MotorDeets

1996 Toyota Celica: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1996 Toyota Celica: 0 recalls, 9 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
9owner complaints
2mention a crash
27best combined mpg
1996 Toyota Celica
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Speed control / throttle Equipment recall #96E001000 · 1996 · 5,145 vehicles

What's wrong: These cruise control systems fail to hold the speed set by the driver and can accelerate above the intended set speed.

Why it matters: Unintended acceleration can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.

The fix: Dealers will replace these cruise control assemblies.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Speed control / throttle4
Brakes (hydraulic)3
Fuel system1
Electrical1
Steering1

What owners describe

The 1996 Toyota Celica has 9 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 16 Celica model years for complaints (well below the 23 average). Complaints peaked in 1997 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old. Neighboring years: 1995 (22 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (8 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.8 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive253127Regular
1.8 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive233126Regular
2.2 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192622Regular
2.2 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive192622Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Toyota Celica.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1996 Toyota Celica manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1996 Toyota Celica manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1996 Toyota Celica manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1996 Toyota Celica manual

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FAQ

Does the 1996 Toyota Celica have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 Toyota Celica, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1996 Toyota Celica problems?

Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (4), brakes (hydraulic) (3), fuel system (1).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Toyota Celica get?

EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1996 Toyota Celica repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Celica years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005