Model year guide

1990 Toyota Corolla

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1990 Toyota Corolla is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

1990 Toyota Corolla — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1990 Toyota Corolla at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints30
Combined24 mpg

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1990 Toyota Corolla recalls 1

Suspension NHTSA Campaign #10E002000 · 11/02/2010

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Fix: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1990 Toyota Corolla common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Equipment
Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
Interior Lighting
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

1990 Toyota Corolla MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,642

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1990 Toyota Corolla costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,210
Fuel only$13,210
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1990 Toyota Corolla trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Deluxe
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 115 hp

1990 Toyota Corolla vehicles on record

1990 Toyota Corolla 1990 Toyota Corolla BaseJT2AE91A0L3295341 1990 Toyota Corolla Deluxe2T1AE94A8LC016373

Other Toyota Corolla model years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1987 1985

1990 Toyota Corolla — frequently asked questions

Does the 1990 Toyota Corolla have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 1990 Toyota Corolla. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1990 Toyota Corolla?

Based on 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, power train, tires.

What gas mileage does the 1990 Toyota Corolla get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1990 Toyota Corolla at about 24 mpg combined (22 city / 28 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.