Toyota Celica years to avoid
The Toyota Celica years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2002, 1991, 1990 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 1973 is the cleanest year on record.
520
Total complaints
12
Recall campaigns
1972–2005
Years covered
5
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Celica years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | High complaint rate | 130 | |
| 2001 | High complaint rate | 55 | |
| 2002 | High complaint rate | 37 | |
| 1991 | High complaint rate | 35 | |
| 1990 | High complaint rate | 34 |
Every Celica year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2004 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 21 | 1 | |
| 2002avoid | 37 | 1 | |
| 2001avoid | 55 | 1 | |
| 2000avoid | 130 | 3 | |
| 1999 | 11 | 1 | |
| 1998 | 8 | 1 | |
| 1997 | 10 | 0 | |
| 1996 | 10 | 1 | |
| 1995 | 25 | 0 | |
| 1994 | 24 | 0 | |
| 1993 | 18 | 1 | |
| 1992 | 24 | 1 | |
| 1991avoid | 35 | 1 | |
| 1990avoid | 34 | 2 | |
| 1989 | 16 | 1 | |
| 1988 | 10 | 1 | |
| 1987 | 6 | 1 | |
| 1986 | 9 | 1 | |
| 1985 | 9 | 0 | |
| 1984 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1983 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1982 | 4 | 1 | |
| 1980 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1979 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1977 | 1 | 0 | |
| 1974 | 3 | 0 | |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1972 | 0 | 1 |
Common questions
What are the worst Toyota Celica years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Celica years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2002, 1991, 1990. The cleanest year on record is 1973.
What is the best year for the Toyota Celica?
By complaint volume, 1973 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Celica years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Toyota Celica have?
Across all model years, the Celica has 12 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 520 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.