1997 Toyota Tercel: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
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 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Both the driver side and passenger side seat belt buckles aren't working properly. Sometimes when you think you're buckled in the seat belt will release all of a sudden.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Sep 2018
“Both the driver and passenger side seat belts stopped working about the same time. I would buckle myself up and my passenger would the seat buckle pop's right out of the anchor. I am breaking the law every time I get in my car. I can not go on highways or freeways. I can not have a passenger ride in the front seat.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2017
“While I was adding oil to the engine of my 1997 toyota tercel, I noticed a bolt attaching the belt assembly to the engine was sticking out 4 or 5 inches past the belt assembly, rubbing against a hose. It didn't look right, so I took it to a mechanic who tightened it back up. He said the bolt had just "worked itself loose". My concern is that this loose bolt is indicative of a more serious problem, or that someone has been tampering with my car. The car has around 159,000 miles on it. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2009
Show 7 more owner reports
“While backing out of the driveway and without prior warning another vehicle was passing through and both vehicle collided.upon impact air bags didn't deploy. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2003
“The entire tire just blew apart. Both sidwalls came away from the tread. I have pictures I can email if anybody wants them.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2002
“1995 chevrolet 1500 pickup ran stop sign, tercel broadsided the truck at 30 mph. Despite hitting another vehicle straight on, neither airbag deployed in the car. The tercel was totalled and driver sustained minor injuries from the seatbelt. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2001
“The consumers vehicle bumped an empty construction barrel, as a a result the air bag deployed causing loss of visibility causing the driver to strike a construction vehicle, the consumer feels the air bag should not have deployed with just slight impact. Nlm”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2001
“Consumer was traveling on a main road and another vehicle ran stop sign and hit consumer's vehicle. Upon impact, and dual airbags didn't go off, consumer sustained minor injuries. *ak also vehicle had previously been in accident where the airbags did not deploy. *slc”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2000
“Consumer was invovled in an accident. Vehicle was struck on both front and rear. Driver's/passenger's air bags failed to deploy. Impact speed unknown at this time. Manufacturer notified. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 1998
“While driving vehicle on highway front ball joints snapped, causing other problems, including rupture of brake lines. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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 1997 Toyota Tercel reliable?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Toyota Tercel. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1997 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.