Toyota Celica problems

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The Toyota Celica (/ˈsɛlɪkə/ or /sɛˈliːkə/) (Japanese: トヨタ・セリカ, Hepburn: Toyota Serika) is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 until 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning heavenly or celestial. In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to the Toyota Corolla Store dealer chain. Produced across seven generations, the Celica was powered by various four-cylinder engines, and bodystyles included convertibles, liftbacks, coupés and notchback coupés.

In 1973, Toyota coined the term liftback to describe the Celica fastback hatchback, and used the name Liftback GT for the North American market. Like the Ford Mustang, the Celica concept was to attach a coupe body to the chassis and mechanicals from a high volume sedan, in this case the Toyota Carina. Some journalists thought it was based on the Corona due to some shared mechanical parts.

The first three generations of North American market Celicas were powered by variants of Toyota's R series engine. In August 1985, the car's drive layout was changed from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive turbocharged models were offered from 1986 to 1999. Variable valve timing came in certain Japanese models starting from December 1997 and became standard in all models from the 2000 model year. In 1986, the six-cylinder Celica Supra variant was spun off as a separate model, becoming simply the Supra. Lightly altered versions of the Celica were also sold through as the Corona Coupé through the Toyopet dealer network in the 1980s and as the Toyota Curren through the Vista network in the 1990s.

The Toyota Celica Liftback GT won Motor Trend Car of the Year (Imported Vehicle) in 1976.

photo of Toyota Celica car production

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Toyota Celica model years

toyota celica 1977 photo
Celica 1977
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Celica 2005
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Celica 2004
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2.9
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Celica 2003
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Celica 2002
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Celica 2001
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Celica 2000
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Celica 1999
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43

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Celica 1998
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39

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Celica 1997
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Celica 1996
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toyota celica 1995 photo
Celica 1995
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Celica 1994
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Celica 1993
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Celica 1992
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Celica 1991
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Celica 1990
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Celica 1989
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Celica 1988
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Celica 1987
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Celica 1986
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Celica 1985
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Celica 1984
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Celica 1983
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Celica 1982
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Celica 1980
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toyota celica 1979 photo
Celica 1979
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toyota celica 1978 photo
Celica 1978
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Celica 1974
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Common Toyota Celica problems

The Toyota Celica is known for several common problems, including engine failure, rough idling and misfires, ABS warning light, incorrect gear changes, braking issues, sluggish engine, and squealing sound when starting.

Engine failure is a significant problem in the Toyota Celica, particularly in the 1.8-ltr engines. The engine may not start, or if it does, a rattling sound may be heard coming from the engine. The check engine light may flash on, and the car may go into limp-home mode. This issue is caused by a failed timing chain tensioner, which can be resolved by replacing it with a revised timing chain tensioner.

Rough idling and misfires are also common problems in the Toyota Celica, particularly in the 1.8-ltr engines. The car may drive roughly, misfire, backfire occasionally, stall often, and lose power. This issue is caused by a soft valve seat, which can wear down quickly and corrode. The only solution is to remove the cylinder head and rebuild it using the valves that you order from BreakerYard.

The ABS warning light may be illuminated, but there may be no noticeable loss of brake power. This issue is caused by a worn-out wheel speed sensor, which can be resolved by ordering a replacement from BreakerYard and cleaning any rust or debris from the mounting area.

Incorrect gear changes are common in automatic Toyota Celicas, particularly at high mileages. The car may not change gears at the correct time, which can be caused by a throttle position sensor that is out of adjustment. In some cases, the shift solenoid may be broken, which can be resolved by ordering a replacement from BreakerYard.

Braking issues are also common in the Toyota Celica, particularly if the car has long periods of inactivity. The brakes may not be as effective as they used to be, and there may be a grinding sound when applied. This issue is caused by rusted brake discs, which can be resolved by ordering new brake discs and pads from BreakerYard and easily installing them.

A sluggish engine is a commonly reported issue with the Toyota Celica, which can be caused by a dirty fuel filter. Removing the fuel filter and cleaning it thoroughly may resolve the problem. In some cases, the fuel filter may be too blocked, and a replacement may be necessary.

