NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Celica. Most complaints involve tires (2) and air bags (1). The EPA rates it 24–28 mpg combined.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE CAR TO SPIN OUT WHILE DRIVING N ON I-55 BETWEEN JACKSON, MS AND MEMPHIS, TN RESULTING IN A CRASH. INITIAL INVESTIGATION DID NOT SHOW ANY NAILS, TO CAUSE THE FLAT. THE COMPLETE INSIDE SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE CAME APART. *TR”
“This vehicle was involved in a rollover accident on Monday, January 15, 2024. When the car rolled over several times, the airbags never deployed. This vehicle is available for inspection, The driver safety was put at risk with a neck injury due to the airbags, not deploying Yes, and auto repair business is aware that the airbags did not deploy. The police were notified at the accident that the airbags did not deploy. There were no warning, lamps, messages, or other symptoms of an airbag problem prior to the failure of the airbags to deploy.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE BACK ONTO THE SHOULDER WHERE SHE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HIP AND RIBS. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.”
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 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,300 | 317 |
| Celica Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 | 342 |
| Celica Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 25 | $3,200 | 355 |
| Celica Auto (S4), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $3,300 | 370 |
| 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 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (2), air bags (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Celica at 24–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).