1990 TOYOTA TERCEL
1 recalls — 23 complaints — 37 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
23 total complaints
4 crashes 4 fires 3 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 1 |
| SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER | 1 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| SEATS | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 1 |
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 7, 2010
Incident date: Apr 17, 2004
IN APRIL 2004, MY TOYOTA TERCEL ACCELERATED FROM 05 TO APPROXIMATELY 90MPH IN A PARKING LOT, CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND TOTALED MY CAR. ANOTHER PROBLEM WAS THE BRAKE PEDAL. EVEN AFTER CHANGING TO NEW BRAKE PADS, SHOES, BRAKE DRUMS AND ROTORS, THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL DROPPED LOW TO THE FLOOR THAT... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 12, 2008
Incident date: Jan 1, 1901
1990 TOYOTA TERCEL ENGINE BLEW. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND HAD ANOTHER ENGINE PUT IN BUT IT DID NOT LAST VERY LONG. *NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Jul 19, 2002
Incident date: Aug 15, 2001
CONSUMER HAD THE OXYGEN SENSORS REPLACED. *JG
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Jul 19, 2002
Incident date: Aug 15, 2001
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO HAVE CARBURETOR REPAIRED. CARBURETOR FAILED IN HIGH RPM MODE, NEARLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *JG
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Jun 26, 2001
Incident date: Jun 18, 2001
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 ... Read more
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 29, 2001
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL LEAK, LATER NEEDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT, THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jan 23, 2001
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED OIL LEAK, LATER NEEDED ENGINE REPLACEMENT, THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED TWICE. *SLC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Dec 19, 2000
CUSHION BROKE OFF BRAKE LIGHT PEDAL ARM ASSEMBLY, CAUSING BRAKE LIGHTS TO STAY ON PERMANENTLY. THERE IS NOTHING ON BRAKE PEDAL ARM TO RETRACT SWITCH'S TRIGGER. *CJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 29, 1999
Incident date: Jul 28, 1999
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CAR CUT OFF. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER ,AND DEARLER REPLACED ELECTRICAL PARTS IN THE ENGINE. *AK
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Oct 14, 1998
Incident date: Jul 29, 1994
OVERHEATING OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING VEHICLE FIRE.
Fire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Aug 16, 1998
Incident date: Sep 1, 1990
DUE TO CARBON BUILD-UP IN THE CARBURETOR AND INTAKE VALVES, THE CAR CONTINUOUSLY STALLS IN TRAFFIC AND WILL NOT RESTART.
SEAT BELTS
Feb 17, 1997
Incident date: Oct 1, 1990
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Feb 17, 1997
Incident date: Oct 1, 1990
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Dec 31, 1996
Incident date: May 29, 1996
FUEL PUMP FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
Dec 31, 1996
Incident date: May 29, 1996
OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Dec 10, 1996
Incident date: Jan 1, 1995
BRAKES FAILURE, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL BECOMES VERY HARD AND LEFT FOOT OFF PEDAL, REAPPLIED THE BRAKES AND EFFECTIVESS RETURNS. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
Nov 7, 1996
Incident date: Sep 11, 1996
VEHICLE STALLS DUE TO CARBURETOR FAILURE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Oct 2, 1996
Incident date: Aug 14, 1996
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE DASH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
Fire
SEATS
Sep 18, 1996
DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED AND DETACHED FROM ANCHOR UPON REAR END COLLISION AND FELL INTO REAR SEAT. *AK
Crash
1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
Aug 30, 1996
Incident date: Jul 1, 1991
TRANSAXLE FAILURE. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Feb 29, 1996
Incident date: Jan 3, 1996
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT/SHOULDER HARNESS SHREDDING. *SD
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Oct 12, 1995
Incident date: Oct 4, 1995
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. DRIVERS SEAT FAILED W/SHOULDER PORTION COLLAPSING. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Sep 12, 1995
Incident date: Jul 14, 1995
POSSIBLE THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED, RESULTING IN NO STOPPING ABILITY AND AN ACCIDENT. TT
Crash
1 injured
EPA Fuel Economy — 1990 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) | 25.0 | 29.0 | 27.0 | Regular | $2,500 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 27.0 | 33.0 | 29.0 | Regular | $2,350 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 26.0 | 33.0 | 28.0 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) | 23.0 | 28.0 | 25.0 | Regular | $2,700 |
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 — 1990 TOYOTA TERCEL
37 manufacturer communications from 23 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 12 |
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 4 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| 100000 POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| 140000 AIR BAGS | 2 |
| 355100 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS | 2 |
| 180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
350000 EQUIPMENT
Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
Safety Recall an
Jul 21, 2016
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
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
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
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-0014-11 Rev
Oct 16, 2014
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing w
T-SB-0014-11 Rev
Oct 16, 2014
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing w
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 30, 2014
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when insta
T-SB-0134-14
Sep 30, 2014
100000 POWER TRAIN
TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when insta
T-TT-0213-13
Jan 14, 2014
140000 AIR BAGS
Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the
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.
TS-BO030-01 Obso
Dec 19, 2013
130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)
This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
T-SB-0071-11 Rev
Oct 1, 2013
100000 POWER TRAIN
The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when
T-SB-0141-13
Sep 9, 2013
050000 PARKING BRAKE
A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the B
T-SB-0141-13
Sep 9, 2013
350000 EQUIPMENT
A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the B
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 (current) | 1 | 23 | |
| 1989 | 1 | 32 | View |
| 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 |