
<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We have issued our report dated March 11, 1999, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of The Coast Distribution System, Inc. and
Subsidiaries (the "Company") included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. We hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference of said report in the Company's Registration
Statements on Forms S-8 (File Nos. 33-10769, 33-15322, 33-18696, 33-64582,
33-86072, 333-55941 and 333-55933, effective December 12, 1986, June 25, 1987,
December 1, 1987, June 17, 1993, November 8, 1994, June 3, 1998 and June 3,
1998, respectively).

GRANT THORNTON LLP

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
San Jose, California 
March 11, 1999
