VehicleVerdict

1991 Toyota Celica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Celica year — the 1991 model ranks #4 of 31 Celica years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Airbags leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (29% of the total).

35

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Celica years?

Celica NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Celica years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Toyota Celica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1029%
Seat Belts823%
Brakes411%
Engine39%
Electrical System39%
Suspension26%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%

Does the 1991 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.

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AT APPROX. 30-35 MPH VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON WHY AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 24, 1999 · crash

“SEAT BELT WAS PULLED ALL WAY OUT AND WOULD NOT RETRACT AFTER CONSUMER WAS PUTTING ON BELT. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY WILL REPLACE SEAT BELT FOR $196.00.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 8, 2001

1991 Toyota Celica — common questions

Is the 1991 Toyota Celica reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 1991 model at #4 of 31 Celica years. It is one of the Celica years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Celica problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (10 complaints), seat belts (8 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 1991 Toyota Celica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 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.