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.
Visibility, Mar 29, 2004
RATTLING NOISES, SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE SITTING STILL AND ALL FOUR WINDOWS GOT STUCK IN THE SUMMER TIME AND COULDN'T BE OPENED WITH THE AUTOMATIC SWITCH. (NAR) *PH *CB
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2004
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2004, crash
2003 TOYOTA COROLLA SURGED, HITTING BRAND NEW WASHER IN GARAGE, SURGED AGAIN, RUNNING UP PLANTER CURB HITTING TREE. TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALER BOTH TIMES WITHOUT SUCCESS. DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE SCENARIO. WHY SO MANY PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM YET TOYOTA SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO? ALSO, HAVE PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE DROPPING OUT OF OVERDRIVE, REARVIEW MIRROR PROBLEM WITH VISOR. SO MUCH FOR THE SAYING; "YOU WON'T GET A LEMON AT TOYOTA OF ORANGE". I'M HAPPY TO SAY I HAVEN'T HAD THE SULFUR SMELL.*AK
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2004
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN INTERMITTENT ACCELERATION PROBLEM. VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER HAD TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Power train, Mar 9, 2004
CAR ACCELERATED WHEN BREAKING TO A STOP AND WHILE STOPPED. THE EVENT HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND 1 TIME RECENTLY. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH IT AND HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 9, 2004
MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM TWICE. THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA'S FIELD TECHNICAL SPECIALIST REFUSED TO BELIEVE THE CAR WOULD HAVE ACCELERATED BY ITSELF UNLESS I HAD PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. NO WAY!!!! THEY SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CAR TO HAVE PICKED UP SELF-ACCELERATION. THEY WERE UNABLE TO PINPOINT ANY PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! I WAS LUCKY NOBODY WAS HURT OR KILLED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 27, 2004
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THERE IS A DELAY BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL STOP. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. ON DECEMBER 2003 CONSUMER HAD A ACCIDENT BRAKE TOOK LONGER TO STOP. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER.*AK
Visibility, Feb 19, 2004
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR KNOCKED THE REAR VIEW MIRROR OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THIS OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE DRIVER PULLED THE VISOR DOWN OR PUSHED IT BACK UP. *LA THE CONSUMER LEARNED THAT THE ORIGINAL REAR VIEW MIRROR IS REMOVED AT THE PORT AND REPLACED WITH A LARGER AFTER MARKET MIRROR THAT HAS BUILT IN MAP LIGHTS. *NM
Power train, Feb 6, 2004
2003 TOYOTA LIMITED 4-RUNNER V8- AWDFRONT-END VIBRATION PROBLEM. I FIRST PRESENTED THE VIBRATION PROBLEM TO MY DEALER THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST! THEY TRIED BALANCING THE WHEELS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY AGREED THE PROBLEM WAS THERE AND NOTIFIED CORPORATE. THEIR TECHNICAL STAFF HAD THEM REMOVE THE FRONT AXELS AND RETEST THE VIBRATION WHICH STARTED AT 22 MPH, WENT TO 32MPH 42, 55, AND 62MPH NOW DISAPPEARED! A WEEK LATER A TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE MET WITH ME AND MENTIONED THAT SEVERAL VEHICLES IN PHOENIX HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED IT PROBABLY WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO GET A FIX. TWO MONTHS LATER I TALKED TO THE TECH. REP. AGAIN AND HE MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINEERING GROUP HAD DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE INTERFERENCES IN THE SPIDER GEAR ASSEMBLY IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, THEY