1990 Toyota Tercel Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 37%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Toyota Tercel, 37% of the 19 complaints for this model year. 2 a fire, 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.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #747304, filed 2001-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #546747, filed 1997-02Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 3 | 15% |
| 1996 | 4 | 10% |
| 1995 | 3 | 6% |
| 1994 | 7 | 18% |
| 1993 | 4 | 9% |
| 1992 | 3 | 13% |
| 1991 | 4 | 24% |
| 1990 | 7 | 37% |
| 1988 | 3 | 38% |
| 1987 | 3 | 23% |
| 1984 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1990 Toyota Tercel
4 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Toyota Tercel
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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