Owners filed 106 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine and engine cooling › engine. It has been recalled 3 times.
When it fails
06800068,000 milesMedian miles at failure
39 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 20,000–30,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
14
1
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
8
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
8
0
0
0
Power Train › Manual Transmission
7
1
0
1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
7
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
7
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
5
0
0
0
Engine
5
1
0
0
Air Bags
5
4
0
2
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal
3
2
0
0
3 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights04V566000
Filed Nov 29, 200492,577 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, 'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.' THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DAYTIME RUNNING LAMP (DRL) WILL BE MODIFIED TO MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR, WHICH WILL DECREASE THE LUMINOUS INTENSITY OF THE DRL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder04V455000
Filed Sep 17, 2004109,056 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE RECESS RETAINS A RUBBER SEAL RING, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE END OF THE CYLINDER BODY, AND MAY BE CORRODED DUE TO AN IMPROPER WASHING PROCESS.
Risk. IN THIS CONDITION, BRAKE FLUID MAY LEAK FROM THE SEAL, OR A SMALL AMOUNT OF AIR MAY ENTER THE MASTER CYLINDER, WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE OF VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BOOSTER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Tires
Filed Feb 8, 2024133,621 milesAL
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica equipped with Dextero Touring, DTR1 Tires Size 205/55R16 91H, and DOT: Y9JTCHX1816. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH she observed a noise emanating from the undercarriage of the vehicle. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle was inspected but no failure was found. The contact continued to drive at approximately 55 MPH and observed a popping sound emanating from the inner carriage. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where she observed the rear passenger tire separating. The tire was replaced with assistance from a passerby. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was approximately 133,621 and the tire failure mileage was 33,000
Exterior Lighting
Filed May 17, 2022123,268 milesCA
The contact owns a 2000 Toyota Celica. The contact stated that the daytime running lights failed to turn off as needed, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the running lights needed to be adjusted. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the headlight switch needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V566000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 123,268.
Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2021228,298 milesPA
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE VEHICLE I JUST BOUGHT AND WAS GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND THE ENGINE LITERALLY BROKE INTO PIECES AND OIL WENT EVERYWHERE
EngineCrash
Filed Mar 25, 202054,000 milesDC
A TRUCK TIRE WENT OUT AND LOCKED UP MY ENGINE OF MY CELICA
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 16, 2019NY
I AM TRYING TO RENEW MY REGISTRATION FOR MY 2000 TOYOTA AND IT DOESN'T LET ME AND IT MIGHT HAVE A RECALL ON THE LIGHTS
Power Train
Filed Dec 6, 2014190,000 milesUT
THIS VEHICLE HAS ( ACCORDING TO ALL SOURCES AVAILABLE ) BURNED OIL FROM THE TIME IT LEFT THE PLANT BRAND NEW,MOST 2000 TO 2002 TOYOTA CELICA GT'S HAVE THIS ISSUE AS THE RINGS WERE BAD. TOYOTA HAS NEVER PRODUCED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT HAS EFFECTED THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES.TOYOTA DID CHANGE THE RINGS OUT FOR THE 2003 MODELS AND NEWER, SO THEY DID KNOW THE PROBLEM EXISTED.THIS HAS CAUSED MANY CELICA'S TO EXPERIENCE BLOWN MOTORS. *TR
