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1989 Toyota Tercel Deluxe 3dr MT

The 1989 Toyota Tercel Deluxe 3dr MT is a 78-hp 1.5-liter inline-4 with a 5-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $8,610 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

It makes 78 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Tercel measures 157.0 inches long on a 93.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 1,973 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$8,610 ($22,567 *)
Engine
Engine Type3E I4, transverse-mounted
Displacement1.5 L
Horsepower78 hp
ValvetrainSOHC, 12-valve
Injection TypeVariable-venturi carburetor
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission5-speed manual
Fuel Economy
City27 MPG
Highway34 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular
Dimensions & Weight
Length157 in
Width63 in
Height52 in
Wheelbase93.7 in
Curb Weight1,973 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38 in
Headroom Rear36 in
Legroom Front40 in
Legroom Rear32 in
Shoulder Room Front51 in
Shoulder Room Rear51 in
Hip Room Front50 in
Hip Room Rear50 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 1989 Toyota TERCEL. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Jul 13, 1992 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

THERE CAN BE INTERFERENCE WITH THE HEADLAMP HOUSING IF HEADLAMP BULBS ARE REPLACED WITH ANY BRAND OTHER THAN KOITO BRAND BULBS.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 92V111000

22 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1989 Toyota TERCEL

Owner Complaints

22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Toyota TERCEL (3 mention a crash, 1 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Fuel System9
Gasoline8
Hydraulic3
Service Brakes3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Structure2
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 24, 2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
“IN 1989 TOYOTA HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TERCEL.. I HAD ONE THEY DID A FIX BUT NOT A RECALL.. I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE BUT I BET IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM.. THEY TREATED ME HORRIBLE AND I ABOUT DIED... THEY…”
Jun 23, 2004 · Electrical System
“DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP ON THE ALTERNATOR.*MR THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A REMANUFACTURED ALTERNATOR WHICH ONLY LASTED FOR THREE DAYS. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED. *JB”
Jan 30, 2002 · Suspension, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline, Tires
“WHILE PUSHING ON BRAKES, VEHICLE DOES NOT MAKE A COMPLETE STOP, INSTEAD BRAKE PEDAL WILL TOUCH THE GROUND, RESULTING IN USE OF EMERGENCY BRAKE TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP.*AK CONSUMER STATES THE MASTER…”
Jan 27, 2000 · Power Train Crash
“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…”
Nov 17, 1999 · Fuel System, Gasoline
“IT HAPPENED ALL OF SUDDEN IN THE MORNINGS WHEN STARTING UP THE VEHICLE. IT WILL START SHAKING, AS TIME PROGRESSED IT WILL GET WORSE. CONTACTED THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS INTERNAL IN THE CARBURETOR…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1989 TOYOTA TERCEL. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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