1983 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 1983 Toyota Tercel problems
The Toyota Tercel, produced from 1978 to 1999, was a popular compact car known for its reliability and durability. However, as with any vehicle, there were common problems reported by owners, particularly for the 1983 model year.
One common issue reported by owners of the 1983 Toyota Tercel was oil leaks. This was often due to a problem with the valve cover gasket, which could wear out over time and allow oil to leak out of the engine. Some owners also reported issues with the oil pan gasket and rear main seal.
Another issue that was reported by owners of the 1983 Tercel was problems with the transmission. 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 also a common issue reported by owners of the 1983 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 1983 Tercel. Some owners reported that the car's electrical system would fail or that the headlights would flicker or fail to turn on.
In addition to these common issues, the 1983 Tercel was known for its underpowered engine and handling that was described as "like a Fordson tractor".
In summary, the 1983 Toyota Tercel was known for common problems such as oil leaks, transmission issues, brake system failures, and electrical issues. However, despite these issues, the Tercel was known for its reliability and durability, making it a popular compact car for many years.
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 1983 Tercel?
Based on data from 4 vehicles, 36 fuel-ups and 9,248 miles of driving, the 1983 Toyota Tercel gets a combined Avg MPG of 29.19 with a 1.06 MPG margin of error.
How much horsepower does a 1983 Toyota Tercel have?
In the United States it was named the "Corolla Tercel". Models sold in the US were powered by a 1,452 cc SOHC four-cylinder 1A-C engine producing 60 hp (45 kW) at 4,800 rpm.
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.
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 gas mileage on a 1983 Toyota Tercel 4wd?
Based on data from 4 vehicles, 36 fuel-ups and 9,248 miles of driving, the 1983 Toyota Tercel gets a combined Avg MPG of 29.19 with a 1.06 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.
How much horsepower does a 1983 Toyota Tercel have?
In the United States it was named the "Corolla Tercel". Models sold in the US were powered by a 1,452 cc SOHC four-cylinder 1A-C engine producing 60 hp (45 kW) at 4,800 rpm.
1983 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Toyota Tercel complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Toyota Tercel.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-07
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AT STOP SIGNS VEHICLE'S ENGINE CONTINUALLY STALLS EXTENSIVE REPAIRS TO FAULTY COMPONENTS DID NOT RECTIFY STALLING CONDITIONS.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-19
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT STRUTS FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-07
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-14
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SPARK PLUGS AND DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND ROTOR REPLACED DUE TO STALLING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-09-15
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-09
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: STARTER FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-07
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR BELT FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-30
- VIN: JTZAL32H3DO
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE HOSES FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-14
- VIN: JT2AL32G9D0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED TWICE. *AW
1983 Toyota Tercel recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1983 Toyota Tercel.
- Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.
- Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.
- Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Toyota Tercel problems:
Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
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Ignition problem - Tercel4WD.com
Jul 14, 2017 ... My tercel:: 1983 2wd tercel hatch back ,1986 SR5 ... '87 Tercel 4wd SR5 (current engine swap project) ... I presented the problem of the Tercel not ...
Common 2006 Toyota Solara Problems: Expert Q&A
Aug 12, 2021 ... Problems with catalytic, problems ... issues and the car overall drove well except for that problem. ... I have a 1983 Toyota Tercel SR5 wagon with ...
AMC Eagle? - Tercel4WD.com
Dec 21, 2009 ... My tercel:: 1986 Toyota Tercel Base. Re: AMC ... Also oil leaks are a very, very common problem. ... My tercel:: 1983 SR5 4WD, Custom Paint Job ...
Toyota Tercel Questions - reliability - CarGurus
Sep 19, 2008 ... I keep it in good shape; synthetic oil every 10000 I've changed the transmission fluid once spark plugs once. No problems. 16 kms highway 13.7 ...
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