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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 768

Of the 2003 reports, 104 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 96 people were injured and 1 person died.

Primary concernAir bags359 reports · 47% of complaints
Owner complaints768Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship13 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Air bags359
  2. Engine and engine cooling95
  3. Vehicle speed control81
  4. Power train66
  5. Electrical system38
  6. Seat belts38
  7. Service brakes33
  8. Structure33

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  1. Air bags, Jul 23, 2013

    I HAVE MY TOYOTA MATRIX ABOUT 5 OR 6 YEARS. HAD 4 OR 5 TIMES RECALL ON THE DIFFERENT PARTS. I DON'T FEEL SAFE ANY MORE WITH THIS CAR. HOW SHOULD I TRUST FOR ANOTHER PARTS ARE OK. I HAVE A KID WITH ME WHEN I'M DRIVING. THEY SHOULD GET THE CAR BACK AND PAY FOR IT. I WORKED SO HARD TO PAY FOR THIS CAR. SHAME ON TOYOTA. *TR

  2. Structure, Jul 18, 2013

    2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PAINT FINISH ON HOOD IS DAMAGED WITH RUST. *SMD

  3. Air bags, Jul 7, 2013

    I WAS NOTIFIED THREE MONTHS AGO THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. I WAS TOLD THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE PART TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THEY WOULD NOTIFY ME WHEN THE PART CAME IN. I HAVE SINCE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS AND MONTHS HAVE PASSED. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM IS SERIOUS AND COULD BE FATAL TO THE INDIVIDUAL DRIVING THE CAR THERE SEEMS TO BE LITTLE CONCERN FROM TOYOTA. THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION THAT MONTHS HAVE PASSED AND THE PROBLEM CANNOT BEEN CORRECTED. THE PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. HOW LONG MUST A OWNER WAIT UNTIL THEY CAN SAFELY DRIVE THEIR CAR? *TR

  4. Air bags, Jul 2, 2013

    I OWN A 2003 COROLLA AND TOOK THE CAR IN FOR AN AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL ON 4/15/13 AND STILL DO NOT HAVE MY CAR. I HAVE BEEN OFFERED NO ASSURANCES THAT MY VEHICLE WILL RUN THE SAME AS WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF FOR THE RECALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT WITH THE CAR'S AGE AND THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER 11 WEEKS NOW THAT MY CAR WILL NOT RUN AS WELL AS IT DID PRIOR TO ME TAKING IT IN FOR THE RECALL OVER 11 WEEKS AGO. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT RECOURSE I HAVE IF I HAVE PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE CAR NOT BEING DRIVEN FOR OVER 11 WEEKS ARE APPARENT WHEN AND IF I EVER RECEIVE MY CAR BACK. IS TOYOTA ALLOWED TO JUST KEEP MY CAR INDEFINITELY? HOW LONG CAN THEY HOLD MY CAR WITHOUT SOME TYPE OF COMPENSATION? *TR

  5. Engine, Jul 1, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,700. *TR

  6. Electrical system, Jun 25, 2013, fire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR

  7. Air bags, Jun 22, 2013

    JUNE 22, 2013 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SAFETY RECALL. ON MAY 21, 2013, I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE SAFETY ISSUE ADDRESSED. THE ASSISTANT MANAGER SAID THEY NEEDED TO ORDER THE PART AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE 2 WEEKS. IT IS NOW NEAR 5 WEEKS. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 3 TIMES. AT THE 13 DAY MARK, I INQUIRED ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF THE PART AND THEY SAID THE PART HAD NOT ARRIVED. A FEW DAYS LATER, THEY SENT ME A CUSTOMER RESPONSE SURVEY BY E-MAIL. THE FOLLOWING WEEK I CALLED INQUIRING ABOUT THE PART, AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WOULD CALL BACK. AS OF TODAY, I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM REGARDING ANYTHING RELATED TO THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE DEALERSHIP'S ONLY ATTEMPT TO CONTACT ME WAS FOR A CUSTOMER SURVEY, AND THAT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL. ALL MY INQUIRIES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUE HAVE BEEN MET WITH INDIFFERENCE BY THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

  8. Air bags, Jun 21, 2013, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK, ARM AND FACIAL INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED FROM THE IMPACT AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR

