Toyota Tercel problems
The Toyota Tercel (Japanese: トヨタ・ターセル, Toyota Tāseru) is a subcompact car manufactured by Toyota from 1978 until 1999 across five generations, in five body configurations sized between the Corolla and the Starlet. Manufactured at the Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Japan, and sharing its platform with the Cynos (aka Paseo) and the Starlet, the Tercel was marketed variously as the Toyota Corolla II (Japanese: トヨタ・カローラII, Toyota Karōra II) — sold at Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Corolla Stores — and was replaced by the Platz in 1999. It was also known as the Toyota Corsa (Japanese: トヨタ・コルサ, Toyota Korusa) and sold at Toyopet Store locations. Starting with the second generation, the Tercel dealership network was changed to Vista Store, as its badge engineered sibling, the Corolla II, was exclusive to Corolla Store locations.
The Tercel was the first front-wheel drive vehicle produced by Toyota, although it was the only front-wheel drive Toyota to have a longitudinally mounted engine. For example, the E80 series Corolla's frame (except AE85 and AE86) is similar to the L20 series Tercel's frame. Also, Toyota designed the A series engine for the Tercel, attempting simultaneously to achieve good fuel economy and performance and low emissions. Choice of body styles increased as well, with the addition of a four-door sedan.
The name "Tercel" was derived from the Latin word for "one third", with "tiercel" referring to a male falcon which is one-third smaller than its female counterpart. Similarly, the Tercel was slightly smaller than the Corolla. The early Tercels have a logo on the trunk with a stylized falcon as the T in Tercel. All Tercels were assembled at the Takaoka factory in Toyota City, Aichi or by Hino Motors in Hamura, Tokyo. Hino assembled the third generation Tercel from 1986 to 1990 for the two-door and some three-door models. When Japanese production of the Tercel/Corsa/Corolla II (and the related Cynos/Paseo coupés) came to an end in 1999, 4,968,935 examples had been built.
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Toyota Tercel model years
Common Toyota Tercel problems
Common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Tercel include issues with the engine's head gasket, fuel system, transmission, brake system, and electrical system. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:
- Engine's Head Gasket: Owners of the Toyota Tercel, especially in the third generation (1987-1990), reported problems with the engine's head gasket failing prematurely. This issue led to oil leaks and engine overheating, often caused by cooling system problems.
- Fuel System: Some Tercel owners experienced premature fuel pump failure, resulting in poor engine performance or stalling. Additionally, fuel injectors were reported to become clogged or malfunction, leading to engine misfires and poor running conditions.
- Transmission: Transmission issues were also common among Tercel owners. Problems included slipping or improper shifting in automatic transmissions, issues with manual transmissions, quick wear of the clutch, and stiffness in the shifter operation.
- Brake System: Owners reported brake system failures, such as brakes not engaging properly, quick wearing of brake pads or shoes, and other related issues affecting braking performance.
- Electrical System: Some Tercel owners faced electrical problems like system failures and flickering or non-functional headlights. These issues could impact the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle.
These problems highlight the need for Tercel owners to be vigilant about maintenance and address these issues promptly to ensure the reliability and safety of their vehicles.
Is Toyota Tercel a reliable car?
This is a good car. It will run forever, won't cost much to insure or operate, and is put together with the precision of a Swiss watch. Unfortunately, fit, finish and reliability don't come for free, and the Tercel is pushing the boundaries of acceptable pricing. Just try to find a Tercel below $10,000.
Why did Toyota discontinue the Tercel?
Production of the Tercel for the American market ended in 1998 as the model was superseded by the Echo. Production for Japan, Canada and some other countries continued through 1999. Taiwanese production continued until 2003.
What kind of engine does a Toyota Tercel have?
Used 1997 Toyota Tercel - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 93 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
What is the oldest Toyota Tercel?
