1990 Toyota Celica: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2010

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

2 fire reports

Common problems Recalls Specs Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 29 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)11 complaints

Seat Belts4 complaints

Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)2 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)2 complaints

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint

“Tl*the contact owns a 1990 toyota celica. While driving at any speed, the contact stated that the vehicle would stall. He was able to restart the vehicle and then it would perform as normal. The contact did not inform the dealer or manufacturer due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where they replaced the engine control module; however, the failure continued to occur. The current mileage was 140,000 and the failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2010

“Patches of the tire falling off as if it is a retread, very dangerous if I don't replace soon. Noticed it at 30k on tires.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2006

“While driving 45 mph consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly the vehicle stalled. Consumer was not able to restart vehicle, and it was towed to a garage for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2004

Show 7 more owner reports

“My 1990 toyota celica has 'surged forward' frequently, always when using the brake. It caused me to rear end another vehicle in the early 90's, no people were hurt, but there was vehicle damage. The brake can be completly depresed, when the car will lurch forward and the brake tension will reduce. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2004

“The consumer pressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to decelerate. The vehicle started to accelerate to 90 mph until owner pressed on brake pedal numerous times to stop vehicle. *ak the consumer stepped on the brakes several times but had no booster. *scc”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2003

“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. *nlm”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2003

“"takata recall" I have a 1990 toyota celica gt, my airbag light came on back around 2003, I took it to the local toyota dealership to have it fixed. A service member came out to my car with a handheld device and plugged it into the car. Bottom line, he tried several times to reset the airbag with no success. My airbag light is still on and I have not received any recalls or notices. How do I get this problem fixed?”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2003

“My 1990 toyota celica st was in an accident in san leandro feb 22, 2003. I was staying in fremont, ca. My air bag burst open and the chemicals burned my face and arms. I went to the emergency room at washington hospital, fremont,ca. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2003

“The drivers side seat belt latch failed, the latch return spring broke and remained inside the latch making it difficult to securely fasten the seat belt. Nlm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2001

“Opening of trunk - lid hinge snapped in half like metal fatigue. Toyota dealer said they have had several car hinges replaced at owners expense: $207.00 quoted. *ak”Owner report · Structure · May 2000

When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

SUSPENSION10E002000 · Feb 2010

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 ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE90V078000 · Apr 1990

AIR BAG INFLATOR CASE WAS INCORRECTLY MACHINED.

Remedy: REPLACE AIR BAG INFLATOR UNIT.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1990 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Cylinders4

FuelGasoline

How other years compare

1990 (this page)29 complaints · 2 recalls 199127 complaints · 1 recalls 199221 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact Celica by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1990 Toyota Celica reliable?

NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Toyota Celica. The most complained-about area is air bags.

Does the 1990 Toyota Celica have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.