Model year guide

2002 Toyota Celica

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Toyota Celica is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 47 on record.

2002 Toyota Celica — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Toyota Celica at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints55
Combined23–28 mpg
Typical price$2,495

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Toyota Celica recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #03V074000 · manufacturer #SSC 30B · 05/03/2003

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.

Fix: 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 THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Toyota Celica common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2002 Toyota Celica safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2002 Toyota Celica 2-DRFrontal crash test
Side barrier test — 2002 Toyota Celica 2-DRSide barrier test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Toyota Celica 2-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Toyota Celica MPG & running costs

Combined23–28 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,000
EPA size classSubcompact Cars
Transmission4 options
Passenger volume78 cu ft
Cargo volume17 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,000 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2002 Toyota Celica worth?

Low
$1,550
Typical price
$2,495
High
$4,400

From 20 comparable 2002 Toyota Celica listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Toyota Celica costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,000
Fuel only$15,000
Per mile$0.20

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
170.5 in
Width
68.5 in
Height
51.6 in
Wheelbase
102.4 in
Curb weight
2,425–2,500 lb
Front track
58.7 in
Rear track
58.3 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Toyota Celica — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 101

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 101.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to r…

Bulletin T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CELICA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2002 Toyota Celica. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Fuel System

On certain vehicles, the check valve inside the fuel filler pipe may fall into the tank during refueling. This condition could cause fuel to spill out of the fuel filler pipe when the tank is being filled and refueling is stopped by the auto-stop system of the refuel gun. This may result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source. Correction: Dealer will inspect the che…

Transport Canada #2003044 · Feb 2003

Other

On certain Panasonic Edition vehicles, the driver's floor mat may slide along the interior floor carpet when pressure is applied to the mat by getting in or out of the vehicle. As a result, the floor mat may come into contact and interfere with the accelerator pedal. Correction: Dealer will install new floor mats and clips.

Transport Canada #2003004 · Jan 2003

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 until 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning heavenly or celestial. In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store dealer chain. Produced across seven generations, the Celica was powered by various four-cylinder engines, and body styles included convertibles, liftbacks, and notchback coupé.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2002 Toyota Celica trims & engines on record

Trims
GT · GT-S
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 180 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 140 hp

2002 Toyota Celica vehicles on record

Other Toyota Celica model years

2002 Toyota Celica — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Toyota Celica have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2002 Toyota Celica. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Toyota Celica?

Across all 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, power train, service brakes.

What is the 2002 Toyota Celica safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 Toyota Celica crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Toyota Celica get?

The 2002 Toyota Celica has U.S. EPA estimates of 23–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2002 Toyota Celica worth?

Comparable 2002 Toyota Celica listings run roughly $1,550–$4,400, typically around $2,495 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.