Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1989 Toyota Tercel
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
928.1%
Body & Structure
412.5%
Doors, Latches & Locks
39.4%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
39.4%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
39.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Brakes
39.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Seats
13.1%
Seat Belts
13.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Tires
13.1%
Lights
13.1%
Suspension
13.1%
Electrical System
13.1%
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Carburetor System
733.3%
Trunk LID
419.0%
Latch
314.3%
Glass, Side/Rear
29.5%
Foundation Components
29.5%
Fuel Injection System
14.8%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
14.8%
Column Shift
14.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 6Feb 2010
Recalls on the 1989 Toyota Tercel
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
92V111000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.
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 EQUIPMENT."
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199208682,334 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S.108 - LIGHTING. REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT BULBS WITH OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO MEET THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. CORRECTION: HEADLIGHT BULBS WILL BE INSPECTED AND NON-KOITO BULBS REPLACED WITH KOITO BULBS. ALSO CAUTION LABELS TO BE PLACED ON THE HEADLIGHT WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Brooklyn Park, MNCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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-WHEEL DRIVE OPTION.
NHTSA complaint #854466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #819508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #819508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT SHOULDER RETRACTOR DIDN'T RETRACT.
NHTSA complaint #803849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Union Mills, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.. I SO HOPE THIS HELP AND GET INVESTIGATED.. THEN KNEW IN 1989 ON THE TERCEL.
NHTSA complaint #10313751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Leandro, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10079887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paramont, CA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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. GOODYEAR TIRES ARE BAD, P155/80R13, DOT NUMBER MDE4E70119. INSIDE THE VEHICLE THERE IS A FUEL ODOR.
NHTSA complaint #8003215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paramont, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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. GOODYEAR TIRES ARE BAD, P155/80R13, DOT NUMBER MDE4E70119. INSIDE THE VEHICLE THERE IS A FUEL ODOR.
NHTSA complaint #8003215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paramont, CA
TIRES
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. GOODYEAR TIRES ARE BAD, P155/80R13, DOT NUMBER MDE4E70119. INSIDE THE VEHICLE THERE IS A FUEL ODOR.
NHTSA complaint #8003215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paramont, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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. GOODYEAR TIRES ARE BAD, P155/80R13, DOT NUMBER MDE4E70119. INSIDE THE VEHICLE THERE IS A FUEL ODOR.
NHTSA complaint #8003215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn Park, MNCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
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-WHEEL DRIVE OPTION.
NHTSA complaint #854466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincolnwood, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #853025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sarasota, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
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. WE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS REPAIRING THE FUELING SYSTEM AND CARBURETOR. ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT WE HAVE PURCHASED "THE WORST CAR TOYOTA EVER MADE" WITH A DEFECTIVE CARBURETOR.
NHTSA complaint #714887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Valdosta, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SPUTTER AND JERKING WHEN IDLING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CARBURETOR. REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE.
NHTSA complaint #851494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplar Bluff, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ENGINE RACES WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED . DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #838696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castro VAL, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPER PUMP AND SPRAYER FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #544640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castro VAL, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
VEHICLE EXHIBITING TRUNK LEAKAGE, REPAIRS WHERE MADE, PROBLEM STILL EXIST.
NHTSA complaint #544640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castrovalley, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
WHENEVER IT RAINS THE WATER IS GETTING INTO THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE WHICH IS CAUSING A LEAKAGE.
NHTSA complaint #835909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tappahanno, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DEALERSHIP DID NOT USE THE PART SPECIFIED IN THE HEADLIGHT BULB RECALL NOTICE. (QCAW)
NHTSA complaint #524770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #819508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynn, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #819508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scherervil, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
THE CARBURETOR FAILED RESULTING IN DANGEROUS ACCELERATION, NO POWER, HESITATION, AND STALLING.
NHTSA complaint #517548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, KY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM
CARBURETOR FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #511216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AND THE FRONT SHOULDER RETRACTOR DIDN'T RETRACT.
NHTSA complaint #803849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
BRAKE PEDAL TOO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT BOTH PEDALS SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEN TRYING TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint #503156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
WINDOWS ROLL DOWN HALF WAY.
NHTSA complaint #500876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
WINDOWS ROLL DOWN HALF WAY.
NHTSA complaint #500876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DOOR LOCKS STICK.
NHTSA complaint #500876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DOOR LOCKS STICK.
NHTSA complaint #500876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.