2003 Toyota Corolla
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 768 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Corolla model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 104 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 96 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleOct 17, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Campaign 19V741000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleAug 28, 2019
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
Campaign 19V627000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDec 12, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.
Campaign 18V883000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.
Campaign 15V286000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 13, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
Campaign 15V285000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJan 28, 2015
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this campaign.
Campaign 15V043000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJan 30, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and General Motors will re-notify theirs. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. Dealers will replace the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for second notices. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668.
Campaign 13V029000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearApr 10, 2008
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 662,178 MY 2003-2004 COROLLA, COROLLA MATRIX AND PONTIAC VIBE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, CAUSING THE DOOR GLASS TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BECOMING LOOSE AND POSSIBLY RATTLING, AN ABNORMAL NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE DRIVER AND /OR FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WHEN OPERATING THE POWER WINDOWS.
THE DOOR GLASS MAY SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BIND AND SHATTER DURING OPERATION OF THE POWER WINDOWS, CAUSING DRIVER DISTRACTION AND/OR INJURY.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER DOOR GLASS BOLTS WITH NEWLY DESIGNED BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2008 TO TOYOTA OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2008, FOR PONTIAC OWNERS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Campaign 08V162000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assemblyMar 11, 2002
ON PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (VIN) STARTING WITH 1NX ONLY AND BUILT FROM JANUARY 8 THROUGH FEBRUARY 13, 2002, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE BOLTS THAT JOIN THE REAR BRAKE AND HUB ASSEMBLY TO THE REAR AXLE CARRIER TO BE LOOSE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT TIGHTENING DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR BOLTS COULD COME LOOSE, CAUSING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE AREA. IN THE EVENT THAT ALL FOUR BOLTS LOOSEN COMPLETELY, SEPARATION OF THE REAR BRAKE AND HUB ASSEMBLY FROM THE REAR AXLE CARRIER COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
DEALERS WILL PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 02V074001 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
95 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. IN COLD WEATHER AS THE ENGINE IS WARMING UP, THERE IS A VERY STRONG ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE ALL CLOSED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2004
I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE THAT EMITS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON AND THE CAR IS IDLING. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2004
MY NEW '03 TOYOTA COROLLA CE (17715 MILES AS OF 01/19/04) HAS SOME SERIOUS DEFECT THAT MAKES IT STALL. AT LEAST 5 TIMES, FROM OCTOBER 20, 2003 TO JANUARY 22, 2004, WE HAD TO BRING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT ALREADY HAD TO BE TOWED TWICE, AS IT WOULD SOMETIMES STOP IN TRAFFIC, PUTTING THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY IN DANGER. SO FAR, NONE OF THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP'S TECHNICIANS HAVE BEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR HAVE SHOWN UNUSUAL CODES UNFAMILIAR TO TOYOTA TECHNICIANS. ONE SUCH CODE, THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO INTERPRET, IS "P1780 . THEY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS THE ECU SWITCH. THEY REPLACED IT IN NOVEMBER 2003, AND SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS STOPPED TWICE. ON JANUARY 24, 2004, LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER IT WAS DELIVERED TO US FOLLOWING REPAIR FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS, IT STOPPED AGAIN, BECAME INOPERABLE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. AT EACH OCCURRENCE, THE ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES THE "LOW ENGINE" PRESSURE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON PERMANENTLY, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER, AND THEN THE CAR WOULD COME TO A SUDDEN HALT. TO RESTART IT, IT WOULD TAKE TURNING THE IGNITION KEY ON SEVERAL TIMES. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT IT MAY SOMEDAY STOP SUDDENLY (AS IT USUALLY DOES) IN A BUSY INTERSECTION OR ON A HIGHWAY, THEREBY PUTTING AT RISK THE LIVES OF MY WHOLE FAMILY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS SOME URGENT ATTENTION. *LA
