1996 Toyota Celica
Only 9 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 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
2 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN MY 1996 TOYOTA CELICA MALFUNCTIONED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING ON I-75 SOUTH NEAR PIQUA, OHIO. MY LANE OF TRAFFIC (PASSING LANE) WAS SLOWING DOWN DUE TO CONSTRUCTION, SO I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100302
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL 96-E-001-000 CONCERNING SUDDEN ACCELERATION. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20031009
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE LOST ITS POWER BRAKES AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960619
1 of 9 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
BROKEN BOLT ON THE BRAKE CALIPER.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971106
SAFETY TIMELINE
THESE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS FAIL TO HOLD THE SPEED SET BY THE DRIVER AND CAN ACCELERATE ABOVE THE INTENDED SET SPEED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE CRUISE CONTROL ASSEMBLIES.
Campaign 96E001000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE SEIZURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Toyota Celica — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96E001000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 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 1996 Toyota Celica?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:cruise control, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota Celica have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.