FaultScore report
Owners have filed 130 complaints about the 2000 Toyota Celica with NHTSA between 2000 and 2024. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 10 worst.
FaultScore 90/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Toyota Celica.
How this is worked out130
Complaints
15
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries reported
2 complaints report a death.
68,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
28%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
8 crashes, 0 fires · median 110,000 mi
Median failure at 81,634 miles
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 60,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Median failure at 133,621 miles
Median failure at 64,000 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ENGINE SEIZURE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) WILL BE MODIFIED TO MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECESS RETAINS A RUBBER SEAL RING, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE CYLINDER BODY, AND MAY BE CORRODED DUE TO AN IMPROPER WASHING PROCESS.
Risk: IN THIS CONDITION, BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE SEAL, OR A SMALL AMOUNT OF AIR MAY ENTER THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE OF VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the recess that retains the rubber seal ring, which is located at the end of the brake master cylinder body, may be corroded due to an improper washing process. In this condition, brake fluid may leak from the seal, or a small amount of air may enter the master cylinder, which could lead to an increase in stopping distance. Correction: After inspection, if a brake fluid leak from the master cylinder is detected or there is air in the master cylinder, the dealer will replace the master cylinder and the brake booster.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ENGINE
A TRUCK TIRE WENT OUT AND LOCKED UP MY ENGINE OF MY CELICA
NHTSA complaint #11319270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
PAST INCIDENT THAT I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. 2000 TOYOTA CELICA ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR ENDED UP GOING THROUGH A BUILDING. I REPORTED INCIDENT TO TOYOTA, BUT THEIR RESPONSE OF 11-6-03 SIMPLY STATED AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR DRIVER AND THEY SENT ME A BROCHURE ON AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED THE CAR. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. UPDATED IVOQ 04/02/10
NHTSA complaint #10314600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9/11/01: SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNITE: FIRE IGNITED IN OUR UNATTACHED GARAGE, FAMILY SLEEPING, ONLY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE WAS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA (APPROX 20,000 MILES ON IT). NEIGHBORS WOKE US UP, BY THAT TIME HOUSE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WE WERE EVACUATED. TOTAL LOSS:NEARLY $300,000.00 IN LOSS AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WE THOUGHT OUR AREA WAS BEING BOMBED, DUE TO THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE THAT ENTIRE DAY. 2 AUTO INVESTIGATORS CAME TO THE HOME, WORKED TOGETHER ON THE CAR, 1 FROM OUR INS CO., THE OTHER FROM TOYOTA. AFTER 9 1/2 HRS OF COMPLETELY OVERHAULING THE CAR, THEY BOTH DETERMINED THE CAR STARTED THE FIRE FROM A FAULTY GROUND WIRE. OUR INS. (HOMEOWNERS) WERE LIKE STONES AMONGST BOULDERS AGAINST TOYOTA. THEY SPARED NO EXPENSE TO HIRE THE TOP OF THE TOP TO DISCREDIT US AND IN THE END, THE JUDGE DECIDED THERE WASN'T ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO TAKE THIS ORDEAL TO COURT. IT WAS A JOKE AND OUR NEIGHBORS AND EVEN SAW THE MAN WHO SOLD US THE CELICA WAS CALLED IN FOR QUESTIONING. ALL AGREED, IT WAS THE CAR. NO ONE WOULD HEAR US. INS COMPANY COULDN'T PURSUE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO COSTLY AND TOYOTA HAD UNLIMITED FUNDS AND TIME TO FIGHT THIS. IT WAS SO TERRIBLE. MY FAMILY WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AFTER THAT. I WANTED SOMEONE TO HEAR MY STORY, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS NEW OCCURRENCE WITH TOYOTA'S RECALL. MAYBE SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO UNEXPLAINED FIRES WITH THEIR TOYOTA VEHICLES. MAY BE VERY INTERESTING AND MAY SAVE A LIFE OR TWO.
