MYRModel Year Report

1988 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1988 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:21.900Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota Tercel Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 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
1988: 8 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 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.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990310

ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED VEHICLE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19981020

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19961017

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

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

1988 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 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 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.