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.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 4, 2010
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE DIAGNOSTIC SAID IT WAS THE O2 SENSOR WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE LIGHT WENT OUT AND CAME BACK ON AGAIN THE NEXT DAY. A MECHANIC CHECKED IT AND SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I READ WHERE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS DON'T GO BAD BY THEMSELVES, THEREFORE THE PROBLEM HAS TO STEM FROM A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR CONTINUAL REPAIRS. *TR
Power train, Jan 4, 2010
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AND STOPPED, THE CAR WILL MOVE FORWARD ON ITS OWN. I APPLY MORE PRESSURE AND IT STOPS AGAIN. I NOW LEAVE EXCESSIVE SPACE BETWEEN MY VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THIS OCCURS VERY OFTEN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Dec 21, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A FREEWAY AT 50 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK TO THE FLOOR. AFTER REPEATED BRAKE APPLICATION THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AFTER SHE SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE RESET ITSELF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,056. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2009. UPDATED EVOQ 03/25/11
Tires, Dec 21, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE VALVE STEMS ARE INSTALLED ON A SET OF SUMOTOMO TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT DUE TO A FAULTY VALVE STEM. HE CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO THE FAILURE, AND WAS ADVISED THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A VALVE STEM RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 25, 2009
WAS DRIVING MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LAST NIGHT AND WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR JUST STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN - IT DID IT 2 OR 3 TIMES WHEN I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 18, 2009
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WITH MY CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED AND MY CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE BEYOND THE SPEED THAT I HAD SET. I DISENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL BUT THAT DID NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN. NEXT, I TRIED BRAKING, WHICH SLOWED THE CAR DOWN A LITTLE, THOUGH I NEEDED TO USE AN UNUSUALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN. ONCE I RELEASED THE BRAKE, THE CAR BEGAN TO SPEED UP AGAIN. I MADE REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE BUT, EVENTUALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL LOCKED UP. AT THIS POINT, I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THE ENGINE REVVED (I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE MAXIMUM RPM WAS, BUT I KNOW IT WAS WELL ABOVE NORMAL DRIVING RPM). I PULLED OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I TRIED TURNING THE IGNITION ON (MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL) BUT THE ENGINE REVVED UP SO I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE CAR OFF. OVER THE NEXT 30 MINUTES, I TRIED TURNING THE CAR ON A FEW MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULT. AFTER I HAD BEEN WAITING FOR 1-1.5 HOURS, A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. THE DRIVER TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE CAR STARTED NORMALLY; SOMEHOW THE PROBLEM HAD RESOLVED ITSELF SO WE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 17, 2009
I WAS DRIVING ALONG A RESIDENTIAL STREET (35 MPH) AND I WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED, I BEGAN ACCELERATING UPHILL. ONCE I REACHED MY DESIRED SPEED OF 35 MPH, I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN SPEED (I WAS STILL TRAVELING UPHILL). I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL, PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY REVVED UP, ALTHOUGH MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR; BASED ON THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE, I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT IT SURPASSED 4000 RPM. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND 15 MINUTES LATER I TURNED THE CAR ON ONLY TO MEET WITH THE SAME RESULTS. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER ARRIVED, HE NOTICED THAT THE THROTTLE VALVE WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. HE CLOSED THE THROTTLE AND THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM. A FEW DAYS LATER, I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A TOYOTA DEALER. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A KINK IN THE THROTTLE CABLE THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED IT TO GET STUCK. HOWEVER, THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS NOT REPEATABLE AND, THEREFORE, DID NOT REPLACE THE CABLE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 6.5 YEARS AND THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED TWICE (THE OTHER TIME WAS IN EARLY 2008 AND OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY). IN LIGHT OF RECENT MEDIA REPORTS ON ACCELERATION PROBLEMS IN TOYOTAS, I MUST NOTE THAT I HAVE THE ORIGINAL FLOOR MATS AND THAT THEY ARE, AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, PROPERLY SECURED IN PLACE. I DID NOT NOTICE WHETHER OR NOT THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK, BUT I WAS ONLY TRAVELING 35 MPH, SO THE ACCELERATOR WAS NOT DEPRESSED ENOUGH TO GET CAUGHT UNDER THE FLOOR MAT. THE PARTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE SINCE I DID NOT REPLACE THE CABLE. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 6, 2009, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, HER VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO OVER 100 MPH. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE CRASHED INTO A DUMP TRUCK, AND THEN INTO A POLE. TWO OCCUPANTS RECEIVE MINOR INJURIES. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. . HE HAD NOT CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP OR THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 5, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. AFTER PROCEEDING FROM A STOP LIGHT AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 70 MPH. EVEN AFTER BRAKE APPLICATION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. SHE THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER HOME. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT HER MODEL TYPE DOES NOT HAVE A DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT BETWEEN 2 TO 10 MPH THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED PAST THE LIGHT WITHOUT INTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Visibility, Aug 24, 2009
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW IN MY 03 TOYOTA COROLLA COLLAPSED AND SHATTERED. THIS AFTER A RECALL WAS DONE A YEAR AGO FOR THE EXACT SAME THING (CAMPAIGN 08V162000). NEITHER THE DEALER NOR TOYOTA WOULD PAY TO REPAIR THE WINDOW SAYING THEY WOULDN'T PROVIDE WARRANTY ON THE RECALL SINCE IT HAD BEEN 13 MONTHS SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. IN FACT THE DEALER WANTED $800 TO REPAIR THE WINDOW WHICH I HAD FIXED AT A GLASS SHOP FOR $130. FORTUNATELY, MY SON WHO WAS DRIVING WASN'T HURT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 31, 2009
2003- TOYOTA COROLLA - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND WAS RESET, JUST RECENTLY CAME ON IN APRIL 2009 AND NOT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CURRENTLY HAS 119,000 MILES ON IT AND NEEDS TO HAVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 4, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FILLER NECK AND GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE, SO THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,670. UPDATED 3/24/09 *CN UPDATED 03/27/09.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 16, 2009
I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE. CAR STARTED TO MAKE A TICKING NOISE FOR A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES. *TR
Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Feb 14, 2009
1. 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE SEATBELT STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS INSERTING INTO THE LOCK AT 90K MILES OR MY 6TH YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED IT 2. OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME 3. NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE, CAUSE OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 9, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA CE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LENSES ON THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING HAVE BECOME OPAQUE, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR HIM TO DRIVE IN THE DARK. THE OPACITY OF THE LENS INTERFERES WITH THE LIGHT. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 3/11/09 *CN UPDATED 03/13/09. *JB
Tires, Jan 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE P195 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE DRIVER ALSO NOTICED DEBRIS COMING FROM THE TIRE. THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS COMPLETELY REMOVED. IN ADDITION, THE SHIELD THAT COVERS THE WHEEL WELL WAS DISINTEGRATED. THE DRIVER REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO TWO LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS, BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC WAS PROVIDED FOR THE TIRE BLOW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE TIRE BE SHIPPED TO THEM FOR INSPECTION. AFTER THE INSPECTION, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INFORM HER OF THEIR DECISION. THE FIRESTONE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO ASSIST HER WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIRE. THE TIRE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,994 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,203. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/23/09.*JB
