1998 Toyota Sienna: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Toyota Sienna: 2 recalls, 294 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V278000 · 1998 · 1,960 vehicles
What's wrong: In the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A percentage of the female terminals used in the alarm connector were found to be defective, causing an 'open circuit' condition when mated to the male ignition switch terminals.
Why it matters: This condition can cause intermittent performance of the vehicle's electrical components such as the dash warning lights and/or HVAC fan speed controls. Also, the vehicle May not run smoothly and could stall.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: rav4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; sienna - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and avalon - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98,…
Body & structure Vehicle recall #10V160000 · 2010 · 600,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The subject vehicles are equipped with the spare tire stowed under the vehicle. If the vehicle is operated in the cold climate regions of the united states where road salt is frequently used, water splashed backwards with high concentrations of road salt can reach the spare tire carrier and corrode the spare tire carrier assembly cable.
Why it matters: The cable May break due to excessive corrosion and the spare tire May separate from the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners with an interim letter initially instructing them to bring their vehicle to authorized dealers to inspect for corrosion. A second notice will be sent when the permanent remedy is available. For more information, please see Toyota's amended recall report of July 19, 2010.…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Electrical Equipment recall #98E035000 · 1998 · 1,960 vehicles
What's wrong: Equipment description: aftermarket theft deterrent systems used on 1998-1998 Toyota rav4, avalon, and sienna model vehicles distributed by southeast Toyota distributors, Inc. in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina. The alarm wiring harness plugs into the vehicle's ignition switch and the vehicle's ignition switch wiring harness plugs into the alarm harness to complete the circuit. A…
Why it matters: This condition can cause intermittent performance of the vehicle's electrical components such as the dash warning lights and/or HVAC fan speed controls. Also, the vehicle May not run smoothly and could stall.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the date code label on the security system harness and any displaying the manufacturing/final date code will be replaced with newly produced harnesses. The date codes are: rav4 - 6/24/98, 6/25/98, 6/26/98; sienna - 6/25/98, 6/26/98; and avalon - 6/30/98, 7/1/98, 8/31/98,…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 17 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Latches & locks (40): the most common themes are door / lock issues (40).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), brake failure / soft pedal (4).
- Tires (38): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (37).
- Body & structure (35): the most common themes are door / lock issues (28), noise or vibration (3).
The 1998 Toyota Sienna has 294 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 25 Sienna model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 342). Complaints peaked in 1999 (62 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 78,850 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (215 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Toyota Sienna.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Toyota Sienna have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Toyota Sienna, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Toyota Sienna problems?
Owners have filed 294 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are latches & locks (40), brakes (hydraulic) (39), tires (38).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Toyota Sienna get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Toyota Sienna repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.