A: The Toyota Tercel was sold for model years 1978 to 1999.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Tercel years
We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Tercel cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Tercel model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Tercel model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Tercel years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Toyota Tercel car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Tercel , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Tercel model years
A total of 100 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Tercel model years
There were a total of 20 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Tercel model years
There were a total of 94 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Tercel model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 412 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Tercel . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Tercel vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Toyota Tercel 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2019-01-27
- VIN: JT2AC52L2V0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
Toyota Tercel 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2018-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2018-11-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL56D1S0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THIS IS A RECOUNT OF EVENTS IN WHICH MY TIRE FAILED. I BEGAN MY COMMUTE TO WORK BY ENTERING ONTO A GOOD CONDITION STATE HIGHWAY AND BEGAN DRIVING 65 MPH AROUND 6:30 AM EDT. APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE WITH LITE TRAFFIC, I DECIDED TO CHANGE FROM THE MIDDLE LANE INTO THE RIGHT HAND LANE. DURING THIS LANE CHANGE THE CAR STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE AND THEN VIOLENTLY SHAKE. I APPLIED MY BREAKS TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL OVER, BUT I COULD NOT STOP NOR CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF CAR. THE CAR BEGAN TO PULLING TO THE LEFT AND STARTED TO SPIN. THE CAR IMPACTED THE GUARDRAIL TWICE WHILE IN A SPIN AND RECEIVED UNFIXABLE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR BODY FRAME, AND OTHER COMPONENTS. THE WITNESSES ON SCENE, CALLED THE POLICE AND REPORTED THAT THEY SAW THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLOW OUT CAUSING THE ACCIDENT. THE TIRE WAS BRAND NEW AND WAS PROFESSIONALLY BALANCED, INSTALLED, AND ALIGNED JUST 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED AND SET AT LESS THAN MAX MANUFACTURER TIRE PRESSURE. ALL OF MY TIRES WERE PURCHASED AT A TIRE KINGDOM STORE. UPON EXAMINATION OF THE TIRE, THE BLOWOUT OF THE TIRE OCCURRED ON THE SIDEWALL AND NO DAMAGE TO THE TREAD WAS FOUND. NO OBJECT WAS DESCRIBED AT THE SCREEN OF THE ACCIDENT OR BY WITNESSES THAT CAUSED THE TIRE TO RUPTURE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND I RECEIVED BODILY INJURY FROM THE ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, EQUIPMENT, DRIVER, HIGHWAY, TRAFFIC, MAYBE A LIGHT RAIN IN THE EARLY MORNING, THAT CAN EXPLAIN THE CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILING. THE TIRE WITH DRIVEN LESS THAN 3,000 MILES BEFORE IT FAILED. THE POLICE REPORTED THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE, BUT SINCE THE TIRE IS NEW THAT THERE ARE NO CURRENT CLAIMS TO REPORT THIS DEFECTIVE TIRE. THIS TIRE WAS PURCHASED AT TIRE KINGDOM, MODEL UNIROYAL TIGER PAW AWPII WITH DOT SBXGHSTR1418 2.
Toyota Tercel 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-03
- Date Complaint: 2017-06-15
- VIN: JT2AC52L3V0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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.
Toyota Tercel 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-30
- Date Complaint: 2015-05-03
- VIN: JT2AC52L0T0
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE WHILE PARALLEL PARKING. CAR WON'T STEER.
Toyota Tercel 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-02
- Date Complaint: 2015-01-22
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2AC52L4T0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 TOYOTA TERCEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE ROTOR FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT PASSENGERS WHEEL SEIZED AND THE OTHER WHEELS LOST HYDRAULIC PRESSURE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCLOSE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OR NOT. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED UNKNOWN MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,550.
