1988 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.
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Common 1988 Toyota Celica problems
The Toyota Celica 1988 is known for having issues with oil consumption, which can lead to engine failure. This issue is particularly common in the 2.2-liter 5S-FE engine, which was used in the sixth-generation Celica models produced between 1990 and 1993. The timing belt tensioner in this engine can fail, causing the timing belt to slip or break, resulting in engine damage. Additionally, the valve cover gasket can leak oil onto the spark plugs, causing misfires.
Another engine-specific issue in the Toyota Celica 1988 is with the 2.0-liter 3S-GTE engine, which was used in the Celica GT-Four and All-Trac models produced between 1988 and 1999. Some owners reported issues with the turbocharger oil seals, which can lead to oil leaks and engine damage if not addressed. Others reported issues with the fuel injectors, which can fail and cause misfires.
The 1.8-liter 2ZZ-GE engine, used in the seventh-generation Celica models produced between 2000 and 2005, has issues with oil consumption, which can be caused by worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Additionally, some owners reported issues with the lift bolts, which can fail and cause engine damage.
The 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine, used in the fifth-generation Celica models produced between 1983 and 1989, has issues with the head gasket, which can fail and cause coolant leaks and overheating. Additionally, the timing belt tensioner in this engine can fail, causing the timing belt to slip or break, resulting in engine damage.
While these engine-specific issues may be cause for concern, it's important to note that many Celica models have proven to be reliable and long-lasting with proper maintenance and care. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections can help identify and address issues before they become major problems.
In addition to engine-specific issues, the Toyota Celica 1988 is known for having problems with the automatic transmission, which may not shift correctly at high mileages. This issue is particularly common in models with high mileage, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn or damaged transmission components and low transmission fluid levels.
It's worth noting that the Toyota Celica 1988 has received positive reviews from many owners, with many praising its reliability, handling, and gas mileage. However, it's important to be aware of potential issues and to address them promptly to 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 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.
Are Toyota Celicas expensive to fix?
The annual maintenance cost of a Toyota Celica is $367.
How long do Toyota Celica engines last?
Hilux's are known to run well past 300,000 miles, and the AE86's are known to run perfectly beyond 250,000 as well. Well maintained, a Celica or other Toyota could probably do about 250,000 miles.
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.
What is the gas mileage on a 1988 Toyota Celica?
19 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1988 Toyota Celica | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Premium Gasoline 19 combined city/highway MPG 17 city 24 highway 5.3 gals/100 miles |
How long do Toyota Celica engines last?
Hilux's are known to run well past 300,000 miles, and the AE86's are known to run perfectly beyond 250,000 as well. Well maintained, a Celica or other Toyota could probably do about 250,000 miles.
1988 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Seat belts problems
- Visibility problems
- Equipment problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Toyota Celica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Toyota Celica complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Toyota Celica.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-15
- VIN: JT2ST6502J7
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I CURRENTLY OWN AN 87 AND 88 TOYOTA CELICAS AND BOTH HEATERS DO NOT WORK. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-18
- VIN: JT2ST67L8J7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: ENGINE PROBLEM AFTER WARM UP SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GRINDING LIKE THE GEARS ARE NOT MESHING CORRECTLY. SO TRY AND SKIP 2ND WHILE DRIVING.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- VIN: REFUSE
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RING GEAR BEHIND THE STARTER TEETH STARTED SLIPPING, WHICH MADE LOUD NOISES, DEALER NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, MECHANIC DID REPAIR WORK, CONSUMER HAD TO PAY EXPENSES TO GET REPAIRS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-16
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-16
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MUFFLER FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-16
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END REPAIRED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HIGH ENGINE RPM 3000 AT IDLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CARBON BUILD UP THROTTLE BODY. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WHEN LOCK IT STAY LOCK AND HARD TO LOCK . TT
1988 Toyota Celica recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Toyota Celica.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Toyota Celica problems:
Common Problems with 5th gen Celica | Toyota Celica Forum
Jan 8, 2013 ... 88 Celica GT convertible shakes between... ...40 and 44 mph. I'm told it's because they chop off the hard tops to make them, and it ...
Checking out an '88 Celica tomorrow: what questions should I ask + ...
Aug 18, 2021 ... Common issue on most older Asian cars is the out shaft seal on the distributor going bad, causing oil to leak out around the mating surface of ...
Common Problems...MKII | Toyota Celica Supra Forum
Aug 6, 2005 ... The car also needs a head gasket and a clutch master cylinder. The engine bay is clean. Also, are parts expensive and hard to find for these ...
Toyota Celica Problems and Complaints - 55 Issues
Top Toyota Celica Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · Ignition Coil Inside Distributor May Fail · Power Steering Pump and ...
1988 Toyota Celica Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Feb 24, 2020 ... Transmission synchronizers failed twice. Rack and pinion steering seals started leaking power steering fluid. Valves had a few faulty seals ...
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