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
- 9
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 9 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 9 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Vehicle speed control
4 of 9 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show 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, 2010-03-02
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-09
Service brakes
3 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Steering
1 of 9 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing anti-theft device.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
Whenever letting up on accelerator/vehicle coasting and jerks violently, according to dealer, it is a design feature of fuel injection shut off valve sensor, nothing they can do.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-15
Electrical system
1 of 9 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing ignition.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1996-01-02Vehicle speed control96E001000 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.
-
I
2002-04-30Defect petitionClosed 2002-06-20 Engine seizure
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Toyota Celica — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96E001000 · Vehicle speed control
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, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Toyota Celica have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.