1993 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 1993 Toyota Tercel problems
The 1993 Toyota Tercel is known for several common issues based on complaints from owners.
Another common issue reported by owners of the 1993 Toyota 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.
Fuel system problems were also reported by some owners of the 1993 Toyota Tercel. 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 1993 Toyota 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 1993 Toyota 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 1993 Toyota Tercel. Some owners reported that the car's electrical system would fail or that the headlights would flicker or fail to turn on.
In summary, the 1993 Toyota Tercel has several common issues reported by owners, including problems with the engine's head gasket, fuel system, transmission, brake system, and electrical system. Owners of this model should be aware of these issues and take appropriate steps to address them 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.
What engine does a 1993 Toyota Tercel have?
1.5 L 4-cylinder1993 Toyota Tercel / Engine
Does a 1993 Toyota Tercel have airbags?
The 1993 model had a minor exterior redesign to the front and rear fascias and the addition of a standard driver's side airbag (the non-motorized two-point passive passenger-side seatbelt is retained) and available anti-lock brakes.
Why won't my Toyota Tercel start?
The most common reasons a Toyota Tercel won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
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.
Does a 1993 Toyota Tercel have airbags?
The 1993 model had a minor exterior redesign to the front and rear fascias and the addition of a standard driver's side airbag (the non-motorized two-point passive passenger-side seatbelt is retained) and available anti-lock brakes.
Why won't my Toyota Tercel start?
The most common reasons a Toyota Tercel won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
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.
1993 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:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1993 Toyota Tercel
The NHTSA has received 50 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Toyota Tercel. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1993 Toyota Tercel vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG, DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY DURING REAR-END CAR ACCIDENT. *NM
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PROVIDE
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED SMELL STRONG CHEMICAL FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT(PLASTIC MATERIAL) DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-21
- VIN: JT5YN94T3P0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT ALL SIX TIRES SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING. THE TIRE TURNED INTO AN EGG AND WERE NOT DRIVABLE. TIRE INFO: YOKOHAMA-185R-14D/DOT #NOT AVAILABLE. THERE WAS PLENTY OF TREAD REMAINING AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHEN THE TIRES SEPARATED. (TOYOTA MOTOR HOME) SCC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-20
- VIN: JT2EL46S6P0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE EXHIBITS WHITE SMOKE, CONSUMER HAD TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS INSPECT VEHICLE AND BOTH STATED THAT THE RINGS ARE SHOT AND ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-20
- VIN: JT2EL46S6P0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE EXHIBITS WHITE SMOKE, CONSUMER HAD TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS INSPECT VEHICLE AND BOTH STATED THAT THE RINGS ARE SHOT AND ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. *TT
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: JT2EL46S7PO
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DEALER FIRST SAID NOTHING WRONG. RESET . THEN CAME ON AGAIN. SAID MAY BE BAD SENSOR. I NOTICED 50 AIRBAG COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. THIS AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH AND DEALER/TOYOTA WILL NOT REPAIR THIS OBVOIUS SAFTEY DEFECT.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46S2P0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKE WHICH CAUSED WHEELS TO LOCK. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, AND WOULD NOT RETURN. PROBLEM CAUSED VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAIL ON THIS MATTER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-01
- VIN: JT2EL43S8P0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER PURCHASED NEW AT 72,517, WAS TOLD THAT A NEW ENGINE NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE ENGINE, ONLY IF DAMAGE WAS NOT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. DEALER TOOK ENGINE APART, AND SAID IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR, AND DID NOT REPLACE ENGINE. CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE IN DECEMBER OF 1999. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL43F8P0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE PREMATURELY FAILED AT 72,000 MILES. CONSUMER HAD TO BUY A REBUILT ENGINE.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46S6P0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THAT DAY, WHEN I DRIVE IN RT 21, I SUDDENTLY LOST CONTROL, HIT TO ANOTHER SUV, WE SLOW DOWN( DOT NUMBER: )
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-27
- VIN: JT2EL43S8P0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: AFTER PUTTING AIR IN ALL TIRES, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY FOUND OUT THAT TIRES HAD A TREAD SEPARATION WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-17
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46SXP0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER,AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-22