Engine
Filed Oct 15, 2014IL
I TOWED MY VEHICLE TO NEWBOLD TOYOTA ON JULY 28, 2014, AND ON JULY 29, I SPOKE TO [XXX], A SERVICE ADVISOR AND EXPLAINED WHY MY VEHICLE WAS THERE. HE INDICATED THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND GET BACK TO ME. AT 3:28 PM [XXX] CALLED ME BACK INDICATING THAT THE ENGINE WAS DONE DUE TO THE OVER-REV WHICH BLEW THE ENGINE. HERE IS MY STATEMENT ON WHAT HAPPENED: ON JULY 28 2014 AT ABOUT 7 A.M., I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON I-255 SOUTHBOUND WHEN MY GAS PEDAL SUNK TO THE FLOOR WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH IN FIFTH GEAR. THE CAR SPED UP, SO HAVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. I PROCEEDED TO RAISE THE PEDAL WITH THE TIP OF MY SHOE, WITH NO SUCCESS AND ENGINE REVVING, I DECIDED TO SLAM ON THE BRAKE FOR A BRIEF SECOND, WHEN THE GAS PEDAL SPRUNG RIGHT BACK UP. I THEN PLACED IT IN SIXTH GEAR AND KEPT GOING FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 MILES, DESPITE HEARING A RATTLING NOISE. AS I TURNED OFF ONTO MY EXIT, I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL AND THAT'S WHEN THE ENGINE DIED. AT THIS POINT I COASTED ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE EXIT RAMP.ON JULY 31, 2014 AT 2:14 PM, I SPOKE WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER ([XXX] ) ABOUT MY SITUATION WITH THE VEHICLE, AND HE TOLD ME TO CALL TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE (1-800-331-4331). I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH [XXX] WHO STARTED A CASE FOR ME. AFTER GIVING HER THE ABOVE DETAILS, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHE REQUESTED, SHE CHECKED ON EXTENDED WARRANTIES AND RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. SHE INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA RESPECTFULLY DECLINES ANY ASSISTANCE. I THEN ASKED TO S
Engine
Filed Apr 9, 201481,685 milesAK
THIS IS A 3RD ENGINE !!!!! WHEN I GOT THIS CAR IN 2008 IT WAS ALREADY KNOCKING FROM DEALERSHIP. SOON ROD BEARINGS BLEW OUT AND ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED, THESE ENGINES ARE VERY POOR DESIGN THAT OIL STARVE TO DEATH. AFTER REPLACING ENGINE THEY ONLY LAST YA FEW YEARS. 2010 SECOND ENGINE SAME THING STARTED LOOSING OIL NOT FROM LEAKING BUT FROM CONSUMPTION. SHORTLY AFTER STARTED KNOCKING AND RIGHT AFTER SPUN THE ROD BEARING AND DAMAGED ENGINE AGAIN. THESE 1ZZFE ENGINES HAVE VERY POOR CIRCULATION OF OIL AND ONLY WILL TAKE SPECIFIC OIL PRODUCTS BECAUSE OF VERY WEAK OIL PUMP. SO ON MY 3RD ENGINE AND GUESS WHAT ?! KNOCKING !! AFTER ALL TROUBLE WITH THIS I HAVE OVER PAID WHAT THIS CAR IS WORTH BY A TON WITH ENGINE REPLACEMENTS BECAUSE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND THE CAUSE. I AM A FATHER AND COMMUTE 100MI TO WORK AND BACK EVERYDAY AND THESE ENGINES ARE THE WORST. THEY OIL STARVE AND DIE. WITH NEW OIL PUMP AND LUCAS OIL ADDITIVE YOU MAY HAVE HOPE BUT IF YOU FOLLOW DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTIONS FEW YEARS LATER HAVE 4,000$ FOR NEW ENGINE READY. *TR
Engine
Filed Feb 25, 201355,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE BURNED A QUART OF OIL EVERY THOUSAND MILES. THE MANUFACTURER PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE ENGINE TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT FOUND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. ...UPDATED 04/25/13 *BF UPDATED 05/31/2013 *JS
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 21, 2011CA
CAR HAS 140,000 MILES ON IT, AND IS BURNING APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY FOUR DAYS. BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM EXHAUST. FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THE SAME CAR (2000-2002 CELICA GT 1.8L) WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. PROBLEMS WERE NOTICED AS EARLY AS 80,000 MILES. NO VISIBLE OIL LEAKS. FOUND INFORMATION ONLINE REGARDING A FIX THAT TOYOTA MADE TO THE ENGINE IN 2003 FROM 4 HOLES IN PISTONS, TO 8 HOLES AS WELL AS LARGER PISTON GROVE.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 12, 201025,000 milesMD
MY 2000 TOYOTA CELICA HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS DUE TO THE SERPENTINE BELT AND TENSIONER. BOTH WERE REPLACED AND WITHIN A MONTH THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS A ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE TOYOTAS. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES TO PROPERLY FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT CAUSES SERIOUS INJURIES OR FATAL ACCIDENTS. THANK YOU FOR YOU CONSIDERATION. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 23, 2010MA
1. I PURCHASED A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA GT. 2. ABOUT EVERY 1500 MILES THERE'S A QUART OF OIL BURNED OFF. I'VE CHECKED MYSELF A FEW TIMES FOR ANY SIGNS OF LEAKS, AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC, NEITHER OF US HAVE FOUND ANY SIGN AT ALL OF OIL LEAKING OUT. I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON IT AND IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1ZZ ENGINE IN THE 2000-2002 CELICA GT AND IN SOME CASES HAS CAUSE SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEMS. 3. CHECKING THE OIL LEVEL CONSTANTLY AND ADDING OIL AS NEEDED
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash
Filed Feb 26, 2010IN
PAST INCIDENT THAT I THOUGHT YOU SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. 2000 TOYOTA CELICA ACCELERATOR STUCK AND CAR ENDED UP GOING THROUGH A BUILDING. I REPORTED INCIDENT TO TOYOTA, BUT THEIR RESPONSE OF 11-6-03 SIMPLY STATED AIRBAGS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FOR DRIVER AND THEY SENT ME A BROCHURE ON AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND STOPPED THE CAR. SUDDENLY, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK. UPDATED IVOQ 04/02/10
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2010123,000 milesLA
2000 TOYOTA CELICA GT PURCHASED 05/2008 SO FAR MY CAR IS NOT FIXED SO ALL MY MONEY IS IN FIRST DESLUDGING OF MOTOR(2 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE OIL LIGHT CAME ON & WAS TOTALLY EMPTY) & OIL. AT FIRST I WENT THRU 1/2 TO 1 QRT EVERY OTHER WEEK. I LIVE 35 MILES FROM WORK & 76 MILES FROM FAMILY SO PUTTING ABOUT 500 MILES A WEEK ON VEHICLE.IT SLOWLY STARTED TO GET TO BE MORE AND MORE OIL.IN 01/2009 IT THRU CAT CONV.WORKING BELOW EFFICIENCY ZONE 2 CODE. IN LAST 2 MONTHS STARTED TAKING 2QTRS ON MONDAYS & 2QRTS ON WEDNESDAYS TO GET BACK & FORTH TO WORK. MORE IF I VISITED MY FAMILY (HAD TO RELOCATE AWAY AFTER LOSING HOUSE IN KATRINA.) THEN 2 WEEKS AGO I GOT A CALL WHILE AT WORK THAT MY DAD (WHO ISIN A NURSING HOME) WAS HAVING PROBLEMS. I PUT 2QRTS IN DROVE 35MILES FROM WORK TO MY DAD. PUT 2 MORE QRTS IN IT BEFORE LEAVING TO RETURN HOME & WHEN I GOT OF INTERSTATE 76 MILES AWAY I PUT IT IN FIRST GEAR COMING TO A RED LIGHT & OIL LIGHT FLASHED. I PULLED DIRECTLY INTO CHEVRON THERE WAS NOTHING READING ON DIP STICK. I WENT BOUGHT 4 MORE QRTS OF OIL. AND LIMPED HOME ABOUT 1.5 MILES AWAY. I WENT THRU 8QRTS OF OIL THAT DAY @4.99 A POP.HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN SINCE. I'M SCARED MOTOR WILL SEIZE @ RATE ITS CONSUMING OIL IF I TRY TO DRIVE IT. CALLED ALL STAR 2 WEEKS AGO WHEN I HAD SUDDEN OIL CONSUMPTION.(8GTS IN 111 MILES), NO LEAKS, BUT CLOGGED CAT CONVERTER.I ASKED ABOUT PRICES ON VALVE STEM SEALS. I HAD ALREADY SEEN FROM OTHER CELICA OWNERS ON NET FORUMS THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM FOR 00-01 MODELS & THA
Electrical System
Filed Feb 13, 201040,000 milesOH
THE 2000 TOYOTA CELICA HAS A DEFECTIVE BELT TENSIONER MECHANISM THAT RESULTS IN A DEAD BATTERY AND ULTIMATE LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL STARTER, ETC. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACE THE TENSIONER (AND BATTERY) TWICE COSTING $500. NOW THIS HAS HAPPENED FOR THE 3RD TIME SAME CAR. IN MY OPINION THIS IS DANGEROUS SINCE IT LEADS TO PEOPLE BEING STRANDED OR WORSE LOSS OF POWER ON THE FREEWAY. SUNNYSIDE TOYOTA, IN NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO SAYS THE TENSIONER "SHOULD BE REPLACED EVERY 40 - 50K MILES. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 5, 2010128 milesNJ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND OBSERVED THAT THE PEDAL WAS STICKY WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION EXTREME PRESSURE WAS ALSO APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 29, 201020,000 milesNY