  9. Air bags, Jun 20, 2013

    I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM TOYOTA SEVERAL MONTHS AGO ABOUT AN URGENT SAFETY RECALL REGARDING MY AIRBAGS RUNNING THE RISK OF NOT DEPLOYING DURING IMPACT. THEY SAID THAT ANOTHER LETTER WOULD FOLLOW THAT WOULD INSTRUCT ME WHEN AND WHERE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. TODAY, JUNE 20TH, I RECEIVED THE "SECOND" NOTICE THEY PROMISED WHICH NOW SAYS THEY WILL SEND "A SECOND OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WHEN THE REMEDY IS AVAILABLE." I FEEL THAT MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AND THEY HAVE HAD AMPLE TIME TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM WHILE I AM AT RISK OF MY BAGS NOT DEPLOYING SHOULD I BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND I TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT BUT I AM SCARED. PLEASE ADVISE AND LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. *TR

  10. Electrical system, Jun 19, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DOME LIGHT WOULD NOT FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE LOCATION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

  11. Seat belts, Jun 18, 2013

    ADVISED OF RECALL FOR SEAT BELT HARNESS SYSTEM. MADE APPOINTMENT TOOK FOR REPAIR. ADVISED BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THAT PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED - A HARNESS SYSTEM AND SEAT BELT COMPUTER. THREE MONTHS LATER, AFTER SEVERAL CALLS TO DEALERSHIP ASKING ABOUT THE PARTS - DEALERSHIP CONTACTED US TO BRING CAR IN WHICH WE DID ON JUNE 13, 2013. WE WERE ADVISED THAT COMPUTER WAS NO LONGER NEEDED TO "FIX" THE RECALL. HARNESS SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS AND CONTINUES TO BE ON. DEALERSHIP SAYS PROBLEM IS THE SPIRAL CABLE AND WILL BE $450 AND ADVISED AIR BAGS MAY NOT WORK IN A CRASH IF WE DON'T HAVE SPIRAL CABLE REPLACED. WE WERE TOLD THE FIRST TIME THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN THAT THE DASH LIGHT BEING ON WAS BECAUSE OF THE COMPUTER. NOT HAPPY WITH THIS WHOLE SITUATION. NOT HAPPY THAT TOYOTA ISSUES A RECALL WITH REPAIR PARTS UNAVAILABLE. NOT HAPPY THAT SEAT BELT LIGHT REMAINS ON - WE DON'T FEEL THAT THE RECALL PROBLEM HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

  12. Engine, Jun 18, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED DUE TO A HOLE IN THE SOCKET FOR THE SOLENOID E. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

  13. Visibility, Air bags, Jun 17, 2013

    THIS IS THE THIRD RECALL NOTICED I HAVE RECEIVED FROM TOYOTA. THE FIRST ONE, WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 YRS AGO FOR THE WINDOWS, THE SECOND APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS AGO FOR BRAKE PEDDLE, AND THE MOST RECENT (SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - INTERIM NOTICE, JUNE 2013. THIS IS VERY DISTURBING IN THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN LATE 2002. HOW MANY TIMES IS THIS VEHICLE GOING TO BE RECALLED? AT WHAT POINT WILL TOYOTA MAKE SOME SORT OF ACCOMMODATION FOR THE INCONVENIENCE AND WORRY? PLEASE NOTE, I HAVE NOT HAD AN INCIDENT WITH THESE ISSUES. HOWEVER, I COULD NOT SUBMIT FORM WITHOUT ENTERING A DATE. *TR

  14. Seat belts, Jun 14, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 299,000.

  15. Air bags, Jun 12, 2013

    I WAS ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE SAFETY ISSUE RESOLVED. MY VEHICLE WAS DROPPED OFF AT THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY SIX WEEKS AGO AND I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. WHEN WILL TOYOTA HAVE THE PARTS NEEDED TO ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE? A RECALL SHOULD NOT BE ISSUED IF THE REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *TR

  16. Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 12, 2013

    2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNSATISFACTORY SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE. HOWEVER, AFTER WAITING OVER AN HOUR, SHE WAS INFORMED THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. EIGHT WEEKS LATER, THE PART STILL HAD NOT ARRIVED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS, AND THE DEALER TOLD HER NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT.

  17. Air bags, May 28, 2013

    TOYOTA RECALLED THE VEHICLE TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE HARNESS ON AIR BAG SYSTEM. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THIS WORK DONE. LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS LATER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTING STAYING ON ALL THE TIME INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG IS DISABLED; THIS CONDITION MAKES THE CAR DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE WERE TOLD THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $550 TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE. PRIOR TO HAVING THE RECALL WORK DONE, THERE WAS NEVER ANY PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG OR THE AIRBAG LIGHTS. THE SPIRAL CABLE ISSUE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE DEALT WITH BY TOYOTA AT LEAST UNDER CIRCUMSTANCES WHEN IT IS RELATED TO THE OTHER AIRBAG RECALLS. *TR

