Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Toyota Celica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This vehicle has ( according to all sources available ) burned oil from the time it left the plant brand new,most 2000 to 2002 Toyota Celica gt's have this issue as the rings were bad. Toyota has never produced a recall for this issue and it has effected thousands of vehicles.Toyota did change the rings out for the 2003 models and newer, so they did know the problem existed.this has caused many Celica's to experience blown motors.
1. Engine failure. While driving at approximately 40mph a loud noise (snap or pop) followed by other odd noises were exhibited by the engine. At that time all engine power (including power assisted steering and brakes) was lost. 2. Transmission. Shifter noises are exhibited while selecting gears. The noise, a loud squeaking while moving shifter into or out of gear, initially started at around 1000 miles and was only present during reverse, 1st, or 2nd shift. The symptom has worsened and is now present when selecting any gear (1-6 or reverse). It was initially noted informally with the dealer, and formally documented on the 02/06/2001 service visit (7486 miles). Difficulty shifting into 1, 2, 3, and 6 was also noted at this time. This too has worsened, grinding is experienced most times when selecting reverse and frequently in other gears. …
Toyota has a big problem with there 6 speed in the new Celica. They even told me about it at Toyota. The malfunction is that when trying to shift from 3rd to 4th gear the transmission will slip into 2nd instead of 4th. This then causes the engine to be blown. This is a very dangerous situation if trying to merge with traffic on interstate at around 70 to 75 MPH and suddenly you cars deccelarates instantly to around 50 MPH. They need to do something about it before someone gets seriously hurt, or is that what it is going to take before they will!!
Toyota has a big problem with there 6 speed in the new Celica. They even told me about it at Toyota. The malfunction is that when trying to shift from 3rd to 4th gear the transmission will slip into 2nd instead of 4th. This then causes the engine to be blown. This is a very dangerous situation if trying to merge with traffic on interstate at around 70 to 75 MPH and suddenly you cars deccelarates instantly to around 50 MPH. They need to do something about it before someone gets seriously hurt, or is that what it is going to take before they will!!
Vehicle equipped with 6-speed manual transmission has a poor design in gear shift which allows driver to jump gears, such as shifting from 5th to 2nd durning a downshifting. This design did not have a catch which could prevent transmission in vehicle from failing due to stress. Dealership informed consumer that this was a common problem in these vehicles. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
The transmission is too easy to shift from 5th into 2nd and I almost blew the engine. This problem is known by Toyota but they are not willing to fix the problem. As for the cruise control, every 2000 Celica has the same problem. The cruise control slows down without warning up to 20mph. With no brake lights activated to indicate deceleration of the car an accident could easily happen.
Drive axles make cracking noise when backing up and applying the brake. Dealer claims they did not hear any noises. Engine make knocking sounds at idle speed. Dealer replace belt tensioner. A week later, a squeaking noise appears from the drive belt area. When making turns, a grinding noise occurs in the wheels area. Again, dealer claimed they did not hear any noise.
While changing gears noticed grinding noise. Dealer has contacted dealer. A technician changed transmission fluids. While traveling home and when shifting to 5th gear noticed a noise. Consumer stated that shif gear traveled to left when vehicle hit 3rd gear, causing front tires to lock up . Please provide further information.
When driving vehicle would jerk. Engine would become noisy and shaky. Would fail to idle properly. Clutch pedal would go to floor and failed to return to original position. Not able to shift gears. Have taken vehicle to dealership. Was informed by mechanic that problem were the valves in engine.
While shifting gear for example from 3rd gear to 4th gear, consumer is able to switch into 2nd gear which May cause the vehicle to downshift hard, and cause a crash. When the gear shifts from 3rd to 2nd, the speed changes from 70 to virtual stop immediatley.
Transmission complaints in other Celica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Toyota Celica?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Toyota Celica, 19% of the model year's 106 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Toyota Celica transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Toyota Celica, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Toyota Celica transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 190,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.