WERE TRYING TO CORRECT THE CONDITION WITH THRUST WASHER SHIMS AND OTHER THINGS. I HAVE PRESENTED MY CLAIM TO THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT GROUP. I HAVE CALLED THEM REGULARLY ONCE A MONTH AND HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS AT FINDING WHAT THEIR SCHEDULE IS FOR THE FIX,--ONLY TO SAY WE ARE WORKING ON IT AND YOUR DEALER WILL NOTIFY YOU. IVE SINCE HEARD FROM MY DEALER STAFF THAT THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF LEXUS GX470'S AS WELL AS 4-RUNNERS INVOLVED. IM BEGINNING TO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY VEHICLES WITH DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLIES INVOLVED, THAT IT MAY REQUIRE SOME KIND OF MAJOR REDESIGN AND BUILD. IT MIGHT BE A LONG TIME BEFORE WE SEE A FIX! I HAUL A POP-UP TRAILER AND DOES IT MAGNIFY THE PROBLEM!*AK
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Feb 2, 2004
(1) ROTTEN-EGG SMELL FROM DAY 1 (PURCHASED 9/2002) W/ COOLING OR HEATING SYSTEM FUNCTION. DEALER TOLD ME TO SWITCH OCTANE AND DO NOT USE RECIRCULATION - NO IMPROVEMENT. (2) IN 11/2003, DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT, DRAINED BATTERY. DEALER SAID TSB HAD BEEN RELEASED - PART ORDERED & INSTALLED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. (3) IN 1/2004, LEAKING OIL FROM UNDER CAR, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE - DEALER SAID RIGHT FRONT STRUT LEAKING & "COMPLETELY BLOWN." HAD TO BE REPLACED & CAR REQUIRED SUBSEQUENT ALIGNMENT. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2004
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. IN COLD WEATHER AS THE ENGINE IS WARMING UP, THERE IS A VERY STRONG ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE ALL CLOSED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A SAFETY CONCERN. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2004
I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA LE THAT EMITS A ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON AND THE CAR IS IDLING. *AK
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2004
I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA IN MAY 2002. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS, WE NOTICED THAT ON OCCASION THE RPMS WOULD SURGE TO OVER 4,000 WHILE DRIVING ON UPGRADES, AND COASTING ON DOWNGRADES. IN NOVEMBER OF 2003, WE WERE DRIVING UP A SLIGHT GRADE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN THE RPMS ONCE AGAIN SURGED TO OVER 4,000, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT EXCEED 60 MPH. THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A FLUTTERING NOISE AND SMELLED HOT. WE PULLED OFF THE FREWAY AND LET THE ENGINE COOL DOWN. IT WAS FINE AFTER THAT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO CHUCK PATTERSON TOYOTA IN CHICO, CA. THEY TOLD US THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, AND COULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR US. IN DECEMBER 2003, WE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE RPMS SURGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING UP GRADES AND COASTING ON DOWN GRADES. WE TOOK THE CAR TO NORTHRIDGE TOYOTA, CA. THEY ALSO INSPECTED THE CAR AND TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IN JANUARY 2004, I TOOK THE CAR TO THOUSAND OAKS TOYOTA, CA. I TOOK A MECHANIC FOR A TEST DRIVE. WHEN WE COASTED DOWN A GRADE, THE ENGINE ONCE AGAIN SURGED WITH THE RPMS EXCEEDING 4,000. THE MECHANIC IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS DROPPING OUT OF OVERDRIVE. MY FEELINGS OF EXCITEMENT THAT THE CAR WOULD FINALLY BE FIXED QUCIKLY TURNED TO DISAPPOINTMENT WHEN THE SERVICE MAMAGER INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ABNORMAL WITH THE CAR. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT. EVERYONE IS VERY POLITE, BUT I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND.*AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 26, 2004
