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Celica (A20/A40)

1970-1981 / Coupe / Liftback / Japan

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

Synchro Wear

Symptoms

Grinding when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, particularly on quick downshifts.

Cause

Normal wear after 200,000+ km, particularly with enthusiastic driving. The W50 and W55 gearboxes are durable but not indestructible.

Fix

Rebuild with new synchro rings.

Cost: $600--1,200.

Alternatively, source a used replacement gearbox ($300--600).

Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $600$300

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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

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.
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.
View all 18 Celica (A20/A40) problems