MYRModel Year Report

1998 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1998 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:09:14.661Z

Only 3 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 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Tercel Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1994: 40 complaints 1995: 51 complaints 1995 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1998: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19822
19832
19845
19853
19866
198713
19888
198922
199019
199117
199224
199343
199440
199551
199640
199720
19983
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 3 total reports mentions: seat belts.

Show complaint excerpts

SEAT BELT FAILURE. *YC

NHTSA ODI report, 19990429

EQUIPMENT

1 of 3 total reports mentions: equipment.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE NOISE AND HESITATION, SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER UNABLE TO RECTIFY. MJS

NHTSA ODI report, 19991129

AIR BAGS

1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY THE TERCEL. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990108

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20081217 — exterior lighting

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH

Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for equipment issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 Toyota Tercel 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 Tercel?

The most-reported component is seat belts:front:anchorage, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota Tercel have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.