1998 Toyota Land Cruiser

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Service brakes4
2. Power train3
3. Structure3
4. Service brakes, hydraulic3
5. Seat belts2
6. Air bags1
7. Wheels1
8. Electrical system1
9. Steering1
10. Suspension1

Latest complaints

• Jul 9, 2021UT
  Service brakes
  I live in Utah, The incident occurred in San Francisco with children in car. going down one of the steeper roads towards fisherman wharf. the ABS alarm went off and I lost all breaking power. I immediately downshifted(automatic trans), used the emergency break almost killed some pedestrians..…

  I live in Utah, The incident occurred in San Francisco with children in car. going down one of the steeper roads towards fisherman wharf. the ABS alarm went off and I lost all breaking power. I immediately downshifted(automatic trans), used the emergency break almost killed some pedestrians.. pulled over. I checked all fuses, breaks. etc. I did not have any money, so as nightfall came upon us, with ABS glaring in our ears. I drove through the night back to Utah when the traffic was the lowest and used the emergency break all the way home, it was a horrific experience. The repair on this was not cheep where I had the ABS/brakes fixed so the breaks would work at our local dealer where I live, This was about 8-10 years ago, I am still pretty upset someone cold have been killed, why would the breaks fail if the ABS fails.. this could have killed my family and/or someone else. I would have to check with Menlove Bountiful Toyota for an exact date of repair.

• Jun 18, 2020CA177,224 miCrash
  Service brakes
  I was in a drive thru and as I approached the car in front of me, I pressed my brake pedal and had zero resistance as my pedal went to the floorboard and zero response from brakes. As I depressed pedal, my ABS light went on the dashboard and a beep alarmed. I tried hitting the pedal again to no…

  I was in a drive thru and as I approached the car in front of me, I pressed my brake pedal and had zero resistance as my pedal went to the floorboard and zero response from brakes. As I depressed pedal, my ABS light went on the dashboard and a beep alarmed. I tried hitting the pedal again to no avail and turned to attempt to miss the vehicle and pulled my emergency brake. I was moving at a low rate of speed and had zero history of brake system issues. After some homework online, I am seeing it IS in line with a lot of other people's experiences with the same make and model having an ABS motor failure, booster motor failure, and/or an accumulator failure. *tr

• May 4, 2020CO200,000 mi
  Structure › Body · Unknown or other

  Experienced spontaneous sunroof explosion. Driving from estes park, co to louisville, co with my 9 year old son in back seat. Heard loud explosion overhead about 5 miles north of boulder, co on hwy. 93. Nearest car was 6-7 lengths in ahead and traveling at 60 mph. It was a warm september day with intense 2:00P sun. We were finally able to safely pull over after 5 minutes. There was a nickle sized hole in the sunroof.

• Nov 21, 2019CO265,000 mi
  Service brakes

  For the second time, a complete braking failure due to master cylinder motor failure. Occurred while driving. Luckily was going under 20 mph on a vacant street and was able to safely coast to a stop.

• Jan 11, 2017PA130,000 mi
  Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
  TL* the contact owns a 1998 toyota land cruiser. While servicing the vehicle, the contact noticed that part of the frame was corroded. The contact also stated that the cross member that attached near the suspension mount and transmission cross member and the frame rail were all corroded through.…

  TL* the contact owns a 1998 toyota land cruiser. While servicing the vehicle, the contact noticed that part of the frame was corroded. The contact also stated that the cross member that attached near the suspension mount and transmission cross member and the frame rail were all corroded through. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. The vin was not available.

• May 11, 2016CA220,000 mi
  Service brakes

  Total brake failure without warning - when the ABS and brake light came on and the buzzer sounded there were zero brakes. just starting out in the morning. as we live on a long twisting road that IS mostly downhill into town, this could have been catastrophic. who designs a brake system that fails to zero???

• Jul 6, 2011CA70,000 mi
  Power train › Driveline

  My 1998 land cruiser IS also on its third front differential. Both had ring failure with one of them going through the case. This has to be a factory defect which the dealers will not address. *tr

• Mar 15, 2010CO140,000 miCrash1 injury
  Air bags
  Tl*the contact owns a 1998 toyota land cruiser. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph under black ice road conditions. The vehicle began to slide uncontrollably and crashed into a concrete support column. The air bags failed to deploy with the impact. The driver sustained multiple injuries.…

  Tl*the contact owns a 1998 toyota land cruiser. The contact was driving approximately 30 mph under black ice road conditions. The vehicle began to slide uncontrollably and crashed into a concrete support column. The air bags failed to deploy with the impact. The driver sustained multiple injuries. There were fractures to the ribs, sternum and left tibia. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a collision center. The dealer was notified and stated that the occupant was not in the properly seated position for the air bag deployment to occur. The failure and current mileages were 140,000.

