VehicleVerdict

2003 Toyota Celica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2003 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.

21

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Celica years?

Celica NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Celica years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Toyota Celica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System524%
Engine210%
Steering210%
Body & Structure210%
Tires & Wheels210%
Airbags210%
Transmission15%
Brakes15%
Latches & Locks15%
Other15%
Speed Control15%
Suspension15%

Does the 2003 Toyota Celica have recalls?

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

03V074000Fuel SystemMarch 5, 2003 · 15,048 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE, LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK INLET PIPE, MAY BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE INLET PIPE AND FALL INTO THE FUEL TANK. IF THE CHECK VALVE FALLS INTO THE TANK, FUEL MAY SPILL FROM THE FUEL INLET PIPE WHEN THE FUEL PUMP AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF DURING FUELING.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT A FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR RECALL #03V074000 CONCERNING THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FOUR HOURS, AND THEN TOLD CONSUMER THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS SUPPOSE TO CALL WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE.*AK THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE CONSUMER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 2, 2003

“PURCHASED NEW 2003 CELICA GTS. FROM DEALER. 26,398 MILES PAINT BUBBLING ON ALL WHEELS. DEALER/FACTORY REP. WOULD NOT REPLACE WHEELS. REPAINTED INSTEAD AND STATED " THEY WOULD REPLACE IF ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. 42,197 MILES PAINT BUBBLING AGAIN ON ALL WHEELS. FACTORY REP. REFUSED TO REPLACE/REPAIR."…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 31, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CELICA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HORN WAS NOT ALWAYS AUDIBLE WHEN PRESSING THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRING INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 14, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CELICA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HORN WAS NOT ALWAYS AUDIBLE WHEN PRESSING THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRING INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 14, 2017

“Belt tensioner won't retract when trying to replace serpentina belt. Most likely a defective part , original. Have to creative finding other ways to replace belt without breaking the tensioner.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 4, 2021

2003 Toyota Celica — common questions

Is the 2003 Toyota Celica reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Celica problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), engine (2 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2003 Toyota Celica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 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.