  18. Air bags, May 20, 2013, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO AVOID DEBRIS FROM ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN HE CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN BARRIER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR

  19. Air bags, May 13, 2013

    I RECEIVED A RECALL ON AIRBAGS PROBLEM THE FIRST WEEK OK APRIL 2013. I WENT WITH THE CAR TO WEST KENDALL TOYOTA 13800 SW 136TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33186 THAT FIRST SATURDAY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD PROBLEMS ON THE AIRBAGS COMPUTER AND SYSTEM. I HAVE CALLED SINCE APRIL 6 2013 FIVE TIMES (APRIL 13, APRIL 16, APRIL 23, MAY 3, MAY 13) AND THEY ALWAYS SAY THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAS NOT ARRIVED AND THEY HAVE 180 RECALLS ON LIST. THAT MEANS.. HOW MANY MONTHS DO I HAVE TO WAIT TO BE ATTENDED? IF I HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT (GOD BLESS ME AND MY FAMILY) WHAT ABOUT THE AIRBAGS? HOW CAN TOYOTA SEND "URGENT" RECALLS AND THEY DONT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS IN STOCK? I THOUGHT TOYOTA AND THEIR DEALERS WERE MORE SERIOUS ON THEIR JOB. *TR

  20. Air bags, May 10, 2013

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE HER VEHICLE SERVICED VIA NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V133000 (AIR BAGS) BUT THE PART NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WAS ON BACKORDER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IT HAD BEEN 6 WEEKS SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS INITIALLY TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 235,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. RETURNED BY USPS ON 6/3/2013. 2ND ATTEMPT ON 6/11/2013 FAILED. *KB

  21. 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

  22. Air bags, May 3, 2013, crash

    WRECKED MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE SPEED WAS ABOUT 35 MPH. FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SMASHED IN AND THE CAR WAS TOTALED, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WITH THE AMOUNT OF FRONT END DAMAGE DONE TO THE VEHICLE THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE OPENED, MY 9 YEAR OLD SON HAS MARKS ON HIS NECK AND IS VERY SORE FROM THE IMPACT OF THE SEATBELTS. *TR

  23. Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2013

    IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE THE FIRST TIME THE CIL TURNED ON. IT STAYS ON FOR A COUPLE DAYS THEN STAYS OFF FOR LIKE A MONTH. IT HAS BEEN DOING THAT SINCE 2012. I HAD MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECKED BY A TECH AND HE SAID THAT HE HAS SEEN THE P0770 CODE MANY TIMES FOR THE MATRIX AND COROLLA. HE PRINTED OUT THE TSB (HTTP://WWW.MATRIXOWNERS.COM/TSB/T-EG020-02.PDF) AND ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO A TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER. I TOOK IT TO CARSON TOYOTA IN CA AND THEY PRETTY MUCH SAID THE ONLY THING I CAN DO IS FIX THE ISSUE OUT OF MY POCKET WHICH WAS ALMOST $1500! HE SAID THE ISSUE IS THE R & R ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND IF THAT DOESN'T DO THE TRICK THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE R & R SPEED SENSOR. I PURCHASED MY CAR USED SO IT DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE MANUFACTURES WARRANTY. I PERSONALLY THINK THAT THIS SHOULD QUALIFY AS A RECALL. THERE IS SO MANY REPORT ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND SO MANY OTHER TOYOTA CUSTOMERS THAT ARE VERY UNHAPPY. ALLOT OF THE CONSUMERS ARE SAYING THEY HAVE BOUGHT THESE PARTS AND INSTALLED THEM AND THE CIL IS STILL LIGHTING UP. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I REFUSE TO PAY $1500 TO REPLACE THE ECM AND THE SPEED SENSOR FOR IT TO NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW I HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR REGISTERED WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF A SMOG CHECK. AND OF COURSE THAT IS AN AUTOMATIC FAIL. THIS IS MY SECOND TOYOTA AND I DON'T THINK THERE WILL BE A THIRD. VERY UNHAPPY CUSTOMER! *TR

  24. Air bags, May 1, 2013

    I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AND TOOK THE CAR TO 355 TOYOTA IN GAITHERSBURG, MD ON MARCH 23, 2013. UP TO NOW, THEY STILL DON'T HAVE PARTS AND DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. HOW CAN ONE ISSUE RECALL WITHOUT HAVING THE NECESSARY MATERIAL? *TR

  25. Air bags, Apr 19, 2013, crash

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, HE FELL UNCONSCIOUS AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR FRACTURED RIBS AND A FRACTURED STERNUM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,311.