1996 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 | 43 |
| 1994 | 40 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
(1) AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHILE AVOIDING COLLISION WITH A DEER. ACCIDENT CAUSED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE AND BENDING OF THE UNI-BODY FRAME. (2) FAILURE OF AIR-BAGS TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050824
WHILE DRIVING 45MPPH HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020904
8% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1996 TOYOTA TERCEL TIRE BLEW OUT. *TS THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT AND SPUN TO THE RIGHT STRIKING A GUARDRAIL WITH IT'S LEFT FRONT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060103
TIRE CAME OFF RIM WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE FLIPPED TWO TIMES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960318
5% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING AT SPEED OF 25MPH, COULD NOT STEER VEHICLE OR BRAKES LOCKED UP AND IMPACT 1:00 POSITION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960801
STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE WHILE PARALLEL PARKING. CAR WON'T STEER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150503
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota Tercel have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.