Celica (A20/A40)

1970-1981 / Coupe / Liftback / Japan

All Celica (A20/A40) problems All workshop issues

Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

Symptoms

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

Cause

Box-section sills trap water when drain holes block. The corrosion process is identical to that described in British cars, though the Toyota steel generally resists longer.

Fix

Full sill replacement.

Repair panels may need to be fabricated as supply is limited.

Cost: $1,000--2,500 per side.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $1,000

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// More Celica (A20/A40) problems

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

Inner Guard Corrosion

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

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