1993 Toyota Paseo problems

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The Toyota Paseo (known as the Toyota Cynos (Japanese: トヨタ・サイノス, Toyota Sainosu) in Japan and other regions) is a sports-styled subcompact car sold from 1991 until 1999 by Toyota and was directly based on the Tercel. It was available as a coupé and in later models as a convertible. Toyota stopped selling the car in the United States in 1997, however the car continued to be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan until 1999. The Paseo, like the Tercel, shares a platform with the Starlet. Several parts are interchangeable between the three.

The name "Paseo" is Spanish for "a walk" or "a stroll", while the name "Cynos" is a coined word taken from "cynosure", meaning "the target of attention". In Japan it was exclusive to Toyopet Store locations.

First generation (L40; 1991)

The first-generation Paseo was made from 1991 until 1995. Based on the L40 series Tercel, it is powered by a 1.5-liter 5E-FE inline-four engine. In most markets, the Paseo's engine was rated at 74.5 kW (100 hp; 101 PS) at 6,400 rpm and 123 N⋅m (91 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,200 rpm. In 1993, in California and other states with California level emissions standards, it was rated at 69 kW (93 hp; 94 PS) and 136 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft) of torque. It was offered with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

In Japan, the Cynos was available in α (Alpha) and β (Beta) trim levels. The α trim is powered by a 5E-FE engine producing 77 kW (105 PS; 104 hp), while the β trim is powered by a 5E-FHE engine producing 85 kW (115 PS; 113 hp). In β trim, four-wheel disc brakes and TEMS electronically controlled suspension can be selected as options.

1993 Toyota Paseo

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Common 1993 Toyota Paseo problems

The Toyota Paseo, a popular car model from the 1990s, is known for its reliability and durability. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues, especially as it ages. Here are some of the most common problems with the Toyota Paseo 1993, based on complaints from car owners.

  • Rust Problem for Parts: The 1993 Toyota Paseo has been reported to have a rust problem for parts. This issue can lead to significant repair costs, as reported by one owner who had to spend an average of $410 to fix the problem at 177,000 miles.
  • Service Engine Light Stays On: Some owners have reported that the service engine light stays on in their 1993 Toyota Paseo. This issue can be caused by various factors, including engine problems, electrical issues, or faulty sensors. It is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
  • Wheels Have Scratching Sound When Driving: Another common complaint among 1993 Toyota Paseo owners is a scratching sound coming from the wheels while driving. This issue can be caused by various factors, including worn-out wheel bearings, damaged tires, or loose suspension components. It is crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
  • Knocking Noise in Engine: Some owners have reported a knocking noise in the engine of their 1993 Toyota Paseo. This issue can be caused by various factors, including low engine oil levels, worn-out engine components, or faulty ignition systems. It is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
  • Engine Problems: The 1993 Toyota Paseo has been reported to have engine problems, with owners making 1 complaint about this issue. Engine problems can lead to significant repair costs and can affect the vehicle's performance and reliability. It is crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
  • Electrical Problems: The 1993 Toyota Paseo has been reported to have electrical problems, with owners making 1 complaint about this issue. Electrical problems can affect various components of the vehicle, including the lighting system, the electrical system, and the power windows. It is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
  • Wheels Problems: The 1993 Toyota Paseo has been reported to have wheels problems, with owners making 1 complaint about this issue. Wheels problems can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, and can lead to significant repair costs. It is crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
  • Body Problems: The 1993 Toyota Paseo has been reported to have body problems, with owners making 1 complaint about this issue. Body problems can affect the vehicle's appearance and can lead to significant repair costs. It is crucial to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.

In conclusion, while the Toyota Paseo 1993 is known for its reliability and durability, it can have certain issues, especially as it ages. The most common problems with the Toyota Paseo 1993 include rust problems for parts, service engine light staying on, scratching sounds from the wheels, knocking noises in the engine, engine problems, electrical problems, wheels problems, and body problems. It is essential to have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and fix the underlying problem to ensure the vehicle's safety, reliability, and longevity.

