Check a VIN

1998 Toyota Celica problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Toyota Celica is body and structure. It has fewer complaints than a typical Celica model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
48
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
22-23mpg

The worst 1998 Toyota Celica problems

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

  • Body
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Body
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 22, 2020 · 138,842 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant, and increases the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and owners will have the option to self-inspect, or have a dealer inspect the steering wheel on their vehicle to determine if their vehicle may be equipped with an affected inflator. Potentially affected steering wheel serial numbers will be inspected by a dealer. Based on the inspection, dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate one, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall is 20TB01 and 20TA01.

Recall number 20V033000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 1998 Toyota Celica

Defect investigations

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

DP02004

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Toyota Celica 48

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

See all 48 bulletins for the 1998 Toyota Celica

1998 Toyota Celica fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylFWD19-2026-2722-23

What 1998 Toyota Celica owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Airbags, Fuel system · 188,000 miles · VA

Toyota has failed to notify me of the faulty airbag recall and has failed to fix the faulty airbag and in addition, my car is stalling without cause.

Filed Sep 15, 2010 · Tires · 24,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns cooper life liner sle tires p205/55r 15 on a 1998 toyota celica. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle started shaking randomly, so the contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact looked at the tires and saw no damages. The contact rubbed her hand on the front driver's side tire and notice a bubble had develop on the inside tread. The contact replaced the tire with the spare and took the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer notice the tread separation on the front driver's side tire and recommended the tire be replaced. The dealer informed the contact they do not supply a warranty on cooper tires due to the problems they have and they do not sale that brand. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the tires and the manufacturer stated they will only cover what is left of the tread on the tires. The contact stated the manufacturer should replaced the tires since this is a manufacturer defect and does not feel safe driving with the three remaining tires on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 24,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2003 · Body · TX

The rear window of the convertible was designed such that raising and lowering the automatic top was not given enough clearance. As a result the back window of the vehicle repeatedly rubs against the sharp top of the rear seat upon opening and closing. This causes the rear window to disengage from the glue that adheres it in place and consequently fall out. Many reports have been filed to toyota dealers and they refuse to cover any such defects. The only solution they propose is taking the car to a third party auto top repair service to have the entire window replaced for a fee of $700 dollars.

Filed Sep 28, 2002 · Body, Engine · CA

Driving for 10 minutes in the car threw a rod, cracked the block, sheards of metal thru oil pan & water coolant system. Also rod dented hood so body work being required. Over $5500 damage on a 4 year old car! Mr

Filed Apr 14, 2000 · Visibility · MD

Windshield motor was working but the wiper blades were not operable. Consumer contacted the dealership, and they told her that warranty had expired.

Compare the 1998 Toyota Celica

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Questions about the 1998 Toyota Celica

Is the 1998 Toyota Celica reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1998 Toyota Celica, fewer than a typical Celica model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Toyota Celica?

Body and structure, with 2 complaints. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 1998 Toyota Celica have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Toyota Celica get?

Official estimates for the 1998 Toyota Celica range from 22 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19-20 city and 26-27 highway.

Share your experience with the 1998 Toyota Celica

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1998 Toyota Celica?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN