1986 Toyota Celica recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
What could happen: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 CELICA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10E002000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-248-458-1396.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION
Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR FRONT STRUT MOUNTS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS, NISSAN, OR TOYOTA. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Toyota Celica owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Seat belts (3), Electrical system (2), Engine (2), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/21/2001 · Fuel system
AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE NEW FUEL FILTER THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING FUEL, THE HONEYWELL FUEL FILTER NUT DOES NOT TIGHTEN ADEQUATELY (HONEYWELL FUEL FILTER FRAM G6476). NLM
07/20/1999 · Vehicle Speed Control
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK, AND ENGINE WAS REVVING HIGH. WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL. TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED THE CABLE HAD CRACKED DUE TO VEHICLE GETTING OLDER.*AK
08/06/1998 · Electrical system
STARTER FAILURES. OWNER BANGS IT AND IT WORKS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.
05/04/1998 · Electrical system · fire
BATTERY AND THE SHELF THAT BATTERY SAT ON FELL INTO ENGINE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.
10/24/1997 · Engine
ENGINE FAILED.
10/09/1997 · Engine
ENGINE HEAD CYLINDER FAILURE. *AK
05/21/1996 · Seat belts
WHILE INSTALLING CHILD SAFETY SEAT, SEAT BELT BUCKLE SNAPPED OFF. *SD
06/13/1995 · Seat belts
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE FEMALE END WILL NOT RECIEVE THE MALE PART AND THE RED BUTTON IS BROKEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT