1997 Toyota Celica

1997 Toyota Celica

The 1997 Toyota Celica is a compact sports car that was available in coupe and convertible body styles. It was powered by a variety of engines, including a 1.8-liter inline-four, a 2.2-liter inline-four, and a 2.0-liter inline-four. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic. The Celica was praised for its handling, performance, and styling, but it was criticized for its cramped interior and lack of features.

Engine

• 1.8-liter inline-four
  • Blown head gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the engine, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: N/A
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, engine overheating, loss of power
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: N/A
• 2.2-liter inline-four
  • Timing chain failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, loss of power, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: N/A
• 2.0-liter inline-four
  • Valve cover gasket leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover, engine smoking, oil consumption
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: N/A

Transmission

• Five-speed manual
  • Clutch failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, burning smell
    • Solution: Replace the clutch
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: N/A
• Four-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission does not engage properly, loss of power, check engine light
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: N/A
• Five-speed automatic
  • Torque converter failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering, loss of power, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: N/A

Suspension

• Front strut mounts
  • Strut mount failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noise from the front of the vehicle, poor handling, uneven tire wear
    • Solution: Replace the strut mounts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: N/A
• Rear shocks
  • Shock absorber failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, bottoming out on bumps
    • Solution: Replace the rear shocks
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: N/A

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, electrical system not working, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, clicking sound when trying to start the engine
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, electrical system not working
  • Solution: Replace the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: N/A

Exterior

• Sunroof leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the interior of the vehicle through the sunroof
  • Solution: Replace or repair the sunroof seal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Headlight failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace the headlight bulbs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: N/A

Interior

• HVAC system failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning or heater not working, weak airflow
  • Solution: Repair or replace the HVAC system
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: N/A
• Power window failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, slow window operation
  • Solution: Repair or replace the window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: N/A

Summary

The 1997 Toyota Celica is a reliable and fun-to-drive sports car, but it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems include blown head gaskets, intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain failure, clutch failure, transmission slipping, and torque converter failure. While these issues can be expensive to fix, they are generally not too common and the Celica remains a good value for the money.