1993 Toyota Tercel
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
56% of complaints: air bags — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIR BAG, DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY DURING REAR-END CAR ACCIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI report, 20050811
OTHER: DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEFECTIVE, RESULTING IN INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) (OTHER VEHICLE ON 479623)*SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950622
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH, AT APPROX. 30MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, AIRBAG FAIL TO DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950518
11% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing anchorage and retractor.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1993 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 1993 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 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.