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2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical Mr2 Spyder model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
12
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
81
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Electrical
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder 81

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 81 bulletins for the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder

What 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 30, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 55,000 miles · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota mr2 spyder. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact mentioned that the vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a curb. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Sep 29, 2014 · Electrical, Transmission · 30,800 miles · HI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota mr2 spyder. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the gear warning indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that the computer chip and hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,800. Updated 12/2/14*cn the consumer stated the actuator assembly was repaired under warranty.

Filed Sep 12, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · WV

2003 toyota mr2 spyder 6-speed transmission/ shifting malfunction - while at traffic light, the car jerked forcefully forward when attempting to proceed from stopped position, then turned itself off. The car became incapable of shifting and had to be towed. Ecu was replaced. Similar problems resurfaced.

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Acceleration · 100,253 miles · MO

While driving, the cruise control switch became intermittent in operation, with potential of being unable to disengage it.

Filed Sep 13, 2010 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · MO

Sequential manual transmission clutch failed to completely disengage leaving the car in gear with potential crash results. Transmission computer was replaced after 3 separate times in the shop.

Filed Sep 23, 2009 · Body · 66,000 miles · MS

Plate under engine comes loose, hanging under car and exposing the engine compartment to the road. This plate had come loose several times and I have replaced screws to put it back in place, but this time it completely failed and broke.

Filed Dec 16, 2008 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · MD

My car has a hard shift problem. It stops at every traffic light and I have to start it again. Also when I shift the stick it changes so hard, it pushes me and shake it itself so hard. I was going to crash when it happened first time. I took it to repair shop. They said "transmission control computer needs to be replaced and reprogrammed" "sequential manual transmission (smt) harsh shift" this is a bulletin of toyota, I took it to toyota dealer, they said they will charge for it. It s not under warranty. But it is manufacturing mistake, it s not my mistake. They have to take care of this. What can I do about this? Please help.

Filed Jan 14, 2006 · Lights · 19,400 miles · TX

During the course of normal, everyday driving, the driver's side fog lamp lense obtained a hole. This allows water, among other elements to compromise the integrity of the fog lamp as well as the fog lamp bulb. The toyota dealership has refused to replace this under the manufaturer's warranty and/or the extended warranty. I am seeking to purchase and replace the fog lamp, myself.

Filed May 3, 2005 · Tires · 9,142 miles · MI

2003 toyota mr2 spyder bridgestone potenza re040 215/45r16 dot no. Ej1ejaa3602, mounted on driver's side rear wheel mileage at failure: 9142 road conditions at failure: clear, dry, ~ 40 f., south-bound on u.s. I-69 michigan exit no. 3, no road hazards, 70 MPH vehicle speed the tire in question was inspected by a qualified tire dealer the evening before the blow out. The tire pressure was certified to manufacturers specifications. From the point of inspection, the tire was operated was operated 10 miles in city traffic and then parked in a garage overnight. The following day the tire was operated at highway speeds (average 50 MPH, max 70 MPH) for ~ 200 miles. Tire blew (tread completely seperated intact from sidewall) without any warning. Steering wheel jerked and I lost some control but regained enough control to coast to a stop (brakes were not applied). Vehicle rode on sidewall and rims from blowout to coast to stop. The only time the tire is known to have insufficient pressure was after it blew without any prior problem or warning. It took between 30 60 seconds to bring the mr2 running at 70 MPH on dry roads with a blown drivers side tire to coast to a complete stop. Submitted incident claim 835370 dated 4/18/2005, failed tire, and pictures of tire and damaged cast aluminum rim to bridgestone. Bridgestone legal (norma y davis 800 543 7522 ) denied my claim and request for reimbursement for damaged tire and rim. Bridgestone findings: 1. Tire was operated for an unknown period of time with insufficient air pressure to carry the load 2. Insufficient air pressure condition is evidenced by the tattered sidewalls and the melted innerliner, and was the cause of the subsequent damage 3. Tire failure did not result from a defect in either materials or workmanship on 5/3/2005 I requested that the case be sent to arbitration. No response yet from bridgestone.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Electrical · NV · fire

Around 1:48 am while the vehicle was parked it caught on fire. The fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection. *ak the relay switch under the battery caused the fire. Reported by a progressive insurance inspector. *sc

Compare the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder

Other model years

20002003

Questions about the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder

Is the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder reliable?

Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder, close to a typical Mr2 Spyder model year.

What is the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder year score?

The 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Mr2 Spyder: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder?

Electrical system, with 4 complaints. Next is transmission (4).

How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder have?

No recalls on record.

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