Tl* the contact owns a 1998 toyota corolla. While driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly seized and the driver was not able to turn the vehicle. The contact also stated that the speed independently increased and caused the vehicle to crash into a second vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. Updated 8/21/15*cn updated 12/4/2015
1998 Toyota Corolla steering problems
17 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 17
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Steering wheel/handle bar3
- Linkages: tie rod assembly3
- Hydraulic power assist system3
- Rack and pinion2
- Hydraulic power assist: pump1
- Column locking: anti-theft device1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota Corolla steering problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 1998 Toyota Corolla owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While driving her 1998 toyota corolla with approximately 75,000 miles on it, my mother experienced steering problems with her car and before she had the opportunity to stop the vehicle it drove off the road and hit a tree. She said the car jerked quickly to the right then left then right again before it hit the tree and it was impossible for her to control it. The car was towed and scrapped before any further examination of the car's erratic behavior could be determined. The vehicle was considered totaled by the insurance company and replaced. The car was well maintained and driven frequently and did not seem to have any steering problems before this incident.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 toyota corolla. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly veered to the left, as if it were slipping on ice. The vehicle crashed into a median after moving across four lanes of traffic and was destroyed. The contact sustained injuries to her a back, left wrist, hand, bruises and a concussion. A police report was filed. The contact previously noticed that the vehicle would drift to the left from time to time. She had not spoken with the dealer or the manufacturer to-date. The current and failure mileages were approximately 85,000.
When turning the steering wheel towards the left consumer heard a knocking noise coming from the steering column. Consumer contacted dealership, and mechanic determinedthat the tie rod assembly needed to be replaced.
Rack and pinion steering failed within 15,000 miles. The part has been replaced. However, the problem still exists.
Had to replace power steering pressure line and rack and pinion thanks to defective original equipment.
On august 26, 1999 outer tie rod needed replacement, and left cam bolt also needed replacment.dealer notified.
Airbag and seatbelt lights come on intermittently, in july of 1999 the front and right seatbelt assembly was replaced.
Transmission and door problem fixed, steering wheel still noisy (I give up).
High speeds car hard to control, corners horribly,pitching motion over bumps, crunching noise on uneven pavement
Questions about the 1998 Toyota Corolla steering
Does the 1998 Toyota Corolla have steering problems?
Owners have filed 17 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Toyota Corolla, 8% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1998 Toyota Corolla steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1998 Toyota Corolla steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota Corolla have bad steering?
The Toyota Corolla model years with the most steering complaints are 2009 (382 complaints), 2010 (371 complaints) and 2007 (43 complaints).
Other 1998 Toyota Corolla problems
Airbags 61Body 24Engine 19Acceleration 18Seat belts 17Electrical 16Suspension 16Brakes 15Fuel system 13Tires 11Transmission 9Lights 6Locks 6Visibility 5Seats 3Wheels 2
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Toyota Corolla?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history