Research · Subcompact Cars
1997 Toyota CelicaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 1997 Toyota Celica. Most complaints involve visibility (3) and electrical system (2). The EPA rates it 22–28 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–28mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
8
Top: visibility
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 1997 Toyota Celica as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 1997 – Feb 2013
- Visibility3
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Structure1
- Air bags1
- Tires1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Visibility
3 reports1 fire
“MY REAR DEFROST HAS NOT WORKED IN YEARS. I LOOK AT THE CONNECTION WHERE THE HATCH MEETS THE CAR AND FIND THAT THE CONNECTOR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED THE CONNECTOR AND THE WIRE. I AM HAVING TO RECONNECT THE 2 WIRES TO GET MY REAR DEFROST WORKING AGAIN. *TR”
Electrical system
2 reports1 fire
“THE SAME EVENING THAT I PURCHASED MY CELICA AND EVERY EVENING SINCE THEN I NOTICE THAT MY HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS DIM WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. ONLY WHEN I RELEASE MY BRAKES DO THEY BRIGHTEN BACK-UP. I'VE TAKEN MY CELICA IN TWICE TO HAVE IT TESTED BUT TOYOTA SAID THAT EVERYTHING TESTED NORMAL BOTH TIMES. IS THIS NORMAL ON THESE CARS.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BY SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL AND APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 02/13/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND WHEN APPROACHED SOME CURVES IN THE ROAD, HE APPLIED THE BRAKE. HE SOON REALIZED THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING AND PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE . THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED AND HE SPUN OUT TO A STOP. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR, WHICH LEAKED OUT ONTO THE BRAKE LINES, WHICH HAD ROTTED. UPDATED 02/14/13”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
6 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars, Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl · 2.2L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celica Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Celica Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Celica Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Celica Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Celica Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Celica Convertible Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Toyota Celica as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
1997 Celica questions
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Celica have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 1997 Toyota Celica problems?
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (3), electrical system (2), service brakes, hydraulic (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 1997 Toyota Celica get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Toyota Celica at 22–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026