Model reliability

Toyota Celica reliability

The Toyota Celica fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 38.4% of 10,960 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

38.4% failed their MOT

About average

From 10,960 MOT tests of Toyota Celicas this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenExhaust emissions10.9% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 43% more oftenBrake performance8.3% vs 5.8%

Fails 35% more oftenHeadlamp aim7.3% vs 5.4%Fix about £30

Fails 90% more oftenExhaust system4% vs 2.1%Fix about £150

Advised 54% more oftenRigid brake pipes12.8% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 48% more oftenSprings9.3% vs 6.3%Fix about £150

Advised 70% more oftenExhaust system9% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 2× as oftenSub-frames8.3% vs 4.2%

Safety recalls

3 DVSA recalls for the Toyota Celica

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2020/0195 Oct 2020Built 1997–1999Takata airbag inflator may rupture on deployment

The absorption of moisture into the driver�s airbag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture

Fix: Replace the airbag inflator or the airbag assembly. Toyota is still preparing for the development and production of the remedy parts

Recalled models: CELICA · 37,586 vehicles

R/2004/16825 Apr 2005Built 1999–2000Brake fluid may leak

Due to an improper washing process of a metal part within the brake master cylinder there is a possibility that the groove for installing the rubber seal ring which is located at the end of the master cylinder may be corroded. In this condition brake fluid may leak from the seal or a small amount of air may enter the master cylinder which could lead to an increase in vehicle stopping distance.

Fix: Vehicles that are likely to be affected will be checked and a quality assured part fitted if necessary.

Recalled models: CELICA · 6,936 vehicles

R/2003/03012 Mar 2003Built 2002Possible fuel spillage when petrol cap is opened

The check valve in the fuel tank inlet that prevents reverse fuel flow is incorrectly fitted on some vehicles . This could cause fuel to spill out when the cap is opened if there is high internal pressure in the fuel tank.

Fix: Correctly fit the check valve or if necessary replace the fuel tank and check valve.

Recalled models: CELICA · 2,553 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Toyota Celica before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Toyota Celica reliability

3 DVSA recalls for the Toyota Celica

Checking a Toyota Celica before you buy

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