FaultScore report
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 1998 Toyota T100 with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023. The largest single group is the body & structure. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
FaultScore 15/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota T100.
How this is worked out33
Complaints
0
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
100,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
5%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 137,925 miles
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Median failure at 108,650 miles
Median failure at 86,700 miles
Median failure at 120,560 miles
Median failure at 73,217 miles
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET/FIREWALL
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS REPEATEDLY TURNED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHERE HIGH STEERING EFFORT AND POWER ASSIST ARE REQUIRED, FOR INSTANCE, WHEN FULLY TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, A FATIGUE CRACK MAY DEVELOP IN THE STEERING RELAY ROD.
Risk: IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUED TO BE OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE RELAY ROD MAY FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Steering
On certain vehicles, if the steering wheel is repeatedly turned under conditions where high steering effort and power assist are required, for instance, when fully turning the wheel while the vehicle is stopped, a fatigue crack may develop in the steering relay rod. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering relay rod.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
SUSPENSION
Took my truck to a body shop to have dings and a few rusted spots on it repaired. The business owner and repair person put it on the rack and after examination, informed me that it was not worth the repairs, because the frame and undercarriage was too extensive and might as such cause safety issues. I chose not to have it repaired because of this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11545062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Took my truck to a body shop to have dings and a few rusted spots on it repaired. The business owner and repair person put it on the rack and after examination, informed me that it was not worth the repairs, because the frame and undercarriage was too extensive and might as such cause safety issues. I chose not to have it repaired because of this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11545062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
Took my truck to a body shop to have dings and a few rusted spots on it repaired. The business owner and repair person put it on the rack and after examination, informed me that it was not worth the repairs, because the frame and undercarriage was too extensive and might as such cause safety issues. I chose not to have it repaired because of this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11545062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
OWNED SINCE 2003, THE TRUCK HAS ONLY 140,000 MILES, BUT MY MECHANIC ADVISES THAT FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE LEARNED THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND THAT TOYOTA HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL. REAR BUMPER HAS ALSO RUSTED THROUGH. I NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO PROCEED. VEHICLE IS PARKED AT MY RESIDENCE.
NHTSA complaint #11111118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE CORROSION. THE CONTACT OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,300.
NHTSA complaint #10873975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE CORROSION. THE CONTACT OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,300.
NHTSA complaint #10873975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE BODY TO FRAME MOUNT HAS RUSTED AWAY BREAKING THREE PARTS OF THE FRAME. THE TOP OF THE FRAME IS THE ONLY PART HOLDING THE TRUCK TOGETHER, CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD WHICH RESULTED IN NOT BEING ABLE TO PASS STATE INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10807111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE TRUCK HAS 98,000 MILES. THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE RIGHT SIDE BEHIND THE FRONT WHEEL AND IN FRONT OF THE BACK WHEEL. THE TRUCK WILL NOT PASS PA STATE INSPECTION.
NHTSA complaint #10789353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 1998 TOYOTA T100 WITH 143K MILES ON IT. THE FRAME IS NOW BROKE UNDER THE BED NEAR THE FRONT LEAF SPRING SHACKLE, BESIDE A BED MOUNT. THE OTHER SIDE IS ALSO CRACKED BAD AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK. I ALSO NOTICED THE CROSS-MEMBER THAT THE CARRIER BEARING ATTACHES TOO IS ALSO CRACKED ON ONE SIDE AND ALL BUT CRACKED ON THE OTHER SIDE. I CALLED TOYOTA BECAUSE I KNOW THEY ARE DOING THE TACOMAS AROUND THE SAME YEAR AS WELL AS THE TUNDRAS. TOYOTA SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OR ANYTHING THEY CAN DO. I KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL OTHER T100S AND AM VERY UPSET THAT THEY WONT DO ANYTHING WITH THE T100S.
NHTSA complaint #10745043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE A 1998 TOYOTA T100 WITH 143K MILES ON IT. THE FRAME IS NOW BROKE UNDER THE BED NEAR THE FRONT LEAF SPRING SHACKLE, BESIDE A BED MOUNT. THE OTHER SIDE IS ALSO CRACKED BAD AND IS ABOUT TO BREAK. I ALSO NOTICED THE CROSS-MEMBER THAT THE CARRIER BEARING ATTACHES TOO IS ALSO CRACKED ON ONE SIDE AND ALL BUT CRACKED ON THE OTHER SIDE. I CALLED TOYOTA BECAUSE I KNOW THEY ARE DOING THE TACOMAS AROUND THE SAME YEAR AS WELL AS THE TUNDRAS. TOYOTA SAID THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OR ANYTHING THEY CAN DO. I KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL OTHER T100S AND AM VERY UPSET THAT THEY WONT DO ANYTHING WITH THE T100S.
NHTSA complaint #10745043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE SPECIALIST ADVISED HIM THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR FRAME SPRINGS MOUNT WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND EXHIBITED HOLES. THE TIRE SPECIALIST ADVISED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,925.
NHTSA complaint #10544356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE SPECIALIST ADVISED HIM THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR FRAME SPRINGS MOUNT WERE SEVERELY CORRODED AND EXHIBITED HOLES. THE TIRE SPECIALIST ADVISED THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,925.
