MYRModel Year Report

2003 Toyota Corolla

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Toyota Corolla
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
720
Recalls
13

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

46% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1989: 23 complaints 1990: 27 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 176 complaints 1996: 129 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2003 720 2004: 477 complaints 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 840 complaints 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 1,459 complaints 2010: 1,244 complaints 2010 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 446 complaints 2013: 201 complaints 2014: 268 complaints 2015: 220 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 203 complaints 2020: 308 complaints 2021: 186 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 17 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1989: 23 complaints 1989 1990: 27 complaints 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1995: 176 complaints 1995 1996: 129 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2003 720 2004: 477 complaints 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 840 complaints 2007: 836 complaints 2007 2008: 314 complaints 2009: 1,459 complaints 2010: 1,244 complaints 2010 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 446 complaints 2013: 201 complaints 2013 2014: 268 complaints 2015: 220 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 134 complaints 2019: 203 complaints 2019 2020: 308 complaints 2021: 186 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2025: 31 complaints 2025 2026: 17 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 3 complaints 1982: 5 complaints 1982 1983: 1 complaint 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 14 complaints 1988: 26 complaints 1988 1989: 23 complaints 1990: 27 complaints 1990 1991: 73 complaints 1992: 65 complaints 1992 1993: 134 complaints 1994: 184 complaints 1994 1995: 176 complaints 1996: 129 complaints 1996 1997: 135 complaints 1998: 225 complaints 1998 1999: 155 complaints 2000: 145 complaints 2000 2001: 133 complaints 2002: 117 complaints 2003: 720 complaints 2003 720 2004: 477 complaints 2005: 853 complaints 2006: 840 complaints 2006 2007: 836 complaints 2008: 314 complaints 2008 2009: 1,459 complaints 2010: 1,244 complaints 2010 2011: 584 complaints 2012: 446 complaints 2012 2013: 201 complaints 2014: 268 complaints 2014 2015: 220 complaints 2016: 214 complaints 2016 2017: 178 complaints 2018: 134 complaints 2018 2019: 203 complaints 2020: 308 complaints 2020 2021: 186 complaints 2022: 99 complaints 2022 2023: 73 complaints 2024: 64 complaints 2024 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 17 complaints 2026

2003: 720 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19813
19825
19831
19846
19853
19863
198714
198826
198923
199027
199173
199265
1993134
1994184
1995176
1996129
1997135
1998225
1999155
2000145
2001133
2002117
2003720
2004477
2005853
2006840
2007836
2008314
20091,459
20101,244
2011584
2012446
2013201
2014268
2015220
2016214
2017178
2018134
2019203
2020308
2021186
202299
202373
202464
202531
202617

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

46% · 333 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and inflator module.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

This car was given to a junk yard for its parts. I am trying to get my name off of the recall list. We just received the 9TH notice certified mail and each time I write on it-return to sender (Car was wrecked).

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-21

Hi, I called for airbag replacement due to recall at the first notice about several years ago and went to my Toyota dealer in danvers to get it fixed. I was told they didn't have the parts and supplies.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09

Consumer called complaining about being in a frontal collision at 25 MPH and the air bags did not deploy. Also stated that dealer were contacted and has declined to give any service to the consumer because there is no recalls on the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-18

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 95 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and engine.

CRASHFIRE

Vehicle speed control

11% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My mother got in the car and as soon as the car was put on drive, the car accelerated to its max potential, but when she attempted to hit the brakes they did not respond. So max acceleration, on its own, and brakes did not work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-12

Also filed under Service brakes

Power train

9% · 64 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

Seat belts

5% · 38 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and warning light/devices.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

13 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2002-03-21Power train02V074001 On passenger vehicles with vehicle identification numbers (VIN) starting with 1NX only and built from January 8 through February 13, 2002, it is possible for the bolts that join the rear brake and…

    Remedy: Dealers will properly tighten the bolts. Owner notification began March 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 720 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…

    Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2008-02-05Engineering analysisClosed 2008-05-01 Side front power window shatters
  5. R
    2008-04-16Visibility08V162000 Toyota is recalling 662,178 my 2003-2004 Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Pontiac vibe vehicles equipped with power windows. The driver and front passenger door glass bolts may loosen and come off…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2008 to Toyota owners. The recall began on May 21…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2013-03-13Air bags13V029000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) circuits are susceptible to…

    Remedy: Toyota will re-notify their owners who have already had their vehicles repaired with a noise filter, but did not receive a new airbag control module, and General Motors will re-notify theirs.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. I
    2014-06-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-03-02 Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  10. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  11. R
    2015-07-13Air bags15V285000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March...

    Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  12. R
    2015-07-13Air bags15V286000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally...

    Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  13. R
    2015-08-24Air bags15V043000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured December 28, 2001, to May 2, 2004, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2002, to April 29,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the air bag control module, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  14. R
    2019-01-23Air bags18V883000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  15. R
    2019-10-18Air bags19V627000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2003-2008 Corolla, 2005-2008 Corolla Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles equipped with a front passenger air bag assembly replaced under a prior recall.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag assembly or sub-assembly, free of charge. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  16. R
    2019-11-20Air bags19V741000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  17. I
    2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  18. R
    Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.

    Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Toyota Corolla — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 333 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 95 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 78 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 02V074001 · Power train
  • Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 08V162000 · Visibility
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 13V029000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V285000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V286000 · Air bags
  • Recall 15V043000 · Air bags
  • Recall 18V883000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V627000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V741000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota Corolla is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Corolla have?
13 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.