Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median Celica year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 31 Celica years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (22 of 55), far ahead of speed control at 7.
55
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 22 | 40% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 4 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) WILL BE MODIFIED TO MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR, WHICH WILL DECREASE THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DRL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AS SOON AS I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY 2017, I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS RUNNING OUT OF OIL SUPER FAST. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY LEAKS OR PROBLEMS, BUT THERE WERE NONE. TO THIS DAY DEC 2018 I'VE SPENT ABOUT 2K ON OIL ALONE. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THE CELICAS. I…”
“AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT IN THE RAMP, MY CAR 'UNEXPECTEDLY' LURCHED FORWARD INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR ON THE LEFT AND A WIRE BARRIER AND CONCRETE WALL AHEAD. DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS $5,647.92. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID MY SEAT BELT HOLD ME. MY HEAD FLEW FORWARD ONTO THE STEERING…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ”
“AS SOON AS I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY 2017, I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS RUNNING OUT OF OIL SUPER FAST. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY LEAKS OR PROBLEMS, BUT THERE WERE NONE. TO THIS DAY DEC 2018 I'VE SPENT ABOUT 2K ON OIL ALONE. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THE CELICAS. I…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CELICA EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE PRIMEWELL TIRES, SIZE 195-60-15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MANUFACTURER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 31 Celica years. It is one of the Celica years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (22 complaints), speed control (7 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Toyota Celica. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.