1985 Toyota Tercel
Only 3 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 3 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 | 43 |
| 1994 | 40 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN BRAKE HANDLE DOWN. OWNER'S MANUAL DOESN'T SAY SO, BUT THE LIGHT IS ALSO OPERATED BY LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL. NOT KNOWING THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000623
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON WHEN BRAKE HANDLE DOWN. OWNER'S MANUAL DOESN'T SAY SO, BUT THE LIGHT IS ALSO OPERATED BY LOW BRAKE FLUID LEVEL. NOT KNOWING THIS IS A REAL SAFETY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000623
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND VEHICLE WILLNOT START UP. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010817
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
1985 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1985 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 1985 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1985 Toyota Tercel have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.