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: structure
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jun 30, 2023
I was driving as usual and suddenly the air bags exploded inside the dash causing damage to the passenger window and the front crystal. Seconds after the drivers airbag also opened and consequently the alarms. I did not impact anything and the car won’t start again.
Structure, Engine, Jan 10, 2022
I barely bought the car and I looked at the odometer and it’s at 126,000 and I serched and it has more then 300,000 i need help
Exterior lighting, Structure, Engine, Feb 11, 2021, crash
I AM WRITING WITH CONCERN TO SEE IF THE RECALL ON MY DAUGHTERS 2003 TOYOTA AIR BAG ISSUE WAS TRULY FIXED, SHE WAS INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHERE ACCORDING TO EVERYONE'S OPINION THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE WENT OFF HOWEVER THEY DID NOT. IS THERE ANY WAY TO SEE IF THE RECALL WORK WAS ACTUALLY DONE BY THE COMPANY WHO STATES THEY DID THE REPAIR ??
Electrical system, Structure, Nov 14, 2020
I'VE TRIED TO REPORT BOTH ITEMS TO TYSONS TOYOTA IN THE PAST. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAS "EXPLODED" IN, ONCE WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. I'M ON MY THIRD WINDOW AND IT RATTLES WHEN THE WINDOW IS PARTIALLY OPEN. I FEAR ANOTHER EXPLOSION. SECOND, THE PAINT ON THIS BLUE CAR HAS RUSTED AND PEELED ON THE ROOF AND TRUNK. WHEN I GOOGLED THE YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, AND COLOR, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF 2003-04 CARS EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEFECT. DESPITE BEING AN OLDER CAR, THERE ARE MANY STILL ON THE ROAD. TOYOTA CLAIMS THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. HOWEVER, WITH SO MANY OCCURANCES, ONE WOULD THINK TOYOTA WOULD LOOK INTO THE QUALITY OF BLUE PAINT USED. IT WOULD COST OVER $900 JUST TO HAVE THE ROOF AND TRUNK REPAIRED AND REPAINTED. THE SIDE BACK PANELS ARE NOW BEGINNING TO RUST. I SAW WHERE SEQUOIA WHITE SUVS WERE AFFORDED FREE REPAINTING BECAUSE OF A SIMILAR ISSUE. (IF SOMEONE CAN AFFORD A SEQUOIA, THEY COULD PROBABLY AFFORD TO GET THEIR CARS REPAINTED!)
Structure, Mar 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V883000 (AIR BAGS), THE FUEL TANK COVER AND TRUNK COULD NOT BE OPENED. THE CONTACT CALLED AUTONATION TOYOTA MALL OF GEORGIA AT 770-674-6083 (LOCATED AT 3505 BUFORD DR, BUFORD, GA 30519) WHERE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED AND LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE. THE DEALER HAD NOT CALLED BACK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,162.
Structure, Feb 14, 2019
CAR IS ROTTEN IN THE SPARE TIRE AREA, THOUGHT MINE WAS THE ONLY ONE BUT SEEN A LOT OF CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FLORIDA AREA
Air bags, Structure, Feb 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ON FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS. THE DEALER AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY THE PAINT OF THE CAR IS PEELING. *TR
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Mar 27, 2017, crash
GOT INTO WHAT COULD'VE BEEN A MINOR ACCIDENT, BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALED, HOWEVER, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT EVEN DEPLOY. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, THE SEATBELT WOULD LOCK AT RANDOM TIMES, WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WAS MAKING A U-TURN ON A STATE ROAD. ONCE HIT, THE ENTIRE TIRE WENT UNDER THE CAR AND THE ENTIRE FRONT CAME OFF, WHICH WAS WHY I WAS SURPRISED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF.
Structure, Apr 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLUNKING TYPE NOISE NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,039. UPDATED 05/24/16*LJ *TR
Structure, Jun 17, 2015
MANY YEARS AGO I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT OF MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE FIX BY TOYOTA WAS TO INSTALL FLOOR ANCHORS TO HOLD THE FLOOR MAT IN A STABLE POSITION SO IT COULD NOT SLIDE AROUND. THE FIX WORKED FOR A FEW YEARS, THEN THE ANCHORS BROKE. I PAID TOYOTA FOR NEW ANCHORS WHICH AGAIN FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME. RECENTLY, THE ANCHORS AGAIN FAILED AND I WILL AGAIN NEED NEW ANCHORS TO STABILIZE THE FLOOR MAT. I THINK TOYOTA SHOULD COME UP WITH A MORE PERMANENT FIX FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. UPDATED 7/20/15*CN UPDATED 11/13/15 *JS
Air bags, Structure, May 31, 2015, crash
A VEHICLE WAS STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF STREET WITHOUT RUNNING OR LIGHTS ON. OUR VEHICLE HIT PARKED VEHICLE IN REAR AND SMASHED FRONT IN SO NOT DRIVABLE BUT AIRBAGS DID NOT EMPLOY AT IMPACT. POLICE OFFICER VERIFIED THE DRIVER SIDE AT LEAST SHOULD HAVE EMPLOYED UPON IMPACT. DRIVER IS SORE AND BRUISED BUT NOT NEEDING MEDICAL TREATMENT TO OUR KNOWLEDGE (AT THIS POINT) THERE ARE TWO RECALLS REGARDING MISFUNCTIONING AIRBAGS ON OUR VEHICLE BUT THE REMEDY IS NOT YET AVAILABLE :-(
Structure, Jul 18, 2013
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PAINT FINISH ON HOOD IS DAMAGED WITH RUST. *SMD
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Nov 2, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT RODENTS HAD CHEWED THROUGH THE FUEL TANK LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK LINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,097. UPDATED 03/08/11 *BF UPDATED 11/22/11 *CN
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 14, 2010
CHROME ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES IS COMING OFF CREATING A CUT HAZARD. *TR
Structure, May 7, 2010
THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES OF THE 2003 COROLLA S HAVE CHROME PLATING THAT PEELS WITH NORMAL USE. THE PEELING CHROME IS SHARP AND HAS CAUSED LACERATION INJURY TO THOSE USING THE HANDLES. THE HANDLES NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH REQUIRES TAKING THE DOOR APART. MY REAR DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED IN 2006 AT MY EXPENSE AND NOW BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES NEED REPLACING IMMEDIATELY SO AS TO AVOID FURTHER INJURY. THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT NEED TO PAY. *TR
Structure, May 21, 2008
THE METAL ON THE DOOR HANDLES STARTED PEELING OFF. IT IS VERY SHARP AND WILL SLICE OPEN SKIN IF NOT CAREFUL. FRONT TWO DOORS WERE REPLACED BECAUSE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NOW BACK DOORS ARE STARTING TO PEEL AND ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE PLASTIC UNDERNEATH IS VERY UGLY AND CHEAP LOOKING...SO HAVE TO PAY TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 17, 2007
I OWN AN '03 TOYOTA COROLLA WHICH I PURCHASED NEW. AT THE 45,000 MILE MARK MY REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING AT 20MPH ON A NEWLY PAVED CITY STREET - THERE WERE NO POTHOLES OR OBSTRUCTIONS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ATTRIBUTED THE FAILURE TO BE "CLIMATE BUT NO EXCUSES." THE REAR SUSPENSION HAD "ROTTED" (RUSTED) OUT. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THIS WAS NOT ALL COMMON. I JUST SPOKE TO A TOYOTA MECHANIC WITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE - HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM BUT SAID IT WAS POSSIBLE. HE ALSO QUESTIONED WHETHER THE UNDERBODY HAD BEEN PROPERLY TREATED ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE. HE WOULD NOT EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN IN SUCH A YOUNG CAR - MORE LIKELY WITH A 10 YEAR OLD CAR. I DID NOT GET TO VISUALLY SEE THE BROKEN, ROTTED PARTS. TOYOTA REPAIRED THE PROBLEM AT MY EXPENSE - $604 - AND THEY RECENTLY OFFERED ME A SETTLEMENT FOR $301. THE PARTS REPLACED WERE THE REAR STRUTS AND SPRINGS. THIS ISSUE ALSO RAISES CONCERN FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION. *TR
Structure, Oct 21, 2007
BACK HATCH UNLOCKED AND FLEW OPEN ON HIGHWAY WHILE I HAD CUSTOMERS IN MY 4 RUNNER. PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHUT...WOULD NOT SHUT. HAVING TO DRIVE NOW WITH BACK TAILGATE TIED SHUT. EXHAUST COMES IN THROUGH BACK OF VEHICLE. HAVING REPAIRED ON 10/24 FOR A COST OF OVER $400! *TR
