1991 Toyota Tercel
Only 17 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 17 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 | 45 |
| 1994 | 43 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 5-10 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE RESTRAINTS DID NOT RETRACT, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S HEAD TO GO INTO THE WINDSHIELD . THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTFIED. *AK *ML
NHTSA ODI report, 19980828
TERCEL WAS HIT HEAD ON; SHOULDER BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN DRIVER & PASSENGER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960702
5 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960712
2 of 17 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing head restraint.
2 of 17 total reports mention: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
1 of 17 total reports mentions: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1991 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 1991 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Toyota Tercel have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.