VehicleVerdict

1999 Toyota Tercel problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1999 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Tercel years?

Tercel NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tercel years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Toyota Tercel problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1100%

Does the 1999 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

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

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA TERCEL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER WAS KILLED AND THE DRIVER WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 27, 2008 · crash

1999 Toyota Tercel — common questions

Is the 1999 Toyota Tercel reliable?

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

Does the 1999 Toyota Tercel have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.