Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated while driving 35 MPH. The mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was defective. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and would not be repaired for free. The dealer did not question that the catalytic converter failed and wrote up the repair order. The current mileage was 93,450 and failure mileage was 93,400.
2003 Toyota Corolla engine complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 108, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. While driving 45 or 65 MPH, the vehicle makes a squealing noise. The serpentine belt was replaced five times, but the noise persists. The vehicle is currently at the dealer who stated that the tension pulley was causing the belt to detach. The manufacturer stated that there is no recall due to the small number of complaints. The current mileage is 93,620 and failure mileage was 1,000.
Sulfur odor/catalytic converter; original catalytic converter replaced by toyota service department in maryland at 69308 miles covered by warranty on 4/8/05. Check engine light turned on again on 5/30/07, went off by itself on 5/31/07. Took vehicle to toyota service department in pennsylvania on 6/4/07 for service. Catalytic converter failed again at 134939 miles. Annual inspection and emissions due by october 2007, and repair quote for the third catalytic converter was over $1200.00. Concerned not only about cost of the repair, but what was causing the 2003 toyota corolla to need another catalytic converter. Regular maintenance was performed on vehicle, and it was used mostly for errands and commuting to and from work.
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.
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.
I bought a 2003 toyota corolla from a certified car dealership, and was sold a car that was involved in a major accident and was not reported. The whole front of the car has none of the original parts to the car which depreciated the value of the car, but it was still sold to me as slightly used in great condition,low mileage and suppose to have never been in an any accidents, I also found out the this car did not pass inspection at the time of purchase, I had to bring the car back to the dealership numerous times starting five days after I bought it. I tried giving the car back and they said that there is nothing that they could do because the contract is already signed, and because of the extensive damages to the car they will only give $6,000 for the car when in fact they sold it to me for over $15,000.
I have noticed that several others have complained about the rotten egg odor coming from the engine. I had taken the car in several times about this and was told to only buy shell gas, I had tried this and it doesn't work. I was then told that the car was built for high emission standards and since I live in texas, there is nothing that they can do about it. While I lived in california I did not experience the rotten odor. Has this issue ever been resolved? I am really tired of the odor.
Automatic tensioner failed. Bearing makes terrible squeaking sound when cold. Getting worse as months go by. Also worse in cold, wet weather. Brought car to dealer. They said it's not covered in basic warranty. Didn't get extended warranty. Is this right? Seems like a defective part. Seems like it should be covered under drive train warranty. Have seen same problem with 2 other corrolla's from similar years. Why doesn't toyota replace this part as part of regular warranty?
No incident, just defects.
Consumer complaint regarding fumes entering through the air vents. *** no answer required*** *ts updated 11/7/2005 - the consumer has had this problem since the vehicle was purchased new. The manufacturer instructed the consumer to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but they refused to fix the vehicle stating that fumes entering the vehicle was normal.
Fumes entering the inside of the vehicle through air vents. This problem is with the vehicle from the beginning when it was bought new and until now. The manufacturers instructions were to bring vehicle to dealers. Vehicle was brought to dealers for repair but dealers could not fix the defect.
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.
Transmission went out, according to repair shop was defect from company. Less than 115 miles later the engine goes. According to service manager and master technician, engine looked great and could find no problem until discovered the cylinder head was warped and was a "common problem" . Engine and transimission gone within 115 miles of each other.
2003 toyota corolla heating system emits a rotten odor when activated.*mr since purchase of vehicle when the heating system is on there is an intermittent sulfur (rotten egg) odor emitted. Consumer stated, thought this was something that would eventually burn off, but it continues to happen. Was told by dealers to change gasoline, but this has not solved the problem. *bf
2003 toyota corolla experienced roll back.*mr while stopped at red light car suddenly rolled backward. The consumer put the brake down as hard as she could but the car kept rolling. The consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the car. *bf
Engine replaced at 55874 mls dealership said "vehicle was not mantained". Even though oil was changed every 55 to 7500 mls. 3 weeks later while driving on hwy car suddenly started accelerating on its own, when I tried to slow it down the brakes did not work. After about 5 miles & 3 near collisions I was able to get off hwy and pull into a parking lot. The brakes were still locked up and the engine was still accelerating, car would not stop! I then threw car in park and cut engine off in order to avoid injuring someone else or myself . Smoke poured from under hood. Had towed to dealer could not duplicate said their was nothing wrong! 2nd incident 3 days after getting car back took to dealer again and they once again said could not duplicate and that they found no problem!this car almost killed me and is very dangerous!!!!
Rotten egg smell and many structural defects in this car.
Check engine light came on, caused by poorly fitting gas cap. Concerned about burned oil debris in new oil changed. *bf the consumer stated that one inch of the engine oil had been lost over 1800 miles enough that the engine could be completely out of oil over a 4000 mile period.
Vehicle is letting out fumes from the engine and through the vents into the vehicle. Driver tends to get drowsy, and her asthma tends to get worse because of the fumes.
Since leasing my 2003 toyota corolla in march of 2003, I have experienced a rotten egg smell whenever the car is used. I brought it to the dealer (plaza auto mall) where I leased it from to have it checked out on 4/26/03. Technician found "no problems, everything operating normally at this time". On 6/2/04 I called toyota customer assistance and explained the foul odor smell. I was told the problem stems from a gasoline issue and that new toyotas are so efficenient at burning fuel that they also burn up contaminants in the fuel that were normally released into the atmosphere. They in turn forwarded my complaint to corporate customer relations.(complaint #200306020751) on 6/3/03 my dealership called to explain again what I had been told by customer relations and that there was nothing they could do at this time. He suggested trying a different brand of gas which I have done several times with no success with the foul odor smell.
While driving check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle stalled. But the driver was able to restart vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic placed the vehicle on the diagnostic machine and the codes appeared as follows, p04400/p04411/ p04412. Then, mechanic determined that the charcoal canister and the gas vapor sensor needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that the problem occurred many times. Also, mechanic informed consumer that this problem could be a design flaw from the manufacturer.
When the brakes were applied, the vehicle would idled at a high RPM . The dealership and manufacture has been contacted. Technician was unable to determine the cause. Please provide any additional information. *nm
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.
(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.
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.
I own a 2003 toyota corolla le that emits a rotten egg smell when the engine is on and the car is idling.
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.
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
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.
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?
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