2003 Toyota Echo
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 17 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 88 |
| 2001 | 50 |
| 2002 | 35 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
5 of 17 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
This involves my uncle thomas barrett's Toyota Echo. The vehicle struck another vehicle. Neither air bag deployed and the passenger side seat belt did not tension. The passenger occupant was injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-09-17
Consumer stated that while driving 50 MPH her husband was involved in a head on collision. Upon impact, air bags did not deploy. Driver was slightly injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-19
The vehicle rear ended another motorist, and none of the air bag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-04
Power train
4 of 17 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
On March 17, 2005 I purchased a 2003 Toyota Echo from Toyota of nashua in New Hampshire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-22
Also filed under Engine and fuel system, gasoline
Engine and engine cooling
3 of 17 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Vehicle speed control
2 of 17 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Echo. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle accelerated rapidly on its own when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle ran a red light.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-31
Also filed under Service brakes
Electrical system
2 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Toyota Echo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Toyota Echo reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Echo?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Echo have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.