1999 Toyota Paseo Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
1999 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated May 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1999 Toyota Paseo has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
On the 1992-1999 Toyota Paseo 1.5L 5E-FE I4, the Paseo's cast iron exhaust manifold is prone to cracking due to thermal cycling, typically developing cracks between cylinders 2 and 3. The crack allows exhaust gases to escape before the catalytic converter, causing a ticking noise on cold starts that may quiet down when warm. The leak can also cause inaccurate O2 sensor readings and a check engine light.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise on cold start from engine bay
- Exhaust smell in cabin
- Check engine light
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
- Noise quiets when engine warms up
How to Fix
Replace the cracked exhaust manifold. Aftermarket manifolds are available for $80-$150. Replace the manifold gasket and all studs/nuts at the same time, as they typically corrode and break during removal. Apply anti-seize to new studs. A header upgrade is a popular alternative that also improves performance slightly.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipSoak the manifold studs in PB Blaster for a week before attempting removal. They WILL break otherwise. Budget for an EZ-out set or plan to drill and re-tap.
- UpgradeWalker catalytic converter — EPA-compliant direct fit (Walker Catalytic Converter)
- UpgradeMagnaFlow catalytic converter — high-flow performance option (MagnaFlow Catalytic Converter)
- UpgradeDorman exhaust manifold — solves cracking issues on many models (Dorman Exhaust Manifold)
- UpgradeDorman exhaust manifold bolt and stud kit (Dorman Exhaust Manifold Hardware Kit)