Owners have filed 25 complaints
about the 1995 Toyota Celica with NHTSA between 1995 and 2005.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 37
Against the median year of the Toyota Celica. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
68% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% 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 1995 Toyota Celica
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
832.0%
7 crashes, 0 fires
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
312.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 92,000 mi
Seats
28.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
28.0%
Median failure at 92,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
28.0%
Median failure at 98,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
14.0%
Median failure at 33,409 miles
Equipment & Accessories
14.0%
Median failure at 33,409 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
14.0%
Tires
14.0%
Lights
14.0%
Suspension
14.0%
Body & Structure
14.0%
Electrical System
14.0%
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.
Feb 1995peak 2Dec 2005
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Raleigh, NC1 injured
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO BREAK COMPLETELY WITH THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT RESTING ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION. THIS BROKEN SEAT CAUSED CONSUMER TO BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND MADE THE SEAT BELT INEFFECTIVE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. CONSUMER FEELS SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #567078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY. A PICKUP TRUCK STRUCK THE CAR IN THE REAR CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO BREAK. THE CAR RAN INTO A STEEL POLE. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND SEAT BELT WAS INEFFECTIVE WITH A BROKEN SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #760812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE SLID OFF AN EXIT IN THE RAIN AT ABOUT30-50MPH INTO A SIGN, AND NEITHER DRIVER'S NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #836429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stow, OHCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HAD JUST PULLED UP TO STOP LIGHT; SUV PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF CELICA; CELICA GOING ABOUT 2-3MPH & HIT SUV; DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HEADLIGHT PUSHED INTO FRAME OF VEHICLE (CELICA). DRIVER HAD INJURIES TO CHEST (BRUISES), FACE & ARMS. WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #814945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Briar Cliff, NYCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VICTIM WAS A PASSENGER IN A TOYOTA CELICA WHICH SKIDDED WHILE TRYING TO AVOID HITTING A DEER IN THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE, AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING DEATH TO MS NATTER'S DAUGHER, THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #809783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andalusi, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #981307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 92,000 milesNiskayuna, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD A LOT OF SCRATCHES ON THE OUTER SIDE WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE DURING NIGHT BECAUSE OF GLARE FROM ONCOMING VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS. MY MOM'S 98' TOYOTA CAMRY HAS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10145191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesNiskayuna, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
WHEN TRYING TO FILL THE CAR UP WITH GAS, THE GAS GUN SHUTS OFF BECAUSE THERE IS SOMETHING BLOCKING THE FLOW OF GAS INTO THE GAS TANK WHICH ACTIVATES ANTI-SPILL MECHANISM IN THE GAS GUN.
NHTSA complaint #10145187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,409 milesLOS Angeles, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT TOYOTA CORPORATION COVER REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE AND FIND A PERMANENT RESOLUTION OF MY ONGOING PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVERY 3 YEARS, STARTING IN 1999. THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE WAS INITIALLY REPLACED JULY 28, 1999 (INVOICE #C10120). APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS LATER (APRIL 8, 2002), THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN (INVOICE #W66160). TOYOTA OF BERKELEY AGREED TO REPLACE THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE AS OUT OF WARRANTY GOODWILL. APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AFTER THE SECOND REPLACEMENT (BEGINNING OF 2005), I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (TOYOTA OF SANTA MONICA) TO LOOK INTO IT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICING. THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. AFTER NEARLY SPENDING $800 ON NORMAL MAINTENANCE OF MY CAR (60,000 MILE MAJOR SERVICE, TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT AND BRAKE REPLACEMENT), I WAS INFORMED BY A TOYOTA EMPLOYEE, WHO RETRIEVED MY CAR AFTER THE SERVICE WAS COMPLETE, THAT MY CAR DIED WHEN HE STARTED IT. I HAD HIM TALK TO THE RED TEAM REPRESENTATIVE FREDDIE VALENCIA AND HE MADE A NOTE OF IT IN MY FILE. HE ASKED ME TO PROVIDE HIM MY OLD INVOICES SHOWING THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENTS SO THAT HE COULD SHOW HIS MANAGER, JULIAN SARKASSIAN (SEE ATTACHED). TO MY DISMAY, JULIAN REVIEWED THE INFORMATION AND INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER ANOTHER REPLACEMENT. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD HIGH OPINIONS OF TOYOTA QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE UNTIL NOW. TO HAVE THIS COSTLY REPAIR OCCUR EVERY THREE YEARS DOES NOT LIVE UP TO TOYOTAS HIGH-QUALITY REPUTATION THAT I, MY FAMILY, AND FRIENDS RELY ON. I HOPE THAT THE TOYOTA CORPORATION WILL CAREFULLY REVIEW MY ATTACHED SERVICE RECORDS AND COVER AN APPROPRIATE REPAIR TO PERMANENTLY SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10127370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,409 milesLOS Angeles, CA
