1997 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 1997 Toyota Tercel problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1997 Toyota Tercel, common problems with this car include:
- Engine Problems: The 1997 Toyota Tercel has been associated with engine issues, including oil leaks and loss of power over time.
- High Maintenance Costs: Some owners have highlighted the high cost of maintenance for the 1997 Toyota Tercel, which can be a concern for long-term ownership.
- Reliability Concerns: While the Tercel is known for being reliable, there have been instances where the engine has faced significant issues, leading to oil leaks and decreased performance.
- Basic Features: The Tercel is described as a basic car with minimal features, which may not meet the expectations of drivers looking for more advanced amenities.
- Suspension and Steering: Compared to other Toyota models like the Corolla, the Tercel has been noted to have more primitive suspension and steering systems, impacting the overall driving experience.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite being an economical car, some owners have mentioned that the Tercel's fuel efficiency may not be as impressive as expected, especially when compared to newer models.
These problems highlight various aspects of the 1997 Toyota Tercel that owners have experienced, ranging from transmission and engine issues to concerns about maintenance costs and overall reliability.
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 1997 Toyota Tercel have?
1.5 L 4-cylinder1997 Toyota Tercel / Engine
North American Tercels were all fitted with the 1.5-litre engine, producing 63 hp (47 kW) at 4,800 rpm.
Does a 1997 Toyota Tercel have airbags?
1997 Toyota Tercel features include AM/FM Radio, Driver Airbag, and Passenger Airbag.
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.
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 1997 Toyota Tercel have airbags?
1997 Toyota Tercel features include AM/FM Radio, Driver Airbag, and Passenger Airbag.
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.
1997 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
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Toyota Tercel complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Tercel.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-19
- VIN: JT2AC52L2V0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU THINK YOU'RE BUCKLED IN THE SEAT BELT WILL RELEASE ALL OF A SUDDEN.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-03
- VIN: JT2AC52L3V0
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS STOPPED WORKING ABOUT THE SAME TIME. I WOULD BUCKLE MYSELF UP AND MY PASSENGER WOULD THE SEAT BUCKLE POP'S RIGHT OUT OF THE ANCHOR. I AM BREAKING THE LAW EVERY TIME I GET IN MY CAR. I CAN NOT GO ON HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS. I CAN NOT HAVE A PASSENGER RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-29
- VIN: JT2AC52L7V0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE I WAS ADDING OIL TO THE ENGINE OF MY 1997 TOYOTA TERCEL, I NOTICED A BOLT ATTACHING THE BELT ASSEMBLY TO THE ENGINE WAS STICKING OUT 4 OR 5 INCHES PAST THE BELT ASSEMBLY, RUBBING AGAINST A HOSE. IT DIDN'T LOOK RIGHT, SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO TIGHTENED IT BACK UP. HE SAID THE BOLT HAD JUST "WORKED ITSELF LOOSE". MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS LOOSE BOLT IS INDICATIVE OF A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM, OR THAT SOMEONE HAS BEEN TAMPERING WITH MY CAR. THE CAR HAS AROUND 159,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-01
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS PASSING THROUGH AND BOTH VEHICLE COLLIDED.UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-02
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-01
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER IMPACT. *NLM
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-02
- VIN: JT2AC52L8T0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ALL WINDOWS VEHICLE GET FOGGY ALL THE TIME FOR NO REASON AT ALL. TS. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-26
- VIN: JT2AC52L6V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE ENTIRE TIRE JUST BLEW APART. BOTH SIDWALLS CAME AWAY FROM THE TREAD. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN EMAIL IF ANYBODY WANTS THEM.*AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2AC52L5V0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: TRACKING IS GONE ON FRONT SEAT. LATCH WILL NOT HOLD AND SEAT WILL SLIDE BACK AND FORTH WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER CHECKED SEAT, AND STATED NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-28
- VIN: JT2AC52LXV0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE BUMPED AN EMPTY CONSTRUCTION BARREL, AS A A RESULT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO STRIKE A CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER FEELS THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED WITH JUST SLIGHT IMPACT. NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-04-28
- VIN: JT2AC52LXV0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE BUMPED AN EMPTY CONSTRUCTION BARREL, AS A A RESULT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO STRIKE A CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER FEELS THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED WITH JUST SLIGHT IMPACT. NLM
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2AC52L4V0
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 1995 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP RAN STOP SIGN, TERCEL BROADSIDED THE TRUCK AT 30 MPH. DESPITE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. THE TERCEL WAS TOTALLED AND DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEATBELT. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-12-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2AC52L1V0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD AND ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN STOP SIGN AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF, CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK ALSO VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2AC52L1V0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL IS LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND.DEALER ATTEMPTED TO FIX VEHICLE, BUT DEFECT STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE AIR FUEL SENSOR HAS POSSIBLY FAILED. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-01
- VIN: 4T1BS12B8ZU
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE BLEW OUT (BRIGGSTONE P205-65-R15). MJS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2AC52L3V0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER BELIEVES DEALER COST TO INSTALL AIR BAG ON/OFF SWITCH IS TOO MUCH. NLM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-09-23
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2AC52L7V0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOVLED IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR. DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IMPACT SPEED UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG CAUSING INJURY TO CONSUMER. (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER).
