VehicleVerdict

1986 Toyota Celica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1986 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.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1986 compare to other Celica years?

Celica NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted130 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 3 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 3 complaints1980: 2 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 3 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 9 complaints1986: 9 complaints1987: 6 complaints1988: 10 complaints1989: 16 complaints1990: 34 complaints1991: 35 complaints1992: 24 complaints1993: 18 complaints1994: 24 complaints1995: 25 complaints1996: 10 complaints1997: 10 complaints1998: 8 complaints1999: 11 complaints2000: 130 complaints2001: 55 complaints2002: 37 complaints2003: 21 complaints2004: 4 complaints2005: 4 complaints
Celica NHTSA complaints by model year, 1986 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Celica years to avoid →

What are the most common 1986 Toyota Celica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts333%
Electrical System222%
Engine222%
Fuel System111%
Speed Control111%

Does the 1986 Toyota Celica have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10E002000SuspensionFebruary 11, 2010 · 12,657 units

Defect

RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

Consequence

THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE FEMALE END WILL NOT RECIEVE THE MALE PART AND THE RED BUTTON IS BROKEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 12, 1995

“AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE NEW FUEL FILTER THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING FUEL, THE HONEYWELL FUEL FILTER NUT DOES NOT TIGHTEN ADEQUATELY (HONEYWELL FUEL FILTER FRAM G6476). NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

“ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK, AND ENGINE WAS REVVING HIGH. WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED THE CABLE HAD CRACKED DUE TO VEHICLE GETTING OLDER.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 17, 1999

1986 Toyota Celica — common questions

Is the 1986 Toyota Celica reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1986 Toyota Celica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1986 Toyota Celica. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Celica years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.