1998 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 1998 Toyota Celica problems
The Toyota Celica 1998 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners:
- Rough Idling and Misfires: Another common problem involves rough driving, occasional misfires and backfires, illuminated check engine light, stalling, and power loss. This issue is prevalent in 1.8-liter models of the Celica and is attributed to valve performance problems. The soft valve seat can wear down quickly, leading to corrosion. The suggested solution involves removing the cylinder head and rebuilding it using new valves to address this issue.
- ABD Warning Light: Owners have reported the ABS light being illuminated without a noticeable loss of brake power. This problem is often caused by a worn-out wheel speed sensor, particularly in Celicas with high mileage. The solution involves ordering a replacement sensor and cleaning any rust or debris from the mounting area to prevent further occurrences of this issue.
- Incorrect Gear Changes (All automatics): Some owners have experienced issues with automatic transmissions not changing gears at the correct time. This problem is commonly linked to a misadjusted throttle position sensor or a broken shift solenoid. Adjusting the throttle position sensor or replacing the faulty shift solenoid can resolve this issue.
- Braking Issues: Complaints have been made about decreased brake effectiveness and a grinding sound when brakes are applied. This problem can arise from rust formation on brake discs due to long periods of inactivity. The recommended solution is to order new brake discs and pads to replace the worn-out components and restore braking performance.
- Sluggish Engine: Owners have reported a sluggish engine performance, often caused by a dirty fuel filter. Cleaning the fuel filter can resolve this issue in most cases. However, if the filter is severely blocked, a replacement may be necessary to restore optimal engine function.
These common problems with the Toyota Celica 1998 highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the vehicle's reliability and performance.
Are 1998 Toyota Celicas reliable?
The Celica is solid, reasonably sporty and has an outstanding reliability record. We can't recommend it, though, when less expensive and speedier cars like the Pontiac Sunfire GT, Mustang GT Convertible and Acura Integra LS are available for the taking.
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.
Are Toyota Celicas expensive to fix?
The annual maintenance cost of a Toyota Celica is $367.
Is Toyota Celica 1998 a good car?
The Celica is solid, reasonably sporty and has an outstanding reliability record. We can't recommend it, though, when less expensive and speedier cars like the Pontiac Sunfire GT, Mustang GT Convertible and Acura Integra LS are available for the taking.
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 fuel consumption of a 1998 Toyota Celica?
Toyota Celica 1998 Fuel consumption
| Toyota Celica Model | Body Type | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| SX | Hatchback | 8.1L/100km |
| SX | Hatchback | 8.3L/100km |
| SX-R | Hatchback | 8.1L/100km |
| SX-R | Hatchback | 8.3L/100km |
1998 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
- Air bags problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Tires problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Toyota Celica vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Toyota Celica complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Toyota Celica.
AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-31
- 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.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-14
- VIN: JT5FG02TXW0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS COOPER LIFE LINER SLE TIRES P205/55R 15 ON A 1998 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING RANDOMLY, SO THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT LOOKED AT THE TIRES AND SAW NO DAMAGES. THE CONTACT RUBBED HER HAND ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND NOTICE A BUBBLE HAD DEVELOP ON THE INSIDE TREAD. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER NOTICE THE TREAD SEPARATION ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE AND RECOMMENDED THE TIRE BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THEY DO NOT SUPPLY A WARRANTY ON COOPER TIRES DUE TO THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE AND THEY DO NOT SALE THAT BRAND. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE TIRES AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WILL ONLY COVER WHAT IS LEFT OF THE TREAD ON THE TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACED THE TIRES SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING WITH THE THREE REMAINING TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-01
- VIN: JT5FG02T0W0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE REAR WINDOW OF THE CONVERTIBLE WAS DESIGNED SUCH THAT RAISING AND LOWERING THE AUTOMATIC TOP WAS NOT GIVEN ENOUGH CLEARANCE. AS A RESULT THE BACK WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY RUBS AGAINST THE SHARP TOP OF THE REAR SEAT UPON OPENING AND CLOSING. THIS CAUSES THE REAR WINDOW TO DISENGAGE FROM THE GLUE THAT ADHERES IT IN PLACE AND CONSEQUENTLY FALL OUT. MANY REPORTS HAVE BEEN FILED TO TOYOTA DEALERS AND THEY REFUSE TO COVER ANY SUCH DEFECTS. THE ONLY SOLUTION THEY PROPOSE IS TAKING THE CAR TO A THIRD PARTY AUTO TOP REPAIR SERVICE TO HAVE THE ENTIRE WINDOW REPLACED FOR A FEE OF $700 DOLLARS. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-23
- VIN: JT5FG02T4W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVING FOR 10 MINUTES IN THE CAR THREW A ROD, CRACKED THE BLOCK, SHEARDS OF METAL THRU OIL PAN & WATER COOLANT SYSTEM. ALSO ROD DENTED HOOD SO BODY WORK BEING REQUIRED. OVER $5500 DAMAGE ON A 4 YEAR OLD CAR! MR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD MOTOR WAS WORKING BUT THE WIPER BLADES WERE NOT OPERABLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *AK
1998 Toyota Celica recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Toyota Celica.
- 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.
Positive 1998 Toyota Celica car reviews
Additional sources
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Other years of Toyota Celica
Are you having problems with your 1998 Toyota Celica?
Alejandrin Moen 2025-01-06
I've had this car for 4 months now and it truly is a blast. The handling is great (FWD) and the acceleration is good (although it could use a little more at times). The quality of Toyota is evident. And the best part is that you are more likely to see 100 Preludes, Cavaliers, or Sunfires before you see just one of these beauties on the road. Toyota should have kept this style, as it's much better than the new Celica body design. Overall, if you try it, you will love it!
Emmitt Lesch 2025-01-02
You're going to love this! I bought this car with 65,000 miles and now, after 8 years, it has 193,000 miles and it's still going strong! The only issues I've had were with the starter and cv boots, but other than that, it's been a great ride. I really enjoy this car!
Garfield Leannon 2024-11-07
Hi there! I wanted to share with you that I have a 1995 Toyota Celica GT that still runs like a charm. Even with the original battery, it starts up every morning, even in the chilly Indiana weather. While the shocks are starting to go, the engine is still going strong. I'm amazed at how well this car performs! In fact, I'm hoping to buy another one tomorrow.
Zachariah McKenzie 2024-10-15
It's so great to hear that your daughter has been driving this vehicle for over 5 years and it has been the best vehicle you've ever owned! The performance has been excellent, the maintenance very low and the overall cost of driving exceptional. I love the classic styling of the 97 Celica and it's amazing that even after 9 years the body and paint are in excellent condition. It runs like a jewel and I believe it will continue to give you great service well beyond 150,000 miles. You definitely have a great car!
Marcellus Wolf 2024-09-15
Your 23-year-old drop-top 5-speed manual still runs like a champ with 172K on it! The styling is far superior to most cars now. Based on the offers you're getting, the car is appreciating in value. It's not just a sports car, it's a Corolla on a different body with a soft top and one of the most solid engines ever built. Even as a convertible, it's still big enough to be a daily driver with backseats and a real trunk. It turns heads with the top down in 2021 because it's styled right. The best part is that you can get them for under $4K, and insurance and parts are dirt cheap and readily available. It's one of the best value used cars in the world, and they cost more back in the day because they were built better.