VehicleVerdict

1998 Toyota Tercel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1998 Toyota Tercel — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Tercel years?

Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted58 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 9 complaints1984: 12 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 32 complaints1990: 23 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 27 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 45 complaints1995: 58 complaints1996: 45 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints
Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tercel years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Toyota Tercel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags125%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)125%
Engine125%
Seat Belts125%

Does the 1998 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

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 THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 6, 1998 · crash

1998 Toyota Tercel — common questions

Is the 1998 Toyota Tercel reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Toyota Tercel. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Tercel years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tercel years to avoid are 1995, 1993, 1996, 1994, 1989. The cleanest record among Tercel years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.