NHTSA complaint #10303177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE BOUGHT A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA FOR OUR 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THE CAR WAS USED WITH ABOUT 80K MILES. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, AND HAD NOT BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. ON JANUARY 2ND, OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL 911. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE WEATHER THAT DAY WAS CLEAR, BUT VERY COLD. SHE STATED THAT THE ONLY THING ON IN THE CAR WAS THE HEATER. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE THIS CAR EXCEPT AN OIL CHANGE. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO KEEP HER WITS ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE MANUAL DOOR LOCKS. MY WIFE AND I WENT TO GREAT LENGTHS TO BUY A SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR FOR HER, AND THE CARFAX STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NEGATIVE HISTORY ON THE CAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS CAR HAS A DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE INSPECTED THE DAMAGE, AND IT APPEARS THAT THE MAIN FIRE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE COMPUTER AND BATTERY AREA. THANKS, JOE PHILLIPS
NHTSA complaint #10298242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE BURNS AT LEAST A QUART OF OIL EVERY 500 MILES WITH NO SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 1999 CELICA, BUT NOT FOR THE 2000 MODELS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MASTER CYLINDER WAS RECALLED. HE WAS PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS OPERATING NORMALLY, HOWEVER THE BRAKE FUEL WAS CONTAMINATED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT HE WAS 100% LIABLE. TOYOTA STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS WORKING PROPERLY AND HE BELIEVED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD BE AT LEAST 50% RESPONSIBLE AND SHOULD PAY FOR THE CRASH AND FAILURE EXPENSES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 120,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE ENGINE SIZE IS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10190342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE BURNS AT LEAST A QUART OF OIL EVERY 500 MILES WITH NO SIGNS OF LEAKAGE. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 1999 CELICA, BUT NOT FOR THE 2000 MODELS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MASTER CYLINDER WAS RECALLED. HE WAS PREVIOUSLY INVOLVED IN A CRASH DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS OPERATING NORMALLY, HOWEVER THE BRAKE FUEL WAS CONTAMINATED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT HE WAS 100% LIABLE. TOYOTA STATED THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS WORKING PROPERLY AND HE BELIEVED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD BE AT LEAST 50% RESPONSIBLE AND SHOULD PAY FOR THE CRASH AND FAILURE EXPENSES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 120,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE ENGINE SIZE IS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10190342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
TIRES
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica equipped with Dextero Touring, DTR1 Tires Size 205/55R16 91H, and DOT: Y9JTCHX1816. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH she observed a noise emanating from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle was inspected but no failure was found. The contact continued to drive at approximately 55 MPH and observed a popping sound emanating from the inner carriage. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where she observed the rear passenger tire separating. The tire was replaced with assistance from a passerby. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 133,621 and the tire failure mileage was 33,000
NHTSA complaint #11570739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica. The contact stated that the daytime running lights failed to turn off as needed, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the running lights needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V566000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 123,268.
NHTSA complaint #11465031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica. The contact stated that the daytime running lights failed to turn off as needed, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the running lights needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V566000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 123,268.
NHTSA complaint #11465031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE VEHICLE I JUST BOUGHT AND WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND THE ENGINE LITERALLY BROKE INTO PIECES AND OIL WENT EVERYWHERE
NHTSA complaint #11413894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
A TRUCK TIRE WENT OUT AND LOCKED UP MY ENGINE OF MY CELICA
NHTSA complaint #11319270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I AM TRYING TO RENEW MY REGISTRATION FOR MY 2000 TOYOTA AND IT DOESN'T LET ME AND IT MIGHT HAVE A RECALL ON THE LIGHTS
NHTSA complaint #11268851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
