1997 Toyota Tercel
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Toyota › Tercel › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Toyota Tercel. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Toyota Tercel. Newest first.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. the recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Owner complaints
20 complaints5 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
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. *tr
- 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. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While traveling on the highway the vehicle IS leaking oil from underneath the vehicle. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
The vehicle was involved in a frontal collision while driving 30 mph. the air bags deployed after impact. *nlm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
All windows vehicle get foggy all the time for no reason at all. Ts. *ak
- 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.*ak
- 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
- 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.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal · 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. *Ak
- 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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Oil IS leaking onto the ground.dealer attempted to fix vehicle, but defect still occurs. Please provide further information.*ak
- Air bags › On-off switch assembly
Consumer believes dealer cost to install air bag on/off switch IS too much. nlm
- Tires
Tire pressure too high when delivered causing poor steering control.
- 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. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
While driving vehicle on highway front ball joints snapped, causing other problems, including rupture of brake lines. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Brakes failed
- 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. *ak
- Air bags › Frontal · 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. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10197476Replacement vin plates.
- 10197473Product general information.
- 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
- 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
- 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
- 10133649TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
- 10132812Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to inconsistent rotational speed of the engine's crankshaft.
- 10132295This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0054-13.
- 10132287California (CA), Federal (FED), and 50 State Certified emission control underhood labels (emission labels) may be obtained through your dealership?s Parts Department utilizing standard replacement parts ordering procedures. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to ensure proper label application.
- 10132136The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
- 10132084The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly
- 10131993This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131984A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10131961Toyota vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131713TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. REVISION NOTICE January 11, 2018 ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10123420TSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10111390TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111197TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109492TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109404TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly.
- 625647Subject regarding shoulder belt anchor tape set.
- 619097Technical service bulletin regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
- 610054Information on the spoiler light replacement procedure.
- 604667Subject regarding toyota dinghy towing guide.
- 601607Replacement procedure for the spoiler light.
- 600684Replacement of the front axle hub nut.
- 53033Excessive air conditioning evaporator odor IS accuring in various vehicles.
Every Toyota Tercel model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.