9/11/01: SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNITE: FIRE IGNITED IN OUR UNATTACHED GARAGE, FAMILY SLEEPING, ONLY VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE WAS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA (APPROX 20,000 MILES ON IT). NEIGHBORS WOKE US UP, BY THAT TIME HOUSE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, WE WERE EVACUATED. TOTAL LOSS:NEARLY $300,000.00 IN LOSS AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. WE THOUGHT OUR AREA WAS BEING BOMBED, DUE TO THE EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE THAT ENTIRE DAY. 2 AUTO INVESTIGATORS CAME TO THE HOME, WORKED TOGETHER ON THE CAR, 1 FROM OUR INS CO., THE OTHER FROM TOYOTA. AFTER 9 1/2 HRS OF COMPLETELY OVERHAULING THE CAR, THEY BOTH DETERMINED THE CAR STARTED THE FIRE FROM A FAULTY GROUND WIRE. OUR INS. (HOMEOWNERS) WERE LIKE STONES AMONGST BOULDERS AGAINST TOYOTA. THEY SPARED NO EXPENSE TO HIRE THE TOP OF THE TOP TO DISCREDIT US AND IN THE END, THE JUDGE DECIDED THERE WASN'T ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO TAKE THIS ORDEAL TO COURT. IT WAS A JOKE AND OUR NEIGHBORS AND EVEN SAW THE MAN WHO SOLD US THE CELICA WAS CALLED IN FOR QUESTIONING. ALL AGREED, IT WAS THE CAR. NO ONE WOULD HEAR US. INS COMPANY COULDN'T PURSUE. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO COSTLY AND TOYOTA HAD UNLIMITED FUNDS AND TIME TO FIGHT THIS. IT WAS SO TERRIBLE. MY FAMILY WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME AFTER THAT. I WANTED SOMEONE TO HEAR MY STORY, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS NEW OCCURRENCE WITH TOYOTA'S RECALL. MAYBE SOMEONE COULD LOOK INTO UNEXPLAINED FIRES WITH THEIR TOYOTA VEHICLES. MAY BE VERY INTERESTING AND MAY SAVE A LIFE OR TWO. *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 5, 201080,000 milesNC
WE BOUGHT A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA FOR OUR 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THE CAR WAS USED WITH ABOUT 80K MILES. THE CAR WAS IN EXCELLENT SHAPE, AND HAD NOT BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY. ON JANUARY 2ND, OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND CALL 911. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS, AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE WEATHER THAT DAY WAS CLEAR, BUT VERY COLD. SHE STATED THAT THE ONLY THING ON IN THE CAR WAS THE HEATER. WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY WORK DONE THIS CAR EXCEPT AN OIL CHANGE. I AM THANKFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO KEEP HER WITS ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE MANUAL DOOR LOCKS. MY WIFE AND I WENT TO GREAT LENGTHS TO BUY A SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR FOR HER, AND THE CARFAX STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NEGATIVE HISTORY ON THE CAR. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS CAR HAS A DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY OR DEATH. I HAVE INSPECTED THE DAMAGE, AND IT APPEARS THAT THE MAIN FIRE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE COMPUTER AND BATTERY AREA. THANKS, JOE PHILLIPS *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 5, 2009100,000 milesWA
THREE TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS MY TOYOTA 2000 CELICA'S ACCELERATE STUCK WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I AM NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 25, 200988,000 milesNJ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA CELICA. EVERY THREE MONTHS, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD CONSUME ALL OF THE OIL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, A KNOCKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,553 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: May 24, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.