repaired · 2022 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
1998 Toyota RAV4Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 77 owner complaints about the 1998 Toyota RAV4, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-033 the manufacturer reports only 8% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 22, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1998 Toyota RAV4 has problems
77 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Service brakes, hydraulic2 crash/fire/injury
13Air bags10 crash/fire/injury
12Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
10Power train2 crash/fire/injury
5Engine and engine cooling
4Seat belts
3Electrical system
3Structure
3Suspension
1913 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 13 | 2 |
| Air bags | 13 | 10 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 3 |
| Power train | 10 | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 1 |
| 13 other systems | 19 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
1998 Toyota RAV4 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RENDER THE SYSTEM INOPERATIVE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Disc: rotor
Risk. THE DISC ROTOR COULD BREAK (WHERE IT MOUNTS TO THE WHEEL), RESULTING IN A LOSS OF BRAKING ACTION ON THAT WHEEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Anti-theft: control module
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE OF THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS AND/OR HVAC FAN SPEED CONTROLS.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Best & worst years
1998 vs. every other RAV4 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RAV4 median. How we score
'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
1998 Toyota RAV4 safety ratings
1998 Toyota RAV4 4-DR. 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What RAV4 owners report
Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO COME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE ROTOR WAS…
THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK TWICE AND THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD INSTEAD INTO DRIVE. THIS WAS AT LOW SPEED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE FIRST BRAKING ATTEMPT FAILED, THE BRAKE WAS PUMPED A SECOND TIME AND IT FAILED TO STOP AND ACCELERATED INSTEAD. FIRM PRESSURE…
ENGINE LIGHT CAME 0N. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE WENT FORWARD AND JUMPED CURB. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND LIGHT WENT OFF. NEXT DAY, DEALER CHECKED SYSTEM'S COMPUTER AND A SENSOR KICKED UP THE IDLER. SENSOR WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER WAS UNAWARE OF THE CAUSE, AND…
Own a 1998 RAV4?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.