- VIN: JT2EL46S0P0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED. BEEN TO DEALER & PLACED ON DIAGNOSTIC. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC SHORT AIR BAG SENSOR SYSTEM WAS CAUSED & HAD A SHORT IN IT. THE ENTIRE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL46S5P0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: HAVE LOOKED AT SEVERAL OTHER 1993 TERCELS. MOST I HAVE NOTICED HAVE A HORIZONTAL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A PROBLEM IN MOST OF THAT YEAR? I FIND IT STRANGE THAT THE TERCELS I HAVE SEEN HAVE THE SAME TENDENCY TO CRACK IN THE SAME AREA IN THE SAME WAY. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL465SXP
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: IN MINOR IMPACT THE BUMPER SUSTAINED EXCESSIVE DAMAGE. MJS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL465SXP
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATES, DEALER STATES SYSTEM IS FINE. MJS
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 25 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP UPON IMPACT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED UPON A MINOR CRASH. I RECEIVED BURNS AND SCRAPES TO MY FACE. ALSO THE AIRBAG OR SOMETHING IN IT CAUSED BURN IN MY SHIRT, THROUGH MY BRA AND ONTO MY CHEST AREA. I DON'T BELIEVE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED PROPERLY AND AM VERY CONCERNED AS TO WHY.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-04
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46S5P0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH REARENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT, DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND AIRBAG DUST CAME OUT, BUT DID NOT INFLATE. CAME OUT FLAT ,NO AIR IN THE BAG. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE IN A CHAIN REACTION ACCIDENT WAS HIT FROM THE FRONT AND BACK, THE SHOULDER BELTS FAILED TO RESTRAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46S5P0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER CAR AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED HALFWAY. DRIVER WAS INJURED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2EL46S1T0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES WHILE DRIVING OVER A PUDDLE, BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, CAUSING CONSUMER TO SUSTAIN BURNS TO THE SKIN. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-11
- VIN: JT2EL46S3P0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BOTH DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2EL46S3PO
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ENGINE CONTINUES TO RACE AS IF GAS PEDAL WERE DEPRESSED AFTER GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT2EL4655PO
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED DURING A COLLISION RESULTING IN CHEST INJURIES.
Negative 1993 Toyota Tercel car reviews
Positive 1993 Toyota Tercel car reviews
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110,000 miles and only one new battery, one new waterpump, two new sets of tires. No other expenses besides oil changes. The car continues to run smoothly and dependably and handles nicely. I run cars into the ground and expect this to last another 5 years or more. I absolutely love this car!
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The car quickly became my favorite among all the autos I've owned, thanks to its dependability, soundness, and ease of use.
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This car is incredibly reliable!
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I just bought this car with 152,000 miles on it and I love it! As a girl, I really enjoy fixing it up. It's the most dependable vehicle and this 1993 model is super fast! It even out races sports cars on the freeway. It has great jump and is great on gas. I absolutely love it!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I bought it used back in 1995 and it's been such a reliable vehicle. Even with 100K miles on it, I haven't had any issues with the mechanics or body. It's like a small tank that just keeps going! I'm confident that it will last me another 10 years. I originally paid $5000 for it, but recently I was offered $3000 for it. I know that when I do decide to sell it, I'll be able to get more than my original price. Not only is it well-built, but it's also fuel efficient. Overall, I think it's a fantastic car!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Toyota Tercel problems:
1993 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 18 Issues
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Our list of 18 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1995 Toyota Tercel ... common issues based on car owner complaints ... 1993 Toyota Tercel ...
Other years of Toyota Tercel
Are you having problems with your 1993 Toyota Tercel?
Jerad Boyle 2024-10-20
Great on Fuel! It sounds like you've taken great care of your car over the years. It's impressive that it still runs strong after all that mileage. It seems like it could use some maintenance, such as new rocker panels due to rust-out and rust spots above rear wheel arches, the A-pillars, and window frames. Additionally, it may need another cat converter to pass emissions test, but it's great that a cheaper one worked well in the past. Keep up the good work!
Murphy Simonis 2024-09-04
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.
Unique Ward 2024-07-20
The car has 100,000 miles and smokes, which is not ideal. The 4 speed transmission was not the best idea and at 75 mph it can be quite loud. I admit I wasn't thinking when I bought it. Also, a dark green car with black interior is not the best combination. However, it is still a pretty cool car!
Odell Collier 2024-07-17
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!