THIS VEHICLE HAS ( ACCORDING TO ALL SOURCES AVAILABLE ) BURNED OIL FROM THE TIME IT LEFT THE PLANT BRAND NEW,MOST 2000 TO 2002 TOYOTA CELICA GT'S HAVE THIS ISSUE AS THE RINGS WERE BAD. TOYOTA HAS NEVER PRODUCED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT HAS EFFECTED THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES.TOYOTA DID CHANGE THE RINGS OUT FOR THE 2003 MODELS AND NEWER, SO THEY DID KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTED.THIS HAS CAUSED MANY CELICA'S TO EXPERIENCE BLOWN MOTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10662493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO NEWBOLD TOYOTA ON JULY 28, 2014, AND ON JULY 29, I SPOKE TO [XXX], A SERVICE ADVISOR AND EXPLAINED WHY MY VEHICLE WAS THERE. HE INDICATED THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND GET BACK TO ME. AT 3:28 PM [XXX] CALLED ME BACK INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE WAS DONE DUE TO THE OVER-REV WHICH BLEW THE ENGINE. HERE IS MY STATEMENT ON WHAT HAPPENED: ON JULY 28 2014 AT ABOUT 7 A.M., I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON I-255 SOUTHBOUND WHEN MY GAS PEDAL SUNK TO THE FLOOR WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH IN FIFTH GEAR. THE CAR SPED UP, SO HAVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PROCEEDED TO RAISE THE PEDAL WITH THE TIP OF MY SHOE, WITH NO SUCCESS AND ENGINE REVVING, I DECIDED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE FOR A BRIEF SECOND, WHEN THE GAS PEDAL SPRUNG RIGHT BACK UP. I THEN PLACED IT IN SIXTH GEAR AND KEPT GOING FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES, DESPITE HEARING A RATTLING NOISE. AS I TURNED OFF ONTO MY EXIT, I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. AT THIS POINT I COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE EXIT RAMP.ON JULY 31, 2014 AT 2:14 PM, I SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER ([XXX] ) ABOUT MY SITUATION WITH THE VEHICLE, AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (1-800-331-4331). I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH [XXX] WHO STARTED A CASE FOR ME. AFTER GIVING HER THE ABOVE DETAILS, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHE REQUESTED, SHE CHECKED ON EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. SHE INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA RESPECTFULLY DECLINES ANY ASSISTANCE. I THEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO HER SUPERVISOR, WHICH SHE REPLIED, "THAT WON'T HELP YOU", AND HUNG UP. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY CRASHED THIS VEHICLE UNDER NO FAULT OF MY OWN. I FEEL LIKE TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY ENGINE, AS WELL AS ISSUING A RECALL ON THIS MODEL YEAR BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10644757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO NEWBOLD TOYOTA ON JULY 28, 2014, AND ON JULY 29, I SPOKE TO [XXX], A SERVICE ADVISOR AND EXPLAINED WHY MY VEHICLE WAS THERE. HE INDICATED THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND GET BACK TO ME. AT 3:28 PM [XXX] CALLED ME BACK INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE WAS DONE DUE TO THE OVER-REV WHICH BLEW THE ENGINE. HERE IS MY STATEMENT ON WHAT HAPPENED: ON JULY 28 2014 AT ABOUT 7 A.M., I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON I-255 SOUTHBOUND WHEN MY GAS PEDAL SUNK TO THE FLOOR WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH IN FIFTH GEAR. THE CAR SPED UP, SO HAVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PROCEEDED TO RAISE THE PEDAL WITH THE TIP OF MY SHOE, WITH NO SUCCESS AND ENGINE REVVING, I DECIDED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE FOR A BRIEF SECOND, WHEN THE GAS PEDAL SPRUNG RIGHT BACK UP. I THEN PLACED IT IN SIXTH GEAR AND KEPT GOING FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES, DESPITE HEARING A RATTLING NOISE. AS I TURNED OFF ONTO MY EXIT, I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. AT THIS POINT I COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE EXIT RAMP.ON JULY 31, 2014 AT 2:14 PM, I SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER ([XXX] ) ABOUT MY SITUATION WITH THE VEHICLE, AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (1-800-331-4331). I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH [XXX] WHO STARTED A CASE FOR ME. AFTER GIVING HER THE ABOVE DETAILS, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHE REQUESTED, SHE CHECKED ON EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. SHE INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA RESPECTFULLY DECLINES ANY ASSISTANCE. I THEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO HER SUPERVISOR, WHICH SHE REPLIED, "THAT WON'T HELP YOU", AND HUNG UP. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY CRASHED THIS VEHICLE UNDER NO FAULT OF MY OWN. I FEEL LIKE TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY ENGINE, AS WELL AS ISSUING A RECALL ON THIS MODEL YEAR BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10644757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
THIS IS A 3RD ENGINE !!!!! WHEN I GOT THIS CAR IN 2008 IT WAS ALREADY KNOCKING FROM DEALERSHIP. SOON ROD BEARINGS BLEW OUT AND ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, THESE ENGINES ARE VERY POOR DESIGN THAT OIL STARVE TO DEATH. AFTER REPLACING ENGINE THEY ONLY LAST YA FEW YEARS. 2010 SECOND ENGINE SAME THING STARTED LOOSING OIL NOT FROM LEAKING BUT FROM CONSUMPTION. SHORTLY AFTER STARTED KNOCKING AND RIGHT AFTER SPUN THE ROD BEARING AND DAMAGED ENGINE AGAIN. THESE 1ZZFE ENGINES HAVE VERY POOR CIRCULATION OF OIL AND ONLY WILL TAKE SPECIFIC OIL PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF VERY WEAK OIL PUMP. SO ON MY 3RD ENGINE AND GUESS WHAT ?! KNOCKING !! AFTER ALL TROUBLE WITH THIS I HAVE OVER PAID WHAT THIS CAR IS WORTH BY A TON WITH ENGINE REPLACEMENTS BECAUSE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE CAUSE. I AM A FATHER AND COMMUTE 100MI TO WORK AND BACK EVERYDAY AND THESE ENGINES ARE THE WORST. THEY OIL STARVE AND DIE. WITH NEW OIL PUMP AND LUCAS OIL ADDITIVE YOU MAY HAVE HOPE BUT IF YOU FOLLOW DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS FEW YEARS LATER HAVE 4,000$ FOR NEW ENGINE READY.