A squealing sound when starting the car is a common problem in the Toyota Celica, which can be caused by tensioner pulleys that are close to breaking. Finding new tensioner pulleys on BreakerYard's parts pages and replacing any faulty ones can resolve this issue.

In summary, the Toyota Celica is known for several common problems, including engine failure, rough idling and misfires, ABS warning light, incorrect gear changes, braking issues, sluggish engine, and squealing sound when starting. These issues can be resolved by replacing or repairing the affected parts, which can be ordered from BreakerYard or other parts suppliers.

Toyota Celica

What is the most common problem with the Toyota Celica?

The belt problem is common, especially when it rains, for Celica. If you still under the warranty, just go change a new one for free from your dealer.

Is the Toyota Celica a reliable car?

Yes, Toyota Celicas are generally reliable cars. They are well-regarded for their durability, sporty performance, and long lifespan. In fact, many owners of Toyota Celicas report that with regular maintenance and care, these cars can easily exceed 200,000 miles.

How long do Toyota Celica engines last?

The toyota celica is the most reliable car to drive and it is very dependable. You can easily over 300,000 miles on that car without having a problem.

Are Toyota Celicas expensive to fix?

The average annual repair cost for a Toyota is $441, which means it has above average ownership costs.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Toyota Celica years

We have researched Toyota problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Toyota Celica cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Toyota Celica model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Toyota Celica model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Toyota Celica years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Toyota Celica car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Toyota Celica , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Power train problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Celica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Celica model years

A total of 99 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Celica model years

There were a total of 13 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Celica model years

There were a total of 73 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Celica model years

