Toyota Celica Reliability Problems

Celica owners have made 61 complaints over 16 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 15th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models, with some engine and transmission concerns.

The Most Common Celica Problem

A list of some of the most common issues Celica owners have to deal with.

  1. Oil Sludge in Toyota Engines

    Toyota settled a class-action engine-sludge suit in 2007 that covered an estimated 2.5-million Toyota and Lexus vehicles made between 1997 and 2002. In that case, Toyota agreed to repair 'sludged-up' engines for up to eight years from the t…

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  2. What Are We Missing?

    We know there's more problems than this. Let us know which one you'd like to see us cover next.

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What Celica Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

Full Lists on CarComplaints.com

Celica Generations

The Celica has 3 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 7th generation (2000–2005).

Celica Key Numbers

  1. 61 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  2. 122 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  3. 9 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Other Toyota Models