Toyota Tercel problems by year
240 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 15 Toyota Tercel model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 1997 | 20 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1996 | 40 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1995 | 51 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1994 | 40 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1993 | 43 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1992 | 24 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1991 | 17 | 0 | — | |
| 1990 | 19 | 0 | — | |
| 1989 | 22 | 0 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1988 | 8 | 0 | — | |
| 1987 | 13 | 0 | — | |
| 1986 Fewer complaints | 6 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 1984 Fewer complaints | 5 | 0 | — |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Toyota.