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, Apr 16, 2013
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE NO DEALERS ON THE ISLAND WHERE SHE LIVED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE LAST TIME SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, SHE PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT WHEN SHE SUBMITTED THE PAPERWORK FOR REIMBURSEMENT, SHE WAS DENIED. TOYOTA WOULD NOT HONOR THE WORK PERFORMED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT. *JB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE AIR BAG RECALL. UPDATED 03/25/15.*JB
Seat belts, Apr 8, 2013
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING. I HOPED WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE TOYOTA DEALER FOR THE RECENT SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE RECALL THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT BELT WOULD BE FIXED TOO. THIS WAS NOT THE CASE THE TENSION IS NOT RIGHT ON THIS SEAT BELT AND MANY TIMES THE SEAT BELT BECOMES SO LOOSE WHEN I AM PARKING MY CAR, I CAN'T CLOSE MY CAR DOOR WITHOUT MOVING MY SEAT BELT MECHANISM OUT OF THE WAY. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 4, 2013
TOOK MY CAR INTO TOYOTA DEALER JIM COLEMAN TOYOTA - BECAUSE OF THE 2003 SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SAFETY RECALL NOTICE THAT I RECEIVED 2 WEEKS AGO, MADE AN APPOINTMENT 2 DAYS AGO WITH THE DEALER FOR THIS RECALL - SAID TO COME IN TODAY AT 2:00 PM FOR THE REPAIR. ONE HOUR AND 45 MINUTES LATER - FIX WAS NOT COMPLETED BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT TOYOTA CORPORATION ONLY ALLOWS FOR 12 SUB-WIRE HARNESS (FILTERS) TO BE INSTALLED EACH DAY AT EACH DEALER THROUGH OUT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THEY DID NOT THAT THE PART AND TOLD ME AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SERVICE THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PART - BUT STILL NEEDED TO CHECK MY CAR TO SEE IF IT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THEY WILL HAVE THE PART TOMORROW AND WILL FIX TOMORROW - HOPEFULLY. SO MY COMPLAINT IS WHY DOES TOYOTA NOT SEND THE PARTS TO THE DEALERS TO FIX THIS SAFETY RECALL AND WHAT WILL THE NHTSA DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH NO PARTS FROM TOYOTA TO FIX THE PROBLEM - ONLY 12 PER DAY PER DEALER? ALSO I DON'T NO IF THIS IS RELATED BUT THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK DOESN'T WORK - WHEN IT RAINS IT MIGHT OR NOT WORK - PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 2005 AND UNTIL THIS DAY - RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY ENDED ON THE CAR? LIKE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR - NOT SURE IF IT IS RELATED? *TR
Electrical system, Visibility, Mar 30, 2013, fire
WAS DRIVING 20MPH ON A SIDE STREET WITH MY TODDLER IN THE CAR WHEN I SMELT STRONG ELECTRICAL FIRE. WINDOW SWITCH GOT STUCK ON DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND INSTEAD OF BLOWING FUSE MY DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ETC AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE NO RECALL FOR MY YEAR. JUST RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER TODAY. TWO MONTHS AFTER! THIS IS MY SECOND RECALL ON THIS CAR AND I'M NOT SURE HOW MUCH LONGER I CAN HANDLE THIS. I WILL NEVER OWN A TOYOTA AGAIN. FYI THE FIRST RECALL WAS FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR SO THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE DOOR PANEL PARTS ETC BUT OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 29, 2013
NO INCIDENT.........JUST COMPLAINT......RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA ON RECALL FOR ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE & SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM.TOLD ME CONTACT DEALER TO FIX FREE, DO IMMEDIATELY ,IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL.DEALER,DORCHEL TOYOTA ,ROCHESTER,NY, SAYS NO PARTS , NOT FOR OVER A MONTH , MAYBE LONGER. AIR BAGS& SEAT BELT PRETENIONERS CAN DEPLOY.HOW MANY CARS DRIVING LIKE THIS WITH NO PARTS? *TR
Power train, Mar 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TR
Air bags, Feb 2, 2013
AIR BAGS LIGHT SWICHED ON THE DASHBOARD. NEVER TURNS OFF. *TR