Toyota Tercel 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-29
- Date Complaint: 2015-01-22
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL43A0N0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: ON 12/29/2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 10AM, MY 84 YEAR MOTHER WAS LEAVING A WALGREEN'S PARKING LOT LOCATED IN SUNRISE, FLORIDA. AFTER BACKING UP, SHE PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE WHERE SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED. AS A RESULT THE CAR STRUCK A RETAINING WALL CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE POLICE AND EMS WERE CALLED AND PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO THE HOSPITAL. MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY AS A RESULT OF HER INJURIES AT APPROXIMATELY 12PM ON 12/29/2015. *TR
Toyota Tercel 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-30
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-31
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE RUBBER PIN/PEG/PIECE (LOOKS LIKE THUMBTACK BUT BIGGER AND MADE OF RUBBER) THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AT THE POINT WERE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH/BUTTON IS, FELL APART INTO FIVE INDIVIDUAL PIECES RESULTING IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE FULLY ON AS IF THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THIS WAS EVEN WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND THE ENGINE OFF. VEHICLE BATTERY HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED IN ORDER TO TURN OFF THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND START THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST BOUGHT FROM A PRIVATE OWNER AND I'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR ABOUT ELEVEN DAYS. ALL FUSES WERE FOUND TO BE IN GOOD ORDER AS WELL. REPLACED THE PART AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORK PROPERLY. *TR
Toyota Tercel 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2013-09-04
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NO LONGER GRAB. PART SEEMS DEFECTIVE, BUT NO APPEARANCE OF ANY CRACK, OR DAMAGE. *JB
Toyota Tercel 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-13
- Date Complaint: 2013-07-27
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
Toyota Tercel 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2010-12-29
- Date Complaint: 2011-02-06
- VIN: JT2EL56EXS0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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
Toyota Tercel 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-19
- Date Complaint: 2011-01-18
- VIN: JTDKB20U663
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE A 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DRIVING AND GO OFF AND ON. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF AND WOULD NOT COME BACK ON TILL I TURNED THE POWER OFF IN THE CAR AND RE-STARTED THE CAR. MY HUSBAND HAS INSTALLED NEW HEADLIGHTS TWICE BUT THIS HAS NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN GREENVILLE, NC AND THEY TOLD ME I DID NOT HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I CONTINUE TO ONLY HAVE ONE HEADLIGHT TO DRIVE WITH, THE LEFT OR RIGHT, I USUALLY START OUT WITH BOTH ON AND THEN ONE WILL GO OUT. I AM VERY SCARED ABOUT DRIVING MY CAR AT NIGHT. I CALLED THE TOYOTA 1-800 NUMBER TO ASK FOR ADVICE BUT THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND TO TAKE MY CAR TO A TOYOTA GARAGE. *TR
Toyota Tercel 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-11-20
- VIN: JT2EL56E4S7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES FAILED TO LATCH ON TO SEAT BELT. *TR
Toyota Tercel 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-27
- VIN: JT2AL32V4G3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: IN 2006-2007, MY 20 YEAR-OLD 1986 TOYOTA TERCEL STATION WAGON BEGAN EXHIBITING SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND/OR FAILURE TO DECELERATE, CAUSED BY A STICKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL -- CAUSING NO INJURIES BUT REQUIRING ME TO BRAKE, SHIFT TO NEUTRAL, AND/OR STOMP REPEATEDLY ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO LOOSEN IT AND ALLOW IT TO RISE BACK UP. THERE WERE AT LEAST 4-5 OCCASIONS WHEN THIS OCCURRED OVER 6 MONTHS -- WITH NONE OF THE INCIDENTS INVOLVING A FLOOR MAT. THE ACCELERATOR PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED ON A TEST DRIVE BY MY LOCAL (NON-TOYOTA) CAR MECHANIC, WHO COULD FIND NO APPARENT CAUSE (SUCH AS RUST) OR FIX FOR THE STICKING GAS PEDAL. WE CONSEQUENTLY SIMPLY ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO THE "OLD AGE" OF THE AUTO -- WHICH I IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUED DRIVING AND LATER JUNKED BECAUSE IT HAD BECOME UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. IN LIGHT OF THE RECENTLY-REPORTED SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WITH LATER TOYOTA MODELS, I'D ADVISE LOOKING INTO WHETHER THE 1980'S TOYOTA TERCEL GAS PEDAL USED THE SAME, OR A SIMILARLY SUSCEPTIBLE, TYPE OF PEDAL ASSEMBLY AS THOSE OF THESE LATER TOYOTA MODELS; IF SO, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT THE PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA'S PEDAL ASSEMBLIES GOES BACK FURTHER THAN CURRENTLY PRESUMED. *TR
Toyota Tercel 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-08
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-26
- VIN: JT2AC52L2T0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 TOYOTA TERCEL. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WOULD NOT STOP. HE HAD TO DRIVE TO A SERVICE ROAD AND FORCE THE GEAR INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. SOME WD-40 WAS SPRAYED ON THE ENGINE AND THEY HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM SINCE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2008 WITH 128,000 MILES. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE DEALER OR TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 11/11/10 *BF UPDATED 11/18/10*JB
Toyota Tercel 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2010-02-25
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 1995 TOYOTA TERCEL EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION EPISODE NEARLY 2 YEARS AGO. I WAS ENTERING A MAIN ROAD WHEN I NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. I REPEATEDLY PRESSED THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME AT THE TIME, AND WHEN I TOTALLY REALIZED THAT THE SPEED WAS INCREASING FROM ABOUT 30 MPH TO ABOUT 45 OR 50 MPH, AND I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, I PUT IN PARK, (IT HAS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) IT MADE A STRONG NOISE, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY HALTED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AT LEAST TWO CAR SHOPS AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WAS EXACTLY AS IS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALLS. AND ALMOST TWO YEARS LATER I STILL FEEL INSECURE DRIVING ANY CAR, AND REMEMBERING WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY AND I HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN. BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE, I'M SURE THE PROBLEM IS BIGGER THAN IT IS PORTRAYED NOW, AND IT MAY EXTEND TO MANY MORE VEHICLES AND MODELS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANKS. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Toyota Tercel
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 19 recalls for different components of the Toyota Tercel.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Toyota Tercel 1999
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Model: Toyota Tercel 1995
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Model: Toyota Tercel 1996
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Model: Toyota Tercel 1998
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
- Model: Toyota Tercel 1997
- Report Received Date: 2008-08-11
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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.
