1999 Toyota Celica: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 1999 toyota celica. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v03300 (air bags), however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Hamer toyota (11041 sepulveda blvd., mission hills, ca 91345, (818) 365-9621) was contacted and confirmed that the remedy part was not available. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the issue but no further information was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 toyota celica. The contact stated that the driver side seat belt failed to retract, which caused the seat belt to become loose. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 09/03/15*lj updated 12/16/2015 *js”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2012
“The seat belt stopped rolling and loose. This shouldn't be happening regardless of age. My son brought it to my attention on june 21, 2015.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2012
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“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 toyota celica. The vehicle has cooper lifeliner touring sle tires, size 205/55r16. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle began to wobble on the rear passenger side. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the metal belt busted through and the tread separated from the tires. Approximately two weeks later, the front passenger side experienced the same failure. Approximately one week later, the front driver's side failed as well. The current mileage was 156,000 and failure mileage was 155,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 toyota celica. While driving 55 mph, the contact heard a clicking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle stopped and the engine shut off without warning. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. As of june 19, 2007, the transmission has not been replaced. The current mileage is 6,000 and failure mileage was 5,500.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2007
“Vehicle sputters while driving when gears shift. This occurs because the 1st cylinder is only operating at 1/2 its pressure capacity. A mechanic indicated that this may be caused by a cracked o-ring. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2004
“Original manufactured equipment on a 1999, toyota, celica ,tire size p20555r15. While driving 65 mph on the highway tread completely separated from sidewall. No collision and no injuries. *ak consumer states that the goodyear eagle gt tire tread on the left rear launched 50 feet onto the highway and all that remained were the two sidewalls. *slc”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2001
“Consumer states tread on tires is very unstable and rocky, vehicle constantly pulls to the right or left even after a wheel alignement, vehicle shakes unconrollably at 80 mph, and there is no pick up when the gas pedal is floored, consumer has complained to dealership and no one is able to remedy the problem.(michelin tires p2055r15)*jb”Owner report · Tires
Recalls - 1 campaign
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1999 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Celica by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Toyota Celica reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1999 Toyota Celica. The most complained-about area is tires.
Does the 1999 Toyota Celica have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module. 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.