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
THIS MODEL IS A 2003 BOUGHT IN MARCH 2002. THERE A STRONG SMELL OF SULPHUR/ROTTEN EGG WHEN ENGINE COLD OR CAR CLIMBS A HILL. DURATION ABOUT 5 MINUTES. TOYOTA'S EXPLANATION: IT IS CAUSED BY THE SULPHUR IN GAS , PROBLEM WILL VANISH OVER TIME, NO REMEDY EXISTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUILD AS PER SPECS AND STANDARDS. THE SMELL PERSISTS TODAY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER. ANY TECHNICAL REASONS YOU KNOW , ANYTHING THAT TOYOTA COULD DO AND IS NOT DOING ? THANKS
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE AIR CONDITIONING/HEATER FAN QUITS AT RANDOM. IT DOES START BACK BUT OBVIOUSLY HAS A SHORT. IT COMES AND GOES. THE DEALER HAS STATED EACH TIME THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT ALSO HAS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. SINCE NEW THE CAR HAS MADE UNPLEASANT CLANING AND RATTLING NOISES IN THE FRONT END. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT MANY TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION. IT FEELS UNSTABLE IN WINDY CONDITIONS AND UN EVEN SURFACES. I'VE ACTUALLY THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE BECAUSE OF THE CAR SWAYING SO BADLY IN THE WIND AND ON UNEVEN SURFACES. I'VE OWNED MANY SMALL CARS BEFORE AND EVEN AN OLDER COROLLA SO I'M AWARE OF WHAT IS NORMAL. IT HAS DEFINITE SUPSENSION PROBLEMS. I HONESTLY FEEL IT'S DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS DUE TO THE SUSPENSION. I NEED HELP. THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WELL. IT'S A TRUE LEMON.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 15, 2004
MY WIFE PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. SHE PURCHASED IT BECAUSE OF ITS IMPLIED ECONOMY. BUT DESPITE THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLAIMS THAT THE CAR CAN USE 87 OCTANE OR HIGHER, SUCH IS NOT THE CASE. IN TWO WORDS, ROTTEN EGGS. IN TWO OTHER WORDS, HYDROGEN SULFIDE. AS WE DECELERATE TO A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN, IF THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN, OR THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IS SET TO INTAKE OUTSIDE AIR, THE ODOR OF ROTTEN EGGS IS OVERPOWERING. (NOTE THAT IF THE AIRFLOW PATTERN CONTROL IS TURNED TO EITHER PARTIAL OR TOTAL WINDSHIELD DEFROST, THE CONTROL WILL AUTOMATICALLY ENFORCE FRESH, OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE.) WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE MANAGER DIDN'T BAT AN EYELASH. JUST OPENED A DRAWER AND PULLED OUT A SHEET OF PAPER WHICH STATES THAT TMC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM, AND WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. THE PAPER FURTHER SUGGESTS THAT I SHOULD CHANGE BRANDS OF GASOLINE (WE HAD ALREADY TRIED THAT) OR CHANGE TO A HIGHER GRADE OF GASOLINE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO WRITE UP THE PROBLEM ON A REPORT. I CAN ATTEST, THE ROTTEN EGG ODOR DOESN'T ABATE IF 87 OCTANE FUEL IS USED - EVEN AMOCO WHICH PURPORTS TO BE BETTER THAN THE REST. SEARCHING THESE TOPICS VIA GOOGLE, I FOUND A DISCUSSION SUGGESTING THAT THE CAUSE WAS/IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER RUNNING TOO HOT - PROBABLY DUE TO ITS PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. SURE ENOUGH, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE FIRST CATALYTIC CONVERTER (THERE ARE TWO, IN TANDEM) IS COUPLED DIRECTLY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. FURTHER, THERE IS NO ROOM TO MOVE THE UNIT BACK, AND, SINCE THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS WELDED, ANY MODIFICATIONS TO IT WOULD PROBABLY NEGATE MY WARRANTY. MY '88 COROLLA USES THE SAME 87 OCTANE FUELS, FROM THE SAME BRANDS (THAT WE'VE TRIED ON THE '03 COROLLA) AND DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMERS DESERVE A BETTER PRODUCT THAN THIS. MY SON'S '02 HONDA CIVIC DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD WE - AND OUR FELLOW ROAD USERS BEHIND US AND TO THE SIDES OF US - BE FORCED TO TOLERATE THIS DEPLORABLE STENCH?
