2003 Toyota Corolla: engine failure

10 of the 721 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Corolla describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 10
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 101,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 14 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2025
1
2024
2
2023
1
2022
3
2021
2
2020
6
2019
2
2018
2
2017
2
2016
2
2015
4
2014
2
2013
4
2011
1
2010
7
2009
11
2008
2
2007
12
2006
10
2005
7
2004
3
2003
10
2001
3
2000
7
1999
4
1998
6
1997
2
1996
1
1990
1

What owners say

Filed May 5, 2015 · Transmission · 139,000 miles · CA

Original transmission was replaced at 124,000 miles, and only 3 years later, and 25,000 miles later, it now needs another transmission. Not the dependability I was expecting. In both instances, the same thing occurred; although it went out on me a lot faster the second time around. I heard a grinding sound every time I accelerated, until it finally went out on me and locked up both times. The first time I was on a side street, and it happened while I was approaching red light (and only reverse worked, so I was able to reverse it into a gas station nearby). The second time was a bit more scary (and I'm pissed off about this even more, now that I'm reading everyone else's story, because I could've been in a major accident). I was driving 65 MPH down the freeway (in the 3rd lane in) when all of a sudden my car bucked (jerked back) on me. I immediately got off the freeway within 5-7 seconds (thank god I was able to), when all of a sudden it completely froze/seized/locked up on me and proceeded to skid out about 15 feet along the side of the freeway only a second or two after getting off. The more I think about it, the more I am thankful that I was able to get over so quickly or it could've been disastrous. Nevertheless, I just got it towed to the local toyota dealership, and am looking forward to what they have to say. I am printing out all the links/forums/articles that I have found about this very specific problem with this very specific year and model (with only manual transmissions have you). Not sure what they will do about (my guess is they'll say tough luck and tell me it's going to cost me $3600, and then I'll have to have it towed to another place that can do it with a rebuilt transmission for $2000), but I'm going to give it a try. It really angers me that they can allow this problem to persist and put people's lives in danger.

Filed Mar 13, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 153,000 miles · GA · 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.

Filed Feb 21, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · CA

I have a 2003 toyota corolla 2003 4dr le, 80000 miles, I want to report coolant leak from engine area. I took the car to mechanics and toyota dealer, they determined that coolant leak due to bottom part of the engine is cracking, recommendations is replace the engine block, that will cost about $6000. Mechanics stated that when toyota made the mode of the engine, the mode does not make good.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Engine · SC

I purchased a used 2003 corolla. Vehicle came with all service records and it had been well maintained. I also checked all fluids. Mileage was 133,065 at the time I purchased it. I thought this was good because toyotas are suppose to last forever, right? A week after I bought it I noticed a knocking in the engine. I checked the oil and it was out. I have to put 3-4 quarts of oil in my car every 7-8 days. It does not leak, it burns it. The engine needs to be replaced. The emissions light stays on and I have also lost a hubcap cover. I've noticed that every other 03 corolla I pass on road is also missing at least one. After reading the complaints on here, I am very concerned and know I will never by toyota again.

Filed Feb 17, 2010 · Engine · 48,381 miles · PA

2003 toyota corolla le, 48,000 miles, engine seized due to lack of oil circulation in the engine block. Result was a complete engine replacement. The vehicle has always been well maintained and the oil changed at regular intervals.

Filed Feb 16, 2009 · Engine · 43,451 miles · PA

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.

Filed Apr 29, 2008 · Engine · 35,000 miles · GA

2003 toyota corolla has been using oil since 30,000 miles. Toyota dealer said the engine needed replacing at 35,000 miles because sludge was in the head. Oil was changed between 4,000 - 5,000 miles since new. Now we must replace the engine after it was just paid off. I sincerely believe this was a default from the factory.

Filed May 1, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · 101,000 miles · FL

2003 toyota corolla purchased in 2002 was told today I need a brand new engine. My car has 102,000 not old at all well maintained got services when needed. No one can explain why my engine has gone bad. I just wonder how many other engines have gone bad this soon?? The last time something was wrong with my car it ended up being a recall a few months later had to have a rear axle replaced.

Filed Apr 29, 2007 · Engine · 104,280 miles · GA

I have a 2003 toyota corolla and I took it to the dealership for its 105,000 mile service. Part of the service was to replace the oil. I left the dealership after the service and the car was ok. I drove it for about 45 minutes. It sat for about 3 hours and when I left I drove it for about 30 minutes and then there was a loud clanking and banging from the engine. I had it towed to the dealership and they say I need a new engine. There has been no oil leak or black smoke from the exhaust. I had an oil leak around 96,000 miles that I took to the dealership and they fixed. Although I had to take it back because they did not fix it properly the first time. I feel there has been some error on their part and they are not willing to get into the engine and see if there is something wrong and just want me to replace the engine no questions asked.

Filed Nov 8, 2003 · Engine · FL

Car making knocking noise in engine. Took car to dealership and was advised that there was sludge in the engine. I was told it was from not receiving oil changes on time. The car only has 22,456 miles, and I have had 3 oil changes. They tell me I will need a new engine. I just bought this car in march 2002. The car also has a rotten egg smell.