Celica (A20/A40)

1970-1981 / Coupe / Liftback / Japan

All Celica (A20/A40) problems All workshop issues

Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard Corrosion

Symptoms

Rust in the engine bay around the inner fenders and strut tower bases.

Cause

Road spray enters the engine bay and collects in the double-skinned areas around the inner guards. Heat cycling from the engine accelerates corrosion.

Fix

Clean, treat, and seal if surface rust.

Cut out and fabricate if perforated.

Cost: $800--2,000 per side for significant repair.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $800

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Other known issues

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or thinning floors, particularly in the driver's and passenger's footwells. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases.

Critical Body and Structure

Lower Quarter Panel Corrosion

Rust and perforation in the lower rear quarter panels, behind and above the rear wheels.

Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

The rocker panels soften, crumble, and lose structural integrity.

Critical Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Oil Leaks

Oil seepage and dripping from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and timing cover.

Critical Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Timing Chain Noise

A rattle or slapping sound from the front of the engine on cold start that may quiet as the engine warms.

Minor Engine -- 18R Single-Cam

Overheating

Temperature gauge climbs in traffic or on hot days. Coolant loss.

View all 18 Celica (A20/A40) problems