2002 Toyota Celica

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

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What changed

The Action Package is offered. Hagerty says Toyota programmed a lower rev limiter into the 2002 models.^1,2

1.8L four (1ZZ-FE)^3,1,2

140 hp, with VVT-i, on the GT
1.8L four (2ZZ-GE)^3,1,4

180 hp at 7,600 rpm, with VVTL-i variable valve lift, on the GT-S

Transmissions: 5-speed manual^5,6, 6-speed manual^3,2, 4-speed automatic^3,5
Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive²
Trims: GT^3,2, GT-S^3,7,1
Packages: Action Package (2002–2005)^1,7,8, Leather seats^9,8, Anti-lock brakes^3,5, Side airbags^3,9

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

Broken rocker shaft (lift) bolts 2000–2002

What to check: Ask whether the rocker shaft bolts were inspected or replaced under Toyota's bulletin EG010-03, and check that the second cam lift comes in above 6,000 rpm.

Toyota's 2003 bulletin says a rocker shaft bolt can break on 2000–2002 GT-S engines built before a production change, letting the shaft turn and the lift fail at high revs. Two owners in two CelicaHobby threads report a broken bolt, one with the lift gone by about 32,000 miles.

$575 at a Toyota dealer, in one owner's account on CelicaHobby

Sources ^13,4,14,15

03V074000 2002–2003
A check valve in the fuel filler pipe can come loose and fall into the tank, so fuel can spill while refuelling, a fire risk. The valve is inspected and repaired.^16,17,18

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: GT-S with the 6-speed All years

Hagerty calls the GT-S a driver's car, and Edmunds called its 6-speed manual unique in its class, though it found the engine peaky in town.^2,3
Sought after: GT, as a first car All years One source so far

Hagerty recommends the GT as a solid first car for a young driver.²

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.