1998 Toyota T100: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Took my truck to a body shop to have dings and a few rusted spots on it repaired. The business owner and repair person put it on the rack and after examination, informed me that it was not worth the repairs, because the frame and undercarriage was too extensive and might as such cause safety issues. I chose not to have it repaired because of this issue.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2022
“Owned since 2003, the truck has only 140,000 miles, but my mechanic advises that frame is badly rusted and is unsafe to drive. I've learned this is a common issue and that toyota has an active recall. Rear bumper has also rusted through. I need advice on how to proceed. Vehicle is parked at my residence.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 toyota t100. The contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle had severe corrosion. The contact observed brake fluid leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,300.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“The truck has 98,000 miles. The frame is rusted through on the right side behind the front wheel and in front of the back wheel. The truck will not pass pa state inspection.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2015
“The body to frame mount has rusted away breaking three parts of the frame. The top of the frame is the only part holding the truck together, causing a safety hazard which resulted in not being able to pass state inspection.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2015
“I have a 1998 toyota t100 with 143k miles on it. The frame is now broke under the bed near the front leaf spring shackle, beside a bed mount. The other side is also cracked bad and is about to break. I also noticed the cross-member that the carrier bearing attaches too is also cracked on one side and all but cracked on the other side. I called toyota because I know they are doing the tacomas around the same year as well as the tundras. Toyota said that there is no recall or anything they can do. I know this is an issue with several other t100s and am very upset that they wont do anything with the t100s.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 toyota t100. The contact stated that the tire specialist advised him that the driver's side rear frame springs mount were severely corroded and exhibited holes. The tire specialist advised that it was unsafe to drive the vehicle. The tire was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 137,925.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2013
“This 1998 t100 was an awesome truck, but like all toyotas the frame is rotted through. The steel that is used on these is complete junk.. This is where the american company's have it. I like the questions to answer, was there a crash? Not yet, was there an injury or fatality? Will that make toyota do a recall? I think not!! The frame on all these t100 should be taken care of by toyota.. It just seems like toyota just doesn't care anymore. Toyota should get a huge fine for knowing this problem, and doing nothing about it... Lets see how many people have to die before something is done.. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2013
“When backing out of a parking space lower left a-arm broke (rust) and left front tire collapsed. Have learned that toyota tacoma trucks made in '90s had defective frames and there was a buy back. Shop tells me my frame is bad. Truck has only 69k miles on it. Truck is practically the same as a tacoma, is toyota doing anything for t-100s? Dealer said no? *js”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2010
“1998 toyota t100 rusted frame issues. Filed a complaint to toyota, had frame inspected by gene reed and failed. But corporate refused to address issue even though they did for the sister trucks with similar parts the tacoma and tundra. Dealer said vehicle is not safe, told the corporate office it was not safe and toyota even refused to investigate saying they were not addressing any issues on the sister truck.”Owner report · Structure · May 2009
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY TURNED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHERE HIGH STEERING EFFORT AND POWER ASSIST ARE REQUIRED, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN FULLY TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING RELAY ROD. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact T100 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Toyota T100 reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Toyota T100. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1998 Toyota T100 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.