1989 Toyota Celica recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. 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 1989 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
- 1989 Toyota Celica owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (4), Gasoline (4), Visibility (wipers / glass) (3), Vehicle Speed Control (2), Brakes (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/26/2003 · Engine
THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLES ENGINE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE. WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE STALLED WITH LESS THAT 2153 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE ENGINE EVENTUALLY BLEW. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE ENGINE. PH *NLM
11/13/1998 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH HEATER CONTROL PANEL. WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNS THE HEAT ON, IT BLOWS OUT COLD AIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
10/27/1998 · Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN DRIVING THE ACCELERATOR GETS STUCK, AND THE CONSUMER THINKS THERE IS A LEAKAGE. WHEN APPYING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN AND ENGINE STARTS TO RAN FAS DUE TO THE GAS PEDAL BEING STUCK. *AK
11/14/1997 · Fuel system
STEEL FUEL LINES FAILED, CAUSING GAS TO LEAK ONTO PAVEMENT AND FUMES TO ENTER VEHICLE.
11/14/1997 · Brakes
BRAKE HYDRAULIC STEEL LINE FAILED, CAUSING PEDAL TO GO TO FLOOR/BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
09/23/1997 · Brakes
CONSUMER BELIEVES THE BODY AND FRAME DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE CAUSES WATER AND SLUDGE TO BECOME TRAPPED AROUND THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES CAUSING THE LINES TO ROT OUT AND THE BRAKES TO FAIL.
12/30/1996 · Vehicle Speed Control
THROTTLE CABLE BINDING, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
12/30/1996 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD REPLACED.