Toyota Celica 5-speed manual transmission issue with popping out of gear and failure to engage on Toyota Celica

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Toyota Celica owners report experiencing issues with their 5-speed manual transmission, such as popping out of gear or failing to engage. Common symptoms include difficulty shifting gears, gears slipping, and unusual noises. One potential cause for these problems is worn synchro rings, which are essential for smooth gear shifting and can lead to the transmission unexpectedly disengaging, particularly in fifth gear. Additionally, issues may arise from worn mounts, loose linkage, bad shifter bearings, or a weak spring in the shift rail. In some instances, internal transmission problems may require a rebuild or replacement. To resolve the popping out of gear issue, some owners have found success by adjusting the spacing with different thickness snap rings for the transmission shafts or replacing the 5th/6th shift fork. It is advisable for owners experiencing these issues to seek professional assistance for accurate diagnosis and resolution to ensure the proper functioning of their transmission.

1 person reported this problem
0 comments
Schedule Repair

Toyota Celica vehicles with this problem

0 model year affected

Search for another problem

RepairPal Car Genius

Ask our experts about your Toyota.

RepairPal Car Genius™ is a free resource for vehicle owners seeking advice on maintenance, auto repair, shop inquiries, estimates, and finding a trustworthy repair shop in your area.

 Auto Repair Expert Auto Repair Expert

Call us at 877-913-1554

Available 9am – 6pm ET Monday through Friday

Call Our Experts