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: vehicle speed control
81 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2021
My car is accelerating when my foot is off of the pedal and when in park, it is revving like I am pressing down on the gas pedal. I put it in reverse to test it to make sure I was experiencing what I just thought had happened. As soon as I put the gear in reverse, and released my foot from the break, the car spead down my driveway. I breaked, put gear in drive, and when I released my foot from the break pedal, again it sped up almost crashing into my house. When I put the car in park, the engine became louder as if I was pressing down on the gas pedal. I checked the pedals below. The rug or nothing else was near the pedal, as can happen at times. This morning I tested it out again on my way to work. It was a repeat of yesterday. The car is speeding up without me putting my foot on the drive pedal, by me simply lifting my foot of of the break. And when I park, it gets loud as if I am pressing on the gas pedal. This is very dangerous and I am afraid to drive my car until I can get it to a mechanic.
Suspension, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Jul 2, 2020, crash
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE STREET WHEN I GOT HIT BY A CAR TRAVELING OPPOSITE DIRECTION, PERSON HIT NE ON A GREEN LIGHT BUT BESUDES THAT MY SYSPENSION BRAKES AND TIRES NOT SITTING RIGHT, I ALSO I HEAR CHAINS THE CAR DOESNT DRIVE STRAIGHT AND CAR SEEMS LOPSIDED WHEN DRIVEN AND BREAKS SQUEEL
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.
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, Nov 26, 2015
MY 2003 TOYOTA CORROLA (ODOMETER READING APPROX. 230,000 MILES) NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM TILL THIS YEAR AROUND MARCH WHEN MY WIFE NOTICED THAT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELARATED AND SHE COULDN'T REDUCE THE SPEED BY BRAKING. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, AND THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY SUDDNELY AS IT CAME. THIS THING HAPPENED TWICE AFTERWARDS THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO SEARS AUTO CENTER, NATICK, MA AND THEY CLEANED A DIRTY THROTTLE. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY TILL THREE DAYS AGO THE PROBLEM CAME BACK. I WAS DRIVING THIS TIME IN BROAD DAYLIGHT WITH MEDIUM TRAFFIC. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ACCELARATING AND I COULDN'T REDUCE ACCELARATION BY BRAKING. I CLEARED THE FLOOR MAT AREA IN CASE THERE WAS ANY BLOCKAGE. BUT THERE WAS NONE, AND THE CAR KEPT ON ACCELARATING. IT SCARED THE WITS OUT OF ME, AND I HAD TO STOP THE CAR BY MOVING THE GEAR TO 'PARK'. I INTEND TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO SEARS AUTO. BUT, IT MAY BE A CHRONIC PROBLEM OF 'SUDDEN ACCELARATION AND FAILURE TO BRAKE' WITH MANY TOYOTA AUTOMOBILES.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED QUICKLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 183,500.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Mar 31, 2015
CAMELBACK TOYOTA TOOK CARE OF A RECALL ON THE WIRING HARNESS AND SINCE THAT DATE I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS - LOST MY KEYLESS ENTRY, LOST MY SPEEDOMETER, LOST MY HORN. D & B AUTO FOUND SOME PROBLEMS AT THE TUNE OF $428.70 (GOT MY HORN, SPEEDOMETER AND KEYLESS ENTRY WORKING AGAIN - THIS WAS 8/12/13). THEN APPROXIMATELY SEPTEMBER OR OCTOBER, MY CAR WOULD START LURCHING AND FELT LIKE IT WENT INTO NEUTRAL AND I WOULD LOOSE MY SPEEDOMETER - NO ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ONE - WE TRIED SEVERAL TIME TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG - D & B AUTO CHECKED OUT MY SPEED SENSORS AND FOUND THEM TO BE OKAY AND SUGGESTED IT WAS MY INSTRUMENT PANEL AND TOLD ME TO CALL DICK'S SPEED-0-TECH - I DID AND WAS INFORMED THAT IT COULD NOT BE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ON A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA - SUGGESTED I CALL SAM'S COMPU -TECH - I DID AND HE SAID HE COULD NOT HELP ME UNTIL AN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. IN THE MEANTIME I FOUND [XXX] THE TECH AND HE FOUND THE ECD CONNECTOR (E8) NOT FULLY SEATED (LOCKED) - NOT THIS IS AFTER THE RECALL BY CAMELBACK TOYOTA AND THEN I STILL