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1997 Toyota Celica problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Toyota Celica is windows, wipers and visibility. It has fewer complaints than a typical Celica model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
43
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
22-28mpg

The worst 1997 Toyota Celica problems

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

  • Visibility
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Visibility
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Engine seizureOpened April 30, 2002, closed June 20, 2002

DP02004

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Toyota Celica 43

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

See all 43 bulletins for the 1997 Toyota Celica

1997 Toyota Celica fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD23-2531-3226-28
2.2L 4‑cylFWD1926-2722

What 1997 Toyota Celica owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 13, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 175,000 miles · GA · fire

My rear defrost has not worked in years. I look at the connection where the hatch meets the car and find that the connector had caught on fire and melted the connector and the wire. I am having to reconnect the 2 wires to get my rear defrost working again.

Filed Oct 22, 2012 · Brakes · 108,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 toyota celica. The contact stated that the brakes failed to engage while driving 45 MPH. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a stop by shifting into neutral and applying the emergency brake. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the brake lines were leaking brake fluid due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 108,000. Updated 02/13/13*lj the consumer stated he was driving 45 MPH and when approached some curves in the road, he applied the brake. He soon realized the brakes were not working and pulled the emergency brake . The rear wheels locked and he spun out to a stop. The consumer inspected the vehicle and discovered there was no brake fluid in the reservoir, which leaked out onto the brake lines, which had rotted. Updated 02/14/13

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Visibility · CA

While lowering convertible top under normal conditions and with no obstructions, back glass exploded for no apparent reason.

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Body · CO

Consumer took the vehicle to a paint shop for a paint job. Technician informed consumer that the two pillar attachments for the roof were bonded together by glue. Technician would not touch the vehicle until it was fixed.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Airbags · 66,490 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

My daughter was involved in a very minor accident, and there was an approximately 10-15 second delay after the car was placed in park when her airbags suddenly deployed, causing minor injury to her, and more damage than the accident itself caused to her vehicle. I am concerned to know why they deployed at all considering her speed of apx 5 -7 MPH,. And if there had been a high speed accident if they would have deployed in time to protect her as they are designed. The person she bumped into and passenger are witnesses to the delayed deployment, as well as the officer on scene.

Filed Sep 27, 2000 · Tires · CA

While driving on interstate at approximately 65 MPH right front tire tread had separated from the tire. Tire was a continental gt8000, touring, p205/55r15. Tire was a replacement tire purchased at a private owned tire dealership. Tire's mileage was 27,000. *ak consumer stated another tire experienced tread separation and the other tires have cracked sidewalls, vehicle sustained damage due to faulty tire..

Filed Nov 18, 1998 · Electrical · CA

The same evening that I purchased my celica and every evening since then I notice that my headlights and instrument lights dim when I apply my brakes. Only when I release my brakes do they brighten back-up. I've taken my celica in twice to have it tested but toyota said that everything tested normal both times. Is this normal on these cars.

Filed Sep 30, 1997 · Visibility · CT

During normal conditions while lowering convertable top of car the rear window glass shattered. There was nothing obstructing the lowering of top, so there was no reason for it to break. Cause is unknown.

Compare the 1997 Toyota Celica

Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 Toyota Celica

Is the 1997 Toyota Celica reliable?

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1997 Toyota Celica, fewer than a typical Celica model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Toyota Celica?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 3 complaints. Next is electrical (2).

How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Celica have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Toyota Celica get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Toyota Celica range from 22 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-25 city and 31-32 highway.

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