MY NEW '03 TOYOTA COROLLA CE (17715 MILES AS OF 01/19/04) HAS SOME SERIOUS DEFECT THAT MAKES IT STALL. AT LEAST 5 TIMES, FROM OCTOBER 20, 2003 TO JANUARY 22, 2004, WE HAD TO BRING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT ALREADY HAD TO BE TOWED TWICE, AS IT WOULD SOMETIMES STOP IN TRAFFIC, PUTTING THE LIVES OF MY FAMILY IN DANGER. SO FAR, NONE OF THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP'S TECHNICIANS HAVE BEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTS PERFORMED ON THIS CAR HAVE SHOWN UNUSUAL CODES UNFAMILIAR TO TOYOTA TECHNICIANS. ONE SUCH CODE, THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO INTERPRET, IS "P1780 . THEY THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS THE ECU SWITCH. THEY REPLACED IT IN NOVEMBER 2003, AND SINCE THEN THE CAR HAS STOPPED TWICE. ON JANUARY 24, 2004, LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER IT WAS DELIVERED TO US FOLLOWING REPAIR FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS, IT STOPPED AGAIN, BECAME INOPERABLE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. AT EACH OCCURRENCE, THE ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT, AND IN SOME CASES THE "LOW ENGINE" PRESSURE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON PERMANENTLY, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME VERY HARD TO MANEUVER, AND THEN THE CAR WOULD COME TO A SUDDEN HALT. TO RESTART IT, IT WOULD TAKE TURNING THE IGNITION KEY ON SEVERAL TIMES. MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT IT MAY SOMEDAY STOP SUDDENLY (AS IT USUALLY DOES) IN A BUSY INTERSECTION OR ON A HIGHWAY, THEREBY PUTTING AT RISK THE LIVES OF MY WHOLE FAMILY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS SOME URGENT ATTENTION. *LA
Structure, Jan 21, 2004
INTERIOR NOISE, RIGHT FRONT DOOR AND DASHBOARD NOISE, RADIO/CD PANEL NOISE, SEVERAL PARTS WERE REPLACED AND REFIXED BUT NOISE IS NOT GONE YET. EVERYTIME I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TELL ME THAT NOISE CAN'T BE DUPLICATED. AS A RESULT I USUALLY HAVE TO RIDE WITH SOMEONE FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO PROVE THAT NOISE IS THERE. IN MY OPINION SOME INTERIOR PARTS DO NOT FIT CAR'S STRUCTURE. AND SO MANY TIMES I TOOK TO DELERSHIP AND THEY SAID TI SI FIXED AND AFTER CERTAIN TIME IT WILL COME AGAIN.I EVEN TRIED TO GIVE MY CAR BACK AND THE ARBITRATOR SAID I HAVE LESS ATTEMPTS TO REPLACE. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
THIS MODEL IS A 2003 BOUGHT IN MARCH 2002. THERE A STRONG SMELL OF SULPHUR/ROTTEN EGG WHEN ENGINE COLD OR CAR CLIMBS A HILL. DURATION ABOUT 5 MINUTES. TOYOTA'S EXPLANATION: IT IS CAUSED BY THE SULPHUR IN GAS , PROBLEM WILL VANISH OVER TIME, NO REMEDY EXISTS, CATALYTIC CONVERTER BUILD AS PER SPECS AND STANDARDS. THE SMELL PERSISTS TODAY A YEAR AND A HALF LATER. ANY TECHNICAL REASONS YOU KNOW , ANYTHING THAT TOYOTA COULD DO AND IS NOT DOING ? THANKS
Suspension, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. THE AIR CONDITIONING/HEATER FAN QUITS AT RANDOM. IT DOES START BACK BUT OBVIOUSLY HAS A SHORT. IT COMES AND GOES. THE DEALER HAS STATED EACH TIME THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT ALSO HAS SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. SINCE NEW THE CAR HAS MADE UNPLEASANT CLANING AND RATTLING NOISES IN THE FRONT END. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT MANY TIMES WITH NO RESOLUTION. IT FEELS UNSTABLE IN WINDY CONDITIONS AND UN EVEN SURFACES. I'VE ACTUALLY THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE BECAUSE OF THE CAR SWAYING SO BADLY IN THE WIND AND ON UNEVEN SURFACES. I'VE OWNED MANY SMALL CARS BEFORE AND EVEN AN OLDER COROLLA SO I'M AWARE OF WHAT IS NORMAL. IT HAS DEFINITE SUPSENSION PROBLEMS. I HONESTLY FEEL IT'S DANGEROUS FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS DUE TO THE SUSPENSION. I NEED HELP. THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AS WELL. IT'S A TRUE LEMON.
