Toyota Tercel years to avoid
The Toyota Tercel years to avoid are 1995, 1993, 1996, 1994, 1989 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1981 is the cleanest year on record.
389
Total complaints
5
Recall campaigns
1980–2000
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Tercel years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | High complaint rate | 58 | |
| 1993 | High complaint rate | 50 | |
| 1996 | High complaint rate | 45 | |
| 1994 | High complaint rate | 45 | |
| 1989 | High complaint rate | 32 |
Every Tercel year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1999 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1998 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 25 | 2 | |
| 1996avoid | 45 | 2 | |
| 1995avoid | 58 | 2 | |
| 1994avoid | 45 | 0 | |
| 1993avoid | 50 | 0 | |
| 1992 | 27 | 0 | |
| 1991 | 18 | 0 | |
| 1990 | 23 | 1 | |
| 1989avoid | 32 | 1 | |
| 1988 | 9 | 2 | |
| 1987 | 15 | 2 | |
| 1986 | 8 | 1 | |
| 1985 | 5 | 1 | |
| 1984 | 12 | 1 | |
| 1983 | 9 | 1 | |
| 1982 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1981 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1980 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Toyota Tercel years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Tercel years to avoid are 1995, 1993, 1996, 1994, 1989. The cleanest year on record is 1981.
What is the best year for the Toyota Tercel?
By complaint volume, 1981 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Tercel years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Toyota Tercel have?
Across all model years, the Tercel has 5 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 389 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.