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Celica (A20/A40)

1970-1981 / Coupe / Liftback / Japan

All Celica (A20/A40) problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension

Rear Axle Hop

Symptoms

Under hard acceleration or hard cornering on bumpy surfaces, the live rear axle hops or tramples, causing momentary loss of traction.

Cause

The live rear axle on 4-link location is inherently susceptible to axle hop when the bushings are worn and the dampers are tired. This is not a defect -- it is a characteristic of the design -- but it worsens significantly with worn components.

Fix

Replace the rear dampers with quality units (KYB or similar: $100--200 per pair), replace all 4-link bushings ($80--150 per set), and ensure the springs are not sagging. A panhard rod (aftermarket, if not standard) helps locate the axle more precisely.

Cost mentioned in fix
$100$80

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// More Celica (A20/A40) problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension

Bushing Deterioration

Clunking from the suspension, vague steering, poor handling. The car doesn't feel as precise as it should.
Common Suspension

Shock Absorber Wear

Bouncy ride, poor body control, wallowing in corners.
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

Inner Guard Corrosion

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

Sill Corrosion

The rocker panels soften, crumble, and lose structural integrity.
View all 18 Celica (A20/A40) problems