VehicleVerdict

1990 Toyota Tercel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 23 complaints on file for the 1990 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.

23

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Tercel years?

Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tercel years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Toyota Tercel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine835%
Fuel System417%
Seat Belts29%
Seats29%
Brakes29%
Electrical System29%
Transmission14%
Lighting14%
Other14%

Does the 1990 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.

“THE FOLLOWING IS A DESCRIPTION OF EVENTS WHICH LEAD TO MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVER-HEATING AND CATCHING MY CAR ON FIRE. ON 6-18-01, I SMELT A BURNING SMELL AND PULLED OVER TO TRY TO FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING THE SMELL. AFTER A SERIES OF LOOKS I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING ANY WHERE, HOWEVER, I COULD FEEL A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 18, 2001 · fire

“CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO HAVE CARBURETOR REPAIRED. CARBURETOR FAILED IN HIGH RPM MODE, NEARLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *JG ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 15, 2001

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CAR CUT OFF. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER ,AND DEARLER REPLACED ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE ENGINE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 1999 · fire

“VEHICLE DOES NOT ACCELERATE SMOOTHLY OR EASILY AND LOSES ACCELERATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PASS. DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT HARNESS HAS SHREDDED OVER TIME AND IS NO LONGER USABLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 1, 1990

“WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. DRIVERS SEAT FAILED W/SHOULDER PORTION COLLAPSING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 4, 1995 · crash

1990 Toyota Tercel — common questions

Is the 1990 Toyota Tercel reliable?

The record is thin — 23 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1990 Tercel problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 1990 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 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.