MYRModel Year Report

1987 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1987 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-09-16T20:48:42.223Z

Only 13 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 13 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, 1987 highlighted. 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 1 complaints 2000: 1 complaints 2000
1987: 13 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19822
19832
19845
19853
19866
198713
19888
198922
199019
199117
199224
199345
199443
199551
199640
199720
19983
19991
20001

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 of 13 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, PRIOR TO FIRE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS

NHTSA ODI report, 20000911

POWER TRAIN

2 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and axle hubs.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN. YH

NHTSA ODI report, 20000204

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 13 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19890703 — PE (closed 19890922)

BROKEN STABILIZER BAR

R 19920928 — exterior lighting

THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.

Remedy: TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON

Campaign 92V111000 — check if this car was fixed

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

1987 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 92V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E064000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1987 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 1987 Toyota Tercel?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Toyota Tercel have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.