CarRecallDB

2003 Toyota Celica recalls and problems

1 recall and 17 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota Celica.

1
recalls
17
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Toyota Celica recalls

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 03V074000 · reported March 5, 2003 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 15,048 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This condition may result a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 16, 2022 · Service brakes

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

Oct 5, 2021 · Engine

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.

Jan 5, 2018 · Air bags · 160,476 miles

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…

Aug 12, 2017 · Air bags

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.

Mar 10, 2011 · Engine and engine cooling · 105,000 miles

TL 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…

Celica model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 2106132
2001 14770
2002 129130
2003 11710
2004 0400
2005 1430

Across all years, the 2000 Celica has the most complaints (106). All Toyota Celica years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Celica have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Celica, the most recent reported on March 5, 2003 (Fuel system, gasoline). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Celica?
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel system, gasoline (4 complaints), followed by air bags (2).
How many 2003 Toyota Celica complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 17 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 16, 2022.