2001 Toyota Celica: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (28% of complaints); the 1999 and 2003 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“This engine has a known oil consumption issue. It can cause engine failure at any given time. I have had a motor completely fail while on the freeway with a total loss of power due to oil levels running dry. I have contacted toyotas recall department ant they said unless NHTSA makes this a recall there is nothing they can do for owners of these cars. It is only a matter of time until this happens to someone and they lose their life over a poorly designed motor. Please help with this issue before it does lead to loss of life.”Owner report · Engine · May 2019
“Never had a problem with anything not working but since I've noticed the front airbag lights on the cruise control and horn has stopped working don't know if it could have been a related issue to the airbag have checked the fuses and all of them was good but my horn and cruise control has stopped working. One other thing I have noticed and about my celica is they car vibrations have made the door bolts come loose door stays shut but very noticeable cause the door lights stay on and you could see where the interior lights is off but once your driving down the road and the interior lights start blinking and have to tighten them up ever so often so this incident don't happen. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2014
“1zz fe engine oil consumption issue burning 1l per full tank weekly depending on how I drive failure to top up weekly would result in massive engine malfunction and seize or blow can cause serious accident may not last on hwy at 100km/hr for more than 2-3 hours straight without stopping oil is expensive. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. The vehicle was taken to the manufacturer where it was found that all four tires were cupped. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileages were unavailable.”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2013
“I just recently purchased a used 2001 toyota celica. I bought it for my 16 year old daughter to have as a first car, but recently I've noticed the flimsy fit that the seat belts have seemed to had against the driver and the passenger seat. I am unhappy about it because if another driver crashes into my daughter, I do not want her to get hurt because her seat belts were not up to par. It is very expensive to replace them and I do not appreciate the crazy costs, as they would seem to me that they are easily found. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota celica. While driving at any speed, the gear shiftier did not work and made a grinding noise. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the transmission; however, the failure recurred after approximately seven years. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2012
“2001 toyota celica, unit 1 was traveling in the right lane on the ohio turnpike. Unit 2 was disabled from a prior crash in the right lane facing northeast . Unit 1 struck unit 2 on the left side. *bf (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0796-91) updated 02/15/11 *bf”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2010
“2001 toyota celica gts. While driving on the freeway I engaged the cruise control. When I tried to disenage the cruise control by stepping on the break pedal the car started accelerating out of control. I tried turning off the cruise control with the switch but the car kept accelerating. I had to slam on the breaks, put the car in neutral and turn the engine off to stop the car. When I turned the engine back on it rev'd up and almost pegged out the rpm gauge. I had to turn the engine on and off several times to get the cruise control to disengage. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2008
“I notice something wrong when I had to change the oil twice in one month, I checked the oil level and noticed that it was burning oil. I have always followed the maintenance schedule as shown. I took it to a shop and had the engine checked, and the technician told me that it had "weak valves" after a compression check was done. I have a neighbor with the same vehicle who came back from europe from an assignment and he told me that toyota has a recall over there for the weak valves. He told me that toyota is replacing the engines as a solution to that problem. He said that the toyota dealership had told him that it was the only solution they had for the problem. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota celica. The contact stated while driving various speeds she heard a loud knocking noise in the engine and the vehicle was very difficult to drive. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who advised her that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired with a rebuilt engine. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) WILL BE MODIFIED TO MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 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 2001 Toyota Celica reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Toyota Celica. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Celica problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,500 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Toyota Celica have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.