1990 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 1990 Toyota Tercel problems
The Toyota Tercel, produced from 1978 to 1999, was known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, as with any vehicle, there were some common issues reported by owners of the 1990 Toyota Tercel.
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 reported by owners 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 1990 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 1990 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 1990 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 issues, some owners reported problems with the alternator and exhaust leaks. Some owners also reported issues with the car's suspension and steering systems.
While the 1990 Toyota Tercel was generally a reliable car, these common issues could cause significant problems if not addressed promptly. Owners of the 1990 Tercel should be aware of these issues and take appropriate steps to maintain their vehicle's reliability and safety.
What engine does a 1990 Toyota Tercel have?
Used 1990 Toyota Tercel - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 78 hp @ 6,000 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.
How much is a 1990 Toyota Tercel?
How much is a 1990 Toyota Tercel worth? The value of a used 1990 Toyota Tercel ranges from $491 to $3,598, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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 a Toyota Tercel reliable?
I purchased my Tercel in 1997 with 27K mileage. I have it now for 27 years and my mileage is only 165K. Other than the usual up keep maintenance, I haven't had any problems. I would highly recommend this car!!
What engine does a 1990 Toyota Tercel have?
Used 1990 Toyota Tercel - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine size | 1.5 L |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 78 hp @ 6,000 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.
How much is a 1990 Toyota Tercel?
How much is a 1990 Toyota Tercel worth? The value of a used 1990 Toyota Tercel ranges from $491 to $3,598, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
1990 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Toyota Tercel complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Toyota Tercel.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-17
- Crash: 1
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IN APRIL 2004, MY TOYOTA TERCEL ACCELERATED FROM 05 TO APPROXIMATELY 90MPH IN A PARKING LOT, CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND TOTALED MY CAR. ANOTHER PROBLEM WAS THE BRAKE PEDAL. EVEN AFTER CHANGING TO NEW BRAKE PADS, SHOES, BRAKE DRUMS AND ROTORS, THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL DROPPED LOW TO THE FLOOR THAT IT FELT THAT I WAS PUSHING THE FLOOR WHEN I BRAKE. I HAD SEVERAL ACCELERATION INCIDENTS. EVEN WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL FIRMLY AND CONTINUOUSLY, THE CAR KEPT GOING. THE ACCELERATION PROBLEM AND STICKY BRAKE PEDAL PROBLEMS WERE NEVER SOLVED. I WROTE THE TRIPLE A/AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SO. CA INSURANCE ABOUT THESE ISSUES REGARDING MY ACCIDENT BUT WAS IGNORED. *TW
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1990 TOYOTA TERCEL ENGINE BLEW. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND HAD ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IN BUT IT DID NOT LAST VERY LONG. *NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-15
- VIN: JT2EL31F1L0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO HAVE CARBURETOR REPAIRED. CARBURETOR FAILED IN HIGH RPM MODE, NEARLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-15
- VIN: JT2EL31F1L0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD THE OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED. *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-18
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE FOLLOWING IS A DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS WHICH LEAD TO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVER-HEATING AND CATCHING MY CAR ON FIRE. ON 6-18-01, I SMELT A BURNING SMELL AND PULLED OVER TO TRY TO FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING THE SMELL. AFTER A SERIES OF LOOKS I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ANY WHERE, HOWEVER, I COULD FEEL A LITTLE HEAT BETWEEN MY SHIFT AND EMERGENCY BRAKE. ON MY HOME SMOKE STARTED TO EMERGE FROM THE STICK/EMERGENCY BRAKE AREA. BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER OUT OF TRAFFIC, FLAMES BEGIN SHOOTING OUT OF THE CENTER OF THE CAR (EMERGENCY BRAKE AND STICK-SHIFT AREA). I IMMEDIATELY TURNED UPON THE CURB AND PARKED THE CAR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ON THE SCENE 10 MINUTES LATER AND EVALUATED THE SITUATION, STATING MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER IGNITED THE CAR AND THAT I WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. THE FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE FLOOR AND MOST OF MY INTERIOR.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL36M1L0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CUSHION BROKE OFF BRAKE LIGHT PEDAL ARM ASSEMBLY, CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO STAY ON PERMANENTLY. THERE IS NOTHING ON BRAKE PEDAL ARM TO RETRACT SWITCH'S TRIGGER. *CJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL LEAK, LATER NEEDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT, THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL LEAK, LATER NEEDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT, THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-07-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: J251B237654
