Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (buckles, retractors, anchors and pretensioners).
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
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the front driver, front passenger, and rear passenger seat belts failed to buckle and required excessive force. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the seat belt failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Both the driver's side and passenger side seat belt have various problems - fraying, jamming, too short, not retracting, not extending. Dealer wants $500 to repair the driver's side alone. This is too much. They should fix it for free or a reasonable price considering nit is faulty and should have been recalled.
The driver side seat belt started fraying and after while locked up ,would not retracted or pull out. Now the passenger side is fraying and now it is locked up, it does not matter if the engine is running or not it will not retracted or pull out.
Not long after my basic warranty expired, I had fraying in my seat belt that was to the point it didn't pass inspection. I took it to a Toyota dealer in waco, texas, and they agreed to replace the belt free despite the mileage. Almost a year later, the same problem occurred. I went back to that dealer and they replaced it free even though they didn't have the obligation. About two years later, the same occurred. I have managed to get the truck inspected but I need badly to repair the belt, but I cannot afford it. Although the wear is near the waist, where one figures any fraying might take place, belt after belt should not happen. Also, my floor mat on the driver's side came loose a couple of years ago and it occasionally will bunch up and hit my accelerator and will on other times bunch up under my clutch and I am unable to shift into reverse.
I bought this truck in March 2014 and I have had nothing but problems with the driver seat belt shredding or fraying and because of that I cant pull the seat belt through to hook it. I also notice the front passenger seat belt is also starting to come apart to. I called Toyota main office and they said they cant do nothing about it. I want Toyota to replace both front seat belts . I have seen a few complaints regarding the driver seat belt on this web site.. I have had only Toyota cars and trucks forever.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. While parked, the contact noticed that the driver side seat belt was shredding and tearing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics where the technician advised that the seat belt would have to be replaced. The seat belt was replaced and after the repair, the seat belt began to shred and tear again. The vehicle was not further repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Driver's side seat belts are abnormally frayed, below the buckle. Passenger side are slightly frayed as well, but not as severely. Dealer inspected and said there are no recalls. Similar vehicles I have owned that are older and have many more miles have never had this problem, therefore I am sure this is not normal wear and is likely unsafe if an accident should occur.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the front seat belt webbing has unraveled. As of October 2, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 115,000. * updated 12/12/07 the consumer stated contacted dealer and dealer informed not under manufacturer's warranty. Updated 12/12/07
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.
Seat Belt complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 1998 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the seat belts of the 1998 Toyota Tacoma, 8% of the model year's 300 complaints. The component named most often is front › anchorage (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Toyota Tacoma seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to seat belts 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.