Research · Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD
1998 Toyota Land CruiserRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser. Most complaints involve service brakes (4) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 14 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
16
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$4,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 1998 – Jul 2021
- Service brakes4
- Power train3
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Structure2
- Suspension1
- Air bags1
- Electrical system1
- Wheels1
- Seat belts1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
4 reports1 crash
“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.”
Power train
3 reports
“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”
Service brakes, hydraulic
3 reports
“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”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Special Purpose Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Cruiser Wagon 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 15 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1998 Land Cruiser questions
How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.
What are the most common 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser problems?
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (4), power train (3), service brakes, hydraulic (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser at 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026