According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Toyota Tercel has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Automatic Transmission Failure (A132L) ($800-$2,500 repair) and Head Gasket Failure ($600-$1,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1990-1999 Toyota Tercel, the A132L 3-speed automatic transmission in the Tercel is prone to premature failure, typically presenting as harsh shifting, slipping, or complete loss of forward gears. The transmission was designed for economy driving and struggles with sustained highway use or towing. Internal clutch pack wear and valve body issues are the most common failure modes. Many owners convert to manual transmission or source used replacements rather than rebuild.
Common Symptoms
Harsh or delayed shifts
Transmission slipping under acceleration
Loss of overdrive or forward gears
Transmission fluid discolored or burnt-smelling
Check engine light for transmission codes
How to Fix
Start by confirming the failure with a road test and transmission line-pressure/scan diagnosis, then inspect fluid condition, pan debris, shift solenoids, and the valve body for sticking valves or worn bores. If the unit still has drive but shifts harshly or slips, a valve body service, filter/fluid replacement, and adjustment of related throttle/kickdown linkage may buy time, but burnt fluid, heavy clutch material in the pan, or loss of forward gears usually means the A132L needs a full rebuild or replacement with new frictions, steels, seals, bushings, and a remanufactured torque converter. Typical costs are about $300-$700 for diagnostic work and minor valve body/fluid repairs, $1,800-$3,000 for a proper rebuild, or $800-$1,500 for a used replacement transmission plus installation; because used units are often worn, many owners instead swap to a manual gearbox when economically practical.
On the 1990-1999 Toyota Tercel, the Toyota Tercel equipped with the 1.5L 3E-E and 5E-FE engines is prone to head gasket failure, particularly at higher mileages. The gasket material deteriorates over time, allowing coolant to leak externally or mix with engine oil. Overheating episodes accelerate gasket failure. The 5E-FE (1995-1999) is somewhat more reliable but still susceptible. Regular cooling system maintenance and avoiding overheating are key to longevity.
Common Symptoms
Coolant loss without visible external leak
White exhaust smoke (coolant burning)
Milky residue on oil filler cap
Engine overheating
Rough idle and misfire
How to Fix
Confirm head gasket failure with a cooling-system pressure test, combustion-gas block test, and compression or leak-down test, then inspect for coolant in the oil and cylinder head warpage after disassembly. Repair requires removing the cylinder head, resurfacing or replacing it if out of spec, and installing a new head gasket set with new head bolts, while also replacing the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and any aged radiator hoses if service history is unknown. The radiator should be checked for flow restriction and the cooling fans verified so the root cause of overheating is corrected before reassembly. Typical repair cost is about $1,200-$2,200 depending on machine-shop work and whether related cooling-system parts are replaced.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
Fel-Pro HS 9483 PT head-gasket set
reseal a test-confirmed head-gasket failure on the early 3E-E branch after head and block inspection Fitment/availability: 1987-1994 Toyota Tercel 1.5L 3E/3E-E branch; confirm year, engine and required bolt set before ordering Fitment/av…
reseal a test-confirmed head-gasket failure on the later 5E-FE branch after head and block inspection Fitment/availability: 1995-1999 Toyota Tercel 1.5L 5E-FE branch; verify VIN/engine and obtain the correct new head bolts separately Fit…
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."
Campaign #08E05000011/08/2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Campaign #06E02600023/03/2006
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Toyota Tercel has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Automatic Transmission Failure (A132L), Head Gasket Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Tercel reliable?
The 1990 Toyota Tercel has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Automatic Transmission Failure (A132L) and Head Gasket Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tercel problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Tercel issues range from $600 to $2,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Automatic Transmission Failure (A132L), typically costs $800-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Tercel Automatic Transmission Failure (A132L)?
The A132L 3-speed automatic transmission in the Tercel is prone to premature failure, typically presenting as harsh shifting, slipping, or complete loss of forward gears. The transmission was designed for economy driving and struggles with sustained highway use or towing. Interna… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Tercel Head Gasket Failure?
The Toyota Tercel equipped with the 1.5L 3E-E and 5E-FE engines is prone to head gasket failure, particularly at higher mileages. The gasket material deteriorates over time, allowing coolant to leak externally or mix with engine oil. Overheating episodes accelerate gasket failure… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
