Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2001 Toyota Celica, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine and engine cooling14
- Engine8
- Vehicle speed control7
- Power train5
- Structure5
- Air bags4
- Tires4
- Seat belts3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Suspension1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 12 2001 Celica vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 10 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2001 Toyota Celica failed the safety check 2.53% of the time — 26% more often than the average 2001 passenger car (2.00%). Median odometer at inspection: 155,562 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2001 Toyota Celica cars on Dutch roads are the 1.8 petrol (105 kW, 141 hp) and 1.8 petrol (141 kW, 189 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.8 petrol | 105 kW 141 hp | 146 |
| 1.8 petrol | 141 kW 189 hp | 64 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
210 first registered in 2001 are on Dutch roads; 27% arrived later as imports.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde71
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen67
- Band onvoldoende profiel59
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm54
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld51
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt50
- Licht- donkerscheiding dimlicht onduidelijk34
- Uitlaatsysteem niet gasdicht / onveilige afvoer uitlaatgasse32
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
597 cars built in 2001 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 972 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,004 of these cars first registered in 2001 took their annual MOT test. 61% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2001 the figure was 59%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2001 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 20.1% | 19.3% |
| Suspension | 13.3% | 15.4% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.7% | 6.8% |
| Brakes | 10.6% | 13.4% |
| Tyres | 6.9% | 5.6% |
| Visibility | 6.6% | 7.6% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
53 of these cars first registered in 2001 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 245,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
142 2001 cars are on the New Zealand register; 69% arrived as used imports, 27% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 8.4–10.3 L/100 km (about 23–28 mpg US), CO₂ 193–237 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celica · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 9.5 | 7.2 | 8.4 |
| Celica · Subcompact · Regular gasoline | 9.6 | 7.8 | 8.8 |
| Celica · Subcompact · Premium gasoline | 11.6 | 8.1 | 10.0 |
| Celica · Subcompact · Premium gasoline | 11.6 | 8.7 | 10.3 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Toyota told its dealers about the 2001 Toyota Celica: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 633872 | CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE INSUFFICIENT SUPPORT FROM THE BACK DOOR (REAR HATCH) STAYS. *TT |
| 628696 | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT REGARDING VEHICLES EXPERIENCING ENGINE OIL GELLING OR SLUDGE. *TT |
| 628669 | SOME 1ZZ-FE AND 2ZZ-GE ENGINES MAY EXHIBIT SQUEALING AND/OR RATTLING NOISES EMANATING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, ESPECIALLY DURING DECELERATION AT SLOW SPEEDS AFTER COLD SOAK. *TT |
| 627368 | SUBJECT REGARDING BELLCRANK SET BOLTS. *YD |
| 625647 | SUBJECT REGARDING SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR TAPE SET. *JG |
| 625642 | SUBJECT REGARDING 6-SPEED MTM. *JG |
| 625565 | A SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO UPGRADE THE SPIRAL CABLE CONNECTOR IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. *J |
| 625563 | SUBJECT REGARDING DEALERSHIPS TO INSTALL A SPECIAL REGISTER TO THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT SYSTEM ON SPECIFIC VEHICLES REMAINING IN DEALER INVENTORY. *JG |
| 622979 | THIS SERVICE BULLETIN PROVIDES A NEW BRAKE PEDAL ON VEHICLE INSPECTION PROCEDURE. *ET |
| 621993 | ELECTRONIC MESSAGE REGARDING PROGRAMMING OF OEM WIRELESS DOOR LOCK REMOTE TRANSMITTERS. *TT |
| 621982 | THIS BULLETIN CLARIFIES INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE REPAIR MANUAL REGARDING THE PROGRAMMING OF OEM WIRELESS REMOTES ON CERTAIN 2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. *TT |
| 619088 | A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE THE TRANSMISSION BELLCRANK SET BOLTS MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED ON CERTAIN 2001 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE SHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT (PLAY). *TT |
| 11007445 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11007444 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11007443 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11006151 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11006150 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. |
| 11006149 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11005153 | Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. |
| 11005122 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11005064 | Some 2005 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary |
| 11003649 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
| 11003647 | To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. PD017-04. The entire bulletin has been updated. |
| 11003644 | Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, |
| 11003594 | The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)