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 15, 2004
PURCHASED CAR NEW ON 10/4/02. WITHIN A MONTH NOTICED A VERY SIGNIFICANT SULFAR ODOR EXPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS PARTICULARLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY TELL ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG. THEIR EXPLANATION IS THAT SOME GAS STATIONS PUT ADDITIVES IN THEIR GAS THAT CREATE THIS ODOR.. THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING FURTHER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
ROTTEN EGG SMELL- POOR GAS MILEAGE (29 MPG- MOSTLY HIGHWAY/INTERSTATE) WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. WE HAVE COMPLAINED AND WERE TOLD THE FOLLOWING: 1) THERE'S NOTHING WRONG- IT OPERATING CORRECTLY. 2) YOU'RE RUNNING THE WRONG TYPE OF GAS (WE'VE TRIED ALL TYPES) 3) YOU NEED TO RUN THE CAR ON RECIRCULATION ALL THE TIME SO THAT YOU WON'T SMELL IT.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2003
BAD SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN RUNNING ENGINE
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2003
I ALSO HAVE NOTICED AN INTERMITENT ODOR OF SULFUR IN MY 2003 COROLLA. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2003
MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA EMITS AN OVERPOWERING SULPHUR SMELL WHEN I COME TO A STOP. THE SMELL ENTERS THE PASSENGER CABIN AND LINGERS FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS ONLY 13,000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 2003
IN NOVEMBER 2002, I PURCHASED A TOYOTA COROLLA 2003. WHEN THE HEAT IS ON, THE CAR EMITS A NAUSEATING ROTTEN EGG SMELL THROUGH THE VENTS. I BROUGHT THE COROLLA INTO A TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED. IMMEDIATELY, THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE HANDED ME A MEMO EXPLAINING THAT THIS "ROTTEN EGG" SMELL (AS THEY ALSO REFERRED TO IT) CAN OCCUR FROM LOW-OCTANE BRANDS AND THAT IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CAR ITSELF. THIS ADVICE CONTRADICTED WHAT THE SALESMAN TOLD ME WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR -- THAT I COULD USE 87 OCTANE GASOLINE. I ASSUME THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM SINCE THEY HAD A MEMO READY FOR COROLLA OWNERS WITH THIS SPECIFIC COMPLAINT. HOWEVER, FOR SEVERAL MONTHS I HAVE BEEN PUMPING 89-93 OCTANE GASOLINE INTO MY CAR WITH NO LUCK -- THE SMELL STILL EXISTS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 28, 2003
CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED SMELLED STRONG CHEMICAL FUMES. DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 25, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER WOULD SMELL A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *NLM BOTH OF THE CONSUMER TOYOTA COROLLAS EXHIBITED A ROTTEN EGG/FUEL SMELL. THE SMELL CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO FEEL NAUSEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER WENT THROUGH ARBITRATION BUT WAS DENIED HER REQUEST FOR THE MANUFACTURER TO REPLACE OR REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. (SECOND VEHICLE'S VIN- [XXX] - PURCHASED 5-27-03). *NLM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 12, 2003
HAVE NOTICED A STRONG SULFUR/ROTTEN EGG SMELL FROM THE EXHAUST THAT ENTERS THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO CHANGE MY BRAND OF GAS. NO CHANGES HAVE BEEN NOTICED.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2003
CAR EMITS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHILE AT IDLE WHEN HEATER IS ON. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2003
CAR MAKING KNOCKING NOISE IN ENGINE. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS FROM NOT RECEIVING OIL CHANGES ON TIME. THE CAR ONLY HAS 22,456 MILES, AND I HAVE HAD 3 OIL CHANGES. THEY TELL ME I WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MARCH 2002. THE CAR ALSO HAS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 15, 2003
THE GAS USED IN THE STATE CONSUMER LIVED IN CAUSED VEHICLE TO ACCUMULATE SULFUR. WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED SULFUR. WHICH INDICATED THAT EXHAUST WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY THE EXHAUST GETTING CAUGHT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THE MANUFACTURER/ DEALERSHIP WERE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE A REMEDY HAS NOT BEEN FOUND. THERE WAS A TSB ON ON THIS ISSUE, NOT FOUND IN ARTEMIS.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2003
