VehicleVerdict

1990 Toyota Celica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 34 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median Celica year — the 1990 model ranks #5 of 31 Celica years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (32% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Celica years?

Celica NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Celica years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Toyota Celica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1132%
Seat Belts515%
Electrical System39%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)26%
Engine26%
Speed Control26%
Body & Structure26%
Transmission13%
Brakes13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Other13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 1990 Toyota Celica have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

90V078000AirbagsApril 20, 1990 · 2,543 units

Defect

AIR BAG INFLATOR CASE WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Consequence

IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE DRIVER.

Remedy

REPLACE AIR BAG INFLATOR UNIT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY 1990 TOYOTA CELICA ST WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN SAN LEANDRO FEB 22, 2003. I WAS STAYING IN FREMONT, CA. MY AIR BAG BURST OPEN AND THE CHEMICALS BURNED MY FACE AND ARMS. I WENT TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT WASHINGTON HOSPITAL, FREMONT,CA. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 22, 2003 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT YET NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN THE PASSENGERS. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 19, 2003 · crash

“ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE PARKED 45 MINUTES; SMOKED CAME FROM UNDERHOOD; HORN WAS HONKING; LIGHTS FLASHING; IGNITION OFF; VEHICLE TOTALED. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 1994 · fire

“THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO 90 MPH UNTIL OWNER PRESSED ON BRAKE PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER STEPPED ON THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES BUT HAD NO BOOSTER. *SCC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 25, 2003

1990 Toyota Celica — common questions

Is the 1990 Toyota Celica reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 34 complaints put the 1990 model at #5 of 31 Celica years. It is one of the Celica years to avoid.

What are the most common 1990 Celica problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (11 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 1990 Toyota Celica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 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.