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
Structure, Jul 31, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC FOOTREST ON THE FLOORBOARD FRACTURED OFF. THERE WAS NO INDICATION PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE PLASTIC FOOTREST WENT BEHIND THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH DISABLED THE VEHICLE FROM BRAKING UNTIL THE PART COULD BE REMOVED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER.*AK
Structure, Sep 15, 2005
I PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA ON MAY 2003. DURING MAY - JUNE 2005 I NOTICED SEVERAL AIR BUBBLES (1.5" DIAMETER) ON THREE DOOR PANELS SKIN FROM INSIDE. THE WARRANTY ON THE CAR EXPIRED JUST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE PROBLEM WAS NOTICED - ON MAY 11 2004 THE CAR HAD ONLY 33000 + MILES. I CONTACTED AND SHOWED THE CAR TO BRIAN MURRAY. HE PROMISED THAT HE WILL TALK TO TOYOTA AND CALL ME BACK. HE NEVER CALLED BACK, SO I CALLED HIM AFTER ONE WEEK, HE PROMISED THE SAME THING AND NEVER CALLED BACK. I THREATENED THE DEALERSHIP OF GOING ON THE INTERNET WITH THE ISSUE. SERVICE MANAGER - CHRIS BROWN - WROTE ON 29TH AND MENTIONED THAT BRIAN CALLED MY CELL PHONE AND LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES (WHICH IS A FLAT OUT A LIE, I CAN PROVE THAT NO ONE CALLED FROM THE DEALERSHIP THROUGH MY CELL PHONE USAGE RECORDS) AND ASKED ME TO COME BACK TO SHOW THE CAR ONCE AGAIN. I REQUESTED HIM TO TALK TO BRIAN AS HE IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AS THAT WOULD SAVE TIME FOR ALL INVOLVED. UNTIL THIS DATE HE HAS NEITHER CALLED NOR REPLIED TO ANY OF MY SUBSEQUENT EMAILS. I BELIEVE THAT AS THE AIR BUBBLES APPEARED JUST IN THREE YEARS TIME WITH ONLY 33000 + MILES ON CAR IT IS A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND COMPANY / DEALERSHIP SHOULD HELP CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. I ALSO FEEL THAT AS A LOYAL CUSTOMER FOR OVER THREE YEARS, I WAS ILL TREATED: NO RESPONSE, LIES THAT THEY CALLED WHEN THEY DID NOT, AND NO RESPONSE TO MY REPEATED EMAILS. SEE MY RECENT EMAIL TO THEM - MON, 12 SEP 2005 10:54:37 -0700 (PDT) FROM: "SUDHAKAR LAHADE" ADD TO ADDRESS BOOK TO: "BROWN, CHRIS" , BMURRAY@GROUP1ATLANTA.COM MR. CHRIS BROWN, IT HAS BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE YOUR LAST EMAIL AND MORE THAN THREE WEEKS SINCE I WROTE THE FIRST TIME, MORE THAN 50 DAYS SINCE I SHOWED MY CAR AT YOUR DEALERSHIP, AND I AM STILL WHERE I WAS ON THE ISSUE. IN YOUR LAST EMAIL (THE ONLY) YOU MENTIONED "I LOOK FORWARD TO RESOLVING THIS ISSUE FOR YOU" AND I BELIEVED YOU MEANT IT. I HOPE YOU REALIZE THE FRUSTRATIONS!*JB
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Dec 22, 2004
ROTTEN EGG SMELL AND MANY STRUCTURAL DEFECTS IN THIS CAR. *JB
Structure, Oct 31, 2004
PAINT BUBBLED AND PEELING ALL OVER CAR. *JB
Structure, Sep 11, 2004
ON SEPT. 10TH, 2004 MY SON TRIED CLOSING MY TRUNK ON MY COROLLA LE AND THE PLASTIC MECHANISM BROKE AND PREVENTED THE TRUNK LID FROM LOCKING. HE REPORTS THAT HE DID NO MORE THAN TO TRY TO CLOSE THE TRUNK AFTER OPENING IT. THIS SEEMS LIKE ONE OF THOSE INCIDENTS WHERE THERE IS A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM AND MOST OWNERS FEEL THEY ARE THE CULPRET OF ITS' MALFUNCTION. I HAD ONE OF THOSE COROLLA'S THAT HAD A FAULTY CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE TOYOTA AGENCY AFTER 1 1/2 YEARS REPLACED IT FREE AFTER SMELLING LIKE ROTTEN EGGS FOR THAT LENGTH OF TIME. I WAS TOLD ORIGINALLY BY THE SERVICE DEPT., IT WAS THE GAS I PUT INTO IT, OR THAT IT WOULD TKAE LONGER THEN NORMAL FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO BREAK IN. FINALLY, IT WAS REPLACED BECAUSE OF SO MANY REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS BY OTHERS WHO SUFFERED FROM THE SAME SMELL. I WONDER IF THIS IS THE SAME ABOUT THE TRUNK LID MECHANISM?*AK
Structure, Jul 21, 2004
I HAVE PURCHASED THE NEW COROLLA 2003 ON AUGUST 2002,ONLY SEVEN MILES AT THE DELIVERY TIME. AND I HAVE FOUND WATER INSIDE THE CAR (WET RIGHT REAR CARPET) AFTER THE HEAVY RAIN TWICE. THE FIRST TIME HAD HAPPEN ON JUNE 2003, THE FAWLER SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD REPLACED BODY SEAL AND DOOR SEAL. THE SECOND TIME ON JUNE, 28TH 2004, THE JOHN EAGLE SPORT CITY SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD FOUND THAT WATER WAS LEAKED INSIDE THE CAR THROUGH THE SEAL OF REAR WINDOW. IT IS NOT RIGHT BECAUSE WITH IN TWO YEARS AND AT THE 24000 MILES THE SEALS NEED TO BE REPLACE AT SEVERAL PARTS. IS IT THE DEFECTED PARTS OR CARS BECAUSE THE BODY OF THE COROLLA HAD JUST REDESIGN FOR THIS MODEL. *LA