Toyota Tercel recall history
Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Toyota Tercel, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.
Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)
At a Glance
Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
Ask About This Model
Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Toyota Tercel. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Toyota Tercel, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
- Coverage spans model years 1980–2000 with 7 recall campaigns and 389 complaints in NHTSA data.
- Years with the most recall activity: 1990 (1), 1989 (1), and 1988 (1).
- Years with the most complaint volume: 1995 (58), 1993 (50), and 1996 (45).
- Top recall themes: Steering and suspension and Visibility and lighting.
- Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:engine.
- Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
- Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Steering and suspension
1 campaign · Years: 1980–1982These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.
- 86V038000 · Suspension: Rear
Visibility and lighting
1 campaign · Years: 1987–1990These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).
- 92V111000 · Exterior lighting: Headlights
Most Reported Issues
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Toyota Tercel in NHTSA complaint data are Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:engine.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Steering:hydraulic power assist system. |
| 1999 | 0 | 1 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags. |
| 1998 | 0 | 4 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Equipment:appliance:air conditioner. |
| 1997 | 0 | 25 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Seat belts:front:retractor. |
| 1996 | 0 | 45 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Suspension:front, Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system. |
| 1995 | 0 | 58 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Air bags, Seat belts:front:anchorage. |
| 1994 | 0 | 45 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Air bags, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1993 | 0 | 50 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Air bags, Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module. |
| 1992 | 0 | 27 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front, Seat belts:front:webbing, Seat belts:front:anchorage. |
| 1991 | 0 | 18 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:retractor, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline. |
| 1990 | 1 | 23 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control. |
| 1989 | 1 | 32 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, Structure:body:trunk lid, Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch. |
| 1988 | 1 | 9 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system. |
| 1987 | 1 | 15 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator. |
| 1986 | 0 | 8 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:buckle assembly, Seat belts:front:retractor, Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. |
| 1985 | 0 | 5 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires, Service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lamp, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. |
| 1984 | 0 | 12 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Equipment:appliance:air conditioner. |
| 1983 | 0 | 9 |
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator, Electrical system:ignition, Electrical system:starter assembly. |
| 1982 | 1 | 2 |
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm, Suspension:rear. |
| 1981 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
| 1980 | 1 | 0 | Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary. |
What to Do Next
- Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
- If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
- If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
Recall Evidence by Year
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved: Exterior lighting and Suspension
Other Toyota Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Toyota models.
- 4Runner 1984–2027
- 86 2017–2020
- Avalon 1995–2022
- bZ4X 2023–2025
- C-HR 2018–2027
- Camry 1983–2027
- Camry Solara 1999–2009
- Cargo Van 1987–1989
- Celica 1981–2027
- Corolla 1981–2027
- Corolla Cross 2022–2027
- COROLLA iM 2017–2018
- Corolla Matrix 2003–2013
- Corona 1981–2027
- Cressida 1981–1992
- Crown 2023–2027
- Crown Signia 2025–2027
- Echo 2000–2005
- FCHV-adv 2009–2027
- FJ Cruiser 2007–2014
- GR Corolla 2023–2027
- GR86 2022–2027
- Grand Highlander 2024–2027
- Highlander 2001–2027
- Land Cruiser 1981–2027
- Mirai 2016–2027
- MR2 1985–2007
- Paseo 1992–2027
- Pick-Up 1981–1995
- Previa 1991–1998
- Prius 2001–2027
- Prius C 2012–2020
- Prius V 2012–2017
- RAV4 1996–2027
- Scion tC 2005–2016
- Scion xB 2004–2015
- Sequoia 2000–2027
- Sienna 1995–2027
- Supra 1981–2027
- T100 1993–1998
- Tacoma 1995–2027
- Tundra 1995–2027
- Van 1984–1991
- Venza 2009–2027
- Yaris 2007–2027
- Yaris iA 2017–2019
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.