2003 Toyota Celica
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Toyota Celica is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 34 on record.
2003 Toyota Celica at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2003 Toyota Celica recalls 1
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.
2003 Toyota Celica common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2003 Toyota Celica safety ratings
Frontal crash test
Side barrier testSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Toyota Celica 2-DR. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2003 Toyota Celica MPG & running costs
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 2003 Toyota Celica worth?
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2003 Toyota Celica costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,077) with the same model 3 model-years older ($2,021), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Toyota Celica — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 100
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 100.
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 2024To 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 2024The 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 2024Toyota 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 2024Acid 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 2024To 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 2024The 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 2024Acid 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 2024To 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 2024The 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 2024Source: 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 2003 Toyota Celica. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note:…
Transport Canada #2021723 · Nov 2021Fuel 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 2003Source: 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.
2003 Toyota Celica trims & engines on record
2003 Toyota Celica vehicles on record
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T430153453
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T430152674
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T630158606
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T830143976
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T530147550
2003 Toyota Celica GT-SJTDDY38TX30066862
2003 Toyota Celica GT-SJTDDY38T130063879
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T830157439
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T030152476
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T930165856
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T130147531
2003 Toyota Celica GTJTDDR32T130166029
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDY32T330067974
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR38T700150971
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDY32T930067705
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T430151511
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T830160762
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T730160218
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T030145205
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDY32TX20059076
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T130149750
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T230161017
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR38T400162060
2003 Toyota CelicaJTDDR32T320117235