NHTSA complaint #10578596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BURNED A QUART OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES. THE MANUFACTURER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT FOUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF UPDATED 05/31/2013
NHTSA complaint #10499992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CAR HAS 140,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS BURNING APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY FOUR DAYS. BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST. FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THE SAME CAR (2000-2002 CELICA GT 1.8L) WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. PROBLEMS WERE NOTICED AS EARLY AS 80,000 MILES. NO VISIBLE OIL LEAKS. FOUND INFORMATION ONLINE REGARDING A FIX THAT TOYOTA MADE TO THE ENGINE IN 2003 FROM 4 HOLES IN PISTONS, TO 8 HOLES AS WELL AS LARGER PISTON GROVE.
NHTSA complaint #10384910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY 2000 TOYOTA CELICA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS DUE TO THE SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER. BOTH WERE REPLACED AND WITHIN A MONTH THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTAS. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES TO PROPERLY FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES OR FATAL ACCIDENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOU CONSIDERATION.
NHTSA complaint #10360175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1. I PURCHASED A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA GT. 2. ABOUT EVERY 1500 MILES THERE'S A QUART OF OIL BURNED OFF. I'VE CHECKED MYSELF A FEW TIMES FOR ANY SIGNS OF LEAKS, AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC, NEITHER OF US HAVE FOUND ANY SIGN AT ALL OF OIL LEAKING OUT. I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON IT AND IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1ZZ ENGINE IN THE 2000-2002 CELICA GT AND IN SOME CASES HAS CAUSE SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. 3. CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL CONSTANTLY AND ADDING OIL AS NEEDED
NHTSA complaint #10321636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
PAST INCIDENT THAT I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. 2000 TOYOTA CELICA ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR ENDED UP GOING THROUGH A BUILDING. I REPORTED INCIDENT TO TOYOTA, BUT THEIR RESPONSE OF 11-6-03 SIMPLY STATED AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR DRIVER AND THEY SENT ME A BROCHURE ON AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED THE CAR. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. UPDATED IVOQ 04/02/10
NHTSA complaint #10314600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2000 TOYOTA CELICA GT PURCHASED 05/2008 SO FAR MY CAR IS NOT FIXED SO ALL MY MONEY IS IN FIRST DESLUDGING OF MOTOR(2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE OIL LIGHT CAME ON & WAS TOTALLY EMPTY) & OIL. AT FIRST I WENT THRU 1/2 TO 1 QRT EVERY OTHER WEEK. I LIVE 35 MILES FROM WORK & 76 MILES FROM FAMILY SO PUTTING ABOUT 500 MILES A WEEK ON VEHICLE.IT SLOWLY STARTED TO GET TO BE MORE AND MORE OIL.IN 01/2009 IT THRU CAT CONV.WORKING BELOW EFFICIENCY ZONE 2 CODE. IN LAST 2 MONTHS STARTED TAKING 2QTRS ON MONDAYS & 2QRTS ON WEDNESDAYS TO GET BACK & FORTH TO WORK. MORE IF I VISITED MY FAMILY (HAD TO RELOCATE AWAY AFTER LOSING HOUSE IN KATRINA.) THEN 2 WEEKS AGO I GOT A CALL WHILE AT WORK THAT MY DAD (WHO ISIN A NURSING HOME) WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. I PUT 2QRTS IN DROVE 35MILES FROM WORK TO MY DAD. PUT 2 MORE QRTS IN IT BEFORE LEAVING TO RETURN HOME & WHEN I GOT OF INTERSTATE 76 MILES AWAY I PUT IT IN FIRST GEAR COMING TO A RED LIGHT & OIL LIGHT FLASHED. I PULLED DIRECTLY INTO CHEVRON THERE WAS NOTHING READING ON DIP STICK. I WENT BOUGHT 4 MORE QRTS OF OIL. AND LIMPED HOME ABOUT 1.5 MILES AWAY. I WENT THRU 8QRTS OF OIL THAT DAY @4.99 A POP.HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. I'M SCARED MOTOR WILL SEIZE @ RATE ITS CONSUMING OIL IF I TRY TO DRIVE IT. CALLED ALL STAR 2 WEEKS AGO WHEN I HAD SUDDEN OIL CONSUMPTION.