Owners have filed 24 complaints
about the 1994 Toyota Celica with NHTSA between 1995 and 2016.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Toyota Celica. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
54.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1994 Toyota Celica
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
729.2%
6 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
416.7%
Median failure at 108,000 miles
Brakes
312.5%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 108,000 mi
Seat Belts
28.3%
Tires
28.3%
Median failure at 144,000 miles
Suspension
28.3%
Median failure at 108,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
28.3%
Median failure at 108,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
14.2%
Median failure at 108,000 miles
Steering
14.2%
Median failure at 108,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1083.3%
150,000+ miles
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1995peak 10Jan 2016
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Sacramento, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A FRONT ON COLLISION ON A CITY STREET. I WAS TRAVELING 25 AND OTHER CAR 35 HIT ME HEAD ON. MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED WHEN IT DEPLOYED TAKING OUT WINDSHIELD SCATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE WHICH CUT ME. I BREATHED IN THE POWDER FROM THE AIRBAG AND HAD DIFFICULTY BREATHING FOR SOME TIME. I INITIALLY SUFFERED ALMOST TOTAL HEARING LOSS RIGHT EAR AND PERMANENT DIMINISHED HEARING. REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHEN OCCURRED AND NEVER RECEIVED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MY CONCERN AND COMPLAINT. I COMPLAINED THAT ABOUT MY INJURIES AND CONCERN THAT HAD SOMEONE BEEN IN PASSENGER SEAT THEY MOST PROBABLY WOULD HAVE DIED OR BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. I HAVE MANY PICTURES AND DOCUMENTATION OF MY INJURY IF THIS IS OF INTEREST TO NHTSA SO MANY YEARS POST OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10818551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrison, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
UPON A FRONT END COLLISION AT 45 MPH WITH OVER 4500.00 WORTH OR DAMAGE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES TO MYSELF. THEN AFTER REPAIRS THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF SHOWING A FAILURE THAT THEY WERE NOW INOPERABLE YOU TAKE YOUR PICK WHICH IS WORSE!
NHTSA complaint #718421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, MACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT NOT THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#.
NHTSA complaint #836164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WIFE DRIVING VEHICLE, HAD SEAT BELT ON, COMING TO A STOP LIGHT, TOUCHED BRAKES (ABS) TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE SHIFTED TO RIGHT AND THEN SPUN AROUND, VEHICLE THEN HIT LAMP POLE, AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BURST WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #801301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WIFE DRIVING VEHICLE, HAD SEAT BELT ON, COMING TO A STOP LIGHT, TOUCHED BRAKES (ABS) TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE SHIFTED TO RIGHT AND THEN SPUN AROUND, VEHICLE THEN HIT LAMP POLE, AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BURST WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #801301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandan, NDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHEN INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED COLLISION BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND PASSENGER AIR BAG SHATTERED WINDSHIELD AND SHREADED AIR BAG. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint #978324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sacramento, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS IN A FRONT ON COLLISION ON A CITY STREET. I WAS TRAVELING 25 AND OTHER CAR 35 HIT ME HEAD ON. MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED WHEN IT DEPLOYED TAKING OUT WINDSHIELD SCATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE WHICH CUT ME. I BREATHED IN THE POWDER FROM THE AIRBAG AND HAD DIFFICULTY BREATHING FOR SOME TIME. I INITIALLY SUFFERED ALMOST TOTAL HEARING LOSS RIGHT EAR AND PERMANENT DIMINISHED HEARING. REPORTED TO TOYOTA WHEN OCCURRED AND NEVER RECEIVED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF MY CONCERN AND COMPLAINT. I COMPLAINED THAT ABOUT MY INJURIES AND CONCERN THAT HAD SOMEONE BEEN IN PASSENGER SEAT THEY MOST PROBABLY WOULD HAVE DIED OR BEEN SEVERELY INJURED. I HAVE MANY PICTURES AND DOCUMENTATION OF MY INJURY IF THIS IS OF INTEREST TO NHTSA SO MANY YEARS POST OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10818551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesJoshua Tree, CA
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 TOYOTA CELICA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE, THE GEAR LEVER WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILED RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
NHTSA complaint #10682635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
SUSPENSION:FRONT
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLAS Vegas, NV
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