Power train, Oct 20, 2012
VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING, CHATTER TYPE NOISE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. IN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. MANY HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED ONLY TO HAVE THE ISSUE RESURFACE WITH THE NEW/REFURBISHED TRANSMISSION. THIS WOULD SEEM LIKE A MANUFACTURING FLAW AND COULD BE VERY PROBLEMATIC IF THE CAR WILL NO LONGER SHIFT INTO GEAR, AS SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HAVE NOTED. *TR
Power train, Oct 20, 2012
VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING OR CHATTER TYPE NOISE WHEN IN ANY GEAR. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PRIVATE MECHANIC AND FOUND THE ISSUE TO BE THE TRANSMISSION. WHILE LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION FOUND A SITE WHERE MANY OTHER 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA OWNERS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION WERE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. ALL HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED. THIS DOES NOT ELIMINATE THE ISSUE AS THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Sep 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW COULD NOT BE CLOSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Power train, Jun 19, 2012
I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD LOUD NOISE. PULL INTO A GAS STATION AND CALLED HUSBAND. WHEN HE GOT TO ME HE TRIED TO PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND IT JUST MADE A GRINDING NOISE. IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT. NOW JUST 3 YEARS LATER JUNE 4, 2012 I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD SAME NOISE. I GOT HOME TURNED OFF CAR AND WHEN TRIED TO PUT CAR IN REVERSE IT JUST MADE A GRINDING NOISE AND WOULDN'T MOVE. *JS
Air bags, Seat belts, May 25, 2012
WHEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO WARNING. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT; THE CAR HAD BEEN COMPLETELY STOPPED AT THE LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS MAINTAINED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION BEFORE THIS EVENT. NO INJURY WAS SUSTAINED. A CERTIFIED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THE AIRBAG SENSORS AND A SHORT IN THE PRE-TENSIONER ASSEMBLIES. ALERTED TOYOTA MANUFACTURING OF THE ISSUE....UPDATED 06/18/12 *BF *TR UPDATED IVOQ 06/21/12
Power train, Mar 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Mar 13, 2012
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. I PULLED OVER TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. I MANAGED TO PUT THE CAR IN FIRST GEAR AND MAKE IT BACK HOME EVEN THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING THIS LOUD GRINDING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR FOR REPAIR AND THEY TELL ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. JUST 6 WEEKS AGO I HAD THE CLUTCH REPLACED. AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 13, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA S. THE CONTACT WAS IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 153,000.
Power train, Jan 18, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOUD WHINE AND LOSS OF POWER. SINCE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, I CONTINUED DOWN THE ROAD UNTIL I GOT TO A SERVICE STATION. THERE, I CHECKED ALL FLUIDS, WHICH WERE FINE; I THEN CONTINUED ON MY WAY TO AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN EYE SPECIALIST I HAD, AND AT THAT TIME I NOTICED THE CLUTCH WAS DIFFICULT TO USE. ONCE I HAD THE APPOINTMENT WITH THE SPECIALIST, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST AUTO TRANSMISSION SERVICE CENTER, WHERE I HAD TO HAVE A NEW TRANSMISSION, CLUTCH, AND AXLE PUT ON MY CAR FOR OVER $4,000 BECAUSE THEY SAID "NO ONE REBUILDS TOYOTA TRANSMISSIONS". I AM A 60-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO ALWAYS TAKES THE CAR FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGES, AND HAD A PRE-TRIP CAR CHECK JUST 6 WEEKS BEFORE THAT BY A VERY RELIABLE, HONEST MECHANIC. I STAY CLOSE TO HOME, AND ONLY TOOK THIS TRIP BECAUSE I HAD TO SEE AN EYE SPECIALIST. THIS CAR HAS ONLY 106,000 MILES ON IT!
