1991 Toyota Tercel problems

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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.

1991 Toyota Tercel

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Common 1991 Toyota Tercel problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Tercel 1991, several common problems have been reported:

  1. Oil Leaks: Owners reported issues with oil leaks, often due to problems with the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. These leaks could lead to oil seepage from the engine, affecting its performance and potentially causing damage over time.
  2. Transmission Problems: Complaints included issues with both automatic and manual transmissions. Owners reported symptoms like slipping, failure to shift properly, quick clutch wear, and stiff shifter operation. Transmission problems can significantly impact the car's drivability and safety.
  3. Brake System Failures: Common complaints involved brakes failing to engage properly, quick wearing of brake pads or shoes, and other issues affecting braking performance. Brake system failures pose a serious safety risk, compromising the car's ability to stop effectively.
  4. Electrical Issues: Owners reported problems with the car's electrical system, such as failures in various components and flickering or non-functional headlights. Electrical issues can lead to malfunctions in critical systems, affecting the car's overall performance and safety.

These common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Tercel 1991 highlight significant issues that can impact the car's reliability, safety, and overall performance. Addressing these problems promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the vehicle in good working condition and ensuring the safety of both the driver and passengers.

1991 Toyota Tercel engine

What engine is in a 1991 Toyota Tercel?

1.5-litre engine

North American Tercels were all fitted with the 1.5-litre engine, producing 63 hp (47 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.

What kind of oil does a 1991 Toyota Tercel take?

Oil Grade: SL

Viscosity:10W-40 (Above -18) 5W-30 (Below 10)
Capacity:3.4 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.
Torque:18 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

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 1991 Toyota Tercel?

1.5-litre engine

North American Tercels were all fitted with the 1.5-litre engine, producing 63 hp (47 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.

What kind of oil does a 1991 Toyota Tercel take?

Oil Grade: SL

Viscosity:10W-40 (Above -18) 5W-30 (Below 10)
Capacity:3.4 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.
Torque:18 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)

How much horsepower does a 1984 Toyota Tercel have?

Specifications for Toyota Tercel 4WD 1.5 4WD Manual, 71hp, 1984 6-speed.

1991 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
  • Seat belts problems
  • Latches/locks/linkages problems
  • Seats problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1991 Toyota Tercel complaints

The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Toyota Tercel.

2005-11-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-11-24
  • VIN: JT2EL43B4M0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON MY 91 TOYOTA TERCEL SEEMS TO HAVE A DEFECT. OCCASIONALLY, WHEN I TURN ON MY TURN SIGNAL, OR MY HEATER FAN, THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS, AS WELL AS THE RADIO WILL TURN OFF FOR ABOUT HALF A SECOND, AND THE CAR WILL STUTTER A BIT. SO FAR, THE LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING HAVE COME BACK ON WITH NO PROBLEM, BUT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THEM STAYING OFF AT SOME POINT AND LEAVING ME UNABLE TO SEE OR BE SEEN. IT DID IT TONIGHT AFTER I HEARD A LOUD CLICKING AND TURNED OFF MY HEATER TO SEE IF IT WAS COMING FROM THERE, AND THEN TURNED THE HEATER BACK ON. *NM
2001-06-05

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-05
  • VIN: JT2EL46B1M0
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: A PART OF THE DOOR MECHANISM THAT CONTROLS THE LATCH BECOMES DISENGAGED TO WHERE THE DOOR CAN NOT BE OPEN FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. *AK
2000-01-25

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-01-14
  • VIN: JT2EL46B5M0
  • Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH (THE ONE OPERATED BY HAND FROM OUTSIDE) SEEMS TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE SPRING DOES NOT RETURN IT BACK TO THE SECURE POSITION. *AK
1999-03-09

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2EL43BXM0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER SIDE SHOULDER SEAT BELT NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE SEAT BEALT THREADS ARE ALL LOOSE, IS ALL TORNED APART. WEARING THE SEAT BELT IS NOT PROVIDING ANY PROTECTION AT ALL. I HAVE NEVER SEEN SOMETHING LIKE IT, NOT EVEN IN OLDER AND MORE USED CARS.
1999-01-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: DUE TO A DEFECTIVE THEROMOSAT, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND OIL LEAKED, DAMAGING THE ENGINE WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN #. *AK
1998-12-07

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS JAMMED WITHIN THE RETRACTING MECHANISM, CAUSING THE SHOULDER BELT TO BECOME INOPERABLE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAIL. *AK
1998-08-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JT2EL43B7M9
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5-10 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE RESTRAINTS DID NOT RETRACT, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S HEAD TO GO INTO THE WINDSHIELD . THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTFIED. *AK *ML
1998-04-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-05-12
  • VIN: 2GTEC14H6L1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT BROKE AND THE DRIVER WAS NOT RESTRAINED IN THE SEAT. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. THE OWNER HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE BELT CORRECTED. OWNER THINKS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT. *AK
1997-12-12

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2EL43B1M0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS RIPPING APART. THE OWNER HAS MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER . *AK
1997-10-28

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2EL46B9M0
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: AIR CONDITIONER FAILED, WETTING FRONT FLOOR ON PASSENGER'S SIDE.
1997-03-24

