2003 Toyota MR2
Only 6 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 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 6 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 12 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
5 of 6 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing manual transmission and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Show complaint excerpts
The car was parked with engine running and parking brake on. I released the brake on and the car lurched forward crossing a curb and hitting a aluminum guard rail. The service seq transmisame light came on . After being towed to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-29
The drain tubes in the car does not work so, rain and snow will make the car fill with water . If the car is full of water the computer in the car doesn't read causing the car to fail which happened to me on the freeway. I could have been killed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-04-19
3/15 05 1ST problem came to a stop and would not recognize gears had it towed. Toyota replaced computer transmission. 6/7/06 2ND time came to a stop in 3 lane road in heavy traffic and couldn't recognize gears. Toyota replaced computer engine.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-20
Engine
2 of 6 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Purchased used from carmax and within 100 miles the transmission light came on, it would not shift out of first gear. I had it delivered to have the vehicle looked at, and it refused to go into reverse gear next.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-21
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Fuel system, gasoline
1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Electrical system
1 of 6 total reports mentions: 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 MR2 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 report on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Toyota MR2 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 MR2?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota MR2 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.