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
768 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Mar 9, 2014
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOLLOWUP NOTIFICATION IN EARLY JANUARY 2014 REGARDING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR MODULE ISSUE. I NEVER RECEIVED THE FIRST NOTICE FOR THIS RECALL. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE WESTCHESTER, NY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY CAR EVALUATED AND DROPPED IT OFF ON JANUARY 14TH. I GOT A CALL THE NEXT DAY SAYING THAT I WOULD NEED TO HAVE A PART REPLACED AND THAT I WOULD BE GIVEN A RENTAL FREE OF CHARGE (BESIDES THE $100 DEPOSIT) HOWEVER, I DECLINED THE RENTAL. SEVERAL DAYS WENT BY WITHOUT A WORD FROM THE DEALERSHIP SO I CALLED TO FOLLOWUP. THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET SHIPPED OUT AND THEY WOULD CALL BACK WITH ANY UPDATES. I ASKED IF I COULD HAVE MY CAR BACK UNTIL THE PART CAME IN BUT THEY INFORMED ME THAT SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE I CANNOT HAVE MY CAR BACK. THE RENTAL WAS OFFERED TO ME AGAIN. A WEEK LATER I GOT ANOTHER CALL TELLING ME AGAIN THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET SHIPPED. IT IS NOW MARCH 9...IT HAS NEARLY BEEN TWO MONTHS SINCE I DROPPED MY CAR OFF. I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY SAID THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND THE DO NOT KNOW WHEN THIS PART WILL BE SHIPPED OR WHEN MY CAR WILL BE FIXED...I UNDERSTAND THEY ARE OFFERING ME A RENTAL, HOWEVER, I AM PAYING TO HAVE MY VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND I DO NOT WANT THE ADDED PRESSURE WORRYING ABOUT HAVING A RENTAL IN MY POSSESSION. IF THIS RECALL HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SO LONG THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRODUCED IN ENOUGH QUANTITIES TO FILL THE ORDERS PROPERLY. *TR
Air bags, Feb 15, 2014, crash
I MET WITH AN ACCIDENT IN JANUARY 2013. IT WAS REALLY BAD ACCIDENT AND MY CAR GOT TOTALED. MY AIR BAG DIDN'T OPEN UP. NOW I AM RECEIVING THIS LETTER FROM TOYOTA THAT THERE IS SOME DEFECT IN AIRBAGS OF 2003-2004 MODEL. WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO WHEN I ALREADY MET WITH THIS HORRIBLE ACCIDENT? WILL APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE. THANK YOU *TR
Air bags, Feb 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V133000 (AIR BAGS) BUT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR HAD SURPASSED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD BEEN WAITING ONE YEAR TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE IF THE FAILURE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Feb 4, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSED THE DRIVER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED NOR WAS THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Suspension, Air bags, Jan 25, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING AND WAS IN THE PROCESS OF COMING TO A STOP WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND I WAS KNOCKED OUT. I WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE CAR.. I RAN INTO SOMETHING WHICH CAUSED ME.TO.STOP.. AND CAUSED MORE DAMAGE ON THE OUTSIDE AND RIGHT TIRE.. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT BEFORE OR HAVE I HAD ISSUES WITH THE CAR PRIOR TO THIS. *TR
Air bags, Jan 14, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HOWEVER, NO ONE WAS INJURED. ON A SECOND OCCASION, THE CONTACT WAS COMPLETING A TURN AND CRASHED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND TWO PASSENGERS SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION OF THE AIR BAG FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RECURRING AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,040.
Service brakes, Dec 6, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE REAR BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT TOLD WHAT CAUSED THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 04/14/14 MA UPDATED 04/18/14 *JS
Air bags, Dec 6, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH AND BECAME INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD BUT WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
Power train, Nov 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SELECTOR LIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT POSITION THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS IN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACTED INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Air bags, Oct 30, 2013
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE AIR BAG RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING AN AIR ISSUE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD ALREADY ILLUMINATED. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RECTIFIED, SHE WAS INFORMED IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE PROBLEMS, SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $384.16. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED AN INVOICE, THAT SHOWED THE SENSOR AND HARNESS WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS STILL ON. ACCORDING TO THE INVOICE, THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Air bags, Oct 26, 2013
THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL NOTICE THAT I HAVE RECEIVED CONCERNING THE AIR BAG RECALL. I IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED BACK IN THE SPRING 2013 (APPRX.) WHEN YOU SENT THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP NAMELY, JIM BISHOP TOYOTA LOCATED IN TUSCUMBIA, ALABAMA AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS; 122 HIGHWAY 43 SOUTH, TUSCUMBIA, ALABAMA, 35674; PHONE NUMBER (256)383-3611. I CALLED AND SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO COME IN AND HAVE THEM FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE IS MY SOLE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION SO I WAS HOPING THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE RESOLVED QUICKLY. I LEFT MY VEHICLE EARLY ONE MORNING AND IT STAYED OVERNIGHT AND LATE INTO THE EVENING THIS NEXT AFTERNOON. BASICALLY 2 DAYS. I CALLED TO CHECK TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS READY. THEY HAD NOT EVEN TOUCHED MY CAR. TWO DAYS WITHOUT ONES VEHICLE FOR IT TO NOT EVEN BE LOOKED AT. REALLY? THE ONLY TIME IT WAS MOVED I BELIEVE IN THOSE 2 WORKING DAYS WAS WHEN THEY PULLED IT OUT OF THE BAY IN ORDER TO MOVE IN NEWER VEHICLES AHEAD OF MINE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PICKED UP MY VEHICLE. THEN, ON TOP OF THAT, THEY SEEMED TO CARE LESS THAT I WAS NOT GETTING MY VEHICLE AIR BAG REPLACEMENT. THEY SAID THEY HAD ORDERED IT AND THAT IT WAS ON BACK ORDER. WITHOUT A PHONE CALL TO SAY AS MUCH. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL ME TO LET ME KNOW WHEN IT CAME IN. TODAY IS OCTOBER 26, 2013. ITS BEEN APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS AND NOT A WORD. I GO TO MY MAILBOX THIS MORNING AND THERE IS MY SECOND RECALL NOTICE FOR MY AIRBAG. WHAT IS A PERSON TO DO WHEN THEY TRY TO DO THE RIGHT THING AS FAR AS TAKING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO HAVE THE REPAIR DONE AND THE DEALERSHIP DROPS THE BALL? I WANT THIS TO SERVE AS AN OFFICIAL NOTICE OF COMPLAINT. I TRUST THAT YOU WILL, AFTER RECEIVING THIS COMPLAINT, CONTACT THEM AND ASK THEM WHY MY VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOU PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS URGENT MATTER. *TR
Steering, Oct 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN EVEN THOUGH FORCE WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY AND HE ADDED ADDITIONAL FLUID. THE CONTACT RESUMED WITH THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION AND THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Air bags, Oct 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE AIR BAGS. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED SHORTLY AFTER HAVING THE RECALL SERVICE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106000. UPDATED 03/31/14*LJ THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED BY THE CONSUMER. UPDATED 04/01/2014 *JS
Air bags, Oct 19, 2013, crash
THE VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS TURNING TO THE LEFT AND DECIDED TO MAKE A U-TURN AND HIT FRONT TO FRONT LEFT. *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Seat belts, Oct 8, 2013
1. ELECTRICAL: DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE ELECTRIC WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AFTER ROLLING THEM DOWN. DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW BUTTON WAS NOT BROKE...& PHYSICALLY WORKED WHEN PUSHED DOWN OR PULLED UP BUT DID NOT ROLL THE WINDOW UP. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW BUTTON ACTUALLY BROKE/CAVED IN WHEN PUSHED TO ROLL WINDOW DOWN. ONCE ROLLED DOWN...IT WOULD NOT ROLL UP. 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER: AIR CONDITIONER BARELY BLOWS ANY AIR OUT OF VENTS. WHEN SET ON "HIGHEST FAN OPTION"...U CAN HEAR IT WORKING & CAN FEEL COOL AIR BUT U HAVE TO HAVE YOUR FACE 2 INCHES IN FRONT OF VENT TO FEEL IT. 3. SEAT BELTS: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT CLICK/LOCK INTO LOCKING DEVICE TO KEEP SEATBELT ON. DON'T KNOW OF ANYTHING BREAKING IT...JUST WOULDN'T "CLICK" INTO LOCKING DEVICE ONE DAY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V133000 (AIR BAGS) IN THE MAIL SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND STATED THAT THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 11/15/13*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER FIXED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/21/13
Power train, Sep 19, 2013
THE C-59 FIVE SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 2003 COROLLA MODEL YEAR, BOTH COROLLA AND MATRIX, ARE KNOWN TO BE PRONE TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE, DUE APPARENTLY TO A FAULTY BATCH OF BEARINGS. I WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY WHEN I FIRST HEARD BEARING NOISE FROM MY TRANSMISSION. I TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP THAT CONFIRMED THE NOISE WAS FROM ONE OR MORE BEARINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION AND OFFERED ME A CHOICE OF REPLACING JUST THE BEARINGS, A FULL TRANSMISSION REBUILD, OR A NEW TRANSMISSION. SHOULD THE BEARING HAVE FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY AND BLOWN UP MY TRANSMISSION, I COULD EASILY HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A NASTY ACCIDENT. TOYOTA REFUSES TO DO A RECALL, BUT THERE ARE DOZENS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF ANECDOTAL REPORTS OF THIS EXACT SCENARIO SCATTERED ONLINE. THE EARLIEST SYMPTOMS ARE A GRINDING OR WHIRRING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION (OR MORE GENERALLY, FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT). IF THE FAULTY BEARINGS ARE NOT REPLACED, THEY WILL EVENTUALLY GRENADE (SHATTER AND ACT AS SHRAPNEL, DESTROYING YOUR TRANSMISSION) AND YOU'LL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY TOYOTA DEALERS FOR ITS ENTIRE LIFE, SAVE A SINGLE OIL CHANGE WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP. THERE IS NO REASON A MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL THIS EARLY IN ITS LIFE. I'VE NEVER RACED IT OR ABUSED IT ANY WAY. *TR
