1996 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data

1996 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:33:56.846Z

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 PER YEAR

1996: 40 complaints

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.

AIR BAGS 18%

18% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY

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, 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

VISIBILITY 10%

10% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and fan/motor.

FIRE

SUSPENSION 10%

10% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and rear.

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20150122

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20060403 — exterior lighting

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

R 20081217 — exterior lighting

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 (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for suspension issues (4 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, 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.