2002 Toyota Celica: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Celica years.

55 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2002 Celica?

The 2002 Toyota Celica has 55 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and service brakes.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

55
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
16
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Toyota Celica vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Celica years only. How we score it

Is 2002 a good year for the Celica?

Across the 10 Celica model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2005) to 108 (2000). With 55 complaints, the 2002 Celica sits above the model's median of 11.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

air bags
12
service brakes
7
power train
7
suspension
6
hydraulic
6

Recalls affecting the 2002 Celica

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 03V074000

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.

What owners say across generations

Overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, durability, and overall ownership satisfaction across multiple generations.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Celica. See the full Celica owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Celica listings typically run $8,344–$19,995 across 1985 to 2005 model years.

Other Celica model years

Compare every Celica year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy