2003 Toyota Celica: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 17 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Lf wheel bearing is gone and axle is only thing holding on the wheel. The steering knuckle is damaged, caliper/bracket is damaged, rotors damaged, axle damaged. Extremely unsafe to drive”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2021
“Belt tensioner won't retract when trying to replace serpentina belt. Most likely a defective part , original. Have to creative finding other ways to replace belt without breaking the tensioner.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota celica. While operating the vehicle, the horn was not always audible when pressing the center of the steering wheel and the air bag sensor indicator remained illuminated. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the coil spring inside the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer (south bay toyota, 310-323-7800) was called. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,476.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2017
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“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota celica. The contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal and continual squeaking when there was any type of precipitation. The serpentine belt was replaced four times by a local mechanic and the hydraulic tensioner was replaced twice. The repairs would correct the failure for approximately one month before recurring. Once the engine was hot, the noise would cease. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 129,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2009
“Purchased new 2003 celica gts. From dealer. 26,398 miles paint bubbling on all wheels. Dealer/factory rep. Would not replace wheels. Repainted instead and stated " they would replace if issue happened again. 42,197 miles paint bubbling again on all wheels. Factory rep. Refused to replace/repair." dealer will not replace either. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · May 2008
“Dt: the contact states while driving the tread separated from the sidewall on the front driver's side tire. The separation was approximately ten inches long. The contact replaced the tire, but no one has looked at the tire to determine why this occurred. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2005
“I had to have clutch replaced at 25,77 miles on my 2003 toyota celica gt purchased new april 2003. Again I had to replace clutch @ 56,089. From the day I purchased this car I had problems with putting car in gear and complained to dealer, who said there was nothing they could do. I've driven manual toyota cars since 1966 and never had any clutch repairs on any of my toyotas. I had over 144,000 miles on my 1987 toyota mr2 when I traded it in 1994. I think it is excessive to have a total of 3 clutches at 56,089. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2005
“I have a 2003 toyota celica and the hatchback will not stay up. Toyota has tried to fix it, but finally said tough luck, they could do nothing about this and I feel this is wrong. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2005
“While consumer was driving vehicle stalled. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle. Consumer noticed that the gas was leaking from underneath the vehicle. Had the vehicle towed to dealer, who informed consumer that the valve clamp had to be replaced. Consumer told dealer that this problem occurred more than once and had not been resolved. *ak the consumer stated that the gas tank had not been put in properly. *tc”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2004
“Consumer received NHTSA recall 03v704000 regarding the fuel tank. Dealership urged consumer to bring the vehicle with the fuel tank empty. Consumer arrived to the appointment at 7 am and waited for about two hours. The floor manager indicated to consumer still parts were not available to conduct recall repairs. Consumer was upset with toyota manufacturer, not with the dealership. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Sep 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE, LOCATED IN THE FUEL TANK INLET PIPE, MAY BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE INLET PIPE AND FALL INTO THE FUEL TANK. IF THE CHECK VALVE FALLS INTO THE TANK, FUEL MAY SPILL FROM THE FUEL INLET PIPE WHEN THE FUEL PUMP AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF DURING FUELING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIR THE FUEL TANK CHECK VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 4, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
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.
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Is the 2003 Toyota Celica reliable?
NHTSA has 17 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Toyota Celica. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2003 Toyota Celica have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.