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1989 Toyota TercelProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 1989 Toyota Tercel, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints224 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem8Fuel system, gasoline

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 24, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1989 Toyota Tercel has problems

22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Fuel system, gasoline80
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Structure30
Vehicle speed control31
Latches/locks/linkages20
Visibility20
Suspension10
Tires10
Seats10
5 other systems52

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1989 Toyota Tercel recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 92V-111 · Jul 13, 1992 · 360,399 vehicles

Risk. THE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING CAUSED BYOTHER THAN KOITO BRAND LAMP BULBS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108, "LAMPS,REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.

Best & worst years

1989 vs. every other Tercel year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tercel median. How we score

'80'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Tercel owners report

Recent fuel system, gasoline complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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.…
Complaint 8003215 · Jan 30, 2002
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
Complaint 973280 · Oct 10, 1995
CARBURATOR CAUSES THE CAR NOT TO ACCELERATE WHEN ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED AND THEN THE CAR TAKES OFF. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Complaint 958984 · Jan 19, 1995

Own a 1989 Tercel?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.