Toyota Celica reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Toyota Celica is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 113 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 191 of 442, and 39.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is headlamp aim (6.1% of tests).
Ranked 191 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 4,507 Toyota Celicas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 39.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Toyota Celica is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
39.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
6,100
Typical age at test: 19 years
Toyota Celica MOT failure rate by age
Most common Toyota Celica MOT faults
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.1% of tests
- Position lamp: not working4.7% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3% of tests
- Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.8% of tests
- Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3% of tests
What the Toyota Celica fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 19.8% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Brakes | 14.0% | About average |
| Suspension | 13.2% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 10.7% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Body and structure | 7.9% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Tyres | 6.2% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Visibility | 4.4% | ▼ 42% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.9% | ▼ 37% less often |
| Steering | 1.0% | ▼ 77% less often |
| Wheels | 0.7% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
What MPG does the Toyota Celica do?
Official economy for the Toyota Celica ranges from 33.6 to 36.7mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2006). A typical petrol version manages 33.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Toyota Celica?
Any Toyota Celica first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Toyota Celica registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £360 to £410 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carToyota Celica specs and running costs
Official figures for 3 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2006.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
33.6–36.7 mpg
CO2
185–200 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celica 1.8 VVT-iM6 · listed 2006 | Petrol | 36.7 mpg | 185g | £360 |
| Celica 1.8 VVTL-i 190M6 · listed 2006 | Petrol | 33.6 mpg | 200g | £410 |
| Celica 1.8 VVTL-i T-SportM6 · listed 2004 | Petrol | 33.6 mpg | 200g | £410 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Toyota Celica costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 33.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Toyota CelicaBuying a used Toyota Celica?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Toyota models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Toyota Celica reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Toyota Celica is 12% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 113 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Toyota Celica?
The most common MOT fault is “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect”, found in 6.1% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Toyota Celica do?
Official economy for the Toyota Celica ranges from 33.6 to 36.7mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2006). A typical petrol version manages 33.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Toyota Celica?
Any Toyota Celica first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Toyota Celica registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £360 to £410 a year.
›How many Toyota Celicas fail their MOT?
39.3% of Toyota Celicas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Toyota Celica combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.