1993 Toyota Tercel: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (51% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving, vehicle exhibits white smoke, consumer had two different mechanics inspect vehicle and both stated that the rings are shot and engine needs to be replaced, there were no indications that the engine overheated. *tt”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2002
“While traveling at 65 mph consumer applied brake which caused wheels to lock. Brake pedal went to floor, and would not return. Problem caused vehicle to rear end another vehicle. Manufacturer was notified. Please feel free to provide any further detail on this matter. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2000
“After putting air in all tires, consumer took vehicle to a repair shop where they found out that tires had a tread separation without a prior warning. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2000
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer purchased new at 72,517, was told that a new engine needed to be installed. Dealer agreed to replace engine, only if damage was not due to wear and tear. Dealer took engine apart, and said it was wear and tear, and did not replace engine. Consumer had to purchase a new engine in december of 1999. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 1999
“The air bag light stays on after vehicle has been started. Been to dealer & placed on diagnostic. Was informed by mechanic short air bag sensor system was caused & had a short in it. The entire sensors needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 1999
“My airbag deployed upon a minor crash. I received burns and scrapes to my face. Also the airbag or something in it caused burn in my shirt, through my bra and onto my chest area. I don't believe the airbag deployed properly and am very concerned as to why.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 1999
“Consumer was driving at approximately 25 mph rearended vehicle in front, driver's airbag deployed and airbag dust came out, but did not inflate. Came out flat ,no air in the bag. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 1998
“When applying brakes while driving over a puddle, brakes failed to stop the vehicle, causing an accident. Air bags deployed, causing consumer to sustain burns to the skin. Cause unknown. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · May 1998
“Driving vehicle, heard clunking/grinding noise in braking area; taken to dealer & had brakes changed at least 5 times; would resurface rotors & replaced pads; brakes would chatter but was told it was normal. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 1997
“Vehicle impact accident at 11:00 position, speed 45 mph, driver's side lap/shoulder belt did not retract, resulting in an injury. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 18 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1993 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
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Is the 1993 Toyota Tercel reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Toyota Tercel. The most complained-about area is air bags (51% of complaints).
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.