2003 Toyota Celica recalls and problems

The 2003 Toyota Celica has 1 safety recall and 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota Celica vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Toyota Celica recalls

Recall 03V-074: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Mar 5, 2003 · 15,048 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Toyota Celica problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Structure	2
Air Bags	2
Steering	2
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1
Suspension	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Fuel System, Diesel	1
Tires	1
Wheels	1
Power Train	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1

Most reported parts

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1
Suspension › Front — 1
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 1
Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1
Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut — 1
Power Train › Manual Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 47,800 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Toyota Celica complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Jan 16, 2022

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

Engine · reported Oct 5, 2021

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 105,000 miles · reported Mar 10, 2011

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.

Structure · at 25,684 miles · reported Jun 7, 2008

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 65,700 miles · reported Oct 16, 2006

This may be related to NHTSA 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…

Other Toyota Celica years

2005 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Toyota Celica years · All Toyota models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Celica have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Celica: 03V-074 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (4 reports), followed by structure (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 47,800 miles.

Are Toyota recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.