1989 TOYOTA TERCEL
1 recalls — 32 complaints — 29 TSBs
92V111000 Jul 13, 1992
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
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.
Complaint Statistics
32 total complaints
4 crashes 2 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM | 7 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID | 4 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 3 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 2 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 1 |
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 24, 2010
Incident date: Dec 17, 1989
IN 1989 TOYOTA HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TERCEL.. I HAD ONE THEY DID A FIX BUT NOT A RECALL.. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE BUT I BET IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM.. THEY TREATED ME HORRIBLE AND I ABOUT DIED... THEY KNEW THEN THAT TYPE OF ACCELERATOR WOULD STICK,, THEN KNEW ALL THE WAY BACK THEN AND DID NOTHING.. ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Jun 30, 2004
Incident date: Jun 1, 2004
DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP ON THE ALTERNATOR.*MR THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A REMANUFACTURED ALTERNATOR WHICH ONLY LASTED FOR THREE DAYS. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED. *JB
TIRES
Jan 30, 2002
Incident date: Nov 11, 2001
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. GOO... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT
Jan 30, 2002
Incident date: Nov 11, 2001
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. GOO... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Jan 30, 2002
Incident date: Nov 11, 2001
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. GOO... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jan 30, 2002
Incident date: Nov 11, 2001
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. GOO... Read more
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Jan 27, 2000
Incident date: Jun 16, 1999
WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH RIGHT FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP FOR NO REASON, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. POLICE OFFICER STATED THIS PROBLEM ALSO HAPPENED TO HIM. THE LOCKED WHEEL, WHILE DRIVING, WAS RELATED TO THE 4-... Read more
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Nov 17, 1999
Incident date: Oct 15, 1999
THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AMONG SERVICE PERSONNEL AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA AND AMONG MECHANICS. WE WERE TOLD THE CARBURETOR IS UNREPAIRABLE. WE COULD PURCHASE A NEW CARBURETOR, ONLY TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH STALLING AND EVENTUAL FAILURE DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN. ... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Nov 17, 1999
Incident date: Oct 17, 1999
IT HAPPENED ALL OF SUDDEN IN THE MORNINGS WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE. IT WILL START SHAKING, AS TIME PROGRESSED IT WILL GET WORSE. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS INTERNAL IN THE CARBURETOR. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
Oct 22, 1999
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SPUTTER AND JERKING WHEN IDLING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CARBURETOR. REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE. *YC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 1, 1999
ENGINE RACES WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED . DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
Mar 26, 1999
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
WINDSHIELD WIPER PUMP AND SPRAYER FAILED.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Mar 26, 1999
Incident date: Dec 1, 1995
VEHICLE EXHIBITING TRUNK LEAKAGE, REPAIRS WHERE MADE, PROBLEM STILL EXIST. *YC
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Mar 17, 1999
Incident date: Dec 12, 1997
WHENEVER IT RAINS THE WATER IS GETTING INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS CAUSING A LEAKAGE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Sep 17, 1998
Incident date: Oct 31, 1997
DEALERSHIP DID NOT USE THE PART SPECIFIED IN THE HEADLIGHT BULB RECALL NOTICE. (QCAW)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jan 6, 1998
Incident date: Sep 9, 1997
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. *... Read more
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jan 6, 1998
Incident date: Sep 9, 1997
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. *... Read more
Crash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Jun 27, 1997
Incident date: Dec 20, 1990
THE CARBURETOR FAILED RESULTING IN DANGEROUS ACCELERATION, NO POWER, HESITATION, AND STALLING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Dec 31, 1996
Incident date: Nov 1, 1994
CARBURETOR FAILURE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Nov 15, 1996
Incident date: Oct 1, 1989
THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT SHOULDER RETRACTOR DIDN'T RETRACT. *AK
Crash
2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Sep 30, 1996
Incident date: Mar 4, 1996
BRAKE PEDAL TOO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT BOTH PEDALS SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jan 22, 1996
TRUNK LEAKS. *SD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jan 22, 1996
DOOR LOCKS STICK. *SD
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jan 22, 1996
WINDOWS ROLL DOWN HALF WAY. *SD
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jan 22, 1996
TRUNK LEAKS. *SD
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jan 22, 1996
DOOR LOCKS STICK. *SD
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Feb 22, 1996
Incident date: Jan 22, 1996
WINDOWS ROLL DOWN HALF WAY. *SD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Nov 16, 1995
Incident date: Oct 16, 1993
VEHICLE STALLS IN TRAFFIC DUE TO DEFECTIVE CARBURETOR. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Oct 10, 1995
THE CARBURETORS DO NOT WORK RIGHT WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE, CAR CUTS OFF ON ITS SECOND CARBURETOR, DEALER SAID THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM . TT *SLC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Jul 27, 1995
DOOR LOCK ON PASSENGER SIDE FAILS TO LOCK/UNLOCK FROM OUTSIDE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
SEATS
Mar 7, 1995
Incident date: Feb 15, 1995
DRIVERS SEAT TRACK HAVE BEEN STRIPED TWICE AND HAS BROKEN. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Jan 19, 1995
Incident date: Jan 18, 1995
CARBURATOR CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO ACCELERATE WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND THEN THE CAR TAKES OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
EPA Fuel Economy — 1989 TOYOTA TERCEL
| Trim / Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Fuel Type | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 24.0 | 29.0 | 26.0 | Regular | $2,600 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 30.0 | 37.0 | 33.0 | Regular | $2,050 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 27.0 | 34.0 | 29.0 | Regular | $2,350 |
CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.
