Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1982 Toyota Celica — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 2 | 50% | new |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 25% | new |
| Transmission | 1 | 25% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
SOLDERED TERMINALS OF THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER MAY DEVELOP CRACKS DUE TO IMPROPER APPLICATION OF THE COATING TO THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: CONTINUED USE OF CRUISE CONTROL COULD LEAD TO COMPLETE SEPARATION OF SOLDERED TERMINALS AND CIRCUIT FAILURE; ENGINE SPEED WOULD INSTANTLY RACE AND VEHICLE COULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER, IF NECESSARY.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BOTH THE PASSENGER AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELTS STOPPED WORKING. THEY DO NOT ADJUST OR STOP WHEN PULLED ON QUICKLY TO SIMULATE AN ACCIDENT. I CONTACTED THREE LOCAL DEALERS AND THEY ALL SAY THAT THE SEAT BELTS ARE ONLY WARRANTIED FOR 60,000 MILES. I THOUGHT THAT SEAT BELTS CARRIED A LIFETIME WARRANTY.…”
“IN 1984, I OWNED A TOYOTA CELICA AND WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING WHEN I HAD THE CAR SPED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN. WELL AHEAD OF RECENT COMPLAINTS. AS I CAME DOWN A BUSY OFF-RAMP, I COULD DO NOTHING BUT TO TURN THE CAR OFF. I FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON…”
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1982 Toyota Celica. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Celica years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2002, 1991, 1990. The cleanest record among Celica years belongs to 1973.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.