HAD THE PROBLEMS OF THE CAR LURCHING, GOING INTO NEUTRAL AND LOOSING MY SPEEDOMETER SO [XXX] THE TECH CAME BACK AND WE SPEND APPROXIMATELY 8 HOURS CHECKING OUT THE INSTRUMENT CHANNEL AND GUESS WHAT WE FOUND (DONE BY CAMELBACK TOYOTA) - FIRST HE LOOKED AT THE WIRING UNDER MY DASH AND SAID "THIS IS NOT FACTORY" AND THEN WE FOUND 6 ZIP TIES HOLDING THE WIRES GOING INTO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BOX AND AGAIN HE STATED THIS IS NOT FACTORY. WE FOUND THE WIRES WOULD NOT STAY IN THE BOX BECAUSE IT HAD OBVIOUSLY BEEN TWISTED - SO WE FIXED THEM AND THE CAR HAS BEEN OKAY SINCE - THIS WAS 10-20-14. NOW YOU ARE TELLING ME I HAVE ANOTHER RECALL ON THIS - I CANNOT GO THROUGH ALL THIS CRAP AGAIN SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 7, 2015
I EXPERIENCED A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL IN MY 2003 COROLLA.I TRIED TO KICK THE PEDAL LOOSE AND COULD NOT.I ENDED UP GRABBING THE KEY AND SHUTTING THE ENGINE DOWN TO AVOID LOSING CONTROL ON THE SNOW COVERED ROAD AND HITTING TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF ME.I LATER DETERMINED THAT THE THROTTLE LINKAGE HAD LOST NORMAL FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IN THE COLD WEATHER,EVEN THOUGH I HAD CLEANED THE INSIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY SOME MONTHS EARLIER.I BELIEVE MOST PEOPLE WOULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT IN MY SITUATION.THE ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME FROM AN ACCIDENT WAS MY MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE OF CARS ENABLING ME TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 7, 2015, crash
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO TEN VEHICLES AND INTO A CONCRETE WALL WHERE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK INCLUDING NUMEROUS HEMATOMAS ON THE WAIST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. DJR
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
Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE REVERSING AT 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE REVERSING AT 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Apr 25, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AS WELL AS THE FOUR PASSENGERS WAS INJURED. THE INJURY DETAILS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STARTING THE IGNITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 3V133000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER THE REMEDY PART REMAINED UNAVAILABLE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,641.
Vehicle speed control, May 10, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT'S RIGHT FOOT WAS PARTIALLY SEVERED AND THE CONTACT'S LEFT FOOT WAS FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 16, 2011
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION OF A TOYOTA COROLLA AUTOMOBILE DOT/I#2011-2068. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, WHEN THE SIGN AHEAD INDICATED TO REDUCE SPEED AHEAD. THE CONSUMER REDUCED HER SPEED TO THE POSTED LIMIT BY PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE. AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED AND A LOUD NOISE WAS PRESENT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CONTINUED TO PRESS HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND SHE COULD FEEL THE ABS ACTIVATING. THE ABS SOUNDED LIKE A HIGH PITCHED NOISE AND PULSATING VERY FAST. THE CONSUMER FINALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, BEFORE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS EMITTING A LOUD ROARING SOUND. THE CONSUMER SHIFTED THE GEAR FROM DRIVE 1 TO DRIVE 2 AND THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED. SHE TRIED TO SHIFT TO PARK, BUT AS SHE GOT TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE TRIED TO BUCK, SO SHE PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED HER CRUISE CONTROL WA ACTIVATED AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL. *JB UPDATED 11/10/11 *BF UPDATED 11/16/11
Vehicle speed control, Jul 19, 2011
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE ACCELERATING. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT, WHEN THE SIGN AHEAD INDICATED TO REDUCE SPEED AHEAD. THE CONSUMER REDUCED HER SPEED TO THE POSTED LIMIT BY PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE. AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED AND A LOUD NOISE WAS PRESENT. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE CONTINUED TO PRESS HARDER ON THE BRAKE AND SHE COULD FEEL THE ABS ACTIVATING. THE ABS SOUNDED LIKE A HIGH PITCHED NOISE AND PULSATING VERY FAST. THE CONSUMER FINALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, BEFORE GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WAS EMITTING A LOUD ROARING SOUND. THE CONSUMER SHIFTED THE GEAR FROM DRIVE 1 TO DRIVE 2 AND THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED. SHE TRIED TO SHIFT TO PARK, BUT AS SHE GOT TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE TRIED TO BUCK, SO SHE PUT THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 08/10/11. *JB THE DEALERSHIP MAINTAINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT AND DRIVER ERROR. UPDATED 08/23/11.*JB UPDATED 09/29/11.*JB UPATED 10/11/11. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 12, 2011
I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA S MANUAL THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 9 YEARS HAS ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. I STARTED THE CAR AND PUT IT IN THE FIRST GEAR AND IT DROVE NORMALLY, BUT WHEN PUSHED ON THE CLUTCH SWITCHING TO THE SECOND GEAR THE RPM WENT UP HIGH ABOVE 4000. I MADE SURE THAT I WASN'T PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. I CHECKED IF THE FLOOR MAT WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE ACCELERATOR BUT IT WASN'T. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND TRIED TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BUT THE RPM WAS GOING VERY HIGH AND MORE THAN NORMAL . SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THE RPM WENT BACK TO NORMAL . NOTICING THAT THIS IS THE ONLY TIME HAS HAPPENED I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM TOYOTA ABOUT THE PROBLEM NOT ASKING FOR ANYTHING AT THIS MOMENT BUT IF I THE ISSUE IS STILL PERSISTING THEY MIGHT HAVE TO LOOK CLOSELY TO THE ISSUE. BECAUSE MY CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I HAVE MORE CONTROL ON THE CAR THAN AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION( OPTION ON PUSHING ON THE CLUTCH) AND DISENGAGE THE ENGINE FROM THE TRANSMISSION FASTER, I HAVE LESS RISK IN BEING INVOLVED IN AND ACCIDENT UNLESS I NEED TO SUDDENLY STOP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Nov 25, 2010, crash
ON NOVEMBER 16, 2010, WHILE TRYING TO PARK MY TOYOTA COROLLA 2003, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNINTENTIONALLY CRASHING INTO A FENCE CONTINUED BY CRASHING INTO SOME WOODEN PALLETS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. MY DAUGHTER A FEW WEEKS BEFORE NOTICED THAT THE CAR WILL STAY ACCELERATED TO A MINIMUM OF 1800RPM. THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT ACTIVATED AND I DID NOT RECEIVED MAJOR INJURY. MY NECK WAS HURTING FOR A WHILE. I WAS LUCKY BECAUSE THERE WERE TWO PROPANE TANKS FOLLOWING THE FENCE. MY SON NOTIFIED TOYOTA IN PUERTO RICO AND FILED A COMPLAINT #CR12287. HE WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS BECAUSE IT DID NOT HAVE AN ELECTRONIC FUEL CONTROL UNIT AND THAT THE GAS IN MY CAR OPERATED BY A CABLE. THE AUTO SHOP MECHANICS THAT REPAIRED ALL THE FRONT DAMAGE OF THE CAR NOTICED THE CAR ACCELERATOR TOO HIGH. ON NOVEMBER 24, 2010 THE CAR WAS PICKED UP BY MY SON AND WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA FOR INSPECTION. THE TOYOTA EMPLOYEE TRIED TO CONVINCE MY SON TO SIGN AN AUTHORIZATION TO ACCESS ALL THE DATA IN THE CAR COMPUTER MEMORY BUT WILL NOT PROVIDE A COPY OF THE DATA TO THE CUSTOMER. MY SON REFUSED TO SIGN THE RELEASE FORM. WAITING FOR THE RESULTS OF THE INSPECTION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2010
SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. JUST RETURNED FROM FIRST ROAD TRIP WITH THIS CAR, FROM OREGON TO COLORADO, AND CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT HAPPENED 5 TIMES - 3 OF THE TIMES WHILE THE CAR WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. IN PARTICULAR - WHILE GOING UP HILL -- THE CAR PICKS UP SPEED TO GET OVER THE HILL BUT AFTER REACHING THE TOP, CAR FAILS TO SLOW DOWN AND ONLY AFTER HITTING BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES WOULD THE ACCELERATION STOP AND CAR WOULD BEGIN TO SLOW. IN ONE INSTANCE, I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR OFF THE FREEWAY AND ONTO AN UPHILL ON-RAMP TO GET IT TO SLOW AND BRAKES FINALLY WORKED AT TOP OF HILL. I COULD ACTUALLY FEEL THE GAS PEDAL PUSHING DOWN ON ITS OWN - WITHOUT MY FOOT APPLYING PRESSURE. THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES IT HAPPENED, I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS GOING DOWN HILL AND WAS JUST NATURALLY PICKING UP SPEED. IT WAS ONLY AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN CRUISE CONTROL THAT I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WAS THE CAR, NOT THE ENVIRONMENT. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE CAR WENT FROM 52 TO 83, THE SECOND INCIDENT - 57 TO 90, THE 3RD INCIDENT - 65 TO 88, THE 4TH INSTANCE 75 TO 84 AND THE SCARIEST INCIDENT OF ALL - THE CAR WENT FROM 70 TO 105 MPH!! I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND THE ONLY THING THAT SLOWED THE CAR DOWN (BESIDES MY CONTINUAL BRAKING) WAS THAT I STARTED CLIMBING A LARGE HILL. ONE OF THE INCIDENTS WAS WITNESSED BY A WYOMING HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER - OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AND MANY MILES TO A TOWN - WHO THOUGHTFULLY GAVE ME DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS HOW TO GET THE CAR TO STOP SAFELY (TURN ON YOUR EMERGENCY FLASHERS, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY EVEN PRESSURE TO BRAKES - PUTTING CAR IN NEUTRAL GIVES MORE POWER TO BRAKES). THIS CAR HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD NEVER BEEN ON A LONG TRIP BEFORE AND VERY RARELY ON A FREEWAY. I HAD NEVER USED THE CRUISE CONTROL BEFORE AND WILL NOT BE USING IT AGAIN. TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADD THE 2003 COROLLA TO THE RECALL AS IT OBVIOUSLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE 2005 - 2010. TOYOTA WILL BE HEARING FROM ME TOMORROW. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 20, 2010, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE CINDER BLOCK WALL, KNOCKING A HOLE INTO THE CINDER BLOCK. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IS ALSO CAUSED A PORTION OF THE CINDER BLOCK TO SHOOT THROUGH A NEIGHBORING WOOD FENCE, FRACTURING THE FENCE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT END. THE CONTACT WAS UNINJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 11, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON CRUISE CONTROL ON A HIGHWAY (APPROX. 60MPH) IN MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA S. SUDDENLY, IT STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND STARTED SWERVING. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO COUNTER-STEER BUT LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR AND CRASHED FRONT-END INTO THE GUARD RAIL, THEN THE CAR STARTED SPINNING AND I BELIEVE IT MUST HAVE HIT THE GUARD-RAIL FURTHER DOWN. THE FRONT IS DEMOLISHED, THE DRIVER SIDE WAS BENT IN SO COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR FULLY, THE BACK BUMPER WAS GONE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS HEAVILY SCRATCHED. THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jul 10, 2010
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A MALL PARKING LOT AT A LOT SPEED, THE ENGINE ACCELERATED WITHOUT USING THE GAS PEDAL. THIS OCCURRED TWICE WITHIN A SPAN OF 30 MINUTES. I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE FOOT BRAKE, EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK WITHOUT INCIDENT. THEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF. I THEN STARTED THE CAR AFTER SHUTTING IT DOWN AND THE CAR RAN NORMALLY. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 4, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE SLOWING DOWN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT; THE ENGINE RESET ITSELF. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE MATS WERE PROBABLY THE CAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT PULLED THE MATS AWAY FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE FAILURE HAD NOT OCCURRED SINCE. SHE ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURER IN JANUARY 2010 AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. UPDATED 09/21/10. *LJ UPDATED 09/23/10*JB