MYRModel Year Report

1989 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1989 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:08:51.925Z

Only 22 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 22 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, 1989 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 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
1989: 22 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 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

7 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 of 22 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE DRIVER TURNED KEY TO START VEHICLE, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE SHOT OUT SO FAST IN REVERSE THAT THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. APPLYING THE BRAKES DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980106

IN 1989 TOYOTA HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TERCEL.. I HAD ONE THEY DID A FIX BUT NOT A RECALL.. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE BUT I BET IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM.. THEY TREATED ME HORRIBLE AND I ABOUT DIED...

NHTSA ODI report, 20100224

STRUCTURE

3 of 22 total reports mention: structure.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE DRIVER TURNED KEY TO START VEHICLE, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE SHOT OUT SO FAST IN REVERSE THAT THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. APPLYING THE BRAKES DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

NHTSA ODI report, 19980106

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 of 22 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 92V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Toyota Tercel?

The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 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.