Owners have filed 25 complaints
about the 1997 Toyota Tercel with NHTSA between 1997 and 2019.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 28
Against the median year of the Toyota Tercel. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
60% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Toyota Tercel
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
936.0%
5 crashes, 0 fires
Seat Belts
416.0%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 150,000 mi
Tires
312.0%
Engine & Cooling
312.0%
Median failure at 159,000 miles
Suspension
28.0%
Brakes
28.0%
Seats
14.0%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.0%
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 1997peak 2Jan 2019
Recalls on the 1997 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
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E026000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lahaina, HICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS PASSING THROUGH AND BOTH VEHICLE COLLIDED.UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10031891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1995 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP RAN STOP SIGN, TERCEL BROADSIDED THE TRUCK AT 30 MPH. DESPITE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. THE TERCEL WAS TOTALLED AND DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEATBELT.
NHTSA complaint #751213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
1995 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP RAN STOP SIGN, TERCEL BROADSIDED THE TRUCK AT 30 MPH. DESPITE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. THE TERCEL WAS TOTALLED AND DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEATBELT.
NHTSA complaint #751213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calumet, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD AND ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN STOP SIGN AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF, CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK ALSO VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #877426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklin, NYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOVLED IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR. DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IMPACT SPEED UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #828996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL2 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY FRONT BALL JOINTS SNAPPED, CAUSING OTHER PROBLEMS, INCLUDING RUPTURE OF BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #823742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Springfield, MA
SEAT BELTS
BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU THINK YOU'RE BUCKLED IN THE SEAT BELT WILL RELEASE ALL OF A SUDDEN.
NHTSA complaint #11172346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
SEAT BELTS
BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS STOPPED WORKING ABOUT THE SAME TIME. I WOULD BUCKLE MYSELF UP AND MY PASSENGER WOULD THE SEAT BUCKLE POP'S RIGHT OUT OF THE ANCHOR. I AM BREAKING THE LAW EVERY TIME I GET IN MY CAR. I CAN NOT GO ON HIGHWAYS OR FREEWAYS. I CAN NOT HAVE A PASSENGER RIDE IN THE FRONT SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10995326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesHouston, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE I WAS ADDING OIL TO THE ENGINE OF MY 1997 TOYOTA TERCEL, I NOTICED A BOLT ATTACHING THE BELT ASSEMBLY TO THE ENGINE WAS STICKING OUT 4 OR 5 INCHES PAST THE BELT ASSEMBLY, RUBBING AGAINST A HOSE. IT DIDN'T LOOK RIGHT, SO I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO TIGHTENED IT BACK UP. HE SAID THE BOLT HAD JUST "WORKED ITSELF LOOSE". MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS LOOSE BOLT IS INDICATIVE OF A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM, OR THAT SOMEONE HAS BEEN TAMPERING WITH MY CAR. THE CAR HAS AROUND 159,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10275101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lahaina, HICrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS PASSING THROUGH AND BOTH VEHICLE COLLIDED.UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10031891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Martinez, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING OIL FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10022067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lahaina, HI
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AFTER IMPACT. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10017166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ALL WINDOWS VEHICLE GET FOGGY ALL THE TIME FOR NO REASON AT ALL. TS.
NHTSA complaint #10001984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Virginia Beach, VA
TIRES:SIDEWALL
THE ENTIRE TIRE JUST BLEW APART. BOTH SIDWALLS CAME AWAY FROM THE TREAD. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN EMAIL IF ANYBODY WANTS THEM.
NHTSA complaint #766281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
AIR BAGS
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE BUMPED AN EMPTY CONSTRUCTION BARREL, AS A A RESULT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO STRIKE A CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER FEELS THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED WITH JUST SLIGHT IMPACT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #563250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snellville, GA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
TRACKING IS GONE ON FRONT SEAT. LATCH WILL NOT HOLD AND SEAT WILL SLIDE BACK AND FORTH WHEN COMING TO A STOP. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER CHECKED SEAT, AND STATED NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE ITS OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #899945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Junction, CO
AIR BAGS
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE BUMPED AN EMPTY CONSTRUCTION BARREL, AS A A RESULT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO STRIKE A CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER FEELS THE AIR BAG SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED WITH JUST SLIGHT IMPACT. NLM
NHTSA complaint #563250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
1995 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP RAN STOP SIGN, TERCEL BROADSIDED THE TRUCK AT 30 MPH. DESPITE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. THE TERCEL WAS TOTALLED AND DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEATBELT.
NHTSA complaint #751213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
1995 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP RAN STOP SIGN, TERCEL BROADSIDED THE TRUCK AT 30 MPH. DESPITE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE STRAIGHT ON, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN THE CAR. THE TERCEL WAS TOTALLED AND DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEATBELT.
NHTSA complaint #751213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Calumet, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD AND ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN STOP SIGN AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, AND DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF, CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. *AK ALSO VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN IN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #877426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
OIL IS LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND.DEALER ATTEMPTED TO FIX VEHICLE, BUT DEFECT STILL OCCURS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #865185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Dimas, CA
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER BELIEVES DEALER COST TO INSTALL AIR BAG ON/OFF SWITCH IS TOO MUCH. NLM
NHTSA complaint #605896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand O, CA
TIRES
TIRE PRESSURE TOO HIGH WHEN DELIVERED CAUSING POOR STEERING CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #516471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklin, NYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS INVOVLED IN AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON BOTH FRONT AND REAR. DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. IMPACT SPEED UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #828996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL2 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY FRONT BALL JOINTS SNAPPED, CAUSING OTHER PROBLEMS, INCLUDING RUPTURE OF BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #823742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY FRONT BALL JOINTS SNAPPED, CAUSING OTHER PROBLEMS, INCLUDING RUPTURE OF BRAKE LINES.
NHTSA complaint #823742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES FAILED
NHTSA complaint #532311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cambria Heights, NY
SUSPENSION:FRONT
UPON APPLYING FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #814214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand O, CA
TIRES
EXTRA HIGH AIR PRESSURE IN MICHELIN TIRES CAUSES STEERING DIFFICULTY.
NHTSA complaint #516471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY IN AN IMPACT OF A POLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #806987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CACrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY IN AN IMPACT OF A POLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #806987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.