MYRModel Year Report

1990 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1990 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:32:24.831Z

Only 19 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 19 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, 1990 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 1990 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
1990: 19 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 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

7 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and emission control.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

1990 TOYOTA TERCEL ENGINE BLEW. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND HAD ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IN BUT IT DID NOT LAST VERY LONG. *NJ

NHTSA ODI report, 20080812

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 of 19 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing carburetor system and fuel pump.

SERVICE BRAKES

2 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY
SEATS

2 of 19 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED AND DETACHED FROM ANCHOR UPON REAR END COLLISION AND FELL INTO REAR SEAT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960918

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. DRIVERS SEAT FAILED W/SHOULDER PORTION COLLAPSING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951012

SEAT BELTS

2 of 19 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

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

1990 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 92V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1990 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 1990 Toyota Tercel?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota Tercel have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

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