1990 Toyota Tercel: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“In april 2004, my toyota tercel accelerated from 05 to approximately 90mph in a parking lot, crashed into another vehicle and totaled my car. Another problem was the brake pedal. Even after changing to new brake pads, shoes, brake drums and rotors, the brake pedal still dropped low to the floor that it felt that I was pushing the floor when I brake. I had several acceleration incidents. Even when I pushed the brake pedal firmly and continuously, the car kept going. The acceleration problem and sticky brake pedal problems were never solved. I wrote the triple a/automobile club of so. Ca insurance about these issues regarding my accident but was ignored. *tw”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2004
“Consumer had taken vehicle to have carburetor repaired. Carburetor failed in high rpm mode, nearly causing loss of control. *jg”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2001
“When driving at any speed car cut off. Consumer contacted dealer ,and dearler replaced electrical parts in the engine. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1999
Show 6 more owner reports
“While driving 35 mph, vehicle was rear ended by a truck. Drivers seat failed w/shoulder portion collapsing. Please describe details. Tt”Owner report · Seats · Oct 1995
“Brakes failure, when brakes are applied pedal becomes very hard and left foot off pedal, reapplied the brakes and effectivess returns. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1995
“Vehicle does not accelerate smoothly or easily and loses acceleration when attempting to pass. Driver side seatbelt harness has shredded over time and is no longer usable.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 1990
“Due to carbon build-up in the carburetor and intake valves, the car continuously stalls in traffic and will not restart.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 1990
“1990 toyota tercel engine blew. Consumer states that the engine blew and had another engine put in but it did not last very long. *nj”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1901
“Cushion broke off brake light pedal arm assembly, causing brake lights to stay on permanently. There is nothing on brake pedal arm to retract switch's trigger. *cj”Owner report · Exterior Lighting
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.
Remedy: TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON EACH HEADLAMP HOUSING.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact Tercel by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Toyota Tercel reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Toyota Tercel. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 1990 Toyota Tercel have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.