1998 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 1998 Toyota Tercel problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Tercel 1998:
- Engine Oil Consumption:
- Owners reported excessive oil consumption leading to engine damage or failure. This issue was often caused by problems with the engine's piston rings or valve seals wearing out over time.
- Transmission Issues:
- Problems with the automatic transmission were reported, including failure to shift properly or slipping. Some owners also experienced issues with the transmission's torque converter. Manual transmission problems included difficulty shifting or quick clutch wear.
- Brake System Failures:
- Owners reported issues with the brakes failing to engage properly, quick wear of brake pads or shoes, and overall brake system malfunctions.
- Electrical Problems:
- Some owners faced electrical system failures, such as the car's electrical system failing or headlights flickering or not turning on.
- Suspension System Concerns:
- Problems with the suspension system were reported, including quick wear or poor handling on the road.
These common issues with the Toyota Tercel 1998, as reported by owners, highlight various areas of concern that can impact the car's performance, safety, and reliability. Owners should be aware of these issues to take appropriate steps in addressing them to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicles.
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.
How much horsepower does a 1998 Toyota Tercel have?
93 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Used 1998 Toyota Tercel - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 93 hp @ 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 100 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
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.
What engine is in the Toyota Tercel?
All Tercels featured a 5E-FE 1.5 16v twin cam (DOHC) engine, rated at 100 hp (70 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 95 lb⋅ft (129 N⋅m) of torque at 3,200 rpm.
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.
1998 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
- Equipment problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Toyota Tercel complaints
The NHTSA has received 13 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Tercel.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BF18B3WU
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED, I TRIED TO STOP, BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. I HIT A POLE AND TWO OTHER CARS, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND THE CAR NEXT TO ME. ALSO, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE NOISE AND HESITATION, SEVERAL REPAIR ATTEMPTS, HOWEVER UNABLE TO RECTIFY. MJS
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITION INSTALLED AND IS CONTINUALLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT2BG22KXW0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NOISEY BRAKES REPLACED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-09
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C9WU
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-09
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C9WU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: JT2BG22K4WO
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. *YC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-27
- VIN: 4TANL42N6WZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILURE. *YC
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4T3ZF13C5WU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SLIDING DOOR FAILED. *YC
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 4T1BF18B7WU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SEAT BELT FAILED. *YC
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2AC52L4T0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS REARENDED BY THE TERCEL. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
1998 Toyota Tercel recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 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.
Negative 1998 Toyota Tercel car reviews
Positive 1998 Toyota Tercel car reviews
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I love this car! It gets 50 mpg and has lasted for 400,000 kms over 8 years. All I've had to do is change the oil every 5000kms and tune up and replace the tires every 100,000kms. I haven't even had to replace a light bulb yet! It's amazing that they stopped making cars like this. I even pull a tent trailer in the summer with it! It's truly bullet proof!
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My girlfriend's first car was a 97' Sedan with a 4-speed automatic transmission. I'll come back to this and it will make sense. It was her dad's gift from a used car dealership for $4200. The interior was terrible, stained all over, but other than that, it was in good shape. The exterior was pristine, and it was mechanically sound, but it had 215,000 miles and those ultra-cheap skinny tires that looked like the front tire on a motorcycle, rounded and all. For the next 2 years, she drove it, putting another 23,000 miles on it, and ultimately went from hating it to loving how much fun it was to drive (after I put 4 regular tires on it for her). I drove it every chance I could. They aren't fast, but it's like driving an enlarged go-kart around, and if you were going uphill and had the A/C on, you could turn it off and both feel and hear the car go faster. After those 2 years, I bought her a new car, and she gave me the Tercel. I kept it as my second vehicle for another 2 years and then gave it to my friend's brother, who had just got his license and needed a car. At that point, it had 260,000 miles, and he got it up to 285,000-288,000 before totaling it about a year and a half later. In that time, other than regular maintenance, the only thing that had to be replaced was a CV axle and seatbelt connector. Guys driving Tercels would always stop and ask where we found a 4-door 5th generation because apparently, this was the most sought-after one and tell us if we ever wanted to sell it, they would gladly buy it. Some even made offers on the spot, well over what the car was worth (around $1500 at the time). The reliability of these things is legendary, and if you can find a 1997 Toyota Tercel CE 4-door Sedan, buy it for the $500-$1000 the person wants, drive it around, and just wait until you see anyone else driving a Tercel. Then simply drive past them or park near them, and I'm sure you will be able to sell it to one of them for at least double what you paid.
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Congratulations on your new (to you) Tercel! It sounds like the perfect fit for you, especially with its low mileage and great fuel efficiency. It's great to hear that you're finding it comfortable to drive despite your height and weight. I'm sure you and your Tercel will have many happy years together without any issues. Thank you for sharing your positive experience!
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This car is awesome! It gets around 40mpg, rarely has a problem, and handles great. The design resembles that of BMW or Honda, but without the possibility of confusing it with another car due to its unique look. With gas prices hitting $2 a gallon, this car is perfect for both everyday commuting and long road trips. Its light weight makes up for any lack in horsepower, giving it great mileage and quick acceleration.
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I've had Trudy (my tercel) for 5 years and it has never broken down or needed any serious work done. I've kept up with the oil changes and tune ups and that's it. I haven't even needed to get the brakes done in 5 years, it just now is starting to sound like it needs new brake pads.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Toyota Tercel problems:
1998 Toyota Tercel Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Top 1998 Toyota Tercel Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Failed Emissions Test Due to Blocked EGR System · Ignition ...
ANSWERED: reliability (Toyota Tercel) - CarGurus.ca
Sep 19, 2008 ... reliability - How long do toyota tercels generally last, in miles?
1998 Toyota Tercel Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Dec 7, 2010 ... I have now owned the car for a little over 6 years, and have put on nearly 200 000 kms on it, and it has been the most reliable and cheapest to ...
Toyota Tercel Questions - reliability - CarGurus
Sep 19, 2008 ... reliability - How long do toyota tercels generally last, in miles?
Is the Tercel Really One of the Worst Toyotas Ever? | Toyota Nation ...
Sep 30, 2018 ... If you don't want to watch his video, he says that they have problems with head gaskets blowing and oil leaks from the valve stem seals.
Other years of Toyota Tercel
Are you having problems with your 1998 Toyota Tercel?
Alexandre Greenholt 2025-05-22
Hi there! I bought this car back in '08 and it has been a reliable companion ever since. Everything is in working order, except for the seatbelt sensor, and I had to replace the brakes recently. It has never failed to start and I don't anticipate any issues in the future. The best part is that it's cheap to fix! The only downside is that the interior is a bit cramped due to its small size (I have the 4-door version), and the cup holders aren't big enough for a Tim Horton's XL coffee. Also, there's no armrest. Overall, though, I'm really happy with my purchase!
Van Collins 2025-05-09
Great car! It may not be fancy, but it's reliable and inexpensive to maintain. While it may not be suitable for taller or larger individuals, it's perfect as a first or second car.
Raymond Welch 2025-03-16
I completely agree with you! It's a shame that Toyota stopped making these cars and moved on to the Echo. These cars are fantastic with their awesome fuel economy and they are built to last. They are super reliable and make for the best student car ever!
Darryl Graham 2024-04-24
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.
Ricky Connelly 2024-02-08
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, the tercel is a wonderful car for those who prioritize practicality over image.