1985 Toyota Tercel

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1985 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:09:10.890Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Tercel Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1994: 40 complaints 1995: 51 complaints 1995 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1985: 3 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19822
19832
19845
19853
19866
198713
19888
198922
199019
199117
199224
199343
199440
199551
199640
199720
19983
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

TIRES

1 of 3 total reports mentions: tires.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

I 19870910 — PE (closed 19880330)

IGNITER ASSEMBLY FAILURE

I 19890703 — PE (closed 19890922)

BROKEN STABILIZER BAR

R 20071015 — fuel system, gasoline

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.