Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The wiring harness cable from the sensors to the computer burnout and the seatbelts doesn't respond right especially with his unraveling and doesn't lock good or pool and the master cylinder it's not function correctly either it's like it's not stopping the brakes are not stopping I know the vehicle is old but still this is a defect and very has for the drivers of all the vehicles my 1998 Toyota Tacoma sr5 2.4 liter 2 wheel drive
Bought a vehicle from a woman off of craigslist. Met her in an unfamiliar area. Woman stated the vehicle was in good condition and runs perfect. Woman would not allow us to test drive the vehicle. My husband insisted on checking the VIN on carfax and she quickly pulled out an outdated title. The vehicle's odometer reading stated approximately 166,000 miles. After the transaction of $5000.00 was completed in cash. She quickly left with a heavyset hispanic male that was with her. My husband looked at carfax and the last reported mileage on carfax for the VIN number was approximately 278,000 miles for that vehicle. The woman quickly blocked out phone numbers. About an hour later she had her number unblocked. …
When weather temperature drops to 30 or below the brakes start to act up. There are no brakes until the truck is warmed up. The brakes seem to grab on flat roads but going down even the slightest hill and the brakes lock. Being a girl, I though I needed new brakes. I took the truck to the dealer and had a brake job done. The next year the temps did not drop to 30 degrees . The winter was mild. This year it is cold again and the brakes are acting up again. With all the Toyota problems, I though I should report it. Especially as being a girl, the dealer does not take me seriously. I see on the internet that this is continued problem with many Toyota owners. Your system will not except the vn number, so here it is [redacted].
My wife stopped at the edge of our driveway to let a pedestrian pass and then proceed to enter the driveway by making a right turn. As she accelerated to entered the driveway, the Tacoma took off with the engine screaming at a very high RPM and, despite her efforts to stop the truck by pressing hard on the brake, she crashed into the garage and east wall of the house. Despite the enormous damage to the front end of the vehicle, it is a total, I think, the air bags never deployed.obviously the Tacoma suffered from the same accelerator problem that has plagued Toyota units. My wife, the driver, suffered bruised ribs and a headache. Fire and police responded to emergency call.
When pulling into a turning lane went to apply the brakes and the pedal went all the way to the ground , then l tried to press the brakes again the brakes still did not respond. Then, third time the rear end brakes just simply locked up, rear ending a Mercedes 30mph. Then, the truck went to the side and lightly hit another Toyota truck, niether sides off my air bags deployed and my truck received heavy front clip damage and heavy side damage, l was left with no way to get to work , since then the truck has been repossed and lm being sued appross.30,000 dollars. L still thank god im OK and so was every body else
When driving between 30-40 MPH and upon depressing brake pedal, pedal traveled to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance , and resulting in a frontal collision. Upon impact, neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bag deployed. Consumer has contacted dealer. Shoulder harness did not tighten up.
Toyota Tacoma truck 1998, my son died in the accident 2 years ago, according police report said he fell asleep in the wheel but the car never was an issue but now that we have recall maybe it was the brake system failure.
Brakes/pads on new 1998 truck were at 30% at first 12 months and needed to be replaced and rotors turned. Upon repairing, there is major vibration and slight grawl with clicking noise in forward or reverse. Dealer said it was normal to have vibration/pulling to large vehicles. I have a great concern for the safety of my family while driving my 1998 Toyota Tacoma 4wd extra cab. Dealer stated that there have been several brake replacements on similar vehicles from 7000-16000 miles on vehicle; however, due to no formal complaints, nothing can be done. Due to this fact, it will cost from $300-400 to repair, becuase warranty ends 12month/12,000 miles.
Front brake rotors were replaced 3 times, and the brake shoes replaced 6 times. They were replaced every 16,000-18,000 miles due to excessive wear. During failure the vehicle would experience extended stopping distance, rearend hopped up if sudden braking was applied. Dealer was informed.
Was traveling about 55mph on the highway and vehiclslid away and got away , lost control. After 11000 miles had no brakes. Consumer took vehicle to dealership. Mechanic told her that vehicle needed brakes. 25000 miles and needs brakes again.
Brake complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma, 7% of the model year's 300 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Toyota Tacoma brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Toyota Tacoma brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 134,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.