Power train, Jan 15, 2012
2003 COROLLA S & MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITH UNDER 90K MILES. DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN THIRD GEAR. CAR BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND THE CAR STOPPED COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY 3 LANE STREET NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. IT WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT COULDN'T GET IT TO DRIVE. ALMOST FELT AS IF SOMETHING WAS HOLDING IT BACK OR STUCK UNDER THE CAR. HAD TO MANUALLY MOVE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR HAS NOT BEEN OFFICIALLY DIAGNOSED YET, BUT ALL INDICATIONS POINT TO THE TRANSMISSION. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON THEME WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE & MODEL. *TR
Power train, Nov 25, 2011
ONE YEAR AGO MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA BEGAN TO MAKE A HIGH-PITCHED WHIRRING NOISE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS ENGAGED. THE SOUND CONTINUED TO BECOME LOUDER UNTIL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET MY CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A CRUNCHING NOISE. AFTER I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO GEAR. I HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT IN NOV. 2010. I BEGAN HEARING THE SAME HIGH-PITCHED WHIRRING NOISE AGAIN RECENTLY (NOV. 2011). *TR
Power train, Nov 18, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 60MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. IT FELT LIKE THERE WAS SOMETHING STUCK UNDER THE WHEELS OF MY CAR. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD SAFELY. IT WOULDN'T GO INTO ANY GEAR AFTER THAT, BUT LUCKILY, I WAS IN NEUTRAL SO IT COULD BE TOWED. THE SHOP I TOOK IT TO SAID THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THE 2003 COROLLAS WITH THE 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT COST ME $3,700 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION (AND LABOR) FROM TOYOTA, WHICH WILL MOST LIKELY END UP WITH THE SAME FAILURE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND MY CAR HAS 92,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE KEPT UP ON ALL THE MAINTENANCE; THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. I HAVE MAILED A COMPLAINT TO TOYOTA CORPORATION AND AM AWAITING A RESPONSE. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR THE ROAD AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
Power train, Nov 8, 2011
CAR IS A 5 SPEED AND HAD AN INCREASING "GROWL" IN TRANSMISSION IN 2,3,AND 5TH GEAR. AFTER RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN 5 SPEED COROLLA'S, MATRIX, AND PONTIAC VIBE WHICH ALL USE THE C59 5 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS. OVER $1000 TO REPAIR IF CAUGHT EARLY ENOUGH. THIS IS/WAS MY 5TH TOYOTA, AND WILL BE MY LAST ALSO!! *TR
Air bags, Oct 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETECT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *CN A POLICE REPORT WAS PROVIDED. UPDATED 12/07/11
Power train, Oct 17, 2011
AFTER MAKING SOME NOISE ON THE HIGHWAY I PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO REALIZE THAT I HAD NO REVERSE GEAR IN MY COROLLA. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR IN FIRST GEAR ALSO. I LIMPED MY WAY TO THE MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THE NEXT DAY THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. HE SAID THAT A COMPONENT CAME LOOSE AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION FURTHER BY INTERFERING WITH OTHER PARTS. HE SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $3,800 TO FIX. THIS WAS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED AND DANGEROUS. *TR
Power train, Oct 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DRIVER WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,410.
Power train, Sep 19, 2011
THE 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA MAKES NOISE AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR. I TOOK THE CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS AND THEY CAME BACK WITH THE SAME RESULTS. THE BEARINGS ARE BAD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT DUE TO THE TIME ALTHOUGH THE BEARINGS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER THEN THE 40K MILES EVEN THEIR WARRANTY SAYS 60K MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE WHEEL CAN CAME OFF WHILE YOU DRIVE AND INJURE THE DRIVER AND OTHERS. PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS ISSUE AND MAY NOT EVEN REALIZE IT AS I DID, I THOUGHT IT WAS THE MUFFLER AND IS NOT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE POST THIS ON YOUR WEBSITE AS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE . TOYOTA SHOULD INVESTIGATE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BEARINGS THEY USE. *KB
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2011
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THE PARTS TO COME IN FOR THE "SAFETY RECALL" FOR MY SUNROOF AND HAVE ONLY RECEIVED ONE PHONE CALL STATING THEY ARE STILL WAITING ON THE PARTS. THE RECALL IS FROM WEBASTO PRODUCT NORTH AMERICA, INC. FOR HOLLANDIA 700/600, AND HOLLANDIA TVS 900 SERIES AFTERMATH SUNROOFS. THIS SUNROOF IS # 6074852 AND JUST SHATTERED LAST NIGHT.