1993 Toyota Paseo engine

Are Toyota Paseos reliable?

THE Paseo is generally a reliable little car and little goes wrong with it on a regular basis. Look for a well-cared for car, with low mileage if possible, and definitely with a service record. Check for crash repairs, dropped doors, varying panel gaps, and paint mismatches.

How much is a 1993 Toyota Paseo worth?

The value of a used 1993 Toyota Paseo ranges from $1,305 to $5,567, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What is the gas mileage on a 1993 Toyota Paseo?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 21 fuel-ups and 5,280 miles of driving, the 1993 Toyota Paseo gets a combined Avg MPG of 31.95 with a 1.96 MPG margin of error.

Why was the Toyota Paseo discontinued?

Discontinuation. The Toyota Paseo was discontinued in July of 1999. One reason for this was the poor reception and sales of this vehicle.

Is Toyota Paseo reliable?

THE Paseo is generally a reliable little car and little goes wrong with it on a regular basis. Look for a well-cared for car, with low mileage if possible, and definitely with a service record. Check for crash repairs, dropped doors, varying panel gaps, and paint mismatches.

What happened to the Toyota Paseo?

Toyota stopped selling the car in the United States in 1997, however the car continued to be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan until 1999. The Paseo, like the Tercel, shares a platform with the Starlet.

What is the gas mileage on a 1993 Toyota Paseo?

Based on data from 3 vehicles, 21 fuel-ups and 5,280 miles of driving, the 1993 Toyota Paseo gets a combined Avg MPG of 31.95 with a 1.96 MPG margin of error.

How much is a 1993 Toyota Paseo worth?

The value of a used 1993 Toyota Paseo ranges from $1,305 to $5,567, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

1993 Toyota Paseo car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Paseo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Tires problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Wheels problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Toyota Paseo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1993 Toyota Paseo complaints

The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Toyota Paseo.

2008-09-09

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-09-09
  • VIN: JT2EL45U5P0
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 TOYOTA PASEO. THE VEHICLE HAS DOUGLAS TIRES, SIZE 185/60/ R14. IN A ONE YEAR SPAN, BOTH FRONT TIRES AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SPONTANEOUSLY BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE FAILURE INCREASED THE RISK OF A CRASH AND SERIOUS INJURY. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE TIRES TO WAL-MART FOR FOUR REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,755. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. UPDATED 10/21/08 *BF THERE WAS A SLASH ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE WHICH CAUSED THE BLOWOUTS. UPDATED 10/22/08.*JB
2005-06-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: 1993 TOYOTA PASEO ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED.*MR THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY ASSUMED NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE AND BLAMED THE CONSUMER FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER REQUEST COMPENSATION FOR THE FAULTY VEHICLE. *NM
2000-10-03

WHEELS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
  • VIN: JT2EL45U0P0
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: TAKING TURN AT 15MPH RIGHT REAR WHEEL, HUB, BRAKE COMPONENTS FELL OFF AXLE.
1999-02-10

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-22
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: JT2EL45U7P0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN FAST LANE ON I-10, DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED INTO MY FACE. WAS ABLE TO BRING CAR UNDER CONTROL AND INTO LEFT MEDIAN UNTIL HIGHWAY PATROL CUT OUT BAG AND GUIDED ME OFF FREEWAY, WHERE CAR WAS TOWED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT MY CAR HIT ANYTHING, AND SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY MY INSURER AND THE INSURER'S REPAIR FACILITY, FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY DAMAGE TO THE CAR THAT WOULD INDICATE A COLLISION WITH AN OBJECT OR A ROAD HAZARD. $1900 DAMAGE IS TO REPAIR/REPLACE AIR BAG. *AK
1998-12-30

