1988 Toyota Van recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
What could happen: THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
The fix: REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1988 VAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V089000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: THE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE WATER CONTAMINATION WHICH COULD LEAD TO RUST/CORROSION.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE ERRATIC STEERING, WHICH COULD RESULT INAN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING BEVEL GEAR ASSEMBLY; COVER LIQUID GASKET MATERIAL WITH IMPROVED MATERIAL.
Notes: SYSTEM: STEERING BEVEL GEAR.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VANS AND CARGO VANS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (1), Seat belts (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
12/22/2007 · Engine
1998 TOYOTA SIENNA ENGINE FAILED DUE TO "SLUDGE." UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR FAILURE. THE INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM WERE NEVER COMMUNICATED TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES. *TR
06/15/1995 · Seat belts · crash
DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER SECURE DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD