EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2000 Toyota Celica
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 106 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Toyota Celica, most frequently naming the engine, transmission and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 96 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2001 | 2 | 24 |
| Jul 2001 | 3 | 27 |
| Aug 2001 | 4 | 31 |
| Sep 2001 | 1 | 32 |
| Nov 2001 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2002 | 2 | 35 |
| Feb 2002 | 3 | 38 |
| Mar 2002 | 1 | 39 |
| Jun 2002 | 1 | 40 |
| Sep 2002 | 2 | 42 |
| Oct 2002 | 1 | 43 |
| Jan 2003 | 1 | 44 |
| Mar 2003 | 1 | 45 |
| Apr 2003 | 1 | 46 |
| May 2003 | 1 | 47 |
| Jun 2003 | 2 | 49 |
| Aug 2003 | 2 | 51 |
| Sep 2003 | 2 | 53 |
| Oct 2003 | 1 | 54 |
| Nov 2003 | 1 | 55 |
| Dec 2003 | 2 | 57 |
| Jan 2004 | 4 | 61 |
| Feb 2004 | 1 | 62 |
| Mar 2004 | 1 | 63 |
| Apr 2004 | 1 | 64 |
| Jun 2004 | 1 | 65 |
| Oct 2004 | 1 | 66 |
| Apr 2005 | 2 | 68 |
| Jun 2005 | 2 | 70 |
| Jul 2005 | 1 | 71 |
| Nov 2005 | 1 | 72 |
| Feb 2006 | 1 | 73 |
| Apr 2006 | 1 | 74 |
| Mar 2007 | 1 | 75 |
| Apr 2007 | 1 | 76 |
| May 2007 | 1 | 77 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 78 |
| Dec 2007 | 1 | 79 |
| May 2008 | 1 | 80 |
| Oct 2008 | 2 | 82 |
| Dec 2008 | 1 | 83 |
| Jan 2009 | 1 | 84 |
| Feb 2009 | 1 | 85 |
| Mar 2009 | 1 | 86 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 87 |
| Nov 2009 | 1 | 88 |
| Jan 2010 | 2 | 90 |
| Feb 2010 | 4 | 94 |
| Mar 2010 | 1 | 95 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 96 |
| Feb 2011 | 1 | 97 |
| Feb 2013 | 1 | 98 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 99 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 100 |
| Dec 2014 | 1 | 101 |
| Oct 2019 | 1 | 102 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 103 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 104 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 105 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 106 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine4636.8%
- Transmission1814.4%
- Driver assistance118.8%
- Airbags97.2%
- Exterior lighting64.8%
- Body & structure64.8%
- Electrical64.8%
- Brakes43.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
ENGINE SEIZURE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica equipped with Dextero Touring, DTR1 Tires Size 205/55R16 91H, and DOT: Y9JTCHX1816. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH she observed a noise emanating from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle was inspected but no failure was found. The contact continued to drive at approximately 55 MPH and observed a popping sound emanating from the inner carriage. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where she observed the rear passenger tire separating. The tire was replaced with assistance from a passerby. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 133,621 and the tire failure mileage was 33,000
- NHTSA ID
- 11570739
- Incident
- Feb 1, 2024
- Mileage
- 133,621 mi
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica. The contact stated that the daytime running lights failed to turn off as needed, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the running lights needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V566000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 123,268.
- NHTSA ID
- 11465031
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2004
- Mileage
- 123,268 mi
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE VEHICLE I JUST BOUGHT AND WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND THE ENGINE LITERALLY BROKE INTO PIECES AND OIL WENT EVERYWHERE
- NHTSA ID
- 11413894
- Incident
- Apr 25, 2021
- Mileage
- 228,298 mi
A TRUCK TIRE WENT OUT AND LOCKED UP MY ENGINE OF MY CELICA
- NHTSA ID
- 11319270
- Incident
- Mar 25, 2010
- Mileage
- 54,000 mi
I AM TRYING TO RENEW MY REGISTRATION FOR MY 2000 TOYOTA AND IT DOESN'T LET ME AND IT MIGHT HAVE A RECALL ON THE LIGHTS
- NHTSA ID
- 11268851
- Incident
- Oct 16, 2019
THIS VEHICLE HAS ( ACCORDING TO ALL SOURCES AVAILABLE ) BURNED OIL FROM THE TIME IT LEFT THE PLANT BRAND NEW,MOST 2000 TO 2002 TOYOTA CELICA GT'S HAVE THIS ISSUE AS THE RINGS WERE BAD. TOYOTA HAS NEVER PRODUCED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT HAS EFFECTED THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES.TOYOTA DID CHANGE THE RINGS OUT FOR THE 2003 MODELS AND NEWER, SO THEY DID KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTED.THIS HAS CAUSED MANY CELICA'S TO EXPERIENCE BLOWN MOTORS. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10662493
- Incident
- Jun 23, 2010
- Mileage
- 190,000 mi
I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO NEWBOLD TOYOTA ON JULY 28, 2014, AND ON JULY 29, I SPOKE TO [XXX], A SERVICE ADVISOR AND EXPLAINED WHY MY VEHICLE WAS THERE. HE INDICATED THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND GET BACK TO ME. AT 3:28 PM [XXX] CALLED ME BACK INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE WAS DONE DUE TO THE OVER-REV WHICH BLEW THE ENGINE. HERE IS MY STATEMENT ON WHAT HAPPENED: ON JULY 28 2014 AT ABOUT 7 A.M., I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON I-255 SOUTHBOUND WHEN MY GAS PEDAL SUNK TO THE FLOOR WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH IN FIFTH GEAR. THE CAR SPED UP, SO HAVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PROCEEDED TO RAISE THE PEDAL WITH THE TIP OF MY SHOE, WITH NO SUCCESS AND ENGINE REVVING, I DECIDED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE FOR A BRIEF SECOND, WHEN THE GAS PEDAL SPRUNG RIGHT BACK UP. I THEN PLACED IT IN SIXTH GEAR AND KEPT GOING FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES, DESPITE HEARING A RATTLING NOISE. AS I TURNED OFF ONTO MY EXIT, I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. AT THIS POINT I COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE EXIT RAMP.ON JULY 31, 2014 AT 2:14 PM, I SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER ([XXX] ) ABOUT MY SITUATION WITH THE VEHICLE, AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (1-800-331-4331). I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH [XXX] WHO STARTED A CASE FOR ME. AFTER GIVING HER THE ABOVE DETAILS, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHE REQUESTED, SHE CHECKED ON EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. SHE INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA RESPECTFULLY DECLINES ANY ASSISTANCE. I THEN ASKED TO SPEAK TO HER SUPERVISOR, WHICH SHE REPLIED, "THAT WON'T HELP YOU", AND HUNG UP. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE VERY EASILY CRASHED THIS VEHICLE UNDER NO FAULT OF MY OWN. I FEEL LIKE TOYOTA NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. I FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULD REPLACE MY ENGINE, AS WELL AS ISSUING A RECALL ON THIS MODEL YEAR BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10644757
- Incident
- Jul 28, 2014
THIS IS A 3RD ENGINE !!!!! WHEN I GOT THIS CAR IN 2008 IT WAS ALREADY KNOCKING FROM DEALERSHIP. SOON ROD BEARINGS BLEW OUT AND ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, THESE ENGINES ARE VERY POOR DESIGN THAT OIL STARVE TO DEATH. AFTER REPLACING ENGINE THEY ONLY LAST YA FEW YEARS. 2010 SECOND ENGINE SAME THING STARTED LOOSING OIL NOT FROM LEAKING BUT FROM CONSUMPTION. SHORTLY AFTER STARTED KNOCKING AND RIGHT AFTER SPUN THE ROD BEARING AND DAMAGED ENGINE AGAIN. THESE 1ZZFE ENGINES HAVE VERY POOR CIRCULATION OF OIL AND ONLY WILL TAKE SPECIFIC OIL PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF VERY WEAK OIL PUMP. SO ON MY 3RD ENGINE AND GUESS WHAT ?! KNOCKING !! AFTER ALL TROUBLE WITH THIS I HAVE OVER PAID WHAT THIS CAR IS WORTH BY A TON WITH ENGINE REPLACEMENTS BECAUSE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE CAUSE. I AM A FATHER AND COMMUTE 100MI TO WORK AND BACK EVERYDAY AND THESE ENGINES ARE THE WORST. THEY OIL STARVE AND DIE. WITH NEW OIL PUMP AND LUCAS OIL ADDITIVE YOU MAY HAVE HOPE BUT IF YOU FOLLOW DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS FEW YEARS LATER HAVE 4,000$ FOR NEW ENGINE READY. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10578596
- Incident
- Jul 11, 2013
- Mileage
- 81,685 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2005 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2004 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2003 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 40.2 |
| 2002 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 2001 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 45.5 |
| 2000Viewing | 106 | 3 | 1 | 58.8 |
| 1999 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 35.7 |
| 1998 | 5 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1997 | 8 | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1996 | 9 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1995 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 46.0 |
| 1994 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 46.6 |
| 1993 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 38.6 |
| 1992 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 54.0 |
| 1991 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 53.2 |
| 1990 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 60.4 |
| 1989 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 46.9 |
| 1988 | 6 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1987 | 5 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1986 | 9 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1985 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1984 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 4 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.