FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2002 Toyota Celica
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Toyota Celica, most frequently naming the airbags, fuel system and body & structure categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 95 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2002 | 1 | 1 |
| Oct 2002 | 1 | 2 |
| Dec 2002 | 2 | 4 |
| Feb 2003 | 1 | 5 |
| Apr 2003 | 1 | 6 |
| May 2003 | 1 | 7 |
| Jun 2003 | 1 | 8 |
| Sep 2003 | 1 | 9 |
| Oct 2003 | 1 | 10 |
| Dec 2003 | 1 | 11 |
| Jan 2004 | 3 | 14 |
| Mar 2004 | 1 | 15 |
| Apr 2004 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2004 | 1 | 17 |
| Jan 2005 | 1 | 18 |
| Mar 2005 | 1 | 19 |
| Jul 2005 | 1 | 20 |
| Nov 2006 | 1 | 21 |
| Jul 2007 | 1 | 22 |
| Aug 2008 | 1 | 23 |
| Sep 2008 | 1 | 24 |
| Nov 2008 | 1 | 25 |
| Jul 2009 | 1 | 26 |
| Feb 2010 | 1 | 27 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 28 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 29 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Airbags1131.4%
- Fuel system411.4%
- Body & structure411.4%
- Engine411.4%
- Suspension38.6%
- Transmission25.7%
- Brakes25.7%
- Powertrain (other)12.9%
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
1 campaign 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.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
CAR WAS TRAVELING @ 50 MPH ( POSTED SPEED FOR THE ROAD). HE SNEEZED, WHEN HE LOOKED UP THE CARS SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF HIM. HE REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM GOING 50 MPH. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE FRONT END WAS CRUSHED. THE ENGINE WAS SHOVED IN. THE CAR IS TOTALED. BUT NOT 1 AIRBAG WENT OFF. BOTH ARE BRUISED FROM THE SEAT BELTS & BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAVE WHIPLASH. I AM THANKFUL THEY WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS BUT VERY CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T PERFORM AS EXPECTED. BOTH THE CLEAN-UP CREW & OFFICER AT THE SEEN WERE SHOCKED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY....UPDATED 07/23/14 *BF
- NHTSA ID
- 10610125
- Incident
- Jul 6, 2014
- Mileage
- 165,000 mi
DAUGHTER (17) LOST CONTROL OF CAR IN A CURVE DUE TO WET ROADS AND SPEED. THE CAR SPUN THEN STRUCK A TREE HEAD ON. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE IMPACT WAS GREAT ENOUGH TO BUST THE RADIATOR AND KILL THE MOTOR BUT NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. MY YOUNGER DAUGHTER (15) WAS IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. BOTH GIRLS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO MAJOR INJURIES. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10510939
- Incident
- Apr 15, 2013
- Mileage
- 118,000 mi
TWICE WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, MY TOYOTA CELICA CONTINUED TO IDLE AT ABOUT 4000 RPM. I TRIED PULLING THE CAR MAT TOWARD THE SEAT TO BE SURE IT WASN'T INTERFERING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I ALSO TRIED JIGGLING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BE SURE NOTHING WAS STUCK. NEITHER OF THESE STOPPED THE HIGH RPM IDLE. EACH TIME THE ONLY THING THAT WOULD REDUCE THE RPM WAS TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART IT. THE TOYOTA HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED EACH TIME DURING THE HIGH RPM IDLE. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10312337
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2009
- Mileage
- 165,000 mi
WAS TURNING OUT ON A HIGHWAY OUT OF A SIDE ROAD. WHEN STRUCK ON MY FRONT/DRIVERSIDE FENDER AT A HIGH SPEED APPROXIMATE 60MPH, MY CAR IS TOTALED, OR WILL BE TOTALED IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY MAKING MY INJURIES WORSE THAN THEY SHOULD BE. IM TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY MY AIRPAD DIDN NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR WAS STRUCK AT THOSE SPEEDS. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10276573
- Incident
- Jul 13, 2009
- Mileage
- 105,000 mi
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA CELICA. EVERY TIME THE CONTACT FINISHES PUMPING FUEL, THE GAS TANK OVERFLOWS. THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE HAD IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V074000 (FUEL SYSTEM :GASOLINE), BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT A REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 65,000. UPDATED 12-02-08 *BF UPDATED 12/02/08. *JB
- NHTSA ID
- 10248788
- Incident
- Oct 12, 2007
- Mileage
- 65,000 mi
WE OWN 2002 CELICA GT-S. IT HAS HAD TO HAVE 4 SETS OF TIRES IN 85,000 MILES. AT THE LAST ALIGNMENT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT GET THE 2 REAR TIRES IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE FRONT 2 TIRES. THE PROBLEM WERE THE REAR TIE RODS. HE GOT A SET OF ADJUSTABLE TIE RODS & REPLACED THE FACTORY TIE RODS AND WAS ABLE TO GET ALL 4 TIRES IN PROPER ALIGNMENT. MY SON HAD AN ACCIDENT PREVIOUSLY WHERE HE LOST TRACTION AND SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD BUT WITH NO INJURIES THANK GOD. I TOOK THE TIE RODS TO THE ANDERSON TOYOTA DEALER & THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THAT PROBLEM. BUT THEY DID NOT SHOW ANY CONCERN WHATSOEVER. I THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PRUDENT FOR THEM TO GET SOME INFORMATION & CHECK THEIR SERVICE BULLETINS. BUT I GUESS THE FELLOW HAD FOUND A COMFORTABLE POSITION ON THE STOOL HE WAS OCCUPYING. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY BE A DEFECT AND WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE WITH THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE TO LOOK INTO THIS. I WAS NOT SEEKING ANYTHING FROM RALPH HAYES TOYOTA. I APPROACHED THEM AS A GENTLEMAN & LEFT WITH THE SAME DEMEANOR. BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM COMMON TO THIS PARTICULAR AUTOMOBILE. IT IS A 2002 TOYOTA CELICA GTS. THANK YOU. I DO NOT HAVE A COPY OF THE INCIDENT REPORT TO GIVE CORRECT DATE OF ACCIDENT BUT THE TIE ROD ISSUE BECAME APPARENT ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP UNTIL THAT TIME. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10244027
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2008
- Mileage
- 85,000 mi
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HIT A SNOW BANK AT 50MPH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, I NEEDED TO BE TOWED/PULLED OUT OF THE SNOW BANK. ALSO ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, WITH A CATALYTIC CONVERTER CODE BUT CAT IS STILL GOOD. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10240294
- Incident
- Dec 19, 2007
- Mileage
- 89,000 mi
2002 TOYOTA CELICA GT SUDDEN STANDARD TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *JB
- NHTSA ID
- 10197546
- Incident
- Jul 22, 2007
- Mileage
- 85,000 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 |
| 2002Viewing | 29 | 1 | 0 | 52.3 |
| 2001 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 45.5 |
| 2000 | 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.