1998 Toyota Avalon: common problems and reliability
195 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about suspension. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Avalon?The 1998 Toyota Avalon has 195 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and electrical system.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Toyota Avalon vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Avalon?
Across the 27 Avalon model years we track, complaint volume runs from 8 (2022) to 360 (2006). With 195 complaints, the 1998 Avalon sits above the model's median of 120.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Avalon
electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
Campaign 98V278000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEMS (TDS) SUPPLIED BY AUDIOVOX CORPORATION AND 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 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.
electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control module
Campaign 98E035000EQUIPMENT 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 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, comfort, and value, particularly for used examples.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Avalon. See the full Avalon owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Avalon listings typically run $12,895–$27,579 across 2003 to 2021 model years.
Other Avalon model years
Compare every Avalon year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Avalon against its rivals
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