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2003 Toyota Corolla body problems

31 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 45,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
31
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
45,000
crashes
3
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Body
    14
  • Body: door: hinge and attachments
    2
  • Body: trunk lid
    1
  • Body: door
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota Corolla body problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202027

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2003 Toyota Corolla owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 30, 2023 · Airbags, Body · PR

I was driving as usual and suddenly the air bags exploded inside the dash causing damage to the passenger window and the front crystal. Seconds after the drivers airbag also opened and consequently the alarms. I did not impact anything and the car won’t start again.

Filed Jan 10, 2022 · Body, Engine · CA

I barely bought the car and I looked at the odometer and it’s at 126,000 and I serched and it has more then 300,000 i need help

Filed Feb 11, 2021 · Body, Engine · 190,000 miles · MO · crash

I am writing with concern to see if the recall on my daughters 2003 toyota air bag issue was truly fixed, she was involved in a traffic accident where according to everyone's opinion the airbags should have went off however they did not. Is there any way to see if the recall work was actually done by the company who states they did the repair ??

Filed Nov 14, 2020 · Body, Electrical · 90,000 miles · VA

I've tried to report both items to tysons toyota in the past. The driver side window has "exploded" in, once while I was in the car. I'm on my third window and it rattles when the window is partially open. I fear another explosion. Second, the paint on this blue car has rusted and peeled on the roof and trunk. When I googled the year, make, model, and color, there are thousands of 2003-04 cars experiencing the same defect. Despite being an older car, there are many still on the road. Toyota claims there was no problem. However, with so many occurances, one would think toyota would look into the quality of blue paint used. It would cost over $900 just to have the roof and trunk repaired and repainted. The side back panels are now beginning to rust. I saw where sequoia white suvs were afforded free repainting because of a similar issue. (if someone can afford a sequoia, they could probably afford to get their cars repainted!)

Filed Mar 8, 2019 · Body · 128,162 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. After the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v883000 (air bags), the fuel tank cover and trunk could not be opened. The contact called autonation toyota mall of georgia at 770‑674‑6083 (located at 3505 buford dr, buford, ga 30519) where the recall repair was performed and left a voice message. The dealer had not called back. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,162.

Filed Feb 26, 2018 · Airbags, Body · 100,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated and remained on for approximately three months. The dealer and independent mechanic were not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. *tt the consumer stated only the paint of the car is peeling.

Filed Mar 27, 2017 · Airbags, Body · 200,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Got into what could've been a minor accident, but the car was totaled, however, the airbags did not even deploy. Before the accident, the seatbelt would lock at random times, which could cause an accident. I was making a u-turn on a state road. Once hit, the entire tire went under the car and the entire front came off, which was why I was surprised that the airbags did not go off.

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Body · 110,039 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. While driving various speeds, the vehicle made a clunking type noise near the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger side subframe was corroded and rusted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,039. Updated 05/24/16*lj

Filed Jun 17, 2015 · Body · 115,000 miles · TX

Many years ago I received a recall notice for the driver's side floor mat of my 2003 toyota corolla. The fix by toyota was to install floor anchors to hold the floor mat in a stable position so it could not slide around. The fix worked for a few years, then the anchors broke. I paid toyota for new anchors which again fixed the problem for some time. Recently, the anchors again failed and I will again need new anchors to stabilize the floor mat. I think toyota should come up with a more permanent fix for this safety issue. Updated 7/20/15*cn updated 11/13/15

Filed May 31, 2015 · Airbags, Body · 155,000 miles · IN · crash · 1 injury

A vehicle was stopped in middle of street without running or lights on. Our vehicle hit parked vehicle in rear and smashed front in so not drivable but airbags did not employ at impact. Police officer verified the driver side at least should have employed upon impact. Driver is sore and bruised but not needing medical treatment to our knowledge (at this point) there are two recalls regarding misfunctioning airbags on our vehicle but the remedy is not yet available :-(

Questions about the 2003 Toyota Corolla body

Does the 2003 Toyota Corolla have body problems?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the body of the 2003 Toyota Corolla, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Corolla body problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 45,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Toyota Corolla body?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota Corolla have the most body problems?

The Toyota Corolla model years with the most body complaints are 2009 (42 complaints), 2015 (33 complaints) and 2014 (32 complaints).

Other 2003 Toyota Corolla problems

Airbags 333Engine 108Acceleration 77Transmission 61Seat belts 38Electrical 34Brakes 32Visibility 32Fuel system 14Tires 13Suspension 10Driver assistance 9Lights 9Steering 8Wheels 7Locks 4Seats 4

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