Power train, Jan 15, 2004
I BROUGHT A 1999 TOYOTA COROLA IN 2000, IN 2001 32,000 MILES LATER THE TRANSMISION FAILED, TOYOTA REPLACED THE TRANSMISION WITH A BRAND NEW ONE. THIS MONTH MAY 2003 41,000 MILES LATER THE TRANSMISION FAILED AGAIN SAME PROBLEM. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA I'M NO LONGER UNDER WARRENTY AND I HAVE TO PAY 4,396.71 FOR THE REPAIR COST. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS, IF THE TRANSMISION KEEP FAILING EVERY 30,000 TO 40,000 MILES OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jan 15, 2004
MY WIFE PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA. SHE PURCHASED IT BECAUSE OF ITS IMPLIED ECONOMY. BUT DESPITE THE OWNER'S MANUAL CLAIMS THAT THE CAR CAN USE 87 OCTANE OR HIGHER, SUCH IS NOT THE CASE. IN TWO WORDS, ROTTEN EGGS. IN TWO OTHER WORDS, HYDROGEN SULFIDE. AS WE DECELERATE TO A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN, IF THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN, OR THE VENTILATION SYSTEM IS SET TO INTAKE OUTSIDE AIR, THE ODOR OF ROTTEN EGGS IS OVERPOWERING. (NOTE THAT IF THE AIRFLOW PATTERN CONTROL IS TURNED TO EITHER PARTIAL OR TOTAL WINDSHIELD DEFROST, THE CONTROL WILL AUTOMATICALLY ENFORCE FRESH, OUTSIDE AIR INTAKE.) WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE MANAGER DIDN'T BAT AN EYELASH. JUST OPENED A DRAWER AND PULLED OUT A SHEET OF PAPER WHICH STATES THAT TMC ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEM, AND WILL DO NOTHING TO REMEDY IT. THE PAPER FURTHER SUGGESTS THAT I SHOULD CHANGE BRANDS OF GASOLINE (WE HAD ALREADY TRIED THAT) OR CHANGE TO A HIGHER GRADE OF GASOLINE. THE DEALER REFUSED TO WRITE UP THE PROBLEM ON A REPORT. I CAN ATTEST, THE ROTTEN EGG ODOR DOESN'T ABATE IF 87 OCTANE FUEL IS USED - EVEN AMOCO WHICH PURPORTS TO BE BETTER THAN THE REST. SEARCHING THESE TOPICS VIA GOOGLE, I FOUND A DISCUSSION SUGGESTING THAT THE CAUSE WAS/IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER RUNNING TOO HOT - PROBABLY DUE TO ITS PROXIMITY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. SURE ENOUGH, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE FIRST CATALYTIC CONVERTER (THERE ARE TWO, IN TANDEM) IS COUPLED DIRECTLY TO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. FURTHER, THERE IS NO ROOM TO MOVE THE UNIT BACK, AND, SINCE THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM IS WELDED, ANY MODIFICATIONS TO IT WOULD PROBABLY NEGATE MY WARRANTY. MY '88 COROLLA USES THE SAME 87 OCTANE FUELS, FROM THE SAME BRANDS (THAT WE'VE TRIED ON THE '03 COROLLA) AND DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. CONSUMERS DESERVE A BETTER PRODUCT THAN THIS. MY SON'S '02 HONDA CIVIC DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD WE - AND OUR FELLOW ROAD USERS BEHIND US AND TO THE SIDES OF US - BE FORCED TO TOLERATE THIS DEPLORABLE STENCH?
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 15, 2004
PURCHASED CAR NEW ON 10/4/02. WITHIN A MONTH NOTICED A VERY SIGNIFICANT SULFAR ODOR EXPECIALLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS PARTICULARLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY TELL ME THAT NOTHING IS WRONG. THEIR EXPLANATION IS THAT SOME GAS STATIONS PUT ADDITIVES IN THEIR GAS THAT CREATE THIS ODOR.. THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING FURTHER TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 15, 2004
ROTTEN EGG SMELL- POOR GAS MILEAGE (29 MPG- MOSTLY HIGHWAY/INTERSTATE) WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A ROTTEN EGG SMELL. WE HAVE COMPLAINED AND WERE TOLD THE FOLLOWING: 1) THERE'S NOTHING WRONG- IT OPERATING CORRECTLY. 2) YOU'RE RUNNING THE WRONG TYPE OF GAS (WE'VE TRIED ALL TYPES) 3) YOU NEED TO RUN THE CAR ON RECIRCULATION ALL THE TIME SO THAT YOU WON'T SMELL IT.
Structure, Jan 15, 2004
CONSUMER DISCOVERED A WATER LEAK IN THE VEHICLE. *PH WHEN THE CONSUMER WENT TO PICK UP THE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, WHICH WAS A 2004 COROLLA, SHE DISCOVERED MOLDING AT THE BASE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. *JB *NM
Air bags, Jan 12, 2004, crash
WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE OFF, THIS CAUSED A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER, PASSENGER AND THE OTHER OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SOME INJURIES. *AK THE OTHER VEHICLE MADE A LEFT TURN ON THE CONSUMERS RIGHT OF WAY. WHICH CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *CB *JB
Visibility, Jan 2, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *AK
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2003
BAD SMELL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF CAR WHEN RUNNING ENGINE