1989 Toyota Tercel recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.
What could happen: 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."
The fix: TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON EACH HEADLAMP HOUSING.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1989 TERCEL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 92V111000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.
Consequence: 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."
Remedy: TOYOTA DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW KOITO BRAND BULB WITH NO CHARGE IF A NON-KOITO BRAND BULB IS NOW INSTALLED, OR SHOULD A HEADLAMP BULB BURN OUT IN THE FUTURE. "CAUTION LABELS" WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON EACH HEADLAMP HOUSING.
Notes: SYSTEM: HEADLAMPS; FMVSS 108.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH KOITO HEADLAMPS.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (9), Gasoline (8), Body / structure (4), Vehicle Speed Control (3), Brakes (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/24/2010 · 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 198…
06/23/2004 · Electrical system
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. *JB
01/30/2002 · Suspension
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. IN…
01/27/2000 · Transmission / drivetrain · crash
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. *AK
11/17/1999 · Fuel 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. *AK
11/17/1999 · Fuel 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…
10/22/1999 · Fuel system
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCING SPUTTER AND JERKING WHEN IDLING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE CARBURETOR. REPLACEMENTS WERE DONE. *YC
06/01/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control
ENGINE RACES WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED . DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK