1982 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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Common 1982 Toyota Tercel problems
The Toyota Tercel, produced from 1978 to 1999, was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common problems, particularly in certain generations. This article will focus on the third generation of the Toyota Tercel, produced from 1987 to 1990, and the issues reported by its owners.
One common issue reported by owners of the third-generation Tercel was problems with the engine's head gasket. Some owners reported that the head gasket would fail prematurely, causing oil leaks and engine overheating. This issue was often caused by problems with the engine's cooling system, which could cause the engine to overheat and damage the head gasket.
Another issue that was reported by owners of the third-generation Tercel was problems with the fuel system. Some owners reported that the fuel pump would fail prematurely, causing the engine to run poorly or stall. Others reported that the fuel injectors would become clogged or fail to operate properly, causing the engine to run poorly or misfire.
Transmission issues were also reported by some owners of the third-generation Tercel. Some owners reported that the automatic transmission would slip or fail to shift properly, while others reported issues with the manual transmission. Some owners also reported that the clutch would wear out quickly or that the shifter would become stiff and difficult to operate.
Brake system failures were another common issue reported by owners of the third-generation Tercel. Some owners reported that the brakes would fail to engage properly, while others reported issues with the brake pads or shoes wearing out quickly.
Electrical issues were also reported by some owners of the third-generation Tercel. Some owners reported that the car's electrical system would fail or that the headlights would flicker or fail to turn on.
While the third-generation Toyota Tercel was generally a reliable car, these common issues could affect its performance and safety. Owners of the third-generation Tercel should be aware of these issues and take appropriate steps to address them in order to maintain the reliability and safety of their vehicle.
Are Toyota Tercels reliable?
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.
What is the mpg on a 1982 Toyota Tercel?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 113 fuel-ups and 22,315 miles of driving, the 1982 Toyota Tercel gets a combined Avg MPG of 26.99 with a 1.01 MPG margin of error.
Why did Toyota discontinue the Tercel?
Thanks to the front-wheel drive configuration, the Tercel offered so much interior space, despite the compact size. After its two-decade-long run. Toyota axed the Tercel in 1999 in the U.S., in order to make room for the 2000 Echo. Today, there really aren't many Tercels left in the United States.
Why is a Toyota Tercel significant?
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.
Is the Toyota Tercel a good car?
Incredible car, would buy again
I have a 1999 4 speed automatic 2 door Tercel, 20 years old 247k km when I bought it and still feels new. Does everything you need very reliably at a low cost. This car is very fun, handles great, and I'm a fan of the cute old school styling and lack of unnecessary electronics.
Why did Toyota discontinue the Tercel?
Thanks to the front-wheel drive configuration, the Tercel offered so much interior space, despite the compact size. After its two-decade-long run. Toyota axed the Tercel in 1999 in the U.S., in order to make room for the 2000 Echo. Today, there really aren't many Tercels left in the United States.
What is the mpg on a 1982 Toyota Tercel?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 113 fuel-ups and 22,315 miles of driving, the 1982 Toyota Tercel gets a combined Avg MPG of 26.99 with a 1.01 MPG margin of error.
Is the Toyota Tercel FWD or RWD?
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.
1982 Toyota Tercel car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Tercel problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1982 Toyota Tercel complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1982 Toyota Tercel.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-21
- VIN: JT2AL21E11C
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE RECALL WORK HAD BEEN DONE BACK IN 1986, AND NOW THE PROBLEM IS BEING EXPERIENCED. THE DEALER WILL NOT COVER IT. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-02-02
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR WHEEL LOWER CONTROL ARMS RUSTED OUT/COLLAPSED. TT
1982 Toyota Tercel recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1982 Toyota Tercel.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS, WHICH SUPPORT THE REAR WHEELS, ARE SUBJECT TO CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE A LARGE AMOUNT OF ROAD SALT IS USED TO AID IN SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALT MAY CAUSE CORROSION FAILURE OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AFFECTING VEHICLE OPERATION; THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: RUST PROOF OR REPLACE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. (OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN IN MAY 1986).
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1982 Toyota Tercel problems:
Is the Tercel Really One of the Worst Toyotas Ever? | Toyota Nation ...
Sep 30, 2018 ... Yeah, MK-III Supra had that issue as well (7M engine). ... Tercels and Paseos that oil consumption can be a problem. ... My 1982 was great in the ...
Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
Top Toyota Tercel Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System · Vehicle Won't ...
Ignition problem - Tercel4WD.com
Jul 14, 2017 ... try a separate jump wire directly to the distributor to see if that makes any difference. good luck. '87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1982 Toyota Truck 22R Carburetor - Idle Issues
Mar 17, 2010 ... Shouldn't the venturi atomize the fuel even at this idle speed of 1200 rpm? any common problems with this carb? Share this conversation.
Late 80s Toyota Tercel - Cheap - Anyone ever had one of these? : r ...
Nov 17, 2022 ... 196 votes, 55 comments. 292K subscribers in the projectcar community. Shine that turd! - A place to share and discuss projects with wheels.
Other years of Toyota Tercel
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