1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 11 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 17 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 23 |
| 2000 | 25 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
I WAS IN A DRIVE THRU AND AS I APPROACHED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I PRESSED MY BRAKE PEDAL AND HAD ZERO RESISTANCE AS MY PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND ZERO RESPONSE FROM BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200618
FOR THE SECOND TIME, A COMPLETE BRAKING FAILURE DUE TO MASTER CYLINDER MOTOR FAILURE. OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. LUCKILY WAS GOING UNDER 20 MPH ON A VACANT STREET AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO A STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191121
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING - WHEN THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BUZZER SOUNDED THERE WERE ZERO BRAKES. JUST STARTING OUT IN THE MORNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160511
2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHENEVER BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER 2-3 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR BRAKES. WAITING TO HEAR FROM MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE BRAKE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981210
2 of 16 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
MY 1998 LC470 HAS HAD TWO FRONT DIFFS. FAIL NOW. BOTH TIMES THE RING GEAR FAILED, ONCE GOING THROUGH THE HOUSING. I TRIED TO CONTACT TOYOTA BUT NO ANSWER. ANYONE ELSE WITH THIS PROBLEM???? *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090223
1 of 16 total reports mentions: wheels.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
MY FATHER WAS DRIVING A 1998 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER WHICH HE HAD HAD FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS, AND HAD ALREDY TAKEN ON COUPLE OF LONG TRIPS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990802
1 of 16 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. WHILE SERVICING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT PART OF THE FRAME WAS CORRODED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170111
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Toyota Land Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.