2001 Toyota Celica
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
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
17% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
AS SOON AS I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MAY 2017, I REALIZED THAT MY CAR WAS RUNNING OUT OF OIL SUPER FAST. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY LEAKS OR PROBLEMS, BUT THERE WERE NONE. TO THIS DAY DEC 2018 I'VE SPENT ABOUT 2K ON OIL ALONE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181204
SINCE THE RECALLS HAVE CAME OUT FOR THE CELICA OIL ISSUES MY WIFE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET A SOLUTION FROM TOYOTA. TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT HER CAR IS NOT PART OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER TSB EG 6020 HER CAR IS A PART OF THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190530
I HAVE A 2001 TOYOTA CELICA GT, ABOUT 10,000 MILES AGO I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY SAID THAT MY OIL WAS A QT LOW. SO I TOOK NOTE. THE OTHER DAY MY ENGINE SOUNDED DIFFERENT, SO I PULLED OVER AT A GAS STATION AND CHECKED THE OIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130609
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT IN THE RAMP, MY CAR 'UNEXPECTEDLY' LURCHED FORWARD INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR ON THE LEFT AND A WIRE BARRIER AND CONCRETE WALL AHEAD. DAMAGE TO THE CAR WAS $5,647.92.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070806
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA CELICA EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE PRIMEWELL TIRES, SIZE 195-60-15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131022
WHILE DRIVE AT 72 MPH ON A STRAIGHT, DRY INTERSTATE, I MOVED MY SEAT BACKWARD. SOMEHOW DURING THE PROCESS, I MUST HAVE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL. BECAUSE THE CAR BEGAN TO FISHTAIL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000920
6% of complaints: structure — 3 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
REAR HATCH CLOSES BY ITSELF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050825
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 D
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR, WHICH WILL DECREASE THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DRL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 04V566000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Toyota Celica — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V566000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 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 2001 Toyota Celica?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 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.