1992 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 1992 Toyota Tercel problems
The Toyota Tercel is a compact car produced by Toyota from 1978 to 1999. The 1992 Toyota Tercel is part of the third generation, which was produced from 1987 to 1990. While the Tercel is generally known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, there are some common issues reported by owners of this generation.
One common issue reported by owners of the third-generation Tercel is 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 is 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 addition to these issues, some owners of the 1992 Toyota Tercel reported problems with the car's idle and acceleration. For example, one owner reported that the car had a rough idle and a flat spot in the acceleration. This issue was likely caused by problems with the engine's fuel system or ignition system, but it could also be related to issues with the car's transmission or suspension system.
Overall, while the third-generation Toyota Tercel was generally a reliable car, there were some common issues reported by owners. These issues often related to problems with the engine's head gasket, fuel system, transmission, brake system, and electrical system. 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.
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 was the Tercel called in Japan?
The Tercel was introduced in Japan in August 1978, Europe in January 1979[2] and the United States in 1980. It was originally sold as either a two or four door coupé, or as a three-door hatchback. A version marketed in parallel through a separate distribution network in Japan was called the Toyota Corsa.
1992 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1992 Toyota Tercel
The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Toyota Tercel. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1992 Toyota Tercel vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-29
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL43A0N0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: ON 12/29/2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 10AM, MY 84 YEAR MOTHER WAS LEAVING A WALGREEN'S PARKING LOT LOCATED IN SUNRISE, FLORIDA. AFTER BACKING UP, SHE PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE WHERE SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED. AS A RESULT THE CAR STRUCK A RETAINING WALL CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE POLICE AND EMS WERE CALLED AND PROVIDED TRANSPORTATION TO THE HOSPITAL. MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY AS A RESULT OF HER INJURIES AT APPROXIMATELY 12PM ON 12/29/2015. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING A 92 TOYOTA TERCEL. I WAS GOING UP A STEEP HILL ON I-5 IN OREGON. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE GAS PEDAL LOST PRESSURE AND FELL TO THE FLOOR WITH THE ENGINE AT FULL ACCELERATION. LUCKILY I WAS GOING UP A HILL. I REACHED DOWN AND WIGGLED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WAS TOTALLY LOOSE AND JUST DROPPED TO THE FLOOR. AS I CAME TO THE NEXT EXIT I PULLED OFF, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE KEY. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND THE PRESSURE CAME BACK TO THE GAS PEDAL. IT SEEMED TO DRIVE FINE AFTER THAT EXCEPT IT MADE A DEEPER MUFFLED NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING. I BROUGHT IT IN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY LUBED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE NOISE WENT AWAY AND THERE WERE NO MORE PROBLEMS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-21
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 TOYOTA TERCEL. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN THE SPRING OF 1992, AND 6 MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A VERY NICE DAY THE ENGINE SEIZED AND ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH A BRAND NEW ENGINE AT THAT TIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SECOND ENGINE SEIZED 10 MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT THEN PURCHASED A REBUILT ENGINE IN THE SPRING OF 1995, AND 7 MONTHS LATER THAT ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT THEN PURCHASED ANOTHER ENGINE IN 2002, AND IT WAS CURRENTLY STILL WORKING. EACH INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH, AND HAD A BRAND NEW ENGINE WHEN THE ENGINE SEIZED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-16
- VIN: JT2EL46B1N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT STARTED TO ENTANGLE FROM THE TOP TO THE BOTTOM. DRIVER CONTACTED THE DEALER BY PHONE. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-15
- VIN: JT3VN39W4N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ON 3/29/03 I HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT WORLDTOYOTA ON PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD. I HAD AN OIL & FILTER CHANGE, 19 PT. INSPECTION, SPRING SERVICE AND BRAKES FOR A WHOPPING $488. I HAVE HAD A DIAGNOSTICS TEST DONE ON MY VEHICLE WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS AT WORLDTOYOTA. IN THE PAST YEAR I HAVE ALSO REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION, MAIN SEAL, TRANSMISSION SEAL AND CV AXLE, TIMING BELT, TUNE-UP AND REGULAR OIL CHANGES. ON 4-28-03 I THREW A ROD IN MY ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY CHECKED THE OIL AND THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE (MARKED ABOUT A 1/4" FROM TIP OF DIP STICK). AS CONFIRMED BY WORLDTOYOTA I HAVE NO OIL LEAKS AND I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY SMOKE OR FUME EMMITTING FROM MY EXHAUSE. LAST EMISSION INSPECTION 1/03. IF SOMEONE (NAMELY WORLDTOYOTA) CAN GIVE ME A FEASIBLE EXPLANATION AS TO WHAT HAPPEN TO THE 5 QUARTS OF OIL THAT WAS SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED DURING THE OIL CHANGE I CAN MAYBE GET SOME UNDERSTANDING. BUT OIL DOES NOT JUST EVAPORATE OUT OF THE ENGINE. MY NEXT SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE WAS 138,019 MILES OR 5/29/03. I AM A SINGLE MOM AND THIS IS MY SOLE MEANS OF TRANSPORTAION. I CONSISTENTLY TAKE NECESSARY STEPS TO MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-20