• Feb 23, 2009CA80,000 mi
  Power train › Driveline

  My 1998 lc470 has had two front diffs. Fail now. Both times the ring gear failed, once going through the housing. I tried to contact toyota but no answer. Anyone else with this problem???? *Tr

• Jan 17, 2007FL50,428 mi
  Service brakes, hydraulic
  TL* - the contact stated that when she applies the brakes of her 1998 toyota land-cruiser the vehicle vibrates. the first incident occurred approximately in may ' july of 2006 while driving at 60 - 70 mph. the vibration now occurs at 30 mph. the contact stated there are no warning indicator…

  TL* - the contact stated that when she applies the brakes of her 1998 toyota land-cruiser the vehicle vibrates. the first incident occurred approximately in may ' july of 2006 while driving at 60 - 70 mph. the vibration now occurs at 30 mph. the contact stated there are no warning indicator lights. the failure mileage was 50,428. the contact has repeatedly taken the vehicle to a repair shop. the vehicle continues to vibrate and the dealer IS unable to diagnose the failure. the contact replaced, and balanced the tires, as well as, having the vehicle aligned. the contact has researched and found similar problems with toyota suv's. *jb

• Oct 29, 1999NJ
  Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module · Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device · Structure › Body › Door

  Anti theft chip in the remote fell out and the only way to fix problem IS to replace entire computer unit due to design flaw. Mjs

• Aug 19, 1999NM
  Power train › Automatic transmission
  The vehicle accelerated on its own when coming to a stop at a light. The transmission was completely overriden and it did not make any diference if the car was put in park or reverse, the car still was bucking forward. It stopped when the ignition was killed. This was the second time it happened…

  The vehicle accelerated on its own when coming to a stop at a light. The transmission was completely overriden and it did not make any diference if the car was put in park or reverse, the car still was bucking forward. It stopped when the ignition was killed. This was the second time it happened and the most severe case. The first time it only started to rev but did come to a stop at the light. The incidents were approximately 2-3 weeks apart.

• Aug 2, 1999CACrash1 injury1 death
  Wheels
  My father was driving a 1998 toyota landcruiser which he had had for about three months, and had alredy taken on couple of long trips. In the police report of the accident it sited that the cause ofthe accident was that the left front wheel of the car broke off due to a fault in the manufacturing…

  My father was driving a 1998 toyota landcruiser which he had had for about three months, and had alredy taken on couple of long trips. In the police report of the accident it sited that the cause ofthe accident was that the left front wheel of the car broke off due to a fault in the manufacturing of the car. I have written and faxed and called toyota a number of times but they do not respond. I have read of two other similar incidents with the same car, one in italy and one in india - reported because some promenent people were involved in the crashes, an ambassador and a singer. When I heard on cnn about toyota recalling a number of its models, the problem they sited sounded a lot like what happened to my father's car. The problem with the other models they said was that the heat of the friction from long or bumpy riding causes the front wheel connections to become loose and maybe fall out. can you help me? Or do you have any suggestions for things I might do to figure out why the wheel of my fathers car broke off on a flat straight road without any other cars involved. I also have lots of pictures of the car and the part that broke off, as well as the car itself, and I don't know where to send them. thank you.

• Jul 22, 1999CA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  When the brakes are applied the pedal goes to the floor ,resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer has replaced various parts of the braking system. *ak

• Mar 12, 1999CA
  Seat belts › Front › Anchorage · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly

  Rear seat belt latch failed.

• Dec 10, 1998LA
  Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

  Whenever brakes were applied the pedal would go to the floor. Had taken to dealer 2-3 different times for brakes. Waiting to hear from manufacturer about the brake problem.*ak

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10251070OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
• 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
• 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
• 10197476Replacement vin plates.
• 10197473Product general information.
• 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
• 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
• 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
• 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
• 10143927TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system. NOTE New security provisions are required to obtain a reset passcode. It is critical to review the instructions for this new process BEFORE attempting to get a passcode in the new system.
• 10134454TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
• 10134223TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
• 10133915Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
• 10132721TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
• 10132715TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
• 10132708TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
• 10132529TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
• 10132410TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner assemblies as hazardous material treatment. Hazardous material treatment may require special training, certification or licensing in certain areas. TMS recommends that dealership personnel carefully review and follow ALL local and state regulations, and where necessary, contract with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Licensed Hazardous Waste Transportation and Disposal facilities.
• 10132295This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
• 10132287California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
• 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
• 10132055Beginning in 1998, Toyota introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Toyota does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Toyota may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Toyota leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Toyota strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Toyota strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
• 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
• 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
• 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
• 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
• 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
• 10111416TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system. NOTE: There are new security provisions required to obtain a Reset Pass-Code. It is critical that the instructions for this new process are reviewed BEFORE attempting to get a Pass-Code in the new system.

Every Toyota Land Cruiser model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.