1987 Toyota Tercel problems

Common 1987 Toyota Tercel problems

The Toyota Tercel, produced between 1983 and 1986, was a popular car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, like any vehicle, it had its share of common issues. One of the most reported problems was with the carburetor. The carburetor could fail to operate properly, causing the engine to run poorly or stall. This issue was often caused by problems with the carburetor's float, which could become stuck or damaged over time.

Another common issue reported by owners of the second-generation Tercel was problems with the engine's timing belt. Some owners reported that the timing belt would fail prematurely, which could cause serious engine damage. It was recommended that owners of the second-generation Tercel have the timing belt replaced at regular intervals to prevent this issue from occurring.

Transmission issues were also reported by some owners of the second-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 second-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 second-generation Tercel. Some owners reported that the car's electrical system would fail or that the headlights would flicker or fail to turn on.

For the third-generation Tercel, produced from 1987 to 1991, one common issue reported by owners 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.

In conclusion, while the Toyota Tercel was generally a reliable car, there were some common issues reported by owners. These issues often related to problems with the carburetor, timing belt, transmission, brake system, and electrical system. Owners of the 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 engine is in a 1987 Toyota Tercel?

1987 Toyota Tercel Specs and Features Change Car

It features 4 cylinder 1.5L I4 78hp 87ft. lbs. engine .

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.

What engine is in a 1987 Toyota Tercel?

1987 Toyota Tercel Specs and Features Change Car

It features 4 cylinder 1.5L I4 78hp 87ft. lbs. engine .

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 engine is in the Toyota Tercel?

All Tercels featured a 5E-FE 1.5 16v twin cam (DOHC) engine, rated at 100 hp (70 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 95 lb⋅ft (129 N⋅m) of torque at 3,200 rpm.

1987 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:

• Fuel system problems
• Gasoline problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems
• Electrical system problems
• Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.