Toyota Celica engine bogs down and lacks power during rapid acceleration, especially on hills on Toyota Celica

Submitted by Ed Pottorff · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Toyota Celica owners report experiencing a bogged-down engine and lack of power during rapid acceleration, particularly on hills. This issue may stem from the vehicle running lean, which can lead to hesitation and poor acceleration. Additionally, a malfunctioning catalytic converter could contribute to the engine running lean, exacerbating the lack of power. Problems with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or the Cold Air Intake (CAI) system may also play a role in this performance issue. Furthermore, some owners have noted that issues with the Engine Control Module (ECM) or sensors such as the wideband O2 sensor can negatively impact engine performance during acceleration. If the engine stutters or hesitates during warm-up or at specific RPM ranges, it may indicate problems with the engine's operating temperature or fuel delivery system. To resolve these concerns, it is advised for owners to have their vehicles inspected by a mechanic and to check or replace components like the catalytic converter, MAF sensor, CAI system, ECM, and O2 sensor as needed. Regular maintenance can also help mitigate these performance issues.

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Toyota Celica vehicles with this problem

1 model year affected
Average mileage: 250,000 miles
(250,000 - 250,000)

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