2001 TOYOTA CELICA PROBLEMS

Common Complaints and Reliability

• 1. Engine Oil Consumption:

  • Excessive oil consumption, 1.5 quart of oil every 500 miles
    
  • Burning oil 1 quart = 500 miles, engine made a grinding noise
    
  • Engine consumed almost 4 quarts of oil for every 400 miles driven
    
  • Engine burned oil at a rate of 1 quart per 800 miles
    
  • Engine consumed 1 liter per full tank weekly, may lead to engine malfunction or seize
    
  • Engine went to high revving about 8k RPMs, burnt clutch
    
  • Engine makes a horrible ticking sound, needs piston rings replaced
    
  • Engine has a known oil consumption issue, can cause engine failure at any time
    
  • Manufacturer refused to cover engine repairs due to oil sludge issue
    
  • Engine clicks due to oil sludge
    
  • Engine had to be replaced due to weak valves
    

• 2. Transmission Issues:

  • Transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt multiple times
    
  • Transmission failed causing loss of power, loud knocking, high pitch squealing
    
  • Clutch had to be replaced multiple times
    
  • Transmission failed on highway at approximately 70 mph due to knocking engine
    

• 3. Safety Issues:

  • Airbags did not deploy in a frontal collision at 30 mph
    
  • Car accelerated out of control during cruise control disengagement
    
  • Car lurched forward unexpectedly, resulting in an accident with injuries
    
  • Rear hatch closes by itself, causing potential injury
    
  • Horn and cruise control stopped working, floor bolts loosened
    
  • Door bolts came loose, causing interior lights to flicker
    
  • Safety belts were flimsy, potentially compromising safety
    
  • Vehicle fishtailed while driving on the interstate at high speed
    
  • Contacted dealer about brake noise issue
    

• 4. Suspension and Tire Problems:

  • Belt tensioner squeals and makes noise, may need replacement
    
  • Struts holding up rear hatch failed causing it to come down
    
  • Vehicle equipped with tires that were cupped
    
  • Directional tires were put on the wrong way
    
  • Vehicle had PrimeWell tires that shook violently, cupped
    

• 5. Miscellaneous Issues:

  • Car door from bumper alignment issue
    
  • Accessory belt tensioner failure, bolt broke off into engine
    
  • Car had a banging noise and smoke from the engine
    
  • Brake grinding noise, transmission failure with grinding noise
    
  • Accessory belt tensioner broke causing squealing and rattling noises
    
  • Vehicle would not accelerate in hot or inclement weather
    
  • Vehicle had a loud knocking noise in the engine, difficult to drive
    

• 6. Recall/Tech Service Bulletin Issues:

  • Rear hatch closes by itself, but not covered under warranty
    
  • Airbag sensor broken on passenger side, could cause injury
    
  • Known oil consumption issue with the engine, but not covered under recall
    
  • Vehicle was part of a TSB for engines, but no actual recall issued
    

• 7. Legal/Tire Issues:

  • Vehicle had issues with Firestone Primewell tires
    
  • Vehicle was involved in an accident due to sliding and fishtailing
    
  • Vehicle experienced braking issues, and air conditioner wasn't bringing in enough air
    
  • Customer experienced engine failure, needed replacement engine due to oil issue
    
  • Vehicle's tires were faulty, causing loud noise while driving
    

• 8. Unspecified Issues:

  • Many owner complaints about oil issue, request for NHTSA to investigate
    
  • Engine rebuilds needed at low mileage, dealership suspected abuse
    
  • No acceleration in hot weather, unknown cause
    
  • Customer concerned about oil issue and stranded on highway, wants Toyota to recall engines