The Toyota Celica tail light utilizes 1157 and 7443 bulb sizes for the rear illumination system. Available data for the specified vehicle covers the range from 1971 through 2002.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The two bulb types specified for the outer tail light position on the Toyota Celica are the 1157 and the 7443, both of which are ANSI-standardized dual-filament bulbs rated at 12V with a 21W/5W output, meaning the higher wattage filament serves braking or turn functions while the lower wattage filament handles running light duties.
The 1157 uses a BAY15d bayonet base, a two-pin offset base design that physically locks the bulb into the socket with a twist, whereas the 7443 is a T20 wedge-type bulb that is retained by friction against the socket walls rather than a bayonet mechanism.
Although both bulbs share identical voltage and wattage ratings, the 1157 and 7443 use fundamentally different base types, which means they are not interchangeable despite their matching electrical characteristics.
The 1157 is specified for the outer tail light across the 1971-1999 model years of the Toyota Celica, making it by far the more widely used of the two bulb types across the vehicle's production span covered in these specifications.
The 7443 is specified for the 2000-2002 outer tail light position, reflecting a socket design change relative to earlier model years.
Because the 1157 and 7443 share the same 21W/5W dual-filament configuration, aftermarket LED replacements designed for either type are typically available in both base formats, though the correct base type for the specific model year must be matched to the socket present in the vehicle.