There were a total of 7 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 501 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Celica . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Celica vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Toyota Celica 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-02-08
  • VIN: JTDDY32T8Y0
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica equipped with Dextero Touring, DTR1 Tires Size 205/55R16 91H, and DOT: Y9JTCHX1816. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH she observed a noise emanating from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle was inspected but no failure was found. The contact continued to drive at approximately 55 MPH and observed a popping sound emanating from the inner carriage. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where she observed the rear passenger tire separating. The tire was replaced with assistance from a passerby. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 133,621 and the tire failure mileage was 33,000
Toyota Celica 2005
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-01-16
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTDDR32T750
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: This vehicle was involved in a rollover accident on Monday, January 15, 2024. When the car rolled over several times, the airbags never deployed. This vehicle is available for inspection, The driver safety was put at risk with a neck injury due to the airbags, not deploying Yes, and auto repair business is aware that the airbags did not deploy. The police were notified at the accident that the airbags did not deploy. There were no warning, lamps, messages, or other symptoms of an airbag problem prior to the failure of the airbags to deploy.
Toyota Celica 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2004-01-01
  • Date Complaint: 2022-05-17
  • VIN: JTDDY38T1Y0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica. The contact stated that the daytime running lights failed to turn off as needed, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the running lights needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V566000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 123,268.
Toyota Celica 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-10-30
  • Date Complaint: 2022-01-16
  • VIN: Jtddy38t830
  • Components: STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: Lf wheel bearing is gone and axle is only thing holding on the wheel. The steering knuckle is damaged, caliper/bracket is damaged, rotors damaged, axle damaged. Extremely unsafe to drive
Toyota Celica 2003
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-10-04
  • Date Complaint: 2021-10-05
  • VIN: JTDDR32T030
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Belt tensioner won't retract when trying to replace serpentina belt. Most likely a defective part , original. Have to creative finding other ways to replace belt without breaking the tensioner.
Toyota Celica 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2021-04-25
  • Date Complaint: 2021-04-26
  • VIN: JTDDR32T1Y0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE VEHICLE I JUST BOUGHT AND WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND THE ENGINE LITERALLY BROKE INTO PIECES AND OIL WENT EVERYWHERE
Toyota Celica 1999
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-22
  • Date Complaint: 2020-04-15
  • VIN: JT5FG02T2X0
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V03300 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD., MISSION HILLS, CA 91345, (818) 365-9621) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Toyota Celica 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2010-03-25
  • Date Complaint: 2020-03-25
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTDDR32T1Y0
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: A TRUCK TIRE WENT OUT AND LOCKED UP MY ENGINE OF MY CELICA
Toyota Celica 1998
  • Date Of Incident: 2020-01-31
  • Date Complaint: 2020-03-09
  • VIN: JT5FG02T6W0
  • Components: AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF THE FAULTY AIRBAG RECALL AND HAS FAILED TO FIX THE FAULTY AIRBAG AND IN ADDITION, MY CAR IS STALLING WITHOUT CAUSE.
Toyota Celica 2000
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-16
  • Date Complaint: 2019-10-16
  • VIN: JTDDR32T4Y0
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: I AM TRYING TO RENEW MY REGISTRATION FOR MY 2000 TOYOTA AND IT DOESN'T LET ME AND IT MIGHT HAVE A RECALL ON THE LIGHTS
Toyota Celica 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2019-05-23
  • Date Complaint: 2019-10-15
  • VIN: JTDDR32T810
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: THIS ENGINE HAS A KNOWN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. IT CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. I HAVE HAD A MOTOR COMPLETELY FAIL WHILE ON THE FREEWAY WITH A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER DUE TO OIL LEVELS RUNNING DRY. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTAS RECALL DEPARTMENT ANT THEY SAID UNLESS NHTSA MAKES THIS A RECALL THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR OWNERS OF THESE CARS. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THIS HAPPENS TO SOMEONE AND THEY LOSE THEIR LIFE OVER A POORLY DESIGNED MOTOR. PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT DOES LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE.
Toyota Celica 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2012-07-30
  • Date Complaint: 2019-07-30
  • VIN: JTDDR32T010
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CELICA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE GEAR SHIFTIER DID NOT WORK AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER APPROXIMATELY SEVEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Toyota Celica 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2007-05-10
  • Date Complaint: 2019-05-30
  • VIN: JTDDR32T910
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: SINCE THE RECALLS HAVE CAME OUT FOR THE CELICA OIL ISSUES MY WIFE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET A SOLUTION FROM TOYOTA. TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT HER CAR IS NOT PART OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER TSB EG 6020 HER CAR IS A PART OF THE ISSUE. I ALSO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE OF THE CARS THAT WERE RECALLED AND HERS THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME ENGINE SAME PARTS. SO BOTTOM LINE SHE SHOULD OF BEEN TAKING CAR OF BY TOYOTA AND THE ENGINE REPLACED. SHE NOW HAS A CAR THAT IS ABOUT TO CATCH ON FIRE AND NOT ABLE TO DRIVE AND FOR YEARS SHE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET ANSWERS AND PUSHED AWAY. WE ARE ASKING THAT YOU LOOK INTO THE PARTS OF THE ENGINES THAT WERE RECALLED AND HER PARTS. YOU WILL SEE THERE ALL THE SAME. SHE PAID 22,000 FOR THIS CAR AND HAS HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. IM JUST GLAD THE CAR DID NOT CATCH FIRE WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING.
Toyota Celica 2001
  • Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
  • Date Complaint: 2018-12-04
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTDDR32T910
  • Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE
  • Summary: AS SOON AS I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY 2017, I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS RUNNING OUT OF OIL SUPER FAST. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY LEAKS OR PROBLEMS, BUT THERE WERE NONE. TO THIS DAY DEC 2018 I'VE SPENT ABOUT 2K ON OIL ALONE. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THE CELICAS. I RECENTLY WENT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY CAR WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO EVEN BE CONSIDERED FOR THE RECALL. I HAD GOT INTO A ACCIDENT WITH A DEER ABOUT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND MY INSURANCE TOTALED MY CAR OUT. THERE WAS ONLY DAMAGE TO MY HOOD, HEADLIGHTS, AND MY BUMPER. I BOUGHT THE CAR BACK FROM THEM, BUT ALL IN ALL NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR INTERNALLY. I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD OIL EVERY WEEK BUT I DO LOVE THIS CAR. IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU GUYS CAN DO/HELP WITH I'D APPRECIATE IT.
Toyota Celica 1992
  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-25
  • Date Complaint: 2018-10-25
  • VIN: JT5VN94TM00
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TOYOTA MOTOR SALES STARTED A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN (V06) FOR 1990 - EARLY 1995 TRUCKS, 4 RUNNERS & T100S WITH 3VZ-E V6 ENGINES. THIS CAMPAIGN WAS TO REPLACE THE 3VZ-E HEAD GASKET ON CERTAIN IDENTIFIED VIN NUMBERS THAT TOYOTA IDENTIFIED AS HAVING DEFECTS FROM THE FACTORY. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN CAN BE VIEWED AT HTTPS://TECHINFO.TOYOTA.COM AND IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. ON PAGE TWO, TOYOTA'S SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN (V06) FOR 1990-EARLY 1995 TRUCKS, 4RUNNERS, & T100 WITH 3VZ-E V6 ENGINES STATES: "UNDER THE SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN PROGRAM, THE HEAD GASKETS WILL BE REPLACED ON ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES REGARDLESS OF LEAKAGE OR NOT, AND THERE WILL NOT BE ANY AGE, MILEAGE OR TIME RESTRICTIONS UNDER THE SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN." MY VEHICLE VIN HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY TOYOTA AS FALLING UNDER THIS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN. TOYOTA HAS AS OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2018, STATED THAT THIS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN HAS EXPIRED AND REFUSES TO HONOR THEIR HEAD GASKET REPAIR UNDER THIS SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN. BECAUSE TOYOTA'S DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE STATEMENT "THERE WILL NOT BE ANY AGE, MILEAGE OR TIME RESTRICTIONS UNDER THE SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN", EXPIRING THIS CAMPAIGN ON A RANDOM DATE IS NOT LEGAL. TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE MY HEAD GASKET AS PART OF THIS RECALL. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND TOYOTA HELD TO THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION.

