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.
7 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
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
3 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and automatic transmission.
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
3 of 16 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and door.
Show complaint excerpts
EXPERIENCED SPONTANEOUS SUNROOF EXPLOSION. DRIVING FROM ESTES PARK, CO TO LOUISVILLE, CO WITH MY 9 YEAR OLD SON IN BACK SEAT. HEARD LOUD EXPLOSION OVERHEAD ABOUT 5 MILES NORTH OF BOULDER, CO ON HWY. 93.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200504
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
Also filed under SUSPENSION
2 of 16 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990312
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
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 (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (3 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 44% 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.