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-05-31
  • VIN: JT2EL46B6M0
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SHOULDER BELT WOULD FREQUENTLY NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER TO LEAN FORWARD IN SEAT; DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO PRESS HIS BODY BACK AND FORTH AGAINST THE SHOULDER BELT TO REGAIN SOME SLACKNESS IN THE SHOULDER BELT. ALSO, SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT FULLY, SHOULDER BELT WOULD GET CAUGHT WHEN DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO MANUALLY RESTRAIN. *AK
1996-07-24

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JT2EL43A1M0
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: SEAT DESIGN DOES NOT ACCOMMODATE CHILD SAFETY SEATS. *AW
1996-07-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-07-04
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
1996-07-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-23
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TERCEL WAS HIT HEAD ON; SHOULDER BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER & PASSENGER. *AK
1996-06-03

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: HEAD RESTRAINTS INOPERATIVE, DUE TO HEADREST RESTAINTS INTERNAL BOLT BREAKING, CAUSING DETACHMENT FROM SEAT, SECOND OCCURRENCE. *AK
1996-05-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1993-12-01
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FAILED TWICE. *DSH
1996-02-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
  • VIN: JTZEL34D8M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE MOUNTS BROKE ON VEHICLE, UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. TT
1994-12-28

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-12-28
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JT2EL43B1M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. *SKD
1994-12-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-19
  • VIN: JT2EL43B1M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE COOLANT DRAINED AND REPLACED.
1994-12-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-11-30
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JT2EL43B1M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. *SKD
1994-12-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-19
  • VIN: JT2EL43B1M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED.
1994-12-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-10-19
  • VIN: JT2EL43B1M0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: TIMING BELT REPLACED.

Positive 1991 Toyota Tercel car reviews

  1. Murray Corkery 2024-11-17

    This little car is more powerful than you might expect. It can easily reach speeds of 80mph without any issues. It's a great looking car that you can rely on. While there are a couple of minor issues, such as a small engine oil leak (one quart every 1000 miles) and the occasional need to shake the transmission before starting the car, these are to be expected for a car that is 12 years old.

  2. Josiah Roberts 2024-10-17

    I've been driving this car for 14 years and it still runs just as well as the day I bought it. I think the maintenance has been pretty standard for any car and I have no complaints. I'm definitely going to consider getting a Toyota for my next car.

  3. Torrance Becker 2024-09-05

    Hi there! I'm an owner of a Cadillac Escalade, and I recently purchased a Tercel to reduce the mileage on my Cadillac. I must say, this vehicle is extremely reliable and fun to drive! Even with over 123K miles, I still get over 31mpg. It doesn't get any better than this! This car was built to run, and boy does it run! I highly recommend it as a great second, third, or any number you choose as an additional car. If you can get one, buy one!

  4. Jonathan Becker 2024-08-23

    I recently acquired this car with 116,000 miles and had to replace a few valves, but since then it has been running smoothly. I have thoroughly enjoyed owning this car, however, due to an unfortunate incident where it was hit by a dump truck wheel, I have decided to sell it. Despite this, I will always cherish the memories I have with this exceptional vehicle.

  5. Efren Grady 2024-08-06

    This is a reliable vehicle that I used alternately with my teenagers. Three of them learned how to drive on this car. It has 145,000 miles on it and is just now beginning to use oil. It gets 30 mpg in town and 40+ on the road. I have not experienced any mechanical problems with it.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1991 Toyota Tercel problems:

1991 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
1991 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1991-toyota-tercel/problems

Problem with your 1991 Toyota Tercel? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1991 Toyota Tercel.

Toyota Tercel Questions - reliability - CarGurus
Toyota Tercel Questions - reliability - CarGurus
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-t18580_ds443801

Sep 19, 2008 ... 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser 4WD. -. General. Where should I submit my Tercel's uncomfortable seat issues solution? 2 Answers. I have found a way to ...

Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 27 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/toyota/tercel

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: 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 - Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Q&A: 1991 Toyota Pickup 4x4 - Common Issues & Troubleshooting
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/48y5d-toyota-pu-1991-toyota-pickup-4x4-3-0-v-6.html

Nov 21, 2010 ... I have a 1991 toyota pickup 4x4 with a 3.0 v-6. I have a problem with the idle surging at idle when the engine is cold.

Just picked up a 1991 all-trac wagon... - Tercel4WD.com
Just picked up a 1991 all-trac wagon... - Tercel4WD.com
https://tercel4wd.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10770

Oct 22, 2014 ... ... 1991 Toyota all-trac wagon with a 5spd. ... And I am working on fixing the other problems on the Tercel ... Very common problem here but it is a ...

Other years of Toyota Tercel

toyota tercel 1992 photo
Tercel 1992
Toyota

28

0

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota tercel 1993 photo
Tercel 1993
Toyota

50

0

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota tercel 1994 photo
Tercel 1994
Toyota

49

0

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota tercel 1995 photo
Tercel 1995
Toyota

59

2

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota tercel 1996 photo
Tercel 1996
Toyota

46

2

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
toyota tercel 1997 photo
Tercel 1997
Toyota

25

2

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1991 Toyota Tercel photo