MYRModel Year Report

1998 Toyota Avalon

◆ Worse than typical
1998 Toyota Avalon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:20.283Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
178
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Visibility

11% of complaints

Complaints per year

1995: 80 complaints 1996: 109 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 178 complaints 1998 178 1999: 92 complaints 2000: 173 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 293 complaints 2003 2004: 205 complaints 2005: 228 complaints 2006: 360 complaints 2007: 243 complaints 2007 2008: 349 complaints 2009: 91 complaints 2010: 46 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2011 2012: 30 complaints 2013: 137 complaints 2014: 96 complaints 2015: 42 complaints 2015 2016: 23 complaints 2017: 14 complaints 2018: 24 complaints 2019: 71 complaints 2019 2020: 10 complaints 2021: 21 complaints 2022: 8 complaints
1995: 80 complaints 1995 1996: 109 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 178 complaints 1998 178 1999: 92 complaints 2000: 173 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2001 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 293 complaints 2003 2004: 205 complaints 2005: 228 complaints 2005 2006: 360 complaints 2007: 243 complaints 2007 2008: 349 complaints 2009: 91 complaints 2009 2010: 46 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2011 2012: 30 complaints 2013: 137 complaints 2013 2014: 96 complaints 2015: 42 complaints 2015 2016: 23 complaints 2017: 14 complaints 2017 2018: 24 complaints 2019: 71 complaints 2019 2020: 10 complaints 2021: 21 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints
1995: 80 complaints 1995 1996: 109 complaints 1997: 125 complaints 1998: 178 complaints 1998 178 1999: 92 complaints 2000: 173 complaints 2001: 134 complaints 2001 2002: 116 complaints 2003: 293 complaints 2003 2004: 205 complaints 2005: 228 complaints 2005 2006: 360 complaints 2007: 243 complaints 2007 2008: 349 complaints 2009: 91 complaints 2009 2010: 46 complaints 2011: 106 complaints 2011 2012: 30 complaints 2013: 137 complaints 2013 2014: 96 complaints 2015: 42 complaints 2015 2016: 23 complaints 2017: 14 complaints 2017 2018: 24 complaints 2019: 71 complaints 2019 2020: 10 complaints 2021: 21 complaints 2021 2022: 8 complaints

1998: 178 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199580
1996109
1997125
1998178
199992
2000173
2001134
2002116
2003293
2004205
2005228
2006360
2007243
2008349
200991
201046
2011106
201230
2013137
201496
201542
201623
201714
201824
201971
202010
202121
20228

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and electrical heating element.

Suspension

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing front and macpherson strut.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tie rods detached from frame, along with steering parts became unsafe on minor highway speed turnes

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-06-26

Also filed under Steering

Electrical system

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Wheel locked then the car will not start, alarm system light won't blink and I'm hearing a wineing noise under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-08-10

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that upon start up, the key would not turn in the ignition nor would the vehicle start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the ignition switch.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-09

Tl* the contact owns 1998 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled as the instrument panel the lighting went blank.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-03

Equipment

10% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing air conditioner and radio/tape deck/cd etc..

Air bags

10% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving, the vehicle was involved in a crash, and neither of the air bags deployed. Also the seat belts failed to restrain the consumer properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-26

Also filed under Seat belts

Consumer was going through an intersection then was hit on the left front corner of the vehicle. No airbags deployed. Police was called. Consumer was injured.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-09-08

Side air bag.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-08-31

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 178 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1998-11-03Electrical system98E035000 Equipment description: aftermarket theft deterrent systems used on 1998-1998 Toyota RAV4, Avalon, and sienna model vehicles distributed by southeast Toyota distributors, inc. In the states of…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: RAV4…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2002-04-30Defect petitionClosed 2002-06-20 Engine seizure
  4. R
    Date not on fileElectrical system98V278000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles, mini vans and passenger vehicles equipped with a theft deterrent systems (Tds) supplied by audiovox corporation and distributed by southeast Toyota distributors, inc.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Toyota Avalon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V278000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 98E035000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Toyota Avalon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Toyota Avalon is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota Avalon?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota Avalon have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.