Technical Service Bulletins — 1989 TOYOTA TERCEL
29 manufacturer communications from 18 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 11 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 4 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS | 2 |
| 353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | 1 |
| 162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 1 |
| 130000 VISIBILITY | 1 |
| 130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS) | 1 |
TSB003220
Aug 17, 2023
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re
TSB003220
Aug 17, 2023
180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re
TSB003220
Aug 17, 2023
140000 AIR BAGS
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the re
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 12, 2022
190000 TIRES
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custom
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 12, 2022
200000 WHEELS
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custom
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 12, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any custom
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 3, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the re
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 7, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 6, 2020
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The a
T-CP-N04-0144-W_
Jul 30, 2019
121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Dealer Letter: Toyota will initiate a Special Service Campaign to inform certain Tercel owners of the need to use only Koito brand replacement headlamp bulbs. The original equipment headlamp bulbs in these vehicles were all Koito brand. The
T-CP-N04-0144-W_
Jul 30, 2019
350000 EQUIPMENT
Dealer Letter: Toyota will initiate a Special Service Campaign to inform certain Tercel owners of the need to use only Koito brand replacement headlamp bulbs. The original equipment headlamp bulbs in these vehicles were all Koito brand. The
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 31, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 31, 2018
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 31, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 31, 2018
355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 31, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 11, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 21, 2017
350000 EQUIPMENT
TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 27, 2017
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria lis
TSB018217
Jan 6, 2017
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed
Safety Recall an
Jul 21, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
Safety Recall an
Jul 21, 2016
350000 EQUIPMENT
Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 10, 2015
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or othe
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 10, 2015
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or othe
T-SB-0101-11 Rev
Apr 10, 2015
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or othe
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 19, 2013
130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)
This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-SB-0185-13
Dec 19, 2013
130000 VISIBILITY
The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
T-PG007-01
May 4, 2001
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Replacement vin plates.
T-PG002-91
Jan 18, 1991
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Product general information.
NHTSA Safety Investigations — TOYOTA TERCEL
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE89134
Opened: Jul 3, 1989 — Closed: Sep 22, 1989
BROKEN STABILIZER BAR
===
DP85019
Opened: Apr 10, 1985 — Closed: May 14, 1985
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AND AXLE
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AND AXLE
TOYOTA TERCEL — All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the TOYOTA TERCEL across all model years (1980–1999).
21
Total Recalls
389
Total Complaints
2
Investigations
105
Reported Crashes
18
Reported Fires
5
Reported Deaths
TOYOTA TERCEL — Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 0 | 1 | View |
| 1999 | 1 | 1 | View |
| 1998 | 1 | 4 | View |
| 1997 | 2 | 25 | View |
| 1996 | 2 | 45 | View |
| 1995 | 2 | 58 | View |
| 1994 | 0 | 45 | View |
| 1993 | 0 | 50 | View |
| 1992 | 0 | 27 | View |
| 1991 | 0 | 18 | View |
| 1990 | 1 | 23 | View |
| 1989 (current) | 1 | 32 | |
| 1988 | 2 | 9 | View |
| 1987 | 2 | 15 | View |
| 1986 | 1 | 8 | View |
| 1985 | 1 | 5 | View |
| 1984 | 1 | 12 | View |
| 1983 | 1 | 9 | View |
| 1982 | 1 | 2 | View |
| 1981 | 1 | 0 | View |
| 1980 | 1 | 0 | View |