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, Nov 25, 2009
WAS DRIVING MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LAST NIGHT AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR JUST STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN - IT DID IT 2 OR 3 TIMES WHEN I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 18, 2009
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND MY CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SPEED THAT I HAD SET. I DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THAT DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. NEXT, I TRIED BRAKING, WHICH SLOWED THE CAR DOWN A LITTLE, THOUGH I NEEDED TO USE AN UNUSUALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN. ONCE I RELEASED THE BRAKE, THE CAR BEGAN TO SPEED UP AGAIN. I MADE REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE BUT, EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP. AT THIS POINT, I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED (I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE MAXIMUM RPM WAS, BUT I KNOW IT WAS WELL ABOVE NORMAL DRIVING RPM). I PULLED OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I TRIED TURNING THE IGNITION ON (MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL) BUT THE ENGINE REVVED UP SO I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF. OVER THE NEXT 30 MINUTES, I TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON A FEW MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULT. AFTER I HAD BEEN WAITING FOR 1-1.5 HOURS, A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY; SOMEHOW THE PROBLEM HAD RESOLVED ITSELF SO WE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2009
I WAS DRIVING ALONG A RESIDENTIAL STREET (35 MPH) AND I WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, I BEGAN ACCELERATING UPHILL. ONCE I REACHED MY DESIRED SPEED OF 35 MPH, I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED (I WAS STILL TRAVELING UPHILL). I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP, ALTHOUGH MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR; BASED ON THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE, I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT IT SURPASSED 4000 RPM. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND 15 MINUTES LATER I TURNED THE CAR ON ONLY TO MEET WITH THE SAME RESULTS. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED, HE NOTICED THAT THE THROTTLE VALVE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. HE CLOSED THE THROTTLE AND THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM. A FEW DAYS LATER, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A KINK IN THE THROTTLE CABLE THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED IT TO GET STUCK. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REPEATABLE AND, THEREFORE, DID NOT REPLACE THE CABLE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 6.5 YEARS AND THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED TWICE (THE OTHER TIME WAS IN EARLY 2008 AND OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY). IN LIGHT OF RECENT MEDIA REPORTS ON ACCELERATION PROBLEMS IN TOYOTAS, I MUST NOTE THAT I HAVE THE ORIGINAL FLOOR MATS AND THAT THEY ARE, AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, PROPERLY SECURED IN PLACE. I DID NOT NOTICE WHETHER OR NOT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK, BUT I WAS ONLY TRAVELING 35 MPH, SO THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT DEPRESSED ENOUGH TO GET CAUGHT UNDER THE FLOOR MAT. THE PARTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE SINCE I DID NOT REPLACE THE CABLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 6, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, HER VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MPH. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE CRASHED INTO A DUMP TRUCK, AND THEN INTO A POLE. TWO OCCUPANTS RECEIVE MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. . HE HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP OR THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. AFTER PROCEEDING FROM A STOP LIGHT AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH. EVEN AFTER BRAKE APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SHE THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT HER MODEL TYPE DOES NOT HAVE A DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT BETWEEN 2 TO 10 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED PAST THE LIGHT WITHOUT INTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 13, 2006
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE REVVED UP WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. *KB THE CONSUMER HAD TO APPLY A GOOD AMOUNT OF PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL AND EVENTUALLY, HE SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE CAME TO A SAFE STOP AND THE VERY FAST IDLE WHICH MAY HAVE LASTED FOR 10 SECONDS HAD RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE WHAT THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED. *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, May 1, 2006, crash
ON APRIL 27, 2006 MY DAD STARTED THE ENGINE TO GO TO CHURCH AND THE CAR ACCELERATED IN PARKING POSITION. CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND STARTED AGAIN, ONCE STARTED IT DROVE FINE. THE SAME DAY WHEN MY DAD WAS COMING FROM CHURCH HE STARTED THE CAR AND WHEN HE PUT IT IN DRIVE THE CAR ACCELERATED ITSELF AND ITT BOLTED OUT AND WENT OVER A PILE OF SAND THAT WAS ON THE SIDE ON THE ROAD. THE CAR FLIPPED AND STOPPED AGAINST THE FENCE OF A HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY DAD WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. HE WAS LUCKY TO HAVE HIS SEAT BELT ON. I'VE REVIEWED OTHER COMPLAINTS AND IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TOO MANY TIMES TO JUST BE A RANDOM DEFECT. I HOPE THIS ACCIDENT IS INVESTIGATED TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DEATHS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. *JB
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 25, 2006, crash
WHILE ROLLING TO A STOP BETWEEN TRAFFIC SIGNALS FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVVED ITSELF UP AND BOLTED FORWARD CREATING A 3 VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I HIT THE BRAKE WHEN I FELT THE INITIAL SURGE, BUT STILL HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN IN EACH VEHICLE AND MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. MY VEHICLE HAS SUFFERED OVER $4,500 IN DAMAGE AND WON'T RUN WHILE IT SITS AT AN AUTO BODY SHOP, THE NOSE AND BUMPER ARE BADLY DAMAGED. I WAS TOLD THIS SOUNDS LIKE "UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION" . THE VEHICLE IS AWAITING THE PARTS FOR REPAIRS. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 22, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SLOWING DOWN BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN SO THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN TO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE REVVED UP. THE GEARS WERE THEN PUT INTO DRIVE AND FINALLY THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED, UPON INSPECTION THE PROBLEM WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE THROTTLE BODY HAD STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE EXPERIENCING THE SAME TYPE PROBLEMS. THE DEALER SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE FLOOR MAT GETTING UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - *NM
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2005
DEAR NHTSA, I PURCHASED A 2003 CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED TOYOTA COROLLA LE ON 9/17/05. I LOVE THE CAR, AND IT GETS EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE. HOWEVER, I RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED A COUPLE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR: -THE CAR STALLS AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND SPUTTERS AND JERKS LIKE IT IS RUNNING OUT OF FUEL. -THE RESUME FUNCTION ON THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOT ALL OF THE TIME. I'VE TAKEN IT TO TWO TOYOTA DEALERS IN THIS AREA, BUT THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEMS BECAUSE THEY CLAIM THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON 12/16/05, I'M TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM, AND HOPEFULLY THEY WILL FIX IT. *JB
Vehicle speed control, May 9, 2005
CRUISE CONTROL, TWICE, AT LEAST NOW, ZOOMED TO MAJOR EXCELERATION WHEN I TRIED TO DEACTIVATE. (FASTER THAN IF I TRIED TO MYSELF!)
Vehicle speed control, Apr 25, 2005
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT SUDDEN ACCELERATION ABOUT 5 TIMES. CONSUMER HAS TO STEP ON THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN.*AK *BF
Vehicle speed control, Feb 16, 2005
CONSUMER STATES WHEN TRYING TO BRING CAR TO STOP, HE HAD APPLY AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO THE BRAKE, EVEN THOUGH RIGHT FOOT REMOVED FROM GAS PEDAL ENGINE DID NOT STOP. BF THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY DURING THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE HE WAS BACKING THE VEHICLE UP AT LESS THAN 35 MPH THE FAILURE OCCURRED. AFTER THE CONSUMERS FOOT WAS MOVED FROM THE GAS PEDAL HE HAD TO FORCEFULLY APPLY THE BRAKES. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO SHIFT OUT OF DRIVE TO BRING THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. THE CONSUMER SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE AND STARTED IT AGAIN AND DROVE HOME WITH NO INCIDENT. *TC
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. HOWEVER, MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Vehicle speed control, May 9, 2004
THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD WHEN AT A STOP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON. THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Apr 29, 2004
WHILE IDLING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS COMPLETELY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Apr 5, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HE IS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKES, HIS VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. HE STATES THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN HE HAS HER DEFROSTER ON OR THE VEHICLE IS HEATING UP. HE STATES HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER/MECHANIC HE IS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL. HE STATES THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR 2 YEARS, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT. HE STATES THAT HE IS TOLD THAT THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT WAS IT DOES NOT INCLUDE HIS. HE STATES HE WAS TOLD THAT IT IS WITH THE CAMRY, AVALON. PLEASE HELP, BECAUSE HE STATES IT IS GETTING WORSE AND HE IS AFRAID HE WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR HIT SOMEONE. *NM
Vehicle speed control, Mar 31, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SURGED,WHICH FORCED THE CONSUMER TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK TO STOP. *PH TOYOTA FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2004
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2004, crash
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA SURGED, HITTING BRAND NEW WASHER IN GARAGE, SURGED AGAIN, RUNNING UP PLANTER CURB HITTING TREE. TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALER BOTH TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE SCENARIO. WHY SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM YET TOYOTA SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO? ALSO, HAVE PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE DROPPING OUT OF OVERDRIVE, REARVIEW MIRROR PROBLEM WITH VISOR. SO MUCH FOR THE SAYING; "YOU WON'T GET A LEMON AT TOYOTA OF ORANGE". I'M HAPPY TO SAY I HAVEN'T HAD THE SULFUR SMELL.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION PROBLEM. VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2004
MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM TWICE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA'S FIELD TECHNICAL SPECIALIST REFUSED TO BELIEVE THE CAR WOULD HAVE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF UNLESS I HAD PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. NO WAY!!!! THEY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CAR TO HAVE PICKED UP SELF-ACCELERATION. THEY WERE UNABLE TO PINPOINT ANY PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! I WAS LUCKY NOBODY WAS HURT OR KILLED.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2004
I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA IN MAY 2002. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, WE NOTICED THAT ON OCCASION THE RPMS WOULD SURGE TO OVER 4,000 WHILE DRIVING ON UPGRADES, AND COASTING ON DOWNGRADES. IN NOVEMBER OF 2003, WE WERE DRIVING UP A SLIGHT GRADE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE RPMS ONCE AGAIN SURGED TO OVER 4,000, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT EXCEED 60 MPH. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A FLUTTERING NOISE AND SMELLED HOT. WE PULLED OFF THE FREWAY AND LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN. IT WAS FINE AFTER THAT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO CHUCK PATTERSON TOYOTA IN CHICO, CA. THEY TOLD US THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, AND COULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR US. IN DECEMBER 2003, WE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE RPMS SURGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING UP GRADES AND COASTING ON DOWN GRADES. WE TOOK THE CAR TO NORTHRIDGE TOYOTA, CA. THEY ALSO INSPECTED THE CAR AND TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IN JANUARY 2004, I TOOK THE CAR TO THOUSAND OAKS TOYOTA, CA. I TOOK A MECHANIC FOR A TEST DRIVE. WHEN WE COASTED DOWN A GRADE, THE ENGINE ONCE AGAIN SURGED WITH THE RPMS EXCEEDING 4,000. THE MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS DROPPING OUT OF OVERDRIVE. MY FEELINGS OF EXCITEMENT THAT THE CAR WOULD FINALLY BE FIXED QUCIKLY TURNED TO DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THE SERVICE MAMAGER INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ABNORMAL WITH THE CAR. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT. EVERYONE IS VERY POLITE, BUT I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Oct 12, 2003, crash
THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE PEDAL HAD GONE TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE VERY SLOWLY AND HEARD A SHARP NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGUN TO SHAKE. THE MOTOR HAD GONE WILD. THE BRAKES HAD GONE OUT. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO SHUT OFF THE IGNITION AND TRIED TO PLACE IN NEUTRAL, THEN PARK, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN WITH NO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *SCC *NLM