1993 Toyota Tercel problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Tercel year — the 1993 model ranks #2 of 21 Tercel years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.
The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 50% of all reports (25 of 50), far ahead of seat belts at 5.
50
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
23
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
20
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1993 compare to other Tercel years?
What are the most common 1993 Toyota Tercel problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 25 | 50% | new |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Brakes | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE GOING 35 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION . THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING SEVRE HEAD AND NECK INJURIES. OWNER WAS WEARING SEA TBELT. OWNER RECIEVED UPPER AND LOWER BACK PAIN DUE TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. *AK”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 25 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP UPON IMPACT. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
“CONSUMER PURCHASED NEW AT 72,517, WAS TOLD THAT A NEW ENGINE NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE ENGINE, ONLY IF DAMAGE WAS NOT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR. DEALER TOOK ENGINE APART, AND SAID IT WAS WEAR AND TEAR, AND DID NOT REPLACE ENGINE. CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE IN DECEMBER…”
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKE WHICH CAUSED WHEELS TO LOCK. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, AND WOULD NOT RETURN. PROBLEM CAUSED VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAIL ON THIS MATTER. *AK”
1993 Toyota Tercel — common questions
Is the 1993 Toyota Tercel reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 1993 model at #2 of 21 Tercel years. It is one of the Tercel years to avoid.
What are the most common 1993 Tercel problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (25 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Does the 1993 Toyota Tercel have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Toyota Tercel.
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.