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-12-29
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE TIRE SEPARATE FROM THE TUBE. *AK
1998-05-13

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2EL45U6PO
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT.
1997-04-10

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT AND AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ENTIRE FRONT WAS TOTALED. *AK
1996-10-07

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-09-07
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
1996-05-07

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-05-07
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIR BAG IN COLLISION, CAUSING TO INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *DH
1995-05-19

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-05-13
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JT2EL45U9P0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG INFLATED DURING AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SEVERE FACE/NECK/EYE BURNS (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT). *AK
1995-04-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 50MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, AIRBAG FAIL TO DEPLOY. TT

Positive 1993 Toyota Paseo car reviews

  1. Jairo Cormier 2025-01-01

    Hi there! I just wanted to share with you that we bought this car back in '94 for our oldest daughter from the previous owner. Since then, it has been passed down to our youngest daughter in '99 and has been through a lot with teenagers driving it. But, I'm happy to say that it's still going strong!

  2. Chadd Funk 2024-11-20

    Your Toyota is the best little car you ever drove. With gas prices today, it costs very little to fill up, and a full tank lasts forever. The Paseo is a good little car for someone who is short, but it may not be the best fit for taller people, especially in the back seat. You can easily find parts at any automotive parts seller.

  3. Lonny Reichel 2024-11-07

    Hey there! I came across this car during my senior year of college in Florida and I just had to have it! I leased it for $200.00 a month for 5 years (can you believe that?) thinking I would use it up and move on. But I ended up driving it for 12 years and putting about 300k to 325K miles on it! I even gave it to a friend, who I lost touch with, but I bet it's still running strong. Mine was a 5-speed with a small 1.5-liter engine and I averaged close to 40 mpg. Toward the end, it used about a quart of oil every thousand miles or so and leaked antifreeze, but it always started up. What a reliable car it was!

  4. Hubert Grimes 2024-11-05

    I purchased my Paseo used from a Toyota dealer who had previously used it as a messenger car. Despite being 15 years old, it has not given me any problems at all. Before making the purchase, I sought my dad's advice on buying a first-year car. He suggested that if Toyota owned it, any issues with the car would have been fixed by them. I must say that there is no flaw about this car. The paint and interior are in good condition. While it is true that this car is very small and cannot accommodate back seat passengers, I have found it to be perfect for running errands around town. I have even taken it on 6-hour trips, although it can be hard on the back. However, with just $20, I can go a long way!

  5. Paul Gutmann 2024-09-21

    Hi there! I just wanted to share that my Paseo is almost 11 years old and has 240,000 miles on it, but it still runs great! I'm confident that I'll be able to get 300,000 miles out of it without any problems.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1993 Toyota Paseo problems:

1993 Toyota Paseo Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
1993 Toyota Paseo Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1993-toyota-paseo/problems

Top 1993 Toyota Paseo Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Engine Problems Due to Pickup/Iginition Coil Failure Inside ...

What's Wrong with the Toyota Paseo?
What's Wrong with the Toyota Paseo?
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/models/paseo/

Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 4th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with some engine and electrical concerns. What Paseo Owners ...

Toyota Paseo Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Toyota Paseo Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/toyota/paseo/2

Top Toyota Paseo Problems · P0770/P0773 fault code at higher mileage due to failed 3-way lock-up solenoid · Warped front brake rotors can cause steering wheel to ...

Toyota Paseo, any good? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
Toyota Paseo, any good? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy
https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/izra1i/toyota_paseo_any_good/

Sep 25, 2020 ... Toyota Paseo, any good? I know it's basically a 2-Door Tercel, but was wondering if anyone knew any common problems or things to look out for?

1992 Toyota Paseo Problems | Kelley Blue Book
1992 Toyota Paseo Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/paseo/1992/common-problems/

How reliable is the 1992 Toyota Paseo? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

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Paseo 1994
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toyota paseo 1992 photo
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toyota paseo 1993 photo
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1993 Toyota Paseo photo