NHTSA complaint #10544356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THIS 1998 T100 WAS AN AWESOME TRUCK, BUT LIKE ALL TOYOTAS THE FRAME IS ROTTED THROUGH. THE STEEL THAT IS USED ON THESE IS COMPLETE JUNK.. THIS IS WHERE THE AMERICAN COMPANY'S HAVE IT. I LIKE THE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER, WAS THERE A CRASH? NOT YET, WAS THERE AN INJURY OR FATALITY? WILL THAT MAKE TOYOTA DO A RECALL? I THINK NOT!! THE FRAME ON ALL THESE T100 SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY TOYOTA.. IT JUST SEEMS LIKE TOYOTA JUST DOESN'T CARE ANYMORE. TOYOTA SHOULD GET A HUGE FINE FOR KNOWING THIS PROBLEM, AND DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT... LETS SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE..
NHTSA complaint #10543179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE LOWER LEFT A-ARM BROKE (RUST) AND LEFT FRONT TIRE COLLAPSED. HAVE LEARNED THAT TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCKS MADE IN '90S HAD DEFECTIVE FRAMES AND THERE WAS A BUY BACK. SHOP TELLS ME MY FRAME IS BAD. TRUCK HAS ONLY 69K MILES ON IT. TRUCK IS PRACTICALLY THE SAME AS A TACOMA, IS TOYOTA DOING ANYTHING FOR T-100S? DEALER SAID NO?
NHTSA complaint #10457060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST/DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10442020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THE FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST/DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10442020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1998 TOYOTA T100 RUSTED FRAME ISSUES. FILED A COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA, HAD FRAME INSPECTED BY GENE REED AND FAILED. BUT CORPORATE REFUSED TO ADDRESS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY DID FOR THE SISTER TRUCKS WITH SIMILAR PARTS THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA. DEALER SAID VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE, TOLD THE CORPORATE OFFICE IT WAS NOT SAFE AND TOYOTA EVEN REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE SAYING THEY WERE NOT ADDRESSING ANY ISSUES ON THE SISTER TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10321786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
1998 TOYOTA T100 RUSTED FRAME ISSUES. FILED A COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA, HAD FRAME INSPECTED BY GENE REED AND FAILED. BUT CORPORATE REFUSED TO ADDRESS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY DID FOR THE SISTER TRUCKS WITH SIMILAR PARTS THE TACOMA AND TUNDRA. DEALER SAID VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE, TOLD THE CORPORATE OFFICE IT WAS NOT SAFE AND TOYOTA EVEN REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE SAYING THEY WERE NOT ADDRESSING ANY ISSUES ON THE SISTER TRUCK.
NHTSA complaint #10321786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CLUTCH PEDAL BRACKET ON TOYOTA T 100 WENT THROUGH FIRE WALL WHILE DRIVING. COULD NOT GET TRUCK IN OUR OUT OF GEAR. LOOKED ON NET AND FOUND MANY HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. CONTACTED DEALER NO RECALL AND NO HELP WITH PRICING TO REPAIR TRUCK. SAFETY CONCERN ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO GET VEHICLE OUT OF GEAR!
NHTSA complaint #10303980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIRES TO FAN CONNECTOR MELTED THE INSULATION JUST SHORT OF THE CONNECTOR AND SHORTED OUT. PICTURES OF FAILED WIRING ARE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10275308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA T100. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT LOCKS, BUT BECOMES LOOSE WHEN DRIVING. THE SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURS, BUT THE SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 105,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10194124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
TWICE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR AXEL SEALS DUE TO THEM LEAKING. WHEN I HAD THE REAR AXEL SEALS REPLACED I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR BRAKES DUE TO THE OIL GETTING ON THE BRAKES. I DISCOVERED WHERE THE SEALS WERE ALL BUT GONE WHEN I HAD MY TIRES REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THAT I DID NOT HAVE ANY REAR BRAKES DUE TO SO MUCH OIL LEAKING ON THE BRAKES. I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF NC AND I WOULD HAVE LOST MY BRAKES IF I WAS HAULING ANYTHING DOWN THE MOUNTAINS.
NHTSA complaint #10182649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE DRAG LINK BROKE ON THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR STEERING REPAIRS. UPDATED 04/06/06.
NHTSA complaint #10152079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
I HAVE A 1998 TOYOTA T100 4X4 PICK UP TRUCK. THE WIRING HARNESS THAT CONNECTS TO THE BLOWER MOTOR SHORTED OUT ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. I HAD TO GO TO THE JUNKYARD AND TAKE ONE OUT OF ANOTHER MODEL TOYOTA CAR TO FIX IT. SINCE THEN THE WIRE HAS SHORTED OUT TWICE MORE. BASICALLY I BELIEVE THAT THE BLOWER IS CREATING TOO MANY VOLTS THAT CAUSES THE WIRES TO OVERHEAT AND MELT TOGETHER. THERE WAS NO FIRE BUT IT DOES SMOKE WHEN IT SHORTS OUT. I NOTICED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10135926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
THE LEFT REAR AXLE WAS SPRAYING OIL ONTO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO RESEALED THE AXLE. WITHIN 100 MILES THE PROBLEM RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10117703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.