(8GTS IN 111 MILES), NO LEAKS, BUT CLOGGED CAT CONVERTER.I ASKED ABOUT PRICES ON VALVE STEM SEALS. I HAD ALREADY SEEN FROM OTHER CELICA OWNERS ON NET FORUMS THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR 00-01 MODELS & THAT THERE WAS A TSB IN UK BUT NOT USA TOYOTA JUST CHANGED MOTOR IN 02 THE PISTON RINGS AND BORE FINISH WERE UPDATED ON THE LATE '02. SERVICE DEPT TOLD ME THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE (I'M THE ONLY ONE) BUT WITH THE AMOUNT OF OIL LOSS IT WOULD PROB. NEED ALOT MORE THEN JUST THE VALVE STEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10311857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE 2000 TOYOTA CELICA HAS A DEFECTIVE BELT TENSIONER MECHANISM THAT RESULTS IN A DEAD BATTERY AND ULTIMATE LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL STARTER, ETC. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACE THE TENSIONER (AND BATTERY) TWICE COSTING $500. NOW THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR THE 3RD TIME SAME CAR. IN MY OPINION THIS IS DANGEROUS SINCE IT LEADS TO PEOPLE BEING STRANDED OR WORSE LOSS OF POWER ON THE FREEWAY. SUNNYSIDE TOYOTA, IN NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO SAYS THE TENSIONER "SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 40 - 50K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10310230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND OBSERVED THAT THE PEDAL WAS STICKY WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION EXTREME PRESSURE WAS ALSO APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128.
NHTSA complaint #10306594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9/11/01: SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNITE: FIRE IGNITED IN OUR UNATTACHED GARAGE, FAMILY SLEEPING, ONLY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE WAS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA (APPROX 20,000 MILES ON IT). NEIGHBORS WOKE US UP, BY THAT TIME HOUSE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WE WERE EVACUATED. TOTAL LOSS:NEARLY $300,000.00 IN LOSS AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WE THOUGHT OUR AREA WAS BEING BOMBED, DUE TO THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE THAT ENTIRE DAY. 2 AUTO INVESTIGATORS CAME TO THE HOME, WORKED TOGETHER ON THE CAR, 1 FROM OUR INS CO., THE OTHER FROM TOYOTA. AFTER 9 1/2 HRS OF COMPLETELY OVERHAULING THE CAR, THEY BOTH DETERMINED THE CAR STARTED THE FIRE FROM A FAULTY GROUND WIRE. OUR INS. (HOMEOWNERS) WERE LIKE STONES AMONGST BOULDERS AGAINST TOYOTA. THEY SPARED NO EXPENSE TO HIRE THE TOP OF THE TOP TO DISCREDIT US AND IN THE END, THE JUDGE DECIDED THERE WASN'T ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO TAKE THIS ORDEAL TO COURT. IT WAS A JOKE AND OUR NEIGHBORS AND EVEN SAW THE MAN WHO SOLD US THE CELICA WAS CALLED IN FOR QUESTIONING. ALL AGREED, IT WAS THE CAR. NO ONE WOULD HEAR US. INS COMPANY COULDN'T PURSUE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO COSTLY AND TOYOTA HAD UNLIMITED FUNDS AND TIME TO FIGHT THIS. IT WAS SO TERRIBLE. MY FAMILY WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AFTER THAT. I WANTED SOMEONE TO HEAR MY STORY, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS NEW OCCURRENCE WITH TOYOTA'S RECALL. MAYBE SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO UNEXPLAINED FIRES WITH THEIR TOYOTA VEHICLES. MAY BE VERY INTERESTING AND MAY SAVE A LIFE OR TWO.
