1995 Toyota Tercel: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 51 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (34% of complaints); the 1997 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I hit a curb side and my buckle unlatched after further checking I noticed with little resistance it sometimes unlatches eventhough it makes the click sound. I have to say that I noticed it in past unlatch but I thought I may have not pushed it well. But it seems part is defective. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2013
“I have a 1995 toyota tercel and the seat belt buckles are broken and no have a correct function. Please I need to know is this a recall I consider this issue affect a security driver and passenger safety in a crash. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2010
“The vehicle was parked and without prior warning the driver side airbag deployed. *mr when the key was turned in the igniton the air bag deployed. *scc”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Some of the airbag wires are connected and some are not.*ak consumer bought vehicle in which the driver air bag was used and the connections had been cut off, the air bag monitor was also bad, dealer replaced driver air bag and passenger air bags cover. Right axle seal shaft was beginning to leak, dealer replaced. *slc”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2002
“Low speed impact accident, airbags deployed, passenger side airbag caught fire. Toyota was contacted but after inspeciton send memo that fire was not caused by a manufacturing or design defect. No assistance was offered. Car was totalled by insurance due to cost to replace airbags. If this is a "safety feature" why would it catch fire? Luckily there was no passenger in the car. Driver's side airbag also deployed and singed the jeans that my son was wearing.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2001
“Consumer involved in a head-on collision travaeling 30-40 mph in which neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed, causing injuries to the driver's side occupant. Also, vehicle is was totaled. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2000
“While driving at approximately 55 mph driver hit a deer head-on,without braking, and dual airbags did not deploy, causing injuires.prior to this incident, vehicle was involved in head-on collision on 11/98, and dual airbags didnot deploy at that time also. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 1999
“Air bag light would come on while driving. Have taken to dealership, and mechanic reset air bag light. On 2/22/000, same problem with air bag light happened again. Took it back again and repair was performed. Then again on 8/7/01, same problemoccurred. But, this time mechanic indicated tha tit wa sneeded to replace air bag sensors. First 2 times mechanic did not fix the problem. *ask”Owner report · Steering · Oct 1999
“Engine experienced complete failure without warning, due to failure of the oil indicator, which did not warn of the low oil level. *yc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1999
“Fittings are not compatiple with fuel filter and they are forced in the factory this cause I have to change all the fuel line to change the fuel filter if I don't do this this cause a fuel leak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 21 of these complaints and injuries in 15 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
How other years compare
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 1995 Toyota Tercel reliable?
NHTSA has 51 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Toyota Tercel. The most complained-about area is air bags (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Toyota Tercel problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,700 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Toyota Tercel have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.