1990 TOYOTA TERCEL PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Engine issues:

  • Engine blew and replacement engine did not last long
    
  • Stalling in traffic and not restarting
    
  • Oil leak leading to engine replacement
    
  • Carburetor failure causing stalling
    

• 2. Brake issues:

  • Brake pedal becoming hard when applied and then returning to normal effectiveness
    
  • Cushion breaking off brake light pedal assembly, causing brake lights to stay on permanently
    
  • Sticky brake pedal causing difficulty in braking
    

• 3. Safety belt/harness issues:

  • Driver's seat belt/shoulder harness shredding
    
  • Driver's seat collapsing and detaching from anchor in rear-end collision
    

• 4. Electrical issues:

  • Electrical short in dash causing vehicle fire
    

• 5. Acceleration issues:

  • Vehicle accelerating uncontrollably leading to crash and totaling the car
    
  • Vehicle not accelerating smoothly or easily, losing acceleration when trying to pass
    

• 6. Other issues:

  • Fuel pump failure
    
  • Oxygen sensor failure
    
  • Catalytic converter overheating leading to vehicle fire
    
  • Master cylinder failure resulting in no stopping ability
    
  • Transaxle failure
    
  • Vehicle stalling and needing electrical parts replaced
    
  • Rear-end collision leading to driver's seat failure in shoulder portion