Latest negative Toyota Tercel car reviews
Latest positive Toyota Tercel car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1996
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It's amazing to hear that your car has been with you for so long and has been such a reliable companion. Even after all these years, it still manages to get an impressive 42 mpg! You mentioned that it's starting to require more maintenance and repair, but it's great to hear that it performed well on your recent 2-week, 4200 mile trip. It sounds like it's been a comfortable ride for you both on long stretches of interstate and in the city. Thanks again for sharing your story with us!
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Vehicle year: 1992
Rebuilt engine with only 14000 miles! The car is white with no dents and has new tires. It also has an automatic transmission, excellent interior, and air conditioning.
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Vehicle year: 1991
I bought my Tercel back in 1996 with about 40,000 miles on it. It's been a reliable car for me, and I've only had to take it to the shop once this year (2002) to replace the starter and the AC. It's now zipping past 130,000 miles with no major problems, and it never lets me down.
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Vehicle year: 1997
This is such a great car! I've owned it for 6 years and have had absolutely no issues. It gets fantastic gas mileage, around 32 miles per gallon, and is so easy to drive. Plus, it has a really nice sporty look. I just love my Tercel CE!
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Vehicle year: 1996
Your Tercel sounds like a fantastic car! With great gas mileage (38+ on the highway) and no problems other than regular maintenance, it's no wonder you've put 98000+ miles on it. I have every confidence that it will go another 100,000 miles with ease. Choosing the Tercel was definitely one of your best decisions!
Are you having problems with your Toyota Tercel?
Keyon Marquardt 2025-04-17
Vehicle year: 1997
I completely agree with you! It's a shame that Toyota stopped making these cars and moved on to the Echo. These cars are fantastic with their awesome fuel economy and they are built to last. They are super reliable and make for the best student car ever!
Earnest Hill 2025-04-16
Vehicle year: 1990
It's a little tank made of thin metal, but don't let that fool you. This car is perfect for students or for when the roads are bad and you just need to get there. You can park it in the mall with confidence, as you won't have to worry about door dings and no one will steal it. Plus, it gets an impressive 36-38 MPG. You really can't beat it!
Raymond Welch 2025-03-16
Vehicle year: 1998
I completely agree with you! It's a shame that Toyota stopped making these cars and moved on to the Echo. These cars are fantastic with their awesome fuel economy and they are built to last. They are super reliable and make for the best student car ever!
Emmanuel Price 2025-03-09
Vehicle year: 1993
Bought used with 182k miles and a 4spd. Despite being an abused little car, I put in a new engine, heater blower motor, and cv joints. Since I installed the new parts, I haven't had any problems. However, the interior is too small for me (I'm 6'1
Judah Leuschke 2025-03-03
Vehicle year: 1990
I came across this one-owner gem on the internet with only 29k miles. This is my 12th Toyota and 3rd Tercel. Toyota has won its place in America with a simple strategy: make their entry-level cars affordable to buy and maintain, and buyers will keep coming back for more upscale models. The Tercel perfectly exemplified that strategy. It has comfortable seats, a simple and serviceable drivetrain, and a straightforward interior that doesn't require an owner's manual to figure out how everything works. Although it's a bit noisy compared to today's cars, it runs smoothly and provides just a little bit of fun. With 76 bhp, you won't be winning any races, and the 3-speed automatic transmission revs high and hurts mileage (28-30 avg), but it gets you there cheaply. Overall, it's a great car that won't break the bank!