1985 Toyota Celica problems
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.
Social links
Common 1985 Toyota Celica problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Celica 1985, several common problems have been reported:
- ABS Warning Light:
- Some Celica models experience the ABS light being illuminated without a noticeable loss of brake power. This issue is commonly attributed to a worn-out wheel speed sensor, which can be replaced to resolve the problem.
- Incorrect Gear Changes:
- Owners of automatic Celica models have reported issues with incorrect gear changes, often caused by a misadjusted throttle position sensor or a broken shift solenoid that may need replacement.
- Braking Issues:
- Complaints include reduced brake effectiveness and a grinding sound when applied, which can be caused by rusted brake discs due to long periods of inactivity. Replacing the brake discs and pads can resolve this issue.
- Sluggish Engine:
- Some owners have reported a sluggish engine performance, often attributed to a dirty fuel filter. Cleaning or replacing the fuel filter can help address this problem.
- Tensioner Pulley Noise:
- A high-pitched chirping sound on cold mornings when starting the car may indicate issues with tensioner pulleys, which may need replacement to resolve the noise.
- Squealing Sound When Starting:
- A loud squealing sound during startup can be due to faulty tensioner pulleys, which should be replaced to eliminate the noise.
These common problems reported by owners of the Toyota Celica 1985 highlight various issues related to the engine, braking system, gear changes, and overall vehicle performance. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and necessary repairs can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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 engine reliable?
In fact, many owners of Toyota Celicas report that with regular maintenance and care, these cars can easily exceed 200,000 miles. As a brand, Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability and longevity, and the Celica is no exception to this.
Is the 1985 Toyota Celica FWD or RWD?
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.
What to look for when buying a Celica?
Check compression on all cylinders, should be around 200 PSI +/- 10% of each other. Check for possible head gasket leaks or cracks in valve head and engine block with oil and coolant mixed in engine oil and radiator coolant.
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.
Is the 1985 Toyota Celica FWD or RWD?
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.
Why did they stop Toyota Celica?
The Celica started as a cheap, fun sports coupe but its success in rally racing is what made the Celica into a true icon. Unfortunately, as the economy changed and consumer's tastes shifted, Toyota killed off the Celica in 2005.
1985 Toyota Celica car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Celica problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Toyota Celica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Toyota Celica complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Toyota Celica.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2RA65C1F4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT AND PREPARED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. ALL OF SUDDEN THE CAR ACCERLATED AT A HIGH SPEED AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE BUT IT KEEP GOING. I HIT A SIDEWALK CURB, HIT PART OF THE WALL, AND HIT A SIGN POLL HEAD ON THAT STOP THE CAR. MAJOR DAMAGES ON FRONT OF THE CAR, TIRE BLOWN, AND MIRROR CRACK. I RECEIVED BRUISES ON MY FACE AND BODY IS SORE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER TOP FAILED. YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-08
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONVERTABLE TOP FAILED. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-08
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONVERTABLE TOP FAILED. NLM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-19
- Number Of Injuries: 3
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT2RA64C2S6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT, TRAVELING STRAIGHT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY HAD NO STEERING CAPABILITY. VEHICLE HIT ONE CAR AND SWERVED, THEN HIT A CONCRETE WALL. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES IN A PANIC STOP, THE VEHICLE STOPPED, THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE THAT HAD MINOR INJURIES, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-04-19
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON DRY PAVEMENT ON THE FREEWAY, THE STEERING LINKAGE BROKE, AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE HAD NO STEERING CAPABILITY. THE CAR HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SWERVED AND HIT A CONCRETE WALL. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED AT A PANIC STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. MINOR INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED BY TWO PASSENGERS, A CHILD AND THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: SEAT BELTS LOCK UP FREQUENTLY, ALSO POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-03
- VIN: JT2RA63C7F6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BELT FAILS TO RETRACT. *DH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Toyota Celica problems:
1985 Celica Gts problems
Sep 5, 2012 ... If it only does it when hot it might be a dying igniter, It's been a pretty common problem lately. Logged. 1983 Celica GT-S 2RZ swap: Deered ...
Common Problems...MKII | Toyota Celica Supra Forum
Aug 6, 2005 ... If there is a head gasket problem, then there is a good probability that the engine was overheated and is now complete toast. Phil D. 85 Silver ...
Common Problems? Upgrades? | Supra Forums
Jul 15, 2002 ... I'm new to the Supra, but I might be purchasing a Mk. II. (85 Black, Performance model, Automagic). I was interested in what the common problems ...
1985 Supra 5ME Engine Stalling problems | Toyota Celica Supra ...
Mar 10, 2005 ... It ran great but then would just die for no reason. It did this for several times before it finally die completely. One of the leads in the plug ...
2003 Toyota Celica GT: Common Problems, Engine Issues & Q&A
Jul 1, 2012 ... Please help! My daughters 2003 toyota celica gt has been having a problem for the last year that is getting worse and - Answered by a ...
Other years of Toyota Celica
Are you having problems with your 1985 Toyota Celica?
Leave your review of 1985 Toyota Celica