Most common 2003 Toyota Celica problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Celica complaints by model year
Best Celica years: 1998, 1997, 1999. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001, 2002, 1995. Compare all years →
2003 Toyota Celica recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
Remedy: 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…
What 2003 Toyota Celica owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
This May be related to NHTSA campaign id number : 03V074000 per original recall, fuel tank assembly was replaced by Toyota dealership on 07/08/2003. On 10/08/2006, the same problem was encountered while attempting to put fuel in the vehicle. Fueling is now difficult and very time consuming. Only about one-tenth of a gallon can be pumped before the fuel pump automatically shuts off. This appears to be caused by fuel backing up in the fuel inlet pipe and fuel splashing back out. Toyota has been contacted and a service appointment scheduled at a local dealership. However, I got the impression they are reluctant to remedy this free of charge since the problem was supposedly fixed 3 years ago.
Consumer received recall notice 03V074000 for the fuel tank check valve. Ms. Richardson had 2 confirmed appointments with dealer for remedy. For each appointment dealer kept the vehicle for the entire day, only to inform ms. Richardson that they did not have the part when she returned to pick up the car. Now it has been over 2 months and the dealer advised they would contact ms. Richardson once the part was available.
2003 Toyota Celica engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Toyota Celica a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Celica rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Celica at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Celica?
The fuel & propulsion system — 5 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the wheels & tires (2) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Celica have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 Toyota Celica, the most recent from March 5, 2003 (fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Celica?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998, 1997 and 1999. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 2001, 2002 and 1995. See the full Toyota Celica years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Celica problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 57% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.