1989 Toyota Tercel Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 5%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1989 Toyota Tercel, 5% of the 22 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #854466, filed 2000-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1989 Toyota Tercel
9 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Toyota Tercel
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology