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1990 Toyota Celica problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Toyota Celica is airbags. It has 1.7 times the complaints of a typical Celica model year.

Typical year1.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
29
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
28
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19-26mpg

The worst 1990 Toyota Celica problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    11
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Electrical
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Toyota Celica

No deployment 5

Recalls 1

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported April 20, 1990 · 2,543 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Air bag inflator case was incorrectly machined.
Risk
In an accident, the air bag may not deploy, which could result in increased injury to the driver.
Remedy
Replace air bag inflator unit.

Recall number 90V078000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1990 Toyota Celica

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Toyota Celica 28

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 28 bulletins for the 1990 Toyota Celica

1990 Toyota Celica fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD22-243025-26
2.2L 4‑cylFWD19-2126-2922-24
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD172219

What 1990 Toyota Celica owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 10, 2016 · Airbags · 109,000 miles · LA

"takata recall" I have a 1990 toyota celica gt, my airbag light came on back around 2003, I took it to the local toyota dealership to have it fixed. A service member came out to my car with a handheld device and plugged it into the car. Bottom line, he tried several times to reset the airbag with no success. My airbag light is still on and I have not received any recalls or notices. How do I get this problem fixed?

Filed Jun 10, 2011 · Airbags · 200,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

My 1990 toyota celica st was in an accident in san leandro feb 22, 2003. I was staying in fremont, ca. My air bag burst open and the chemicals burned my face and arms. I went to the emergency room at washington hospital, fremont,ca.

Filed May 6, 2011 · Engine · 125,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1990 toyota celica. While driving at any speed, the contact stated that the vehicle would stall. He was able to restart the vehicle and then it would perform as normal. The contact did not inform the dealer or manufacturer due to the age of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where they replaced the engine control module; however, the failure continued to occur. The current mileage was 140,000 and the failure mileage was 125,000.

Filed Jul 21, 2006 · Tires · FL

Patches of the tire falling off as if it is a retread, very dangerous if I don't replace soon. Noticed it at 30k on tires.

Filed Nov 29, 2004 · Engine · MD

While driving 45 MPH consumer heard a loud knocking noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Suddenly the vehicle stalled. Consumer was not able to restart vehicle, and it was towed to a garage for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Brakes · 20,000 miles · TX · crash

My 1990 toyota celica has 'surged forward' frequently, always when using the brake. It caused me to rear end another vehicle in the early 90's, no people were hurt, but there was vehicle damage. The brake can be completly depresed, when the car will lurch forward and the brake tension will reduce.

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Acceleration · 12,700 miles · VA

The consumer pressed on the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to decelerate. The vehicle started to accelerate to 90 MPH until owner pressed on brake pedal numerous times to stop vehicle. *ak the consumer stepped on the brakes several times but had no booster.

Filed May 19, 2003 · Airbags, Seat belts · NC · crash · 1 injury

While driving 45 MPH the vehicle was involved in an accident yet neither air bag deployed and the seat belts did not properly restrain the passengers.

Filed May 21, 2002 · Body · IL

Opening of trunk - lid hinge snapped in half like metal fatigue. Toyota dealer said they have had several car hinges replaced at owners expense: $207.00 quoted.

Filed Mar 2, 2001 · Seat belts · MI

The drivers side seat belt latch failed, the latch return spring broke and remained inside the latch making it difficult to securely fasten the seat belt. Nlm

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1990 Toyota Celica before you buy

Compare the 1990 Toyota Celica

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Questions about the 1990 Toyota Celica

Is the 1990 Toyota Celica reliable?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 1990 Toyota Celica, 1.7 times a typical Celica model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Toyota Celica?

Airbags, with 11 complaints. Next is seat belts (5).

How many recalls does the 1990 Toyota Celica have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

Was there a recall on the 1990 Toyota Celica airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 90V078000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Celica have bad airbags?

The Toyota Celica model years with the most airbags complaints are 1990 (11 complaints), 1992 (11 complaints) and 2002 (11 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Toyota Celica get?

Official estimates for the 1990 Toyota Celica range from 19 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-24 city and 30 highway.

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