Latest 5 recalls Toyota Celica

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 21 recalls for different components of the Toyota Celica.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Toyota Celica 1999
  • Report Received Date: 2020-01-22
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.
  • Model: Toyota Celica 1998
  • Report Received Date: 2020-01-22
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.
  • Model: Toyota Celica 1989
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: 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.
  • Model: Toyota Celica 1992
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: 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.
  • Model: Toyota Celica 1993
  • Report Received Date: 2010-02-11
  • Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: 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.

Latest negative Toyota Celica car reviews

  1. Eladio Parker 2025-08-18

    Vehicle year: 2001

    I have a 2001 Toyota Celica with only 70k mileage and it has had regular servicing, including oil changes. However, there is currently an engine noise in the transmission, which requires a new transmission and clutch, costing $3500. Despite this setback, I remain confident in Toyota's overall quality and reliability.

  2. Ricardo Russel 2025-08-09

    Vehicle year: 2002

    The Celica was my wife's car before we met, and since getting married we have purchased two newer cars. Despite having tried to sell it due to having kids, we have found that after two years of spending money on the newer cars, the Celica has the most miles but only costs 20% of what it takes to maintain the other cars. While it may be underpowered and have a disappointing rear blind spot, it is nimble, good-looking, has good gas mileage, and is awesome on curves. I have found other small cars that are better and faster, such as the Mazda 3, Corolla, and Vibe. Overall, the Celica has its pros and cons, but it has been easy to maintain and is a great car for those who appreciate its unique features.

  3. Ted Gislason 2025-07-18

    Vehicle year: 1991

    I've been the proud owner of this car for 17 years now, and it's been incredibly reliable. However, I've been considering upgrading to a more powerful motor. The 2.2 liter engine is a bit weak, and it takes about 12 seconds to reach 60 mph with the 5-speed. The gas mileage is only 13 miles in the city and 15 on the highway, but it's still running great with 206,786 miles on it. I also have a 1993 Nissan 240sx with a 2.4 liter motor, and it makes the Celica look like it's standing still!

