Thinking about buying a used Toyota Celica (1993–2006) in New Zealand? We've documented 19 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, cooling, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
19
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,500
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Toyota Celica faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
012ZZ-GE excessive oil consumption from piston ring design
CriticalVery commonEngine $3,000–$7,500 to fix
The 2ZZ-GE engine fitted to ZZT231 Celica GT-S suffers from documented piston oil control ring failure resulting in excessive oil consumption. Toyota acknowledged this through a class action settlement (US) and issued revised piston rings (part number updates in 2003 TSB). The original rings lose tension within 60,000–120,000 km, causing oil to pass into the combustion chamber. Consumption of 1 litre per 800–1,500 km is commonly reported. Running low on oil — which is easy given the high consumption rate and high-revving nature of the engine — causes VVTL-i camshaft lobe and follower wear as a secondary failure.
Symptoms to notice
Blue-grey smoke on startup and at high rpm
Oil level dropping 1L or more per 1,000 km
Oily or fouled spark plugs
Catalytic converter damage from excess oil burning
What to check
Check oil level and ask how frequently it needs topping up. Remove oil filler cap and observe for blueish haze at idle. Pull and inspect spark plugs for oiling. Request a leakdown test if the car is being seriously considered for purchase.
Where to look: Engine internals — piston ring lands. Engine is front-mounted in ZZT231.
Ask the seller
“How often do you add oil between changes?”
“Has the car ever had revised Toyota piston rings installed?”
“Has the catalytic converter ever been replaced?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle
MinorCommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix
EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speeds over rough surfaces. Common on higher-mileage examples.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking or rattling from steering rack at low speeds
Vibration through steering wheel during slow manoeuvring
What to check
Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.
Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly
Ask the seller
“Has the electric power steering rack rattle been inspected or repaired?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMinor
Body & RustMinor
SuspensionMinor
SuspensionMinor
17 more documented faults on the Toyota Celica
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 19 documented faults for the Toyota Celica, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and cooling. A Toyota Celica with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Celica?
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We've catalogued 19 known faults for the Toyota Celica, covering engine, transmission, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota Celica?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota Celica fall between $400–$1,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 19 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota Celica?
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Yes. A Toyota Celica inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.