2003 Toyota Celica: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Toyota Celica: 1 recall, 17 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V074000 · 2003 · 15,048 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition May result a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, repair the fuel tank check valve. Owner notification began April 4, 2003.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (4): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Body & structure (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (2): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
The 2003 Toyota Celica has 17 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Celica model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 23). Complaints peaked in 2004 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 47,800 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (29 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (4 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Premium |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Premium |
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 2003 Toyota Celica.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Toyota Celica have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Toyota Celica. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Toyota Celica problems?
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (4), body & structure (2), airbags (2).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota Celica get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 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.