In 9/2007 the transmission and clutch went out on my manual 2003 corolla. Conveniently, it was beyond the warranty period. I spent a significant amount of $ repairing. Again, in march 2015 the transmission and clutch are going out on my manual vehicle. After researching, I found numerous owners experiencing the same problems. There is a serious defect in the 2003 manual corolla that was apparently fixed in the 2004 version. I have contacted toyota several times. They will do nothing. They told me to email the federal safety agency and your agency would determine a recall. Please, please, please put this problem on the recall list. I (and numerous other owners) have been stranded along the highway and it is not safe!
2003 Toyota Corolla engine complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 108, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I experienced a stuck accelerator pedal in my 2003 corolla.I tried to kick the pedal loose and could not.I ended up grabbing the key and shutting the engine down to avoid losing control on the snow covered road and hitting traffic in front of me.I later determined that the throttle linkage had lost normal freedom of movement in the cold weather,even though I had cleaned the inside of the throttle body some months earlier.I believe most people would have had an accident in my situation.the only thing that saved me from an accident was my mechanical knowledge of cars enabling me to make the right decisions to avoid an accident.
I was driving to go to school and I noticed my engine making a loud knocking sound. I took it to a mechanic and they told me that the engine is burning oil due a ring or rings torn up. One mechanics mentioned that he has had several corollas 2003 coming with the same problem and now I am stuck with a car that burns a lot of oil and the engine is in critical condition.
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.
Vehicle was hit on freeway and knocked up onto center dividing wall of freeway, approximately 2 days after purchase. The vehicle was twisted and unable to be driven. Insurance company refused to total vehicle and original factory replacement parts were denied. Aftermarket parts not related to vehicle were placed on vehicle including wrong steering, frame, wrong brakes, wrong everything, and many other fraudulent parts including ABS removed from vehicle for which I paid extra about $5600. All complaints to repair company, allstate insurance, and toyota of orange were denied although vehicle was not operating properly. Example brakes never worked, and locked and skidded at 2-5 miles per hour which was extremely dangerous on road. In may, I took vehicle for smog test and was informed vehicle would not pass visual inspection test due to non approved after market parts on vehicle not related to toyota. At this time specifically catalytic converter is not an approved part. Only toyota dealership worked on this vehicle until 2012 when visit to arizona. No one will help me regarding this matter, and I cannot get tags and registration. I am disabled and immediately need my vehicle. Can you please assist me in this matter as not only is vehicle unsafe, but I have no recourse and no place to turn.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage and current mileage was 125,700.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated the check engine light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who stated the check engine light illuminated due to a hole in the socket for the solenoid e. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the check engine light and they stated there was nothing they could do. The failure mileage was 200,000.
I was driving home from work when the transmission locked up. I pulled over turned the car off and back on. I managed to put the car in first gear and make it back home even though the transmission was making this loud grinding noise. I brought the car for repair and they tell me I need a new transmission. Just 6 weeks ago I had the clutch replaced. After investigating this issue I have learned this is a very common problem. Something must be done about this.
I was driving the car, a toyota corolla 2003 on july 12 and while driving it turn on the check engine light, next morning while driving the car in a highway the car turn off. I didn't have an accident because it was too early in the morning, after couple attempts the car turned on, I call a toyota place, where I do all maintenance of my cars, and after I called I went there so they can run a test. The result was shift solenoid "e" malfunction. The worker told me that most likely the problem is the computer, that there was a recall but on the corolla 2006 not 2003. Hopefully you can help me with this. He told me to file a complain so I don't know where.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that he was having problems with the catalytic converter failing and leaking oil. The catalytic converter was replaced two years ago and now it had failed again and needed to be replaced for $1200. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they reiterate that this failure needed to be replaced. There were no related recalls. The toyota manufacturer was not called. The failure mileage was 69,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.
I purchase my toyota pre-owned with 46,000 miles on it odometer. A short while after the purchase the engine light came on. I called the car dealership to find out why the engine light was on. The agent stated that my gas cap may not be tight enough. I tightened my gas cap and the light when off for about 20 minutes. It never caused any problems in the performance of the car. However, when I went to get it smogged for the first time, it would not pass smog. The mechanic at the toyota dealership stated that it needed a catalytic converter and that it would cost around $1,800 to replace. Therefore, I had to go the referee to get a 2 year waiver on my smog. I am a single mom with 2 special needs kids, I cannot go without a car. My car will be going on the next year soon. I would like to know if there is any funding to help with repairs when the problem is due to manufacturing defects. I know that this is a factory issue because I have read many complaints from other toyota customers who have had the same exact problem with the same model year car.
I had a 2003 toyota corolla that stalled repeatedly while the car was at high speeds. Hamer toyota never said anything was wrong with this car. This was just one major problem with that car. This was the most dangerous incidents. I no longer own the car for the reason it kept breaking down, and I felt unsafe and feared for my daughter at the time who drove when this was happening.
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) purchased 2003, toyota, corolla, VIN: [xxx] with daughter. Veh was purchased from toyota of orange in ca. Two days later a hit and run driver forced veh to skid across five lanes on interstate 10 in ontario, ca, and landed atop center divider. The vehicle was sent to repair shop and "repaired" after approximately 5-8 months. However, the car was never properly repaired, and I complained to both toyota , and to the insurance company, allstate, but toyota adamantly stated the veh was without problems. The car was continually in the shop for the brakes. Eventually the carpet caused the accelerator to become stuck and the car went out of control. I was forced to reach down while the car moving and pull the carpet with both hands to release the accelerator. Stepping on the brakes did not help. Neither toyota repair nor allstate would help resolve our complaints since 2003, we were simply told that the veh was fine. Additionally I believe the frame is bent, lack of interlocking brakes causing skids, brakes are soft and drop to floor, and poor steering column. This car is dangerous and is impossible to drive without involving near miss accident episodes. The car skids if going as little as 5-10 miles per hour. I offered to give the car away to anyone who was willing to investigate my complaints, all to no avail. I just recently learned that one of the problems I heard in the brand new car was a hole in the exhaust system. Toyota continually denied this for 5-6 years, then by accident a very young newly employed staff at toyota of orange, informed us that our complaint about loud air sounding noise was a hole in the exhaust, which had been continually making the noise, and burning of eyes (migraines). The brakes were repaired every 2-4 months or less until I just reported less frequently. The car is now no longer under warranty. Currently it needs some brakes, rotors, drums, calipers, and shocks as always.
