1999 Toyota Celica

Introduction:

The 1999 Toyota Celica is a compact sports car known for its sleek design and responsive handling. It is available with three engine options: a 1.8L 4-cylinder with 125 horsepower, a 2.2L 4-cylinder with 135 horsepower, and a 1.8L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 210 horsepower. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual for the turbocharged engine. Enthusiasts praise the Celica’s sharp exterior styling, but some criticize its cramped interior and limited cargo space.

Engine

1.8L 4-Cylinder (125 hp)

• Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption leading to engine damage
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and valve seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure: Premature failure of the timing belt can lead to catastrophic engine damage
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

2.2L 4-Cylinder (135 hp)

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Leaking valve cover gasket can cause oil leaks and engine performance issues
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

1.8L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder (210 hp)

• Turbocharger Failure: Premature failure of the turbocharger can lead to power loss and decreased performance
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Transmission Grinding: Difficult shifting or grinding noises during gear changes
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers or gearset
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping: Transmission struggles to engage gears or experiences slippage
  • Solution: Replace transmission solenoid or perform transmission rebuild
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Strut Bearing Failure: Worn strut bearings can cause clunking or rattling noises during suspension travel
  • Solution: Replace strut bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Ball Joint Wear: Excessive wear on the lower ball joints can affect handling and stability
  • Solution: Replace lower ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Failure: Power window motors or switches may fail, causing windows to become inoperable
  • Solution: Replace power window motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure: Faulty headlight switch can cause headlights to fail or become stuck in the “on” position
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Rust: Premature corrosion on the hood may require replacement
  • Solution: Replace hood
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking: Dry or brittle dashboard can develop cracks
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1999 Toyota Celica is a reliable and fun-to-drive sports car, but it is not without its issues. The most severe and costly issues include oil consumption, timing belt failure, and transmission slippage. However, many of these issues can be prevented with proper maintenance. Additionally, the Celica’s sleek exterior and responsive handling make it a desirable choice for enthusiasts, despite its limited interior space and storage capacity.