7th Nov 2005, 12:47

I've had my Celica 5 years now and racked up 150000 miles. I've experienced most of the problems mentioned above. The engine ran dry of oil, without a warning light, just 2000 miles past it's service and about a month after the warranty had run out. New engine at my expense. Engine management light bitchin about the CAT being shot - ain't forkin out £1500 for new one when it still passes emissions. The rear N/S tyre deforms if you run a P-Zero. The front wheels are buckled again after being replaced my Toyota. Stereo packed in after excessive heat had weakened the solder on the speaker connections. Half the dash board dims intermittently. The service is second to none, but I've learnt not to buy a new model until somebody else irons out the bugs at their expense!

14th Feb 2006, 03:23

I have a Celica vvtl-i (import) and have just done 47,000 kilometres. This is my second celica and I was so impressed with my 2.0 GT I had no problem in knowing I was going to get a 190.

However, for the past few months I have had a loud "squeaking" noise in the engine area around the belt. It is at it's loudest when cold, but squeals away when driving.

I took it to my dealership who replaced the belt, but said there was still a slight tweeting noise which was a common problem with the engine. I took the car away only to find that the same loud noise came back from the belt area. Toyota replaced the belt again under warranty. The noise came back again! So, I took the car to an independent garage who had problems diagnosing the problem.

So far I have had the Alternator reconditioned a new alternator belt (again) and the alternator tensioner replaced - It's still making the same noise!!

The sound always goes away whenever something is replaced, but comes back after a day or so.

Has anyone heard or experienced this problem? I need help as I am running out of money and losing heart with this fine car.

15th Jun 2006, 10:00

You guys should check out www.celica-club.co.uk.

Great site for all Celica owners.

Some of your faults are very simple to fix permanently if you don't use Toyota parts like the squealing fan belt (use a non Toyota one, problem solved!).

The head lights dimming around 30mph is the air fan kicking in to your exhaust to reduce emissions; you need the revised ECU.

Rattly exhaust could be the heat shield, which is renowned for coming loose and can be easily fixed.

Pirelli tyres are known for being noisy and wear unevenly, get Goodyear Eagle F1s or Toyo Proxes T1-R (you'll also get better handling, wet or dry!).

Toyota brake discs are made of cheese. Get ADL blue print ones from a local Motor Factor, and these will last longer.

Finally, if you have a 190/T-Sport, go to celica-club.co.uk and search the forums for "lift bolts" and hold your breath!!! I love my T Sport, but it does lack the build quality Toyota are known for.

Paul.

3rd Nov 2006, 08:37

Paul.

You say for the headlights dimming you need a revised ECU.

Do you mean that the ECU has to be replaced altogether, or can it just be a download with the latest software jobbie?

30th Apr 2007, 12:02

I have a 2000 Toyota Celica GTS and I this is the first time I've had a huge problem. Currently my car is not picking up any speed and it won't pass the emissions. I've had the converter replaced, fuel pump, and so far one oxygen sensor. I am going to the Toyota dealership this weekend to have the other oxygen sensor put on. I don't know if this will help. Has anyone experienced this problem? If so, please let me know what to have fixed. I've spent a great deal of money trying to get my car fixed. So far this has been an ongoing problem for the past 1 1/2. I am not able to trade my car in right now. I have no choice, but to get it fixed. I just need to find out what is wrong with it. Please help me if you have a solution. Thanks.

7th May 2007, 20:14

I am the original owner of a 2000 GT (manual transmission). I've had numerous major and minor issues with it. The minor ones include hatchback struts failing and paint as soft as butter that it chips if you sneeze on it. The major ones are described below.

At ~50,000 km, it started burning oil like it was a two-stroke. No blue smoke or anything, but we're talking a couple litres per week, dealer initially blamed engine sludge??, but a look under the hood showed bad rings, repaired for free under warranty.

Around 60,000 km, I noticed a very minor "snick-snick-snick" sound in the transmission when backing up. My wife thought I was crazy, but I mentioned it to the dealer. Sure enough, the box had to be rebuilt, covered by warranty ($3k).

About 2 years later, at 95,000km, the oil burning returned. Dealer again replaced rings, this time he said Toyota recommended a different part #, so maybe it was a widespread problem they knew about. Also under warranty, phew.

Now I'm at 125,000km, and I am getting a very annoying rattling engine sound under light/medium throttle. I like to pretend it is just a loose piece somewhere, but I think it is something more serious... sigh.

All that said, it has been a great little car to drive, and I hope the latest problem is a minor one. If anyone has a suggestion of what it might be, please email me at northport AT Canada DOT com.

Thanks.

Mark

12th Jul 2007, 21:04

Followup on noise:

Turns out it was a spun bearing on the connector rod, needed new crankshaft among many many other expensive bits... $3800! Last Toyota for me I think!

13th Jul 2007, 21:06

Well, just exactly how hard have you driven for all 125,000 km's? I'm guessing really hard. I would if I had that car. If you run it like a racecar, you'll pay to fix it like a racecar. Rebuild it and drive it for another 125,000.

25th Oct 2007, 20:54

My Celica is a 2001 with 105,000 miles on it. The only major problem I had was one of the oxygen sensors going, and not knowing what it was for a while. FIXED!!

A minor one is the trunk never stays open, somebody else had that problem. Need to get that fixed.

New problem, not really sure, but a noise like someone is peeling out or slamming on their brakes. Don't know where it is coming from or what to do???

24th Apr 2008, 10:24

Just bought a 2002 t sport celica does it have a cam belt or a chain?

14th Aug 2009, 15:34

I've had my 2000 Celica 190 for only 3 weeks. And in that time I've had to fill coolant up almost each day. Love the car, but refilling the coolant up is starting to give me the pip. Anyone got an idea what could be the problem?

19th Nov 2009, 15:44

Oil control rings are duff on this model - since updated by Toyota - that leads to the dry sump and engine death. They are not nearly as good as the older, legendary Celicas.