MYRModel Year Report

1998 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1998 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:04:44.063Z

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
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 3 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint
1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1996 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 3 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 45 complaints 1993 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1995 1996: 40 complaints 1996 1997: 20 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 3 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1998: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19822
19832
19845
19853
19866
198713
19888
198922
199019
199117
199224
199345
199443
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, most commonly citing anchorage.

Show complaint excerpts

Seat belt failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-04-29

Equipment

1 of 3 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.

Show complaint excerpts

Engine noise and hesitation, several repair attempts, however unable to rectify. Mjs

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-11-29

Air bags

1 of 3 total reports mentions: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Was traveling approximately 35MPH when another vehicle was rearended by the Tercel. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-08

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Equipment: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
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, 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.