1998 Toyota Highlander Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 6, 2004 · 1 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Highlander years
Not enough data 27th of 30 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 1998 Toyota Highlander. That ranks 27th out of 30 Highlander model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 14,325 miles. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Toyota Highlander
A 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD photographed in Wantagh, New York, USA. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1998 Toyota Highlander problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1 · ~14,325 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System1100%14,325——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

1998 Toyota Highlander recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 1998 Toyota Highlander.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Engine seizure (DP02004) — opened Apr 30, 2002, closed Jun 20, 2002.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Door locks keep popping open or shut many times per day. Sometimes when parked, other times when driving. This has been going on for over a year. Each time i take to the dealer, he says he can't find the reason. Toyota has no clue on why this electrical problem exists. I can't leave anything in the…

Electrical System · received Feb 6, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10056658

Other Toyota Highlander years

← 1997 Highlander · 1999 Highlander →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Toyota Highlander?

Owners most often report electrical system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Toyota Highlander?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 1998 Toyota Highlander a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Highlander model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.