VehicleVerdict

1998 Toyota Celica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1998 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Celica years?

Celica NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Celica years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Toyota Celica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine225%
Body & Structure225%
Airbags113%
Fuel System113%
Tires & Wheels113%
Visibility & Wipers113%

Does the 1998 Toyota Celica have recalls?

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

20V033000AirbagsJanuary 22, 2020 · 138,842 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ DRIVING FOR 10 MINUTES IN THE CAR THREW A ROD, CRACKED THE BLOCK, SHEARDS OF METAL THRU OIL PAN & WATER COOLANT SYSTEM. ALSO ROD DENTED HOOD SO BODY WORK BEING REQUIRED. OVER $5500 DAMAGE ON A 4 YEAR OLD CAR! MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 23, 2002

“ DRIVING FOR 10 MINUTES IN THE CAR THREW A ROD, CRACKED THE BLOCK, SHEARDS OF METAL THRU OIL PAN & WATER COOLANT SYSTEM. ALSO ROD DENTED HOOD SO BODY WORK BEING REQUIRED. OVER $5500 DAMAGE ON A 4 YEAR OLD CAR! MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 23, 2002

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS COOPER LIFE LINER SLE TIRES P205/55R 15 ON A 1998 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING RANDOMLY, SO THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT LOOKED AT THE TIRES AND SAW NO DAMAGES. THE CONTACT RUBBED HER HAND ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 14, 2010

“TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO NOTIFY ME OF THE FAULTY AIRBAG RECALL AND HAS FAILED TO FIX THE FAULTY AIRBAG AND IN ADDITION, MY CAR IS STALLING WITHOUT CAUSE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 31, 2020

“WINDSHIELD MOTOR WAS WORKING BUT THE WIPER BLADES WERE NOT OPERABLE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY TOLD HER THAT WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2000

1998 Toyota Celica — common questions

Is the 1998 Toyota Celica reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Toyota Celica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Toyota Celica. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Toyota Celica under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.