NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 10 owner complaints for the 1999 Toyota Celica. Most complaints involve tires (3) and seat belts (2). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 1998-2000 RAV4, 1998-1999 RAV4 EV and Celica and 1997-1998 Supra vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA CELICA. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER LIFELINER TOURING SLE TIRES, SIZE 205/55R16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE METAL BELT BUSTED THROUGH AND THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRES. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FAILED AS WELL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.”
“THE SEAT BELT STOPPED ROLLING AND LOOSE. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING REGARDLESS OF AGE. MY SON BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION ON JUNE 21, 2015.”
“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V03300 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD., MISSION HILLS, CA 91345, (818) 365-9621) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celica Convertible Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Celica Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 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 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (3), seat belts (2), air bags (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Toyota Celica at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).