1990 Toyota Celica
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 29 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 29
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1990
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1990: 29 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 13 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 22 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 106 |
| 2001 | 47 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
11 of 29 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 45 MPH the vehicle was involved in an accident yet neither air bag deployed and the seat belts did not properly restrain the passengers.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-19
Also filed under Seat belts
No deployment of driver's air bag during accident, resulting in injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-27
Car was in an accident and air bag didn't deploy the speed limit was 30 MPH. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-03
Seat belts
5 of 29 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and retractor.
Electrical system
3 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment fire while parked 45 minutes; smoked came from underhood; horn was honking; lights flashing; ignition off; vehicle totaled.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-31
Structure
2 of 29 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing trunk lid.
Equipment
2 of 29 total reports mention: equipment, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1990-05-04Air bags90V078000 Air bag inflator case was incorrectly machined.
Remedy: Replace air bag inflator unit.
-
R
2010-03-15Suspension10E002000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1990 Toyota Celica — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V078000 · Air bags
- Recall 10E002000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1990 Toyota Celica reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1990 Toyota Celica?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota Celica have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.