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: service brakes
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Wheels, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 1, 2026
Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 12, 2025, crash
My mother got in the car and as soon as the car was put on drive, the car accelerated to its max potential, but when she attempted to hit the brakes they did not respond. So max acceleration, on its own, and brakes did not work. She ended up in the hospital for 9 days suffering a broken rib, front teeth missing, they had to sew her tongue back together, both cheeks shattered, broken clavicle and she has a hole right under the back of her skull. Miraculously, after she flipped to the side and took out two trees, the third tree flipped her back to right side up, and stopped the vehicle completely.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Apr 19, 2018, crash
I WAS PARKING AT ABOUT 3 MPH, TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOWLY EASE THE CAR TO A STOP AT THE PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE JOLTED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED. I HIT A POLE AND THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED TERRIBLE FRONTEND DAMAGE. I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA AND IT IS OVER 188,000 MILES.
Power train, Wheels, Service brakes, May 18, 2017
REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILURE (SAFETY DEFECT) -- 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. EXCERPTS FROM MY E-MAIL TO TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A. INC. FOLLOW: "THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS RECENTLY RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE REAR HUB AXLE BEARINGS DUE TO A HUMMING NOISE, AT A COST OF OVER $1,000.00. THIS RECOMMENDATION HAS FLOORED ME AS THIS TYPE OF REPAIR FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 90,000 MILES DOES NOT SEEM TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE QUALITY STANDARDS PROMULGATED BY TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. APPARENTLY, THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (NHTSA #10015608) WAS ISSUED." THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER SUBSEQUENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ISSUE ADDRESSED IN MY E-MAIL ABOVE, CREATING CASE # 1703301220. DESPITE TOYOTA HAVING ISSUED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #00105 ON THIS VERY MATTER, THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE AT THE CUSTOMER CENTER CLEARLY STATED IN A SUBSEQUENT PHONE CALL THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE, NO CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION, AND NO-RECALL ISSUED. AFTER CONTACTING THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER, I WAS RELUCTANT TO REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FOR ALMOST $1,000.00 IF THE ONLY ISSUE WAS WITH HUMMING WHICH BLENDED IN WITH NORMAL ROAD NOISE. BUT THE MECHANICS AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS SUBSEQUENTLY WARNED ME THAT FAILURE TO HAVE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED MEANT I WAS DRIVING A CAR WITH A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WITH A SIGNIFICANT PROBABILITY OF WHEEL FAILURE (I.E. THE BEARING(S) COULD COMPLETELY FAIL AT ANY TIME AND CAUSE THE REAR WHEEL TO FALL OFF THE CAR). I THEN AUTHORIZED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2017 TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS (AT MY EXPENSE). ONE CANNOT BUT WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS OR INCIDENTS IN CONNECTION WITH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS HAVE OCCURRED WITH TOYOTA COROLLAS FOR DRIVERS WHO UNKNOWINGLY DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES WITH REAR WHEEL BEARINGS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED OR FAILED.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Feb 28, 2017, crash
WE WERE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. MY WIFE GOT INTO THE CAR, PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK, AND PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE. THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY BACKWARD WITH THE ENGINE REVVING AND NO EFFECT FROM THE BRAKES, AND HIT A POLE. WITH THE ENGINE STILL RACING, MY WIFE THEN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, STILL WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, AND IT SPED FORWARD RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AND THERE WAS NO EFFECT WITH PUSHING ON THE BRAKE. THE PICKUP TRUCK WAS PUSHED FORWARD ABOUT A FOOT HITTING A GUARD RAIL IN THE FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2014
WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY TO WORK, DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70-75 MPH, I STARTED TO BRAKE. INSTEAD OF DECREASING IN SPEED, MY CAR ACCELERATED AND EVERYTIME I WOULD PUSH THE BRAKE, MY CAR WOULD INCREASE IN SPEED (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION). WITHIN THE SPAN OF ABOUT 3 MONTHS, THIS INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED A TOTAL OF 5-6 TIMES, MAKING IT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *JS
Service brakes, Dec 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT TOLD WHAT CAUSED THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 04/14/14 MA UPDATED 04/18/14 *JS
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 13, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA S. THE CONTACT WAS IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 153,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 28, 2010
EXACTLY APPEARANCE AS IN CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10311317. I AM WRITING TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT I HAVE RESOLVED AN ISSUE MYSELF BECAUSE I KNOW THAT NETHER DEALERSHIP NOR PRIVATE MECHANICS WOULD NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO PROPERLY TROUBLESHOOT AN ISSUE. I WOULD GUESS THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN TOLERANCES BETWEEN GUIDES OF BRAKE PADS AND CYLINDER SLOTS. PADS ARE TOO TIGHT SITTING IN CYLINDER, CAUSING EXCESSIVE FORCE TO BRAKE AND GETTING THEM ALMOST GET STACKED CLOSE TO ROTOR. THIS CAUSING UNEVEN ROTOR WORMING, VIBRATION AND HUMMING SOUND. IT IS REALLY DANGEROUS. USING GRINDER I HAVE REDUCED THE SIZE OF PAD GUIDES. 2 MINUTES OF WORK. ISSUE IS GONE AND NEVER RECURRED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 16, 2010
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA SEDAN BRAKES VIN# [XXX] BRAKES ARE SURGING FORWARD. HAVE TAKEN TO MECHANIC GARAGE AND TWICE TO TOYOTA DEALER AND NOTHING CAN BE IDENTIFIED. BRAKE ISSUE HAPPENS ONCE A WEEK OR EVERY SO MANY MILES. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING AS THERE IS NO INDICATION AS TO WHEN OR WHERE THIS WILL HAPPEN. ALL OF A SUDDEN WHEN STOPPING THE CAR AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT CAR JUMPS FORWARD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Feb 17, 2010, crash
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA THIS MORNING WHEN SHE REPORTED THAT THE CARS BRAKES DIDN'T APPEAR TO WORK PROPERLY. THIS RESULTED IN A PROPERTY DAMAGE CRASH INTO A GUARDRAIL. IT WAS A FRONTAL CRASH INTO A GUARDRAIL AT LOW TO MODERATE SPEED, THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 17, 2010
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW TOYOTA COROLLA 2003 MODEL IN NOV 2002. AROUND A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, IT STARTED PRODUCING AN UNUSUAL SOUND WHENEVER I HIT THE BRAKES. IT HAS SINCE PROGRESSED FROM A BARELY AUDIBLE (EXCEPT TO THE DRIVER) "KNOCKING" SOUND TO,AT SOME POINT, A VERY NERVE-WRACKING "THE CAR IS GOING TO BREAK APART" KIND OF SOUND WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. I CALLED THE DEALER TO CHECK IF IT WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND THEY SAID THEY NEVER HEARD OF A SIMILAR CASE. I ALSO ASKED A FORMER TOYOTA MECHANIC, NOW RUNNING HIS OWN PRIVATE SHOP, TO LOOK AT THE PROBLEM; HIS ONLY ANSWER WAS THAT IT WAS A COMMON COMPLAINT FOR COROLLAS FROM 2003, SINCE THEY RE-DESIGNED THE CAR THAT YEAR. EVEN HIS OWN ASSISTANT MECHANIC HAD A LATER TOYOTA COROLLA WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE, AND THEY HAVE GIVEN UP TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL MECHANICS ASSESS THE SOUND, OPEN UP THE BRAKES, RECOMMEND AND CHANGED PADS, EVEN ROTORS. THE SOUND DISAPPEARS WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN NEWLY "OPENED" AND TAKEN DOWN FOR CLEANING, BUT AFTER A WEEK OR SO, THE SOUNDS RETURN, ALTHOUGH THE MECHANICS HAVE REPEATEDLY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR BRAKES WORK WELL AND ARE SAFE. BUT DON'T THE SOUNDS INDICATE A PROBLEM IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM MAYBE? I ONLY WRITE NOW BECAUSE OF A NEWS ITEM THIS MORNING THAT SAID TOYOTA PLANS TO RECALL COROLLAS FOR A BRAKE-RELATED PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Electric, Feb 9, 2010, crash
