MYRModel Year Report

1996 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1996 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:06.337Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
40
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

18% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1996 40 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1996 40 1997: 20 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 45 complaints 1993 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1995 1996: 40 complaints 1996 40 1997: 20 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1996: 40 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

18% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2005-08-24

While driving 45MPPH had a head-on collision and driver's air bag deployed and split down the middle, causing serious injuries.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-04

Visibility

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and fan/motor.

FIRE

Suspension

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing front and rear.

Service brakes

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owned a 1996 Toyota Tercel. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the front passenger's side brake rotor fractured.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-01-22

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota Tercel have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.