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-01
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: JT2BC52LOV2
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY FRONT BALL JOINTS SNAPPED, CAUSING OTHER PROBLEMS, INCLUDING RUPTURE OF BRAKE LINES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-02
- VIN: JT2AC52L4V0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: UPON APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2AC52L4V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: EXTRA HIGH AIR PRESSURE IN MICHELIN TIRES CAUSES STEERING DIFFICULTY.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-01
- VIN: JT2AC52L4VO
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE PRESSURE TOO HIGH WHEN DELIVERED CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-27
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2AC52L9V0
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY IN AN IMPACT OF A POLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
1997 Toyota Tercel recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Toyota Tercel.
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Negative 1997 Toyota Tercel car reviews
Positive 1997 Toyota Tercel car reviews
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I've had Pinkymarie (yes, my car is pink!) for 6 years now! I bought her at 27,000 miles and she now has 115,670 miles on the clock. The best part? I haven't had to make any major repairs, except for a recently replaced bearing. She's been on some long trips too, all the way to Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio, without any issues. Plus, she gets great gas mileage, about 37.1 mpg. If you're into customizing your ride, Pinkymarie is a great car for that too! I love her and plan to drive her until she's on one wheel. Haha!
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I bought this car brand new in 1997 and traded it in 2018 with over 400,000km on the clock, and it was still running! I had grown tired of the car, but I loved it so much. I hardly had to do anything to it other than regular maintenance like oil changes and brakes. It still had the original exhaust that I had patched up a few times. I will miss that car dearly, as it holds so many memories.
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My dad handed down this car to me until I found a new one. It's been 4 months and I'm still riding along with it. Although it was supposed to be a point A to point B car, it's been getting me to point C and D as well. For an older car, it performs extremely well! I'm writing this review because I was pleasantly surprised with the car. I'm 21 and I'm enjoying this car. It may not be the best-looking car, but it gets me where I need to go to find my adventures. :)
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I loved my Tercel! It was such a great car. When I bought it, it only had about 30,000 miles on it. It was not only reliable, but also stylish (especially compared to the ECHO) and incredibly fun to drive. With its great gas mileage, I could go almost two weeks on a single tank of gas (which should be standard for all automatic cars). I even drove it up steep hills in deep snow and ice with no problem at all. I am certain that I would have never had a problem with it if it hadn't been totaled in an accident where I was rear-ended. Unfortunately, the crumple zones worked too well and it was a total loss. Although I replaced it with a 97 Honda Accord, I will sorely miss that Tercel. It was gone too soon, with only 62,000 miles on it.
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You've got yourself an exceptional car with amazing performance and reliability. The controls are also really easy to use!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Tercel problems:
1997 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Top 1997 Toyota Tercel Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System · Ignition ...
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 97 having smoke problems... ring job, overhaul, buy ...
Apr 1, 2013 ... Not many mechanics have all the skills, tools, and time to do a good rebuild. This used to be much more common, but these days, with engines ...
Problems starting 94 toyota tercel | Toyota Nation Forum
Aug 1, 2004 ... Problems starting 94 toyota tercel ... I turns over fine and the starter is strong, but the engine will not start. ... look @ my pics! 1997 Toyota ...
Q&A: 97 Toyota Pickup Idle Problem | 1997 Tacoma Engine ...
Apr 25, 2011 ... Good question but no. This is one of those great 'known' Toyota problems that we Dealer Techs know about. When I first started in the Toyota ...
Other years of Toyota Tercel
Are you having problems with your 1997 Toyota Tercel?
Dario Cremin 2024-06-26
I received Manson, my tercel, from my grandparents. It's a fantastic car for learners, with great fuel economy and perfect for driving. Although it may not be the most stylish car, it's reliable and efficient. I had to replace the cardboard speakers, but overall it's a great car. Just be careful not to get into any accidents, as the car may not hold up as well as others. In summary, it's a wonderful car with excellent gas mileage that is perfect for those who prioritize practicality over image.
Madyson Durgan 2024-05-23
The Tercel I purchased in 1996 with 50,000 miles was expected to be a reliable car according to consumer ratings and my mechanic's assessment. However, since reaching 90,000 miles, it has been consistently problematic, burning 2 quarts of oil between oil changes and requiring an average of $150 per month in repairs over the last three years.