2003 Toyota Corolla: fire, smoke or burning smell

9 of the 721 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Corolla describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 160,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 13 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2025
2
2023
5
2021
1
2020
1
2019
2
2018
3
2017
1
2016
2
2014
2
2011
1
2010
12
2009
7
2008
2
2007
11
2006
7
2005
7
2004
2
2003
9
2002
1
2001
2
2000
5
1999
2
1998
6
1997
6
1996
9
1995
6
1994
1
1993
5
1992
2
1991
3

What owners say

Filed Mar 20, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · NV · fire

While driving the car, noticed bad smell. Stopped and came out from the vechicle and it started on fire from the engine compartment.

Filed Nov 23, 2015 · Electrical · 126,000 miles · PA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. While the vehicle was parked, the engine burst into flames. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated the day prior to the fire. A fire report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Engine · 160,000 miles · CO · fire

I was driving my father's car. After driving car approx.14 miles home from a restaurant, I parked it in the carport. Less than 15 min later I heard an explosion and saw the car was filled with smoke and smoke was pouring out from under the hood. A closer inspection revealed the right front tire was blown and flames were seen underneath the engine compartment soon followed by flames coming out the topside of the hood. After realizing it was out of control, the fire department was called. I had no indication of problems from lights on the dashboard panel, no difficulties driving the car, I did not run over anything on the trip home or any other time I can remember. All recalls received were responded to at peterson toyota in ftcollins, colorado. Oil changes were done regularly. Brakes were inspected the last oil change in may or june and we were told they were still ok.

Filed Mar 12, 2014 · Airbags · 174,348 miles · PR · crash · fire · 3 injuries

Right after the car was hit,the passenger airbag exploded,breaking the front windshield and hitting the driver in the head causing a cut of 7 stitches ,and catching on fire. Airbag never inflated.

Filed Jun 25, 2013 · Electrical · LA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the contact noticed a burning smell emitting from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 30, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 185,000 miles · CA · 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.

Filed Aug 30, 2005 · Engine · FL

Dt: the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The consumer stated while driving the vehicle hesitated and white smoke came from the tail pipe during start up. The contact took vehicle to a local dealership. Upon inspection it was determined that there was sludge in the oil. The dealership did not service the vehicle because of the high cost. There was a program to extend the warranty on the engine for toyota camry regarding sludge build up, but not for the toyota corolla. The dealership stated they needed to take the engine apart and replace needed components.

Filed Mar 27, 2005 · Electrical · 14,500 miles · CA · fire

Car caught on fire after sitting for 30 plus minutes. Total loss. Toyota has not yet returned numerous telephone calls, and the selling local dealer wants it off their lot. 14,500 miles. Purchased extended service policy, which toyota is not honoring. Fire department said it was electrical failure.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Engine · NY · fire

The vehicle caught fire, after it was started.