EQUIPMENT
I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT TOYOTA CORPORATION COVER REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE AND FIND A PERMANENT RESOLUTION OF MY ONGOING PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVERY 3 YEARS, STARTING IN 1999. THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE WAS INITIALLY REPLACED JULY 28, 1999 (INVOICE #C10120). APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS LATER (APRIL 8, 2002), THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN (INVOICE #W66160). TOYOTA OF BERKELEY AGREED TO REPLACE THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE AS OUT OF WARRANTY GOODWILL. APPROXIMATELY 3 YEARS AFTER THE SECOND REPLACEMENT (BEGINNING OF 2005), I STARTED EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I ASKED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (TOYOTA OF SANTA MONICA) TO LOOK INTO IT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICING. THE SERVICE EMPLOYEES CHECKED IT OUT AND SAID THE CAR STARTED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. AFTER NEARLY SPENDING $800 ON NORMAL MAINTENANCE OF MY CAR (60,000 MILE MAJOR SERVICE, TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT AND BRAKE REPLACEMENT), I WAS INFORMED BY A TOYOTA EMPLOYEE, WHO RETRIEVED MY CAR AFTER THE SERVICE WAS COMPLETE, THAT MY CAR DIED WHEN HE STARTED IT. I HAD HIM TALK TO THE RED TEAM REPRESENTATIVE FREDDIE VALENCIA AND HE MADE A NOTE OF IT IN MY FILE. HE ASKED ME TO PROVIDE HIM MY OLD INVOICES SHOWING THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE REPLACEMENTS SO THAT HE COULD SHOW HIS MANAGER, JULIAN SARKASSIAN (SEE ATTACHED). TO MY DISMAY, JULIAN REVIEWED THE INFORMATION AND INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA WOULD NOT COVER ANOTHER REPLACEMENT. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD HIGH OPINIONS OF TOYOTA QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE UNTIL NOW. TO HAVE THIS COSTLY REPAIR OCCUR EVERY THREE YEARS DOES NOT LIVE UP TO TOYOTAS HIGH-QUALITY REPUTATION THAT I, MY FAMILY, AND FRIENDS RELY ON. I HOPE THAT THE TOYOTA CORPORATION WILL CAREFULLY REVIEW MY ATTACHED SERVICE RECORDS AND COVER AN APPROPRIATE REPAIR TO PERMANENTLY SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10127370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,500 milesWilliamsburg, KY
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 1995 TOYOTA CELICA AND SHE SAID THAT ON HER WAY TO WORK SHE HEARD A LOUD POP AND THEN IT WOULD MAKE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN YOU CUT THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. I WENT WENT AND GOT THE CAR AND TEST DROVE IT AND IT WAS MAKING THESE TERRIBLE NOISES, BUT ALSO, WHEN I WOULD BRAKE, SOMETIMES, NOT EVERYTIME, THE BRAKE PEDEL WOULD FADE BEFORE CATCHING. I BROUGHT THE CAR HOME AND PULLED THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND NOTICED THAT IT HAD A BAD FRONT WHEEL BEARING. I INSTALLED A NEW FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND SEALS AND WHEN I STARTED TO REINSTALL THE AXLE, I NOTICED IT WAS BROKE, EVEN WITH THREADS ENDS AND THE SHOULDER BEGINS. I PULLED THE AXLE AND INSTALLED AN NEW AXLE. I HAD TO GIVE THE OLD AXLE TO ADVANCE AUTO AS A CORE. BUT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN, BECAUSE IT COULD CAUSE A AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10110069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC1 injured
SEATS
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO BREAK COMPLETELY WITH THE BACK OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT RESTING ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION. THIS BROKEN SEAT CAUSED CONSUMER TO BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND MADE THE SEAT BELT INEFFECTIVE. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MAJOR INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. CONSUMER FEELS SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #567078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
I WAS TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY. A PICKUP TRUCK STRUCK THE CAR IN THE REAR CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO BREAK. THE CAR RAN INTO A STEEL POLE. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR AND SEAT BELT WAS INEFFECTIVE WITH A BROKEN SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #760812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midlothian, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WE TOOK THE CAR TO A IMPORT CAR SPECIALIST AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THE FUEL TANK LOOKED TO BE A MANUFACTURER OR PART DEFECT. THEY USED THE CHEVROLET, S-10 RECALL AS AN EXAMPLE. ACCORDING TO THEM, A FUEL TANK DOESN'T LEAK UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS AND AFTER INSPECTING THE FUEL TANK THEY SAW THAT IT HAD NOT BEEN HIT OR DAMAGED IN ANYWAY.
