VehicleVerdict

1983 Toyota Tercel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1983 Toyota Tercel — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1983 compare to other Tercel years?

Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted58 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 9 complaints1984: 12 complaints1985: 5 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 15 complaints1988: 9 complaints1989: 32 complaints1990: 23 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 27 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 45 complaints1995: 58 complaints1996: 45 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints
Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1983 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tercel years to avoid →

What are the most common 1983 Toyota Tercel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System444%
Engine222%
Brakes111%
Fuel System111%
Suspension111%

Does the 1983 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT STOP SIGNS VEHICLE'S ENGINE CONTINUALLY STALLS EXTENSIVE REPAIRS TO FAULTY COMPONENTS DID NOT RECTIFY STALLING CONDITIONS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 7, 1998

1983 Toyota Tercel — common questions

Is the 1983 Toyota Tercel reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1983 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1983 Toyota Tercel. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1983 Toyota Tercel under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Tercel years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tercel years to avoid are 1995, 1993, 1996, 1994, 1989. The cleanest record among Tercel years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.