NHTSA complaint #10303177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WE BOUGHT A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA FOR OUR 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THE CAR WAS USED WITH ABOUT 80K MILES. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, AND HAD NOT BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. ON JANUARY 2ND, OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL 911. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE WEATHER THAT DAY WAS CLEAR, BUT VERY COLD. SHE STATED THAT THE ONLY THING ON IN THE CAR WAS THE HEATER. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE THIS CAR EXCEPT AN OIL CHANGE. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO KEEP HER WITS ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE MANUAL DOOR LOCKS. MY WIFE AND I WENT TO GREAT LENGTHS TO BUY A SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR FOR HER, AND THE CARFAX STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NEGATIVE HISTORY ON THE CAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS CAR HAS A DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE INSPECTED THE DAMAGE, AND IT APPEARS THAT THE MAIN FIRE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE COMPUTER AND BATTERY AREA. THANKS, JOE PHILLIPS
NHTSA complaint #10298242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS MY TOYOTA 2000 CELICA'S ACCELERATE STUCK WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10291161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. EVERY THREE MONTHS, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ALL OF THE OIL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,553 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #10274921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
PROBLEM: MY ENGINE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. EVENTUALLY I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. ON OCTOBER 2007 I BOUGHT A USED 2000 TOYOTA CELICA GT. IN DECEMBER 27, 2007 THE CHECK OIL LIGHT WENT ON. IN NOVEMBER 2008, ENGINE WOULD NOT START IN THE MORNING. I HAD JUST HAD AN OIL CHANGE ABOUT 1,000 MILES BEFORE THIS DAY. THIS MORNING I FOUND OUT ALL THE OIL BURNED OUT AND THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE CAR, SO I ADDED OIL. I VISITED THE DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED AWAY THE PROBLEM, STATING THEY SUSPECT THE GUY WHO CHANGED MY OIL SIMPLY FORGOT TO ADD OIL. COME ON - HOW COULD I DRIVE 2,000 MILES WITH NO OIL INTO HE ENGINE? IN DECEMBER THE CAR STALLED AN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL TO FIND THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE PAN AND WHEN I ADDED OIL IT LEAKED OUT. I TOWED THE CAR TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THEY FOUND A HOLE IN THE OIL PAN, SO THEY REPLACED THE OIL PAN. IN JANUARY, I HAD THE DEALER DO AN OIL CONSUMPTION TEST. THEY APPARENTLY MARKED THE OIL PAN AND I CAME IN AGAIN AND THEY CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL. THEY SAID I AM ONLY BURNING 1/2 QUART OIL PER 1,000 MILES. THEY ARE LYING! I CHECKED MY OIL LEVEL AFTER 1,200 MILES AND FOUND THE OIL BURNED 1 QUART OF OIL. THE DEALER DOES NOT WANT TO REPLACE MY ENGINE BUT I AM COVERED BY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. PLEASE HELP. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO RETURN THIS USED CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHO SOLD IT TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #10262662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I HAVE A 2000 GT. BOUGHT IT USED, 3 WEEKS AFTER OWNING IT STARTS USING ABOUT 1/2 - 1 QT. OF OIL A WEEK. SO TAKE IT TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY OUR BEST BET IS TO HAVE THE ENGINE RE-BUILT WHICH COST $1,500! SO THE ENGINE IS RE-BUILT EVERYTHING IS FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH THEN IT STARTS USING OIL AGAIN AND BY THIS TIME THERE'S NO WARRANTY. SO I CONTINUED TO KEEP DRIVING CHECKING AND ADDING OIL. 5 MONTHS LATER I'M DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE TEMP. GAUGE GOES ALL THE WAY TO HOT AND DROPS RIGHT BACK DOWN. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THE ENGINE BLOWS UP. AFTER HAVING A NEW ENGINE PUT IN IT, ENGINE COSTING $2,000 FOR A USED ENGINE. THE TEMP. GAUGE DOES THIS AGAIN... COME TO FIND OUT AIR IS IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND TOYOTA NEVER GOT IT ALL OUT THE FIRST TIME AND THAT'S WHY IT BLEW UP.
NHTSA complaint #10259566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
THIS COMPLAINT INVOLVES DEFECTIVE SEATBELTS IN VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT, THE SEATBELTS WOULD OFFER NO PROTECTION. EVEN THE REAR BELTS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN USED ARE DETERIORERATING.
NHTSA complaint #10256891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.