I DROVE MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA IN HIGHWAY YESTERDAY, WHEN I TOOK BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN, THE CAR ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF STOP, AND LOST THE CONTROL TO HIT RIGHT SIDE OTHER CAR, AND THEN DROVE TO SNOW PILE. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME EVENT, BUT THIS TIME MY CAR GOT CRASH, MY CAR WAS PICK UP TO INSURANCE DESIGN REPAIR STORE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 28, 2008
THE REAR BRAKES ON MY 2003 COROLLA HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS AND HAD BEEN ADJUSTED. STILL WHEN YOU BRAKE, IT STILL MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. PADS HAVE BEEN CHANGE SEVERAL TIMES AND TEMPORARILY THE GRINDING NOISE WILL GO AWAY AND AFTER ABOUT 3-4 WEEKS IT RETURNS. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO SOMEONE FIXED THE PROBLEM, NOW ITS BACK AGAIN. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 20, 2007, crash
VEHICLES INFRONT OF ME STEPPED ON BRAKES SUDDENLY. I APPLIED MY BRAKES WITH NO RESPONSE. TAPPED SEVERAL TIMES AGAIN AND TRIED HOLDING DOWN WITH NO RESPONSE AGAIN. TRIED TO SWERVE INTO SUICIDE LANE TO AVOID HITTING CAR THAT WAS 30 YARDS IN FRONT OF ME AND WAS FORCED TO HIT CAR AS VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP OR EVEN SLOW DOWN. BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 19, 2007, crash
UNDER IDEAL NIGHTTIME ROAD CONDITIONS (DRY ROAD AND CLEAR VISIBILITY), I SWERVED TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR. I MISSED HITTING THE OTHER CAR, BUT WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THEY LOCKED UP AND PUT THE CAR INTO A SKID FROM WHICH THERE WAS NO RECOVERING. THE CAR SPUN OUT AND CAME TO REST AFTER COLLIDING WITH THE CENTER DIVIDER TWICE. THE BRAKES SHOULD NOT HAVE LOCKED UP, AS THIS CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS). IF THE ABS HAD WORKED PROPERLY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND AVOIDED THE SPIN AND CONTACT WITH THE CENTER DIVIDER.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Dec 21, 2006
WHEN I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT STARTED TO MAKE A RUMBLING AND RATTLING SOUND IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I NOTIFIED TOYOTA CORPORATION AND THEY FLAT OUT REFUSED TO ASSIST ME OR OFFER ANY "GOOD FAITH" MEASURE OR ANY SERVICE WHATEVER TO ASSIST ME WITH THE DEFECT. THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING AND WAS NOT DETECTABLE WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICES AND INSPECTION. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 15, 2006
I BOUGHT A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA FROM A CERTIFIED CAR DEALERSHIP, AND WAS SOLD A CAR THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND WAS NOT REPORTED. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR HAS NONE OF THE ORIGINAL PARTS TO THE CAR WHICH DEPRECIATED THE VALUE OF THE CAR, BUT IT WAS STILL SOLD TO ME AS SLIGHTLY USED IN GREAT CONDITION,LOW MILEAGE AND SUPPOSE TO HAVE NEVER BEEN IN AN ANY ACCIDENTS, I ALSO FOUND OUT THE THIS CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE, I HAD TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES STARTING FIVE DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I TRIED GIVING THE CAR BACK AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO BECAUSE THE CONTRACT IS ALREADY SIGNED, AND BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO THE CAR THEY WILL ONLY GIVE $6,000 FOR THE CAR WHEN IN FACT THEY SOLD IT TO ME FOR OVER $15,000. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Parking brake, Air bags, Mar 7, 2006, crash
ON JANUARY 7, 2006 AT ABOUT 2:30 A.M. MY DAUGHTER, [XXX] DROVE BACK HOME TO SAN MATEO FROM SANTA CRUZ IN A TOYOTA COROLLA LE OF 2003 WITH A[XXX] AND [XXX]. AS SHE DROVE ON HIGHWAY 17 NEAR SAN JOSE SHE TRIED TO STEP ON THE FOOT BRAKE TO MAINTAIN SAFETY CONTROL AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 35 MILES PER HOUR WHILE GOING DOWN THE WINDING SLOPE. HOWEVER THE CAR SEEMED TO HAVE NO BRAKE AND STARTED SPINNING WITH THE LEFT SIDE OF THE FRONT FIRST HIT THE CENTRAL CONCRETE DIVIDER THEN THE TAIL ALSO HIT THE DIVIDER AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED. NO THIRD PARTY WAS INJURED AND NO PROPERTY WAS DAMAGED WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT MY DAUGHTER GOT SOME BRUISES ON HER LEFT THIGH AND THE CAR ENDED UP WITH A TOTAL LOSS. MY DAUGHTER THEN UNBUCKLED HERSELF FROM THE CAR SEAT AND CALLED THE POLICE WITH HER CELL PHONE THROUGH WHICH SHE WAS ADVISED TO CALL A TOW TRUCK. