What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica 5S-FE 2.2L Head Gasket Failure and Cylinder Head Warpage (GT/GT-S)?

The 2.2L 5S-FE in the Celica GT and GT-S (shared with the Camry) is prone to head gasket failure as the cooling system ages — a marginal radiator, weak fans, or a stuck thermostat lets the iron-block/aluminum-head engine overheat, which warps the head and breaches the gasket. Onc… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica Structural Rust: Floor Pans, Rockers, Rear Arches, and Strut Towers?

Both the T180 (1990-1993) and T200 (1994-1999) Celicas rust in structurally important places, especially in salt/winter climates. Factory sound-deadener under the carpet traps moisture and rots the floor pans from the inside out — cited as the single most common structural failur… Repairs typically run $500-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica 3S-GTE Oil Consumption and High-Mileage Rod Bearing Wear (All-Trac Turbo)?

High-mileage 3S-GTE turbo engines develop notable oil consumption and, in worn examples, bottom-end rod knock. Oil burning stems from aging valve-stem seals, worn piston rings, and turbo shaft/seal wear that draws oil through the CT26 into the intake. Because the turbo relies on… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica 3S-GTE Head Gasket Failure and Cooling-System Neglect (All-Trac / GT-Four)?

The turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE in the ST185 Celica All-Trac Turbo (and JDM/Euro ST205 GT-Four) has a factory head gasket rated only for stock output. It fails when the car has been overheated, chip-tuned, or run past roughly 300 hp, and it is highly sensitive to a tired cooling sys… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 1988-1993 Toyota Celica 3S-GTE Distributor O-Ring and Shaft Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfire or No-Spark?

The 3S-GTE's distributor is driven off the cylinder head, and its external O-ring and internal shaft seal harden with age, letting engine oil leak down the head and migrate inside the distributor housing. Oil contamination fouls the cap, rotor, and pickup signals (NE/G), causing… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 1988-1993 Toyota Celica Alternator Failure from Exhaust Heat Soak and Degraded Charging Harness (All-Trac)?

On the 3S-GTE All-Trac the alternator sits close to the turbo and exhaust manifold, and Toyota fitted a dedicated cooling duct that pulls air from under the car — owners report that with the duct missing or an exhaust manifold leak blasting hot gas at it, the alternator 'burns up… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 1988-1993 Toyota Celica Cast-Iron Turbo Exhaust Manifold Cracking (All-Trac Turbo)?

The cast-iron exhaust manifolds on the 3S-GTE All-Trac crack from repeated heat cycling, with the first-generation ST165 manifold notorious in the owner community for cracking 'very often' — an exception to Toyota's usual durability. The CT26's twin-entry turbine housing is also… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica Automatic Transmission (A140E) Harsh or Failed Shifting at High Mileage?

The 4-speed automatic used across these Celicas commonly develops shift problems as mileage climbs and fluid ages. Owners report the transmission won't upshift into overdrive, shifts harshly, delays engagement, or in worse cases loses forward drive while reverse still works. Root… Repairs typically run $200-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica Age-Related Timing Belt, Water Pump, and Coolant/Overheating Service?

The 5S-FE (and 3S-series) use a rubber timing belt Toyota specifies for replacement at ~60k-90k miles AND every 6-7 years regardless of mileage. On surviving 25-35 year old cars, the belt is often overdue on age alone even with low miles. The water pump is belt-driven and shares… Repairs typically run $400-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 1990-1999 Toyota Celica Oil Leaks at Distributor and Right-Side Timing Seals (5S-FE)?

The 2.2L 5S-FE (and related S-series engines) is notorious for oil weeping on the right/timing side of the block as the rubber seals harden with age. The most recognizable symptom is oil pooling around and inside the distributor, which seats into the cylinder head and shares an O… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.

Toyota · Known Issues

1990 Toyota Celica Problems: 12 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1990 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Toyota Celica has 12 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac) ($900-$2,500 repair), Viscous Coupling Center Differential Deterioration and Driveline Binding (All-Trac) ($800-$3,000 repair), 5S-FE 2.2L Head Gasket Failure and Cylinder Head Warpage (GT/GT-S) ($1,200-$2,800 repair), Structural Rust: Floor Pans, Rockers, Rear Arches, and Strut Towers ($500-$6,000 repair), 3S-GTE Oil Consumption and High-Mileage Rod Bearing Wear (All-Trac Turbo) ($400-$4,000 repair) and 3S-GTE Head Gasket Failure and Cooling-System Neglect (All-Trac / GT-Four) ($1,500-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Celica problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1990 Toyota Celica has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac), Viscous Coupling Center Differential Deterioration and Driveline Binding (All-Trac), 5S-FE 2.2L Head Gasket Failure and Cylinder Head Warpage (GT/GT-S). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Celica reliable?

The 1990 Toyota Celica has 12 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac) and Viscous Coupling Center Differential Deterioration and Driveline Binding (All-Trac) and 5S-FE 2.2L Head Gasket Failure and Cylinder Head Warpage (GT/GT-S) and Structural Rust: Floor Pans, Rockers, Rear Arches, and Strut Towers and 3S-GTE Oil Consumption and High-Mileage Rod Bearing Wear (All-Trac Turbo) and 3S-GTE Head Gasket Failure and Cooling-System Neglect (All-Trac / GT-Four). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Celica problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Celica issues range from $150 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac), typically costs $900-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1988-1993 Toyota Celica CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac)?

The All-Trac Turbo's 3S-GTE uses Toyota's journal-bearing CT26 turbocharger, which is now a routine wear item on these 30+ year-old cars. Worn center-section bearings and oil seals let the shaft develop play and pass engine oil into the intake and exhaust, causing smoke, oil cons… Repairs typically run $900-$2,500. Severity: high.

All 12 Known Issues

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Celica problems?

Is the Toyota Celica reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Celica problems?

What is the 1988-1993 Toyota Celica CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac)?

1988-1993 Toyota Celica: CT26 Turbocharger Wear and Oil Seal Failure (3S-GTE All-Trac)#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: 5S-FE 2.2L Head Gasket Failure and Cylinder Head Warpage (GT/GT-S)#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: 3S-GTE Oil Consumption and High-Mileage Rod Bearing Wear (All-Trac Turbo)#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: 3S-GTE Head Gasket Failure and Cooling-System Neglect (All-Trac / GT-Four)#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: Oil Leaks at Distributor and Right-Side Timing Seals (5S-FE)#

1988-1993 Toyota Celica: Viscous Coupling Center Differential Deterioration and Driveline Binding (All-Trac)#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: Structural Rust: Floor Pans, Rockers, Rear Arches, and Strut Towers#

1988-1993 Toyota Celica: 3S-GTE Distributor O-Ring and Shaft Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfire or No-Spark#

1988-1993 Toyota Celica: Alternator Failure from Exhaust Heat Soak and Degraded Charging Harness (All-Trac)#

1988-1993 Toyota Celica: Cast-Iron Turbo Exhaust Manifold Cracking (All-Trac Turbo)#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: Automatic Transmission (A140E) Harsh or Failed Shifting at High Mileage#

1990-1999 Toyota Celica: Age-Related Timing Belt, Water Pump, and Coolant/Overheating Service#

What is the 1988-1993 Toyota Celica Viscous Coupling Center Differential Deterioration and Driveline Binding (All-Trac)?