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1994 Toyota Tercel problems

The most common problem on the 1994 Toyota Tercel is airbags. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Tercel model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
40
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
27
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
24-29mpg

The worst 1994 Toyota Tercel problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    18
  • Engine
    7
  • Brakes
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1994 Toyota Tercel

No deployment 9

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1994 Toyota Tercel 27

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 27 bulletins for the 1994 Toyota Tercel

1994 Toyota Tercel fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.5L 4‑cylFWD23-2726-3324-29

What 1994 Toyota Tercel owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 31, 2014 · Brakes, Lights · 104,340 miles · CA

The rubber pin/peg/piece (looks like thumbtack but bigger and made of rubber) that is attached to the brake pedal at the point were the brake light switch/button is, fell apart into five individual pieces resulting in the brake lights to remain on. The brake lights were fully on as if the brakes were applied. This was even with the vehicle in park and the engine off. Vehicle battery had to be disconnected in order to turn off the brake lights and start the repair. The vehicle was just bought from a private owner and I've only had it for about eleven days. All fuses were found to be in good order as well. Replaced the part and the brake lights work properly.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Tires · 123,625 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1994 toyota tercel. The vehicle has aerolite wheel tires. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the front passenger side rubber in the center of the tire shredded and detached. There was no crash. The tires are 50,000 mile tires, which shredded at approximately 18,000 miles. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 123,865 and failure mileage was 123,625.

Filed Nov 19, 2005 · Engine · 191,400 miles · CA

1994 toyota tercel 4-door sedan a/t white/exterior 191400 miles on the odometer VIN#[xxx]. They told me it has a rebuild engine, it's better than a new engine. I don't anything about cars. I've never own a car in my entire life. Purchased it from valencia auto/ used car dealer 1535 valencia street, s.f calif 94110/ tel.# 415‑282‑5553. Purchased it on oct-12-2005 . The car stalls,engine shuts-off 4-5 times a day. Valencia auto told me nothing wrong with the car before I purchased it. Every other day or so, I bring the car back to the dealer and complained about the problems. It's the same old fun and games they played everytime. They drove it around the block and every time they came back and tells me that there's nothing wrong with the car. I asked valencia auto to give me my refund. They told me no refund, bring me more money for something better, how much more money can you bring me today!!! I need it the car to take my mom out for grocery and dining, also to take me to work. My mom was in the car when the engine stalls and shuts off in the middle of no where. Will not take my mom anywhere, not with that car. For personal safety, I don't think so. I have 4 postings on craigs list about re: valencia auto/dishonest, crooks, scams, lies. Key word : valencia auto/ www.craigslist.org for the final time that I bring the car to the dealer, the owner drove the car with me in the passenger seat. He drove it on the street, up the free way. He tells me that there's nothing wrong with the car. Nothing yet, til on our way back to the dealership. We stop on red light, when he let go of the brake the engine hesitated and shook. He took it back to valencia auto fot serviced. They still have the car in their possession and I got the title and registration. They still won't give me a refund. I don't know why. They did sold me a car with mechanical problems. *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Airbags · 130,461 miles · FL · crash · 2 injuries

The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision while driving at 70 MPH. The vehicle had front end damage. The driver side air bag failed to deploy upon impact. The driver sustained injuries to his back , the passenger sustained injuries to his/her neck and back.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · GA

When the consumer applied the brakes, the pedal went all the way down to the floor. And the braking power was very low. *ak. The windshield wipers and one tire were replaced because of sidewall damage and no tread, the vehicle had an oil leak, the dealer replaced the rear main seal, the crank seal and timing belt was replaced. Ph

Filed Jun 18, 2003 · Airbags · CA · crash

Consumer involved in a head-on collision traveling approximately 30 MPH. Upon impact, driver's air bag did not deploy.

Filed Apr 3, 2001 · Engine · WA

Have had a complete valve job, now the piston rings are shot. I have a friend whose 94 tercel also had a fried engine. Both cars originated from dealerships in montana  might be worth checking out.

Filed Aug 7, 2000 · Tires · FL · crash · 3 injuries

On 8/29/1999 my daughters boyfriend and her brother were on their way to datona, fl for the week. Nearing datona her left rear tire started to break ts tread and her boyfriend lost controll of the car and crossed into the median and cut acrros an approaching car which hit her car on the right side broadside. She was killed and her boyfriend was killed. Her brother was badley injured and still cannot walk without a walker . In jan or feb of 1999 she also had the right rear (mate to the one that failed at this accident ) and she almost flipped the car in the center median on the florida turnpike. Her room mate was in the car with her. I personally changed that tire and the tread pealed and the air was still in the tire. The tire in this accident also airin it. Sent it out to an expert but wants $10,00-30,00 to test it.

Filed May 9, 2000 · Airbags · NM · crash

Consumer was traveling about 50mph hit a deer head-on & airbags didn't deploy until the vehicle came to a rolling stop. It knocked the consumer out for 2 hours. Dealer will be contacted.

Filed Jan 27, 2000 · Airbags · LA · crash

Consumer was driving on the interstate when another vehicle veered over into her lane, causing consumer to hit another vehicle. Upon impact, driver airbag didn't go off.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1994 Toyota Tercel before you buy

Compare the 1994 Toyota Tercel

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Questions about the 1994 Toyota Tercel

Is the 1994 Toyota Tercel reliable?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 1994 Toyota Tercel, 2.0 times a typical Tercel model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Toyota Tercel?

Airbags, with 18 complaints. Next is engine (7).

How many recalls does the 1994 Toyota Tercel have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Toyota Tercel have bad airbags?

The Toyota Tercel model years with the most airbags complaints are 1993 (24 complaints), 1994 (18 complaints) and 1995 (17 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Toyota Tercel get?

Official estimates for the 1994 Toyota Tercel range from 24 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-27 city and 26-33 highway.

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