1999 Toyota Tercel problems

General information about Toyota-Tercel
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 1999 Toyota Tercel problems

The Toyota Tercel, produced from 1995 to 1999, is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. However, there are some common issues reported by owners of this generation that potential buyers should be aware of.

One of the most common issues reported by owners of the fourth-generation Tercel is problems with the engine's oil consumption. Some owners reported that the engine would consume oil excessively, often leading to engine damage or failure. This issue was often caused by problems with the engine's piston rings or valve seals, which could wear out or become damaged over time.

Transmission problems were also reported by some owners of the fourth-generation Tercel. Some owners reported that the automatic transmission would fail to shift properly or slip, while others reported issues with the torque converter. Additionally, some owners reported that the manual transmission would become difficult to shift or that the clutch would wear out quickly.

Brake system failures were another common issue reported by owners of the fourth-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 fourth-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 the fourth-generation Tercel, the third generation of the Tercel, produced from 1987 to 1990, also had some common issues reported by owners. One common issue reported by owners of the third-generation Tercel was 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 was 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 summary, while the Toyota Tercel is generally a reliable car, there are some common issues reported by owners of the fourth-generation and third-generation models. These issues often relate to problems with the engine's oil consumption, head gasket, fuel system, transmission, brake system, and electrical system. Owners of these generations of the 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.

Is a Toyota Tercel reliable?

I purchased my Tercel in 1997 with 27K mileage. I have it now for 27 years and my mileage is only 165K. Other than the usual up keep maintenance, I haven't had any problems. I would highly recommend this car!!

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.

What is the top speed of a Toyota Tercel?

Capable of a top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph), the Tercel was trimmed more for road comfort than cross-country efficiency, with comfort levels comparable with a saloon car.

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?

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.

What is the top speed of a Toyota Tercel?

Capable of a top speed of 155 km/h (96 mph), the Tercel was trimmed more for road comfort than cross-country efficiency, with comfort levels comparable with a saloon car.

1999 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
Child seat problems
Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Toyota Tercel vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1999 Toyota Tercel complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Toyota Tercel.

2008-02-27

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-01-27
Number Of Injuries: 1
Number Of Deaths: 1
Crash: 1
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA TERCEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER WAS KILLED AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THERE WERE ANY PRIOR FAILURES WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, POWERTRAIN, AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

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2005-09-14

CHILD SEAT PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-09-14
VIN: 2T1BR12E8XC
Components: CHILD SEAT
Summary: DT: EDDIE BAUER SEAT MODEL # 22755 BGL MANUFACTURER'S # AE1B103309. THE FABRIC ON THE CAR SEAT MELTED DUE TO HEAT IN THE VEHICLE. OVER THE LAST TWO TO THREE WEEKS THE CONSUMER EXAMINED THE CAR SEAT EACH DAY, AND YESTERDAY NOTICED THERE WAS A NEW MELTING SPOT IN THE FABRIC, AND THE FOAM UNDERNEATH THE FABRIC WAS BROWN COLORED AND SCORCHED. THE HARNESS STRAPS HAD FABRIC ON THEM AND THEY MELTED AS WELL, JUST NOT AS BAD. SOME OF THE PLACES ON THE HARNESS COVERS THE MATERIAL WAS NOT BURNED, BUT WAS A BROWN COLOR. SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER, AND TOLD THEM THAT ALL THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE HEAT IN THE CAR, AND THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED, AND THEY OFFERED TO REPLACE ALL THE MATERIAL ON THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE CONSUMER OFFERED TO SEND THE OLD MATERIAL TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY SAID THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY.*AK

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2005-08-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-06-23
Fire: 1
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: MY LATE 1999 TOYOTA ECHO WAS PARKED AFTER A SHORT DRIVE. TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND A LARGE AREA OF MY HOME WAS BURNED. I AND MY NIECE WERE ASLEEP UPSTAIRS. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE SMELL OF SMOKE WOKE US. WHEN WE FIRST SAW THE CAR, A COLUMN OF WHITE FIRE WAS SHOOTING UP THROUGH THE WINDSCREEN TO THE CEILING 11 FEET ABOVE. THE FIRE CAME FROM THE CENTER OF THE CONSOLE/DASH AREA. AT THAT TIME THERE WERE NO FLAMES AROUND OR UNDER THE CAR. JUST THE COLUMN OF FLAME FROM THE CENTER. THE HORN WAS SOUNDING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE ARRIVED WITHIN 10 MINUTES AND CONFIRMED THAT THE FIRE WAS SEATED IN THE CENTRAL DASH AREA. THE KEYS WERE BESIDE BY BED. THE CAR HAD ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY TOYOTA SERVICE CENTERS AND THERE WERE NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE CAR. WHEN TOYOTA WERE NOTIFIED, THEY SENT INVESTIGATORS TO LOOK FOR A RELAY NEAR THE ALTERNATOR. THE RESULTS OF MY INSURANCE', TOYOTA'S AND AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR'S INVESTIGATIONS WERE (AS RELAYED TO ME BY PHONE) UNSPECIFIED FIRE STARTING IN THE DASH. *JB

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1999 Toyota Tercel recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1999 Toyota Tercel.

2008-08-11

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Toyota Tercel problems:

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 ...

Is the Tercel Really One of the Worst Toyotas Ever? | Toyota Nation ...

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/is-the-tercel-really-one-of-the-worst-toyotas-ever.1633160/

Sep 30, 2018 ... Not uncommon to open bonnet and find head-bolts had vibrated loose and sitting on top of engine!!! TSB increased torque by about +10-15%. A lot ...

1999 Toyota Tercel Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/toyota/tercel/1999/

Feb 23, 2015 ... Faults: Stop lights went south, easy to fix at 178 000 km. Driver's seat belt - hard to use. Bad oxygen sensor at 173 ...

Common problems with a 99+ GT???? Please Help. | Mustang ...

https://stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/common-problems-with-a-99-gt-please-help.436425/

Mar 10, 2004 ... My Toyota Tercel that I had before, for all that Toyota reliability reputation, paled in comparison to the 'Stang in terms of reliability.