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT IS VERY BADLY FRAYED. HAS REACHED THE POINT WHERE IT DOESN'T RETRACT PROPERLY. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPELLED HIGH HYDROCARBONS AND CARBON MONOXIDE AT CRUISE. HOWEVER AT IDLE IT WAS EXTREMELY LOW. AFTER MANY REPAIRS, IT WAS FOUND THE FUEL VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED THAT WOULD PROBABLY INCLUDE THE VACUUM LINE FROM THE CHARCOAL CANISTER AND MAY ALSO BE AFFECTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CONSUMER REQUESTED RECALL INFORMATION ON THIS CONDITION. *TT *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 2 NEW TIRES, LESS THAN 5,00 MILES DRIVEN, SIDEWALLS CRACKING AND SEPARATING. *AK (DOT NUMBER: PL8JV9LR10 TIRESIZE: P175/65R14)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-01
- VIN: JT2EL46B6N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE PASSIVE RESTRAINT SHOULDER BELT IS FRAYING BADLY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46BONO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15-20MPH & ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF CONSUMER & THERE WAS A REAR END COLLISION. SEAT BELT DIDN'T TIGHTEN TO SECURE THE CONSUMER WHICH CAUSED ALOT OF KNOCKING AROUND. MANFACTURER WAS SENDING ADJUSTER OUT TO INSPECT VEHICLE & WOULDN'T SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT SO THAT CONSUMER COULD BE PRESENT. *AK THE SEAT BELT DIDN'T TIGHTEN AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-20
- VIN: JT2EL43B2N0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THERE BEGAN A KNOCKING SOUND. WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP WHO SAID ONE OF THE BEARINGS ON THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN AND DISINTEGRATED. *AK.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-24
- VIN: JT2EL43B6N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SHOUDLER STRAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS SHREDDING. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE BELT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. *AK *ML
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-01
- VIN: JT2EL46B5N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SHOULDER SAFETY BELT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE HAS FRAYED ON THE EDGE THAT CONTACTS THE NECK. THE EXPOSED FIBERS ARE LIKE SHARP TINY SAW TEETH, MUCH LIKE A HACK SAW. IN AN ACCIDENT, THE BELT COULD EASILY SLICE THROUGH THE NECK TO THE CAROTID ARTERY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: J12EL43B8N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN HER IN SEAT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL46BON0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-01
- VIN: JT2EL43B1NO
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILED
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT FULLY, IF AT ALL AND NEVER HAS.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT DETERIORATED TO THREADS IN THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT AREA.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT. MJS
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL46B3N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE RESTRAINT IS COMING APART FROM THE FRAME, HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THE RESTRAINT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK CONSUMER REPLACED SHOULDER BELT AT HIS EXPENSE.*JB
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: JT2EL43B6N0
- Components: STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS COME ON. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT2EL43B1N0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT WIRING SHORTED OUT, CAUSING FIRE IN REAR OF VEHICLE. *AW
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-08
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: WHILE GOING HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE HOOD FLEW UP AND OBSTRUCTED THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER AND BROKE THE WINDSHEILD.PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46B3N0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER WHILE VEHICLE ROLLING OVER, CAUSING DRIVER TO BE EJECTED/INJURY. *SD
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-29
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: GOODYEAR VIVA TIRES HAVE POOR TRACTION. *SD
Negative 1992 Toyota Tercel car reviews
Positive 1992 Toyota Tercel car reviews
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I'm so proud of my Tercel for reaching 225700 km! Although the body is in bad shape and the rocker panels are gone, it's still on the road and passed the anti-pollution test in March 2005. The motor and transmission are still in great condition on this little car. It was definitely worth every penny. Maybe I used too much soap, but it's still going strong!
