Celica (T230)
Engine Reliability Ratings
2UZ-FE
4.7L 8-cyl / 240 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1ZZ-FE
1.8L 4-cyl / 140 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
6 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Toyota Celica regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECESS RETAINS A RUBBER SEAL RING, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE CYLINDER BODY, AND MAY BE CORRODED DUE TO AN IMPROPER WASHING PROCESS.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2005 Toyota Celica problems?
The 2000-2005 Toyota Celica has accumulated 252 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Cooling System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Toyota Celica engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2005 Toyota Celica was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.8L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica a good used car?
The 2000-2005 Toyota Celica can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 252 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica have?
The 2000-2005 Toyota Celica has 252 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2005 Toyota Celica vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Celica?
Before buying a used Toyota Celica, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Cooling System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Celica have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2005 Toyota Celica. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 252 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.