VehicleVerdict

1987 Toyota Tercel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 1987 Toyota Tercel — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1987 compare to other Tercel years?

Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1987 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, 1987 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tercel years to avoid →

What are the most common 1987 Toyota Tercel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System427%
Engine320%
Electrical System213%
Transmission213%
Seat Belts17%
Brakes17%
Speed Control17%
Tires & Wheels17%

Does the 1987 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

92V111000LightingJuly 13, 1992 · 360,399 units

Defect

THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.

Consequence

THE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING CAUSED BYOTHER THAN KOITO BRAND LAMP BULBS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108, "LAMPS,REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Remedy

TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON EACH HEADLAMP HOUSING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH CARBURETOR. WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE STALLS OR SURGES FORWARD. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 8, 1997

“VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, PRIOR TO FIRE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 8, 2000 · fire

“VEHICLE FIRE DUE TO POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE, PRIOR TO FIRE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 8, 2000 · fire

“OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS, 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES HAVE FAILED DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRES WERE APPROX 6-1/2 YEARS OLD WITH 35,000 MILES WITH PLENTY OF REMAINING TREAD DEPTH.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 20, 2002

1987 Toyota Tercel — common questions

Is the 1987 Toyota Tercel reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1987 Tercel problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 1987 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1987 Toyota Tercel. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1987 Toyota Tercel under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.