1983 Toyota Tercel
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 24 |
| 1993 | 45 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 2 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and starter assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
ALTERNATOR FAILED TWICE. *AW
NHTSA ODI report, 19950615
2 of 2 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
AT STOP SIGNS VEHICLE'S ENGINE CONTINUALLY STALLS EXTENSIVE REPAIRS TO FAULTY COMPONENTS DID NOT RECTIFY STALLING CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981211
Also filed under SUSPENSION
1 of 2 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing macpherson strut.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
SAFETY TIMELINE
IGNITER ASSEMBLY FAILURE
BROKEN STABILIZER BAR
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHIC
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.
Campaign 07E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1983 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1983 Toyota Tercel reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1983 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 200% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1983 Toyota Tercel have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.