1990 Toyota Tercel
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 43 |
| 1994 | 40 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 19 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIRE2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
POSSIBLE THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED, RESULTING IN NO STOPPING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950912
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 92V111000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
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 fuel system, gasoline:carburetor system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.