STEERING, SUSPENSION, CLUTCH AND BRAKES, COOLING SYSTEM AND DRIVEABILITY, FUEL AND FLUID BREAKDOWN. SEVERE COMPONENT FAILURE LEADING BACK TO ECU AND EMISSION SYSTEM SENSORS NOT ACTIVATING WARNING LIGHTS NOR SENDING TROUBLE CODES. ENGINE COMPRESSION FANTASTIC, ENGINE SENSORS CHECK OK BUT CAR IS TOO UNSAFE TO DRIVE NOR RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10107924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesWarren, MI
TIRES:SIDEWALL
ON 11/02/02 WE PURCHASED 4 KELLY SPRINGFIELD 185/70R14 METRIC TIRES WITH A MFGS 50,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR OUR TOYOTA CELICA. ON 11/25/2002, THE DEALER REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WHICH DEVELOPED A BULDGE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. ON 08/30/03 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CELICA ON THE FREEWAY AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. INSPECTION OF THE TIRE REVEALS THAT THAT THE BLOWOUT PRODUCED A VERTICAL GASH FROM THE RIM TO THE TIRE TREAD. THE TIRE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT ON 09/04/03. THE TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 12,000 MILE OF WEAR ON THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10037082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hinckley, OH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
BOTH OF MY REAR SEATBELTS, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN USED VERY OFTEN, HAVE BROKE. THE FIRST BROKE A WHILE BACK. WE DON'T USE THIS CAR TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN VERY MUCH, AND I'M SURPRISED THAT THEY BOTH BROKE. PART OF ME SUSPECTS THAT TOYOTA PUT IN A CHEAPER SEATBELT ASSEMBLY ASSUMING THAT THE BACK SEAT IN A SPORTS CAR WOULD NOT BE USED ALL THAT OFTEN. THE DEALERSHIP I WENT TO(BRUNSWICK AUTO MART) WANTED TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS, CITING IT AS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT TOYOTA SAYS NO. MY IMPRESSION WAS THAT IT WAS NOT THAT UNCOMMON OF A PROBLEM, AND I THINK IT SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO YOUR ATTENTION.
NHTSA complaint #765276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morrison, COCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
UPON A FRONT END COLLISION AT 45 MPH WITH OVER 4500.00 WORTH OR DAMAGE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAUSED SERIOUS INJURIES TO MYSELF. THEN AFTER REPAIRS THE AIR BAG LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OFF SHOWING A FAILURE THAT THEY WERE NOW INOPERABLE YOU TAKE YOUR PICK WHICH IS WORSE!
NHTSA complaint #718421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockville, MD
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ANCHOR LOOSENED AND DETACHED. AND MY THROTTLE STICKS IN THE CLOSED POSITION MAKING CITY-TRAFFIC DRIVING A REAL MOTHER. CHEERS AND HAVE A NICE DAY NOW!
NHTSA complaint #709772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clearwater, FL
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON DUE TO A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG UNIT WHICH BURNED OUT AND WON'T DEPLOY IN EVENT OF A CRASH, SO IT WONT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #843241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lowell, MACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH HAD A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT IN WHICH THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT NOT THE PASSENGER'S AIRBAG WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#.
NHTSA complaint #836164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stone MTN, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
RIGHT REAR ABS BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #781479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Etters, PA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
VEHICLE SEVERELY PULLS TO THE LEFT, EVEN AFTER FRONT END ALIGNMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #541505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WIFE DRIVING VEHICLE, HAD SEAT BELT ON, COMING TO A STOP LIGHT, TOUCHED BRAKES (ABS) TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE SHIFTED TO RIGHT AND THEN SPUN AROUND, VEHICLE THEN HIT LAMP POLE, AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BURST WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #801301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, INCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WIFE DRIVING VEHICLE, HAD SEAT BELT ON, COMING TO A STOP LIGHT, TOUCHED BRAKES (ABS) TO SLOW DOWN, VEHICLE SHIFTED TO RIGHT AND THEN SPUN AROUND, VEHICLE THEN HIT LAMP POLE, AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BURST WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #801301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mandan, NDCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHEN INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED COLLISION BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND PASSENGER AIR BAG SHATTERED WINDSHIELD AND SHREADED AIR BAG. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
NHTSA complaint #978324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. TT
NHTSA complaint #965434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.