Shifterati

Toyota Celica · 2nd gen (1978–1981)

1979 Toyota Celica

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • Rust behind the body panels All years One source so far

    What to check: Look under the car and behind the panels for rust.

    Two readers commenting on Curbside Classic's reprint of a 1980 road test say these Celicas rusted away in Ohio and that the backs of the panels had little protection.

    Sources 1

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Sources

  1. Curbside Classic readers (1980 road test)