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2003 Toyota Celica problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Toyota Celica is fuel and propulsion system. Its complaint count is close to a typical Celica model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
17
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
96
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
23-28mpg

The worst 2003 Toyota Celica problems

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

  • Fuel system
    5
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Steering
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Fuel system
    5
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasolineReported March 5, 2003 · 15,048 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel tank check valve, located in the fuel tank inlet pipe, may become separated from the inlet pipe and fall into the fuel tank. If the check valve falls into the tank, fuel may spill from the fuel inlet pipe when the fuel pump automatically shuts off during fueling.
Risk
This condition may result a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the fuel tank check valve. Owner notification began april 4, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.

Recall number 03V074000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Celica

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Toyota Celica 96

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

See all 96 bulletins for the 2003 Toyota Celica

2003 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‑cylFWD20-2527-3323-28

What 2003 Toyota Celica owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 16, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · MO

Lf wheel bearing is gone and axle is only thing holding on the wheel. The steering knuckle is damaged, caliper/bracket is damaged, rotors damaged, axle damaged. Extremely unsafe to drive

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Engine · OH

Belt tensioner won't retract when trying to replace serpentina belt. Most likely a defective part , original. Have to creative finding other ways to replace belt without breaking the tensioner.

Filed Jan 5, 2018 · Airbags, Steering · 160,476 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota celica. While operating the vehicle, the horn was not always audible when pressing the center of the steering wheel and the air bag sensor indicator remained illuminated. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the coil spring inside the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer (south bay toyota, 310‑323‑7800) was called. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 160,476.

Filed Aug 12, 2017 · Airbags · FL

Air bag light stays on. Car has never been in a crash. I've had the sensor reset 4 x, it still flashes and stays on.

Filed Mar 10, 2011 · Engine · 105,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota celica. The contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit an abnormal and continual squeaking when there was any type of precipitation. The serpentine belt was replaced four times by a local mechanic and the hydraulic tensioner was replaced twice. The repairs would correct the failure for approximately one month before recurring. Once the engine was hot, the noise would cease. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 129,000 and the failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2010 · Transmission · 25,767 miles · CA

I had to have clutch replaced at 25,77 miles on my 2003 toyota celica gt purchased new april 2003. Again I had to replace clutch @ 56,089. From the day I purchased this car I had problems with putting car in gear and complained to dealer, who said there was nothing they could do. I've driven manual toyota cars since 1966 and never had any clutch repairs on any of my toyotas. I had over 144,000 miles on my 1987 toyota mr2 when I traded it in 1994. I think it is excessive to have a total of 3 clutches at 56,089.

Filed Jun 7, 2008 · Body, Wheels · 25,684 miles · OH

Purchased new 2003 celica gts. From dealer. 26,398 miles paint bubbling on all wheels. Dealer/factory rep. Would not replace wheels. Repainted instead and stated " they would replace if issue happened again. 42,197 miles paint bubbling again on all wheels. Factory rep. Refused to replace/repair." dealer will not replace either.

Filed Oct 16, 2006 · Fuel system · 65,700 miles · VA

This may be related to the federal safety agency campaign id number : 03v074000 per original recall, fuel tank assembly was replaced by toyota dealership on 07/08/2003. On 10/08/2006, the same problem was encountered while attempting to put fuel in the vehicle. Fueling is now difficult and very time consuming. Only about one-tenth of a gallon can be pumped before the fuel pump automatically shuts off. This appears to be caused by fuel backing up in the fuel inlet pipe and fuel splashing back out. Toyota has been contacted and a service appointment scheduled at a local dealership. However, I got the impression they are reluctant to remedy this free of charge since the problem was supposedly fixed 3 years ago.

Filed Jan 30, 2006 · Body · 30 miles · TN

I have a 2003 toyota celica and the hatchback will not stay up. Toyota has tried to fix it, but finally said tough luck, they could do nothing about this and I feel this is wrong.

Filed Dec 8, 2005 · Tires · 47,800 miles · PA

Dt: the contact states while driving the tread separated from the sidewall on the front driver's side tire. The separation was approximately ten inches long. The contact replaced the tire, but no one has looked at the tire to determine why this occurred.

Compare the 2003 Toyota Celica

Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 Toyota Celica

Is the 2003 Toyota Celica reliable?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Celica, close to a typical Celica model year.

What is the 2003 Toyota Celica year score?

The 2003 Toyota Celica scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Celica: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Celica?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 5 complaints. Next is airbags (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Celica have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Toyota Celica fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 03V074000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota Celica get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Toyota Celica range from 23 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-25 city and 27-33 highway.

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