Air bags, Sep 18, 2013
LEAVING A STOP LIGHT ON A HIGHWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO COLLISION, BUMPS, OR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. *JB
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 3, 2013
THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE. CAR ENGINE RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. I CANNOT DRIVE CAR BECAUSE I CANT PASS SMOG EITHER (DUE TO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). I HAVE FILED TWO FORMAL COMPLAINTS WITH TOYOTA. TOYOTA REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANUFACTURING. DEFECT. I AM EXPECTED TO PAY OVER $2000 TO REPLACE A CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT THEY KNOW IS DEFECTIVE. (EXCERPT FROM ONE COMPLAINT I FILED) THERE WAS A RECALL ON MATRIX AND COROLLA: TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL FOR 2005 TO 2008 MODEL YEAR COROLLA'S AND MATRIXES, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1ZZ-FE ENGINE AND TWO-WHEEL DRIVE. THE RECALL NOTICES STATES THAT AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CAN DEVELOP A CRACK IN ITS CIRCUITRY, POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, HARSH SHIFTING, AND STALLING AND/OR FAILURE OF THE ENGINE TO START. I HAVE A 2003 MATRIX XRS WITH A 2ZZ-GE ENGINE WITH A CONTINUOUS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, HARSH SHIFTING, STALLING AND RANDOM FAILURE OF THE ENGINE TO START. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS DONE ON THE VEHICLE TO PASS SMOG INSPECTION OVER THE PAST 5 OR 6 YEAR AND HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THE LIGHT STAYS OFF JUST LONG ENOUGH TO PASS THE SMOG TEST AND IS THEN RETURNED TO ME WITH THE LIGHT STILL ON. I HAVE PAID A TOYOTA DEALER $95 TO RUN DIAGNOSTIC ALSO. THEY SAID THE ECM IS CORRUPT AND CAN'T BE FLASHED AND THE CAT HAS TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER 2K! I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION FROM YOU'RE QUALITY DEPARTMENT AS TO WHY TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE ECM BEING REPLACED ON THE ENGINES STATED IN YOUR RECALL NOTICE AND NOT ON MY TYPE OF ENGINE. WHICH HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AS DETAILED IN THE RECALL LISTED ON YOUR SITE. TOYOTA STATED AFTER BOTH COMPLAINTS THAT THEY CANNOT HELP ME OR FIX THE PROBLEM. I MUST PAY FOR SOLUTION MYSELF. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE IN A CRASH BEFORE THIS IS ADDRESSED? *JB
Visibility/wiper, Aug 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW, THE CONTACT NOTICED A RATTLING NOISE EMERGING FROM THE WINDOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V133000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2013
I RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY AIRBAGS A FEW MONTHS BACK. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP LAST WEEK AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE TWO PARTS RECALLED. THE DEALERSHIP FIXED THOSE BUT THEN TOLD ME THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT WILL STAY ON BECAUSE I ALSO NEED A NEW SPIRAL CORD WHICH IS NOT RECALLED. THEY WANTED $500.00 BUCKS! AFTER READING MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME THING, I AM OUTRAGED THAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT OVER THIS ISSUE. THE AIRBAG EITHER WON'T GO OFF WHEN NEEDED, OR IT CAN DEPLOY AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY CAR KNOWING THAT IT COULD GO OFF AT ANY MOMENT. I FEEL LIKE ITS A TICKING TIME BOMB. I HAVE ALWAYS RAVED ABOUT TOYOTA AND WHAT GREAT CARS THEY HAVE AND THAT I WOULD NEVER DRIVE ANYTHING ELSE. AFTER CALLING THE CUSTOMER CARE LINE, I SOON REALIZED THAT THEY DON'T CARE AT ALL. THE REP WAS RUDE, AND BASICALLY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING SHE COULD DO. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN HURT PEOPLE! I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER TOYOTA AGAIN..AND I HAVE INFORMED MY FAMILY THAT IF I DIE IN AN ACCIDENT FROM THIS ISSUE, THAT THEY GO FULL FORCE AFTER TOYOTA. THEY DON'T CARE FOR THE OWNERS WELL BEING. I AM NOT THE FIRST TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS AND WON'T BE THE LAST. LETS PRAY NOTHING HAPPENS TO ME OR ANYONE ELSE. *TR
Power train, Aug 18, 2013
AT JUST OVER 91000 MILES MY VERY WELL MAINTAINED 2003 COROLLA WITH A MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAD A COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. WHILE ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FOLLOWED BY A "THUD" AND COMPLETELY LOCKED UP ON ME. I ENDED UP STUCK ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY TWO YOUNG BOYS IN THE BACK SEAT. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND THAT IT IS A WELL DOCUMENTED OCCURRENCE WITH THIS SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL OF TOYOTA COROLLA. ULTIMATELY I WILL BE PUTTING IN A NEW TRANSMISSION IN FROM A DIFFERENT MODEL OF TOYOTA AND TRADING THE CAR IN WITH THE HOPE THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN TO THE NEXT OWNER. *TR
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.
Air bags, Jul 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V133000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER THE PART NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE SERVICE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN EXPECTED DATE FOR THE REMEDY PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.