VehicleVerdict

1989 Toyota Tercel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 32 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Tercel year — the 1989 model ranks #5 of 21 Tercel years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 9 reports (28% of the total).

32

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Tercel years?

Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tercel years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Toyota Tercel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System928%
Body & Structure413%
Brakes39%
Latches & Locks39%
Speed Control39%
Visibility & Wipers39%
Seats13%
Transmission13%
Electrical System13%
Suspension13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%
Seat Belts13%

Does the 1989 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

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

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.

“WHILE PUSHING ON BRAKES, VEHICLE DOES NOT MAKE A COMPLETE STOP, INSTEAD BRAKE PEDAL WILL TOUCH THE GROUND, RESULTING IN USE OF EMERGENCY BRAKE TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE MASTER CYLINDER IS OUT. DRUMS WERE TURNED BECAUSE THERE ARE TOO THIN. THE FRONT AXLE IS LEAKING BAD.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 11, 2001

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE DRIVER TURNED KEY TO START VEHICLE, PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE SHOT OUT SO FAST IN REVERSE THAT THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. APPLYING THE BRAKES DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN CRASHING INTO A PARK VAN. THE VEHCLE IS BEING REPAIRED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 9, 1997 · crash

1989 Toyota Tercel — common questions

Is the 1989 Toyota Tercel reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 32 complaints put the 1989 model at #5 of 21 Tercel years. It is one of the Tercel years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Tercel problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (9 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), latches & locks (3 complaints).

Does the 1989 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Toyota Tercel. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.