1998 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 from North America - Comments

At 26,000 miles one of the rear spring leaves cracked. I believe this had a lot to do with a bump I hit during a cold spell (-23f) one Chicago winter morning. Toyota replaced it under warranty with zeal and I was back cruising in no time.

Sturdy truck which I expect to run forever.

Why say it is a sturdy truck when a leaf spring broke. Unless you really had it overloaded and hit a bump this should never happen. I'd sell that thing if I were you.

Actually, After I had the single leaf in the whole leaf pack crack and replaced by the dealer I had no problems. I chalked it up to Toyota buying their leaf springs from Mexico as it was stamped on the pack. I think they had a few problems in just that year with this.

Once that was done I drove this truck day in and day out and never had a single thing go wrong with it. This includes a road trip from Chicago to Alaska up to the Arctic circle in a variety of climates since it was October. Not one single problem at all. I now have 93,000 miles on it and she's running strong. This is a vehicle that was meant to be driven and not discarded after one mishap.

Springs broke on my 98 they are junk.

I have a 98 Tacoma with 100,000 miles, all that has been done to it is routine maintenance.

Update! I am the original poster on this thread and I stumbled in to report that the tacoma is chugging along well with 108,000 miles. No problems other than that spring issue oh so long ago. Still very satisfied.

Update! Again, I am the original poster here to inform you of the second problem in this trucks lifetime. The truck has 113,100 miles and the airbag light located on the dash came on. Went to the dealership to have it checked out and it turned out the connector behind the passenger-side airbag switch on the dash came loose. Popped it back on. No repair. The general diagnostic fee was charged, but that's it. Not too shabby for this kind of mileage. Good luck with yours.

Update! It's me again! The original author! I'm back to share that a new repair has been completed by me. The stay cable for the tailgate snapped a few days ago. The plastic coating wore off when getting pinched by the tailgate closing. The worn plastic coating exposed the steel cable causing it to rust and snap under pressure.

The resulting replacement part cost $14.00 from the dealership! That would be a grand total of $114 spent on repair on this vehicle in it's lifetime between the diagnostic test previously mentioned and this cable replacement! That's nuts!I have 118,200 miles!

I was speaking to a coworker about his dodge ram that has 180,000 miles, and he told me he has spent $50,000 on repairs over the years! That's nuts!

Needless to say, I think I got the better vehicle. I'll keep you posted.

I purchased a 1998 extra cab Toyota Tacoma back in 1998. I have had three problems with this truck. A sensor in the fuel system, a cable that holds the tailgate from dropping below 90 degrees, and last of all a single broken rear leaf spring. The sensor happened several year ago, the cable broke 2 or 3 years ago, and the leaf spring just broke last month. However, I just found what the rattling sound was today - the single leaf springs vibrating between the top and bottom.

Hi,

I also purchased a used extended cab 1998 Tacoma in 2001. In June of 2002 I also had a broken leaf spring replaced while under warranty.

Since then I only had basic maintenance and a water pump replaced. Good for a truck with over 120K.

About three weeks ago I started hearing a familiar clunking again. After taking my truck to the dealer I was informed I again have a broken leaf spring. This truck is driven very little at this time and never for towing, heavy loads, or 4wheeling it's basically a second vehicle. I'm not used to hearing about broken leaf springs at all, but two on the same truck within 4 years doesn't sound good to me. and Toyota says it's wear and tear and won't even think about replacing this one.

Sorry I just had to vent a bit. Basically I want to say if you have this problem please let Toyota know about it. Unless it's reported they won't do anything.

Besides this I am very happy with my Toyota's my other is a 4runner.

Same problem here, I have a 98 Tacoma Xtra Cab 4wd manual SR5. Bought in 2004 and broke 1 leaf in 2006 with little off road and little towing being done. I bought a replacement leaf from dealer. Within 6 months, the same leaf on other side broke. This is when I decided to buy high quality aftermarket springs (all of the leafs) to fix the problem once and for all.

It is 2009 and both sides have a broken leaf in them again. I am currently trying to find a proven solution that works. Maybe a lift with stronger springs.

Love my truck otherwise; it has 225,000 miles and runs great.

I have a Durango V8 with 252000 miles same drivetrain the 50K comment is only likely if fuel plus repairs were added together

Gets tiresome reading crap sometimes.

I bought a used 1998 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD automatic almost exactly a year ago today, with 106,000 miles on it. It started out with a broken thermostat, a light out in the dashboard panel (driver's side), and a pinhole leak in the wiper fluid reservoir so that not too much fluid can be retained at one time. I had the first two problems fixed right away.

I recently took the truck in for its first inspection after its purchase a year ago, and the mechanic noticed a broken rear leaf spring. I carry firewood and some materials for yard work but am fairly careful about taking it easy when driving with a load, so I don't think it was me. The last owner drove this vehicle around suburban Maryland, but I can't say anything else about his driving habits.

There are no other problems at this time, and I bought this truck for its intended longevity.

However, I have become aware recently of a recall in 1998-2000 (?) Toyota Tacomas due to frames eroding prematurely because of a faulty batch of steel during manufacture. I called a local dealership and found to my dismay that my truck's VIN number is on the list of recalls. I purposely drove south to purchase my vehicle free of rust issues, and thus it currently has none.

I have 4 more years (when recall ends) to decide if I want to go for the long haul and try to give my vehicle extra care with excessive washing during salty winter months, or not. What I will get for it will be less than I just paid for it.

Has anyone else had these rust issues?