Visibility, Jan 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW WAS ACTIVATED. SUDDENLY, THE GLASS SHATTERED WHILE THE WINDOW WAS IN OPERATION. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V162000 (VISIBILITY: GLASS, SIDE/REAR); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT AND DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE REAR PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR GLASS BOLTS DETACHED FROM THE WINDOW REGULATOR. CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IS AT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Power train, Jan 7, 2009
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA TRANSMISSION WENT OUT JUST LIKE SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS MODEL. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. TO REPLACE IT WILL COST OVER $3000.00. I HAVE OWNED 2 TOYOTAS PREVIOUS AND NEVER HAD PROBLEMS LIKE THIS. *TR
Steering, Latches/locks/linkages, Dec 11, 2008
THE BOLT HOLDING THE PULLEY FOR THE BELTS SNAPPED AND WEDGED IN THE ENGINE - SO FAR 2 1/2 DAYS BY THE DEALER AND THEY STILL CANNOT REMOVE THE BOLT. I THINK THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE BOLT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2008
I RECENTLY TRADED IN A FORD EXPLORER ON A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA.. 2 WEEKS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR THE TENSIONER STARTED TO SQUEAL AND GOT WORSE PROGRESSIVELY. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THE BELT WAS WORN AND GOT A NEW ONE,WENT TO REPLACE IT AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE TENSIONER HAD SNAPPED OFF DUE TO THE POOR DESIGN OF IT. I WAS JUST NOTIFIED BY TOYOTA THAT I HAD TO BUY THE NEW(CORRECTLY )DESIGNED TENSIONER AT AN ADDITIONAL COST TO ME OF $180.00 PLUS THE LABOR TO DO IT WHICH INVOLVES UNBOLTING THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND JACKING THE ENGINE UP!I AM A CONTRACTOR AND IF I DO SOMETHING WRONG OR SOMETHING THE CUSTOMER DOESN'T LIKE I EAT THE COST. SHOULDN'T TOYOTA'S BAD DESIGN BE PAID FOR BY TOYOTA. I WAS GOING TO TRADE IN MY FORD TRUCK ON A NEW TOYOTA TRUCK BUT AFTER THIS LITTLE EXPERIENCE I THINK I WILL STICK WITH FORD. *TR
Visibility, Sep 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED IN HER FACE WHILE BACKING UP THE VEHICLE. SHE SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS ON HER FACE. A DAY PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE WINDSHIELD MADE A CREAKING NOISE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPAIRED. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE A YEAR LATER PERTAINING TO THE BOLTS NEAR THE DOOR AND WINDOWS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED; HOWEVER, IT WAS REPAIRED IMPROPERLY BECAUSE THE WINDOW SLIPPED OUT OF PLACE AFTERWARDS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Power train, Sep 8, 2008
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHEN EXITING ONE HIGHWAY TO ENTER ANOTHER. IN ADDITION, A LOUD SOUND STARTED TO COME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. MOVED VEHICLE OUT OF TRAFFIC AND DROVE VERY SLOWLY. PRIOR TO FAILURE THERE WERE SOME SOUNDS FROM THE TRANSMISSION BUT NO LOSS OF POWER OR TROUBLE GETTING THE VEHICLE INTO TO GEAR. CONSIDERED IT LUCKY THAT THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT SEIZE UP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, SLOWLY, TO A REPAIR FACILITY BEFORE SOME OF THE GEARS BECAME INOPERABLE. MECHANIC IS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE TRANSMISSION, THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR 2003 5 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ON THE INTERNET, ESPECIALLY IN CANADA. MOST FAILURES ARE OCCURRING AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD EXPIRES BUT UNDER 100,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC IS SAVING THE OLD TRANSMISSION. *TR
Air bags, Aug 13, 2008
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA HAVE DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT RECALLS FOR AIR BAGS ON HIS VEHICLE. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION WHICH STARTLED EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. THEY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT NO ONE COULD DETERMINE THE REASON FOR THE EXPLOSION. HOWEVER AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20 YARDS, A SECOND EXPLOSION OCCURRED AND WHEN THE CONSUMER LOOKED OVER, HE NOTICED THE AIR BAG HAD DEPLOYED IN AN ABNORMAL WAY OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT DID NOT FULLY EXPAND, BUT SIMPLY POPPED OUT. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTICED SMOKE AND A STRONG ODOR. THE CONSUMER LOOKED AT THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAD ALSO DEPLOYED. *JB THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT. UPDATED 06/17/13
Visibility, Aug 13, 2008
THE WINDOW TABS ON THE PASSENGER WINDOW BROKE & THE WINDOW CAME OFF THE TRACKS. I TOOK THE CAR TO BE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS. I SUBMITTED MY PAID RECEIPTS & THEY ADVISED MY REPAIRS DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT. RECALL 80! (SSC 80A). *TR