  4. Ambrose Bergstrom 2025-06-07

    Vehicle year: 2001

    I fell in love with this model from the first day I saw it. With Toyota's reputation for reliability, I decided to buy it. Unfortunately, my experience with this car has been disappointing. My previous vehicle, a Nissan, went 225,000 miles with no repairs, so I had high expectations. However, in just 4 months, the a/c stopped working, the new front tires had to be replaced and realigned, and the engine had oil leaks that cost $650.00 to correct. Additionally, the spoiler and small windows make it difficult to see out the back, and getting in and out is always a struggle due to the steering wheel being jammed in its lowest position. Unfortunately, the Toyota dealer says they can't fix it. It's also difficult to read the speedometer with the steering wheel so low. Overall, my experience with this car has been frustrating.

  5. Abdul Leannon 2025-05-27

    Vehicle year: 1998

    Great car!

Latest positive Toyota Celica car reviews

  1. Brody Legros 2025-08-21

    Vehicle year: 2004

    To start off, I would recommend purchasing the Celica with the action package, whether it be the GT or GTS, as it gives the car a more fierce and stylish look. The wing, in particular, looks awesome. The interior of the car, with the action package, has racing bucket seats that are both comfortable and stylish. The car comes with tons of standard features and has enough room for four people, although true driving enthusiasts would prefer to be alone with their car. The Celica handles corners like a dream, and even at 90mph, it's a thrilling experience.

  2. Korey O'Connell 2025-08-20

    Vehicle year: 2002

    I bought my 6-speed manual GTS car back in 2002 from a showroom with only 7,000 miles on it. It has been so reliable that I still drive it today, in 1/2020, with over 386,000 miles as my weekend fun car. It has had no major issues, just regular maintenance and oil changes. The original engine and transmission are still running strong, and I have only had to replace the clutch twice. I recently upgraded the stereo system and gave it a new paint job, but the interior still looks clean and polished. I love driving this car hard, pushing it up to the redline, because it's just that fun to drive. On the highway, I get about 32-34mpg on cruise control. If this car ever breaks down, I would definitely buy another one. Update: As of 1/8/2020, my car now has over 386k+ miles and is still going strong. It's my weekend car, and it looks even better than new with a fresh coat of paint, new windshield, backup camera, dashcam, and upgraded performance brakes and rotors. The engine and interior are as clean as can be, and I still hit the redline occasionally just for fun. I absolutely love that VVTli engine. If Toyota brings back the Celica just like the Supra, I would definitely consider buying one. Let's go places!

  3. Olen Grimes 2025-08-20

    Vehicle year: 1991

    I heard that Japanese cars were better than American. Wanting to see for myself, I picked up an old 1991 GT-S with 117k miles. My expectation was a car that kept on going and going with nothing but basic maintenance. However, after 5 years, it had only met my expectations so-so. Besides normal wear and tear, the alternator, radiator, a/c unit, rack/pinion, both cv halfshafts, cruise control, and the shocks that kept the trunk lid open went bad. Nevertheless, the car is now almost 20 years old and still looks good and runs fine. Repairing it is cheaper than replacing it, and I plan to fix it as needed until the engine goes, probably another 100k or 2. All in all, it's a solid car.

  4. Glennie Bartell 2025-08-19

    Vehicle year: 1996

    The Celica is a really reliable car that looks and handles great. However, as expected, the power (especially with the automatic) is poor. The gas mileage is okay but not great considering you have to work the engine hard to get the power you want. Overall, it's still a great car, and I have over 109,000 miles on it.

  5. Peter Price 2025-08-19

    Vehicle year: 2000

    Your Celica sounds like an amazing car! I'm glad to hear that it's been treating you well for the past 4 1/2 years. It's great that it's comfortable even on long trips and has plenty of space in the trunk. It's also awesome that it's sporty, good looking, and reliable. Although you've had to put some money into shocks and belts lately, it's nothing unexpected for a car of this age. It's really impressive that you've been told you can easily get to 250k miles or more without major problems. It's clear that you take great care of your car and I hope it continues to serve you well for many more years to come!

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