1988 Toyota Tercel
Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 8
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 8 complaints
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 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
3 of 8 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle fire due to electrical short.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-10
Electrical short caused vehicle fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-10-20
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 8 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Carbon builds up in the vaccuum lines of the emissions system, causing vehicle to operate improperly, vehicle failed emission test 3 times.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-17
Structure
1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing hatchback/liftgate.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
1989-07-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-22 Broken stabilizer bar
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R
1992-09-28Exterior lighting92V111000 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…
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R
2007-10-15Fuel system, gasoline07E064000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 92V111000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 07E064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1988 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 1988 Toyota Tercel?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Toyota Tercel have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.