In april 2004, my toyota tercel accelerated from 05 to approximately 90mph in a parking lot, crashed into another vehicle and totaled my car. Another problem was the brake pedal. Even after changing to new brake pads, shoes, brake drums and rotors, the brake pedal still dropped low to the floor that it felt that I was pushing the floor when I brake. I had several acceleration incidents. Even when I pushed the brake pedal firmly and continuously, the car kept going. The acceleration problem and sticky brake pedal problems were never solved. I wrote the triple a/automobile club of so. Ca insurance about these issues regarding my accident but was ignored.
The worst 1990 Toyota Tercel problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine6
- Fuel system4
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Seat belts2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine6
- Fuel system4
- Brakes2
- Electrical2
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
- Lights1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- 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."
- 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.
Recall number 92V111000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Toyota Tercel 25
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN...
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN...
- Obsolete notice
- Supersession notice
- Exterior lighting: headlights
- Obsolete notice
- Revision notice
- Supersession notice
- Obsolete notice
1990 Toyota Tercel fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 23-27 | 28-33 | 25-29 |
What 1990 Toyota Tercel owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1990 toyota tercel engine blew. Consumer states that the engine blew and had another engine put in but it did not last very long.
Consumer had taken vehicle to have carburetor repaired. Carburetor failed in high RPM mode, nearly causing loss of control.
The following is a description of events which lead to my catalytic converter over-heating and catching my car on fire. On 6-18-01, I smelt a burning smell and pulled over to try to find what was causing the smell. After a series of looks I could not find anything any where, however, I could feel a little heat between my shift and emergency brake. On my home smoke started to emerge from the stick/emergency brake area. Before I could pull over out of traffic, flames begin shooting out of the center of the car (emergency brake and stick-shift area). I immediately turned upon the curb and parked the car while attempting to put the fire out. The fire department arrived on the scene 10 minutes later and evaluated the situation, stating my catalytic converter ignited the car and that I was very lucky to be alive. The fire burned through the floor and most of my interior.
Cushion broke off brake light pedal arm assembly, causing brake lights to stay on permanently. There is nothing on brake pedal arm to retract switch's trigger.
When driving at any speed car cut off. Consumer contacted dealer ,and dearler replaced electrical parts in the engine.
Due to carbon build-up in the carburetor and intake valves, the car continuously stalls in traffic and will not restart.
Vehicle does not accelerate smoothly or easily and loses acceleration when attempting to pass. Driver side seatbelt harness has shredded over time and is no longer usable.
Brakes failure, when brakes are applied pedal becomes very hard and left foot off pedal, reapplied the brakes and effectivess returns.
Overheating of the catalytic converter causing vehicle fire.
Compare the 1990 Toyota Tercel
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Questions about the 1990 Toyota Tercel
Is the 1990 Toyota Tercel reliable?
Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 1990 Toyota Tercel, close to a typical Tercel model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 Toyota Tercel?
Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints. Next is fuel system (4).
How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota Tercel have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Toyota Tercel get?
Official estimates for the 1990 Toyota Tercel range from 25 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-27 city and 28-33 highway.
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