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AT THE SCENE THE DRIVER SAID TO MY DAUGHTER THAT THE CAR GOT NO BRAKE AND HE HAD TO PUT ADDITIONAL CHAINS AND STOPPERS TO SECURE THE CAR WHILE TOWING. SURPRISINGLY NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR WAS DEPLOYED IN THE ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO MY RECORDS, THE CAR WAS FULLY SERVICED BY THE DEALER, TOYOTA 101 IN REDWOOD CITY JUST A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND AS RECENT AS A WEEK AGO THAT I HAD THE CAR'S ENGINE BELT CHANGED ALSO BY TOYOTA 101 BEFORE THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING I SUSPECT THAT THERE MUST BE SOME DEFECT IN THE CAR SAFETY SYSTEM INCLUDING THE AIRBAGS AND FOOT BRAKE. I AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTER TRIED TO CONTACT THE MANAGER OF TOYOTA 101 BY PHONE FOR NUMEROUS TIMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. I SINCERELY HOPE THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT CAN HELP AND BRING THIS MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF TOYOTA 101 WHO SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH AN INCIDENT DUE TO THE DEFECT. *JB UPDATED 07/17/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Air, Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2004
ENGINE REPLACED AT 55874 MLS DEALERSHIP SAID "VEHICLE WAS NOT MANTAINED". EVEN THOUGH OIL WAS CHANGED EVERY 55 TO 7500 MLS. 3 WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON HWY CAR SUDDENLY STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, WHEN I TRIED TO SLOW IT DOWN THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. AFTER ABOUT 5 MILES & 3 NEAR COLLISIONS I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF HWY AND PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. THE BRAKES WERE STILL LOCKED UP AND THE ENGINE WAS STILL ACCELERATING, CAR WOULD NOT STOP! I THEN THREW CAR IN PARK AND CUT ENGINE OFF IN ORDER TO AVOID INJURING SOMEONE ELSE OR MYSELF . SMOKE POURED FROM UNDER HOOD. HAD TOWED TO DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE SAID THEIR WAS NOTHING WRONG! 2ND INCIDENT 3 DAYS AFTER GETTING CAR BACK TOOK TO DEALER AGAIN AND THEY ONCE AGAIN SAID COULD NOT DUPLICATE AND THAT THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM!THIS CAR ALMOST KILLED ME AND IS VERY DANGEROUS!!!!*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 1, 2004, crash
BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED SINCE THE BRAKES FAILED ONCE BEFORE, CAUSING A REAR END COLLISION.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 30, 2004
MY BRAKES SEAMED TO BE FAILING BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. TOOK TO DEALER JUNE 2003 SAID NO PROBLEM KEEP HEARING SQUEAKING NOISE IN BACK. NOW BRAKES GRINDING, HAS 22500 MILES 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE HAD FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED 09-30-2003 STILL HEARING SQUEAKING NOISE IN BACK . SAID NO PROBLEM WITH BACK BRAKE S,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. HAD CHECKED EARLY 2003, SAID NO PROBLEM. SEEMS TO HAVE PROBLEM WITH STEERING WHEEL MAKING STRANGE NOISE WHEN TURNING. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 21, 2004
INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE LUNGED OR ACCELERATED UPON FINAL PARKING WITH FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR AND ON BRAKE. THE VEHICLE JUMPED OVER A COUPLE FEET. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *AK THE BRAKES FAILED TO HOLD. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT OVER THE PAST YEAR SHE EXPERIENCED ENGINE SURGES AND THE VEHICLE LUNGING FORWARD UPON BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY ADMITTED THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMER WAS TOLD SHE HAD A DESIGN FLAW IN HER VEHICLE WHERE THE BRAKE AND THE ACCELERATOR WERE DESIGNED TOO CLOSE. *TC *JB
Service brakes, Air, Aug 26, 2004, crash
BRAKE FAILURE ! TRAVELIN APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL. TAP BRAKE TO RELEASE CRUISE. BEGIN COASTING. APPROACHING 4 WAY RED FLASHER. BEGIN BRAKING. NOTICE NOT SLOWING DOWN AS USUAL. BEGIN BRAKING HARDER. REALIZE NOT SLOWING DOWN. ATTEMPT TO STEER THROUGH INTERSECTION, BUT HIT TRAILER OF CROSSING VEHICLE.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 27, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THERE IS A DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL STOP. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. ON DECEMBER 2003 CONSUMER HAD A ACCIDENT BRAKE TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER.*AK