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CAR CUT OFF. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER ,AND DEARLER REPLACED ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE ENGINE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-09-01
- VIN: JT2EL31FIL0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DUE TO CARBON BUILD-UP IN THE CARBURETOR AND INTAKE VALVES, THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY STALLS IN TRAFFIC AND WILL NOT RESTART.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-10-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY OR EASILY AND LOSES ACCELERATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS. DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT HARNESS HAS SHREDDED OVER TIME AND IS NO LONGER USABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: JT2EL31MDL0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILURE, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL BECOMES VERY HARD AND LEFT FOOT OFF PEDAL, REAPPLIED THE BRAKES AND EFFECTIVESS RETURNS. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-29
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTZEL31F5L0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OVERHEATING OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-11
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS DUE TO CARBURETOR FAILURE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-29
- VIN: JT2EL31F6L0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-29
- VIN: JT2EL31F6L0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL PUMP FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JP2EL31M2LO
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE DASH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL36M3L0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED AND DETACHED FROM ANCHOR UPON REAR END COLLISION AND FELL INTO REAR SEAT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-07-01
- VIN: JT2EL33F0L0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSAXLE FAILURE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-03
- VIN: JT2EL36M9L0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT/SHOULDER HARNESS SHREDDING. *SD
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-04
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. DRIVERS SEAT FAILED W/SHOULDER PORTION COLLAPSING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL36M2L0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POSSIBLE THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED, RESULTING IN NO STOPPING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT. TT
1990 Toyota Tercel recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1990 Toyota Tercel.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.
- Consequence: THE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING CAUSED BYOTHER THAN KOITO BRAND LAMP BULBS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108, "LAMPS,REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Remedy: TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON EACH HEADLAMP HOUSING.
Negative 1990 Toyota Tercel car reviews
Positive 1990 Toyota Tercel car reviews
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I love my old car! I bought it when it was already 11 years old and had about 70K miles on it. I kept it for 6 years and put another 30K miles on it. When I parted with it, it was still going strong. I never had any major problems with it, just some routine maintenance and the occasional part replacement. Overall, I only spent around $500 to $600 on maintenance and repairs in the six years I owned it, and I didn't even do the oil changes myself!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Toyota Tercel problems:
1990 Toyota Tercel with dieseling issues | Toyota Nation Forum
Dec 22, 2019 ... It's possible it's been shortened or is binding up and now it's too short so even when you don't have your foot on the pedal the throttle stays ...
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 ...
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 ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Toyota Tercel Carburetor Issues | 1986 Tercel ...
Jun 29, 2012 ... I'm having problems starting a 1986 toyota tercel wagon replaced fuel filter ,fuel pump and still won't start. - Answered by a verified ...
1990 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Top 1990 Toyota Tercel Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System · Ignition ...
Other years of Toyota Tercel
Are you having problems with your 1990 Toyota Tercel?
Brandon Beatty 2024-11-22
We had this car for 10 years and rarely changed the oil, yet nothing ever went wrong during that time. That is simply amazing! Besides the wear and tear on the tires, brakes, and seats, this car is indestructible.
Danny Bode 2024-10-23
This car is indestructible! I highly recommend it as your second car. Just be sure the body is solid.
Lloyd Okuneva 2024-08-25
You have a good vehicle that has never let you down.
Nasir Muller 2024-06-19
I used to drive one of these cars between 1995 and 2001, right after graduating from college and dealing with student debt and an entry-level salary. Despite its faults, it was a decent car for basic transportation. It had good visibility, a spacious hatch, was easy to drive, and had good traction in the snow. However, despite Toyota's reputation for reliability, this car did not live up to expectations. It had many faults over the years, but the worst was the terrible 'variable venturi' carburetor. The designers of this part should walk the plank! Additionally, the acceleration was abysmal. In 2001, when the starter began to fail for the second time, I decided to buy my first Mustang GT and never looked back.