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.
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.
I'm not sure if this is a defect but I just want to file a comment I have with my vehicle. I have a 2003 toyota corolla s made in 7/2002. The thing I have experiencing and still am is that my vehicle will lurch when it comes to a stop and engine idle speed changes when the vehicle was stopped. I've never experience this with other cars I have driven. I also didn't know if this is a defect or not back then until I start reading the news about the recall and other complaints from my model that is not due to the current recall. Here is the link to the news I have read about: http://www.cnbc.com/id/35269950 there is a quote from someone that experience the same thing as I did but did not state the year and model.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated in her vehicle. The dealer stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. A few hours later, the light illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and they stated that the sensor was bad and made the replacement. On the third occasion, they repaired a component related to the exhaust system because of the check engine light. After the most recent failure, the dealer stated that the charcoal canister failed. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 36,100.
I bought my 2003 toyota corolla from a toyota dealership, took it home, and it began stinking like rotten eggs. I called the service department and they told me to buy more expensive gas that contains less sulfur. Four years of buying expensive gasoline, and I find out my catalytic converter has burned up and I need a new one for $1200. I found out that catalytic converters can be damaged if fuel is being mixed to richly, evident by a sulfur smell. I began researching this and found a toyota technical bulletin (http://www.autosafety.org/toyota%2003-04%20corolla%20catalyst.pdf) that states my specific model 2003 corolla had a manufacturers error all along. The ECM was set incorrectly to mix fuel too richly, and that if a customer complains of an excessive sulfur smell, the ECM and catalytic converter should have been changed under warranty! The catalytic converter failed while I was still under a 60,000miles warranty, however I was on vacation in california, and called a local toyota dealership service department, they told me my warranty did not cover the system, so I waited to get it fixed. The check engine light went off after returning to colorado, and didn't come back on for 15,000 miles. At 85,000 miles, I finally took my car to be fixed by a dealership in denver. Afterward, I found out about the toyota bulletin, and an "emissions warranty" that would have covered the problem up to 8yrs or 80,000 miles. Now, toyota refuses to pay for the work to fix the real ECM problem, because I found out 5000 miles after this secret warranty ran out that the toyota service department was lying to me or incompetent! If you search online, there is a plethora of other toyota consumers whom were lied to about the cause of this problem! This excessively rich mixing of fuel leads to defective catalytic converters.
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.
I currently drive a 2003 corolla and the belt squeak a lot. I work at toyota myself and I know that every toyota corolla belt squeaks. It's not due to the fact on the drive belt but the belt tensioner. I was told by the service advisor that only people that are under the warranty will be replace but that's a outrage. Toyota already knew that the belt tensioner was a bad design and they made a new version to replace the 1st design. I spent 140 bucks to buy the part and the squeak weak away. Every 9th generation corolla should have a recall on this belt tensioner thing because my car was slipping and losing horsepower. I kept the old part in case you want me to ship it to you. I hope this problem will be resolved.
Purchased a used 2003 toyota corolla in 2006, which had [unknown to me] a toyota extended warranty in force. About one year later, at approximately 67,000 miles, the engine developed a "rod knock" and had to be replaced, by atkinson toyota in bryan-college station texas. Cost $6000. The dealer could not file for reimbursement for us since we were unaware of the extended warranty, and so did not file for transfer. My son was driving the car at the time, and reported simply that the low oil indicator came on and the engine started knocking. The vehicle has no warning indicators regarding oil level or life [as does gm and others], so that the 'word on the street' is that if the oil indicator comes on, your engine is already ruined. My son and I changed the oil in the vehicle, and it had only been driven about 4,000 miles since the previous oil change.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. While driving 35 MPH, the battery light illuminated and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed radiator fluid leaking and stated that the engine overheated. He further stated that the serpentine belt disengaged. As of october 2, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The contact felt that the cause of failure was a failed bolt that held the engine. The current and failure mileages were 180,000.
My toyota corolla started making a hammering noise when pressing the accelerator I was going downhill on the expressway. I drove to the nearest town and called toyota who informed me I had to get a tow truck and get it to the dealership for service. I did so, and the next day was informed that the car's engine needed replacement as it had been damaged due to lack of oil. I was surprised since my car's last service was at the same dealership for an oil change just a month and two weeks before. At that time they did not indicate a problem with the motor and said my car was ok. My car has 49,500 miles and I am now facing a very expensive repair (change all the internal motor parts) since my car's 5 year/60,000 warranty expired just last month.
Falure of charcoal emmision cannister in my 2003 toyota corolla. This is the second time in 4 years that this part has failed. It is my understanding that many other owners of this year vehicle have experienced similar problems. I believe a recall is in order.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. While driving 70 MPH the air-conditioning unit shut off. The dealer stated that the hose touched the freon line and caused the air-conditioner to shut off. The dealer stated that they would replace the freon line hose. The current mileage was 126,000 and the failure mileage was unavailable.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Toyota Corolla?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history