CONSUMER NOTICED A ROTTEN EGG SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING . DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED, TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS A GASOLINE PROBLEM. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2003
PURCHASED 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA IN OCTOBER 2002. CAR IS EMITTING A VERY NOTICEABLE SULFUR ODOR ESPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS PARTICULARLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS THE GASOLINE I PURCHASE. ACCORDING TO MY DEALER, SOME GAS STATIONS PUT AN ADDITIVE IN THE GAS THAT CREATES THIS SMELL. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 6, 2003
WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH OUR TOYOTA COROLLA (2003) CREATING A "ROTTEN EGG" SMELL. WE HAVE COMPLAINED MULTIPLE TIMES TO TOYOTA, INCLUDING FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THEIR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD 1)THE SMELL IS NORMAL, 2) WE'RE USING THE WRONG TYPE OF GAS (WE HAVE TRIED ALL KINDS) AND 3) WE NEED TO RUN THE CAR WITH THE AIR RECIRCULATING AT ALL TIMES. WE ALSO DO NOT GET THE GAS MILEAGE AS EXPECTED. WE ARE GENERALLY GETTING 29 MPG WITH MOSTLY INTERSTATE DRIVING. THE TWO MAY BE RELATED. THIS STARTED LAST FALL SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE. THE PURCHASE DATE IS LISTED BELOW. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 20, 2003
MY WIFE PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. SHE PURCHASED IT BECAUSE OF ITS IMPLIED ECONOMY. BUT DESPITE THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLAIMS THAT THE CAR CAN USE 1987 OCTANE OR HIGHER, SUCH IS NOT THE CASE. IN TWO WORDS, ROTTEN EGGS. IN TWO OTHER WORDS, HYDROGEN SULFIDE.AS WE DECELERATE FOR ANY REASON, IF THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN, OR IF THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IS SET TO INTAKE OUTSIDE AIR, THE ODOR OF ROTTEN EGGS IS OVERPOWERING. (NOTE THAT IF THE AIRFLOW PATTERN CONTROL IS TURNED TO EITHER PARTIAL OR TOTAL WINDSHIELD DEFROST, THE CONTROL WILL AUTOMATICALLY ENFORCE FRESH, OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE.) WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE MANAGER DIDN'T BAT AN EYELASH. JUST OPENED A DRAWER AND PULLED OUT A SHEET OF PAPER WHICH STATES THAT TMC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM, AND WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. THE PAPER FURTHER SUGGESTS THAT I SHOULD CHANGE BRANDS OF GASOLINE (WE HAD ALREADY TRIED THAT) OR CHANGE TO A HIGHER GRADE OF GASOLINE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO WRITE UP THE PROBLEM ON A REPORT. SEARCHING THE WEB, I TRIPPED INTO AN EDMUNDS.COM WEB SITE. SPECIFICALLY - HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX?50@180.VN8LB6QRYCO.1@.EF0A161!MAKE=TOYOTA&MODEL=ALL&ED_MAKEINDEX=.EF0A161 - WHICH WILL GET YOU INTO A DISCUSSION. (TO FOLLOW THE PATH FROM THEIR HOME PAGE, CHOOSE THE CAR DISCUSSIONS TAB, THEN TOYOTA > COROLLA > COROLLA & MATRIX PROBLEMS.) Y' GOTTA READ THE MOANING ON THIS VERY SUBJECT. SEARCH THIS DISCUSSION (BOTTOM OF THE PAGE) FOR ROTTEN EGG OR HYDROGEN TO BRING THEM UP. PLEASE HELP!! THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. MY '88 COROLLA USES THE SAME 87 OCTANE FUELS, FROM THE SAME BRANDS (THAT WE'VE TRIED ON THE '03 COROLLA) AND DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMERS DESERVE A BETTER PRODUCT THAN THIS. MY SON'S '02 HONDA CIVIC DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD WE - AND OUR FELLOW ROAD USERS BEHIND US AND TO THE SIDES OF US - BE FORCED TO TOLERATE THIS DEPLORABLE STENCH?*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2003
THIS COMPLAINT REGARDS THE TERRIBLE SMELL EMITTED BY MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE VERY STRONG SMELL FILLS THE ENTIRE CAR, AND OFTEN LASTS SEVERAL MINUTES. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE SMELL IS HARMFUL OR NOT, BUT THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT TOYOTA CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 19, 2003
ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN IDLING.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THERE WAS LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.*AK