NHTSA complaint #756040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annandale, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH IS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THIS CAUSED THE SECONDARY SAFETY LATCH TO REMAIN IN THE OPEN POSITION WHICH PREVENTED IT FROM FUNTIONING PROPERLY. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE INTERSTATE, THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD. DUE TO AN ONGOING DISPUTE WITH AAA OF THE MID-ATLANTIC REGION, IT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME WHETHER THE PRIMARY LATCH IS WORKING PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #723751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Simpsonville, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
HOOD BOLT FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #549646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stylefield, MI
SUSPENSION
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS POOR STEERING AND LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LEANING TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER HIT SOMETHING ON THE ROAD, AND THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #839109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FLCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE VEHICLE SLID OFF AN EXIT IN THE RAIN AT ABOUT30-50MPH INTO A SIGN, AND NEITHER DRIVER'S NOR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #836429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
CLUTCH SLIPPING. DEALER REFUSES TO FIX IT BECAUSE WARRANTY EXPIRED.
NHTSA complaint #526326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stow, OHCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HAD JUST PULLED UP TO STOP LIGHT; SUV PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF CELICA; CELICA GOING ABOUT 2-3MPH & HIT SUV; DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. HEADLIGHT PUSHED INTO FRAME OF VEHICLE (CELICA). DRIVER HAD INJURIES TO CHEST (BRUISES), FACE & ARMS. WAS WEARING SEAT BELTS.
NHTSA complaint #814945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
TIRES
FIRST THERE WAS A NOISE AND THE TIRES ARE CHOPPY AND CUFFED AND WORN UNEAVENLY, NOT A CAUSE OF THE ALIGNMENT.
NHTSA complaint #814322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VA
AIR BAGS
CONSUMER COMPLAINS THAT AIRBAGS PRESENT A SAFETY HAZARD FOR SHORT PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #515165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Briar Cliff, NYCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VICTIM WAS A PASSENGER IN A TOYOTA CELICA WHICH SKIDDED WHILE TRYING TO AVOID HITTING A DEER IN THE ROAD AND HIT A TREE, AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING DEATH TO MS NATTER'S DAUGHER, THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #809783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MS
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
EVERYTIME IT RAINS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING, HAD TAKEN THEM BACK THREE TIMES-EACH TIME THEY WORK IN THE SHOP BUT WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED THEY FAILED, AFRAID GRANDDAUGHTER WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #803298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andalusi, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #981307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andalusi, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #981307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Moni, CA
INTERIOR LIGHTING
DOME LIGHT NOT DESIGNED TO COME ON WHEN DOOR IS OPENED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. *DSH
NHTSA complaint #500868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockton, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT HIT FROM THE FRONT LEFT SIDE THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND BROKE TWO WINDOW, REAR VIEW MIRROR . TT
NHTSA complaint #968359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherman OAK, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHILE DRIVING CAR STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING AFTER 3RD TIME A CRACKLING AND SIZZLING SOUND WAS HEARD. TT
NHTSA complaint #966131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacremento, CACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG COVER BLEW THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OUT. TT
NHTSA complaint #960747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacremento, CACrash
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON.
NHTSA complaint #960747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.