 10011514Jun 12, 1998Water leak field fix repair instructions.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 15% |
| 2025 | 44 | 39% |
| 2024 | 9 | 6% |
| 2022 | 8 | 14% |
| 2021 | 6 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 12 | 5% |
| 2018 | 16 | 8% |
| 2017 | 27 | 11% |
| 2016 | 22 | 7% |
| 2015 | 15 | 15% |
| 2014 | 20 | 22% |
| 2013 | 11 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 21 | 11% |
| 2010 | 30 | 10% |
| 2009 | 54 | 10% |
| 2008 | 79 | 18% |
| 2007 | 109 | 20% |
| 2006 | 242 | 31% |
| 2005 | 260 | 37% |
| 2004 | 203 | 49% |
| 2003 | 181 | 50% |
| 2002 | 180 | 54% |
| 2001 | 228 | 58% |
| 2000 | 78 | 37% |
| 1999 | 102 | 41% |
| 1998 | 98 | 33% |
| 1997 | 46 | 35% |
| 1996 | 64 | 25% |
| 1995 | 29 | 16% |
Other parts of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma
46 complaintsTires
29 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsSeat belts
23 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsSteering
12 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 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