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Toyota car. It's actually the first Toyota I've ever owned, and I have to say, I'm really impressed with it. It's been going strong for 200,000 miles on the original engine, and we just rebuilt it. I'm confident it will last another 200,000 miles! Thanks for listening.
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Wow, it's amazing to hear that you've had such a great experience with your car for 13 years! It's clear that this vehicle has been a reliable and economical choice for you. Although it may not be the most luxurious option out there, it sounds like it has been the perfect practical choice for you. With an average of 36 mpg and very few major repairs, it's no wonder you're dreading the day you have to say goodbye to it after 137,000+ miles. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us!
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Your Tercel sounds like an amazing car! It's so impressive that you've been driving it for 10 years and it's still going strong. It's great that you've been able to do your own oil changes and basic maintenance, and it's even better that you've only spent around 5 grand CAD on it over the years. That's a testament to how reliable and well-built the car is. It's clear that you take good care of it and that it takes good care of you in return. Thanks for sharing your story!
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I've had this car for almost a week now and I have to say, it's been a great investment. This is actually my third car, but it's by far the best choice I've made. I only had to spend $20 to fill up the tank and it's lasted me the entire week! The mpg is superb and combined with the manual transmission, I don't have to worry about gas money at all. The T-cel drives surprisingly smooth for a car that has over 125,000 miles on it. The interior is simple, but it gets me where I need to go efficiently and with ease. This is my first Toyota and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Toyota Tercel problems:
1992 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
Problem with your 1992 Toyota Tercel? Our list of 18 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1992 Toyota Tercel.
1992 Tercel shift/clutch issues | Toyota Nation Forum
Jun 18, 2019 ... China bearing=short life. Put molybdenum disulfide grease on the splines, shift fork to ball, shift fork to bearing contact points. No grease ...
1992 toyota tercel 1.5 liter 3e engine firing cold may start may not
Nov 29, 2017 ... What seems to make the problem better or worse? BETTER WHEN FIRST TRYING IN MORNING ; How long have you had this problem? SINCE REBUILD / BLEW ...
1990 Toyota Tercel with dieseling issues | Toyota Nation Forum
Dec 22, 2019 ... Timing is the most common cause I've seen over the years. Fuel pressure is another source of problems that can induce the problems your having.
1992 Toyota Tercel Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 1992 Toyota Tercel? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Toyota Tercel
Are you having problems with your 1992 Toyota Tercel?
Riley Corkery 2024-08-02
This car has a really reliable engine, and it's a great no-frills car for someone who just wants dependable transportation.
Anthony Stamm 2024-06-12
If you're in search of an affordable car that you can always rely on, look no further! Although it doesn't come with any fancy features, it runs like a champ. In the three years that I've owned one, I've driven over 30,000 miles and only spent $60 on repairs. While it may not be the safest car out there, it is by far the most economical vehicle I've ever driven. It's my second vehicle, mainly used as a backup, but it's reassuring to know that the Tercel will always start and never give me any trouble. If you're not concerned about luxury, the Tercel is the perfect car for you. It will never let you down and you can keep it for as long as you want. They never die. I highly recommend it to anyone!
Dell Lubowitz 2024-04-27
Hi there! When I brought my car in to have an oil leak fixed (it was leaking from the exterior oil pump), the mechanic discovered that the timing was adjusted incorrectly. Thankfully, he was able to correct it. However, the car still wasn't running well and lacked power due to low compression. I had a valve job done on it, but it was still burning oil at a rate of 1 quart every 100 miles. I then replaced the rings, but unfortunately, it was still burning oil every 1,500 miles. It turns out that the cylinder walls were out of shape and oil was getting by them.