Toyota Corolla 2003–2008
9th generation (North American E130 body)
NHTSA data through 13 August 20264,725 complaints, 2,584 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 2,584
- Median of reported failures
- 58,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Airbag system (43.6%)
- Recalls
- 12
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 28,000 and 100,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Toyota Corolla 2003–2008 · 2,584 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 246 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 86 complaints (3.3%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,500
- 25%
- 28,000
- Median
- 58,000
- 75%
- 100,000
- 90%
- 150,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 246 | 9.5% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 78 | 3.0% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 97 | 3.8% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 92 | 3.6% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 81 | 3.1% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 102 | 3.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 105 | 4.1% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 121 | 4.7% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 97 | 3.8% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 100 | 3.9% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 120 | 4.6% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 83 | 3.2% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 96 | 3.7% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 70 | 2.7% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 76 | 2.9% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 63 | 2.4% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 98 | 3.8% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 69 | 2.7% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 100 | 3.9% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 35 | 1.4% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 64 | 2.5% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 53 | 2.1% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 35 | 1.4% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 31 | 1.2% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 52 | 2.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 31 | 1.2% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 45 | 1.7% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 22 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 28 | 1.1% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 17 | 0.7% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 41 | 1.6% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 26 | 1.0% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 24 | 0.9% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 17 | 0.7% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 17 | 0.7% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 6 | 0.2% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 19 | 0.7% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 22 | 0.9% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 13 | 0.5% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 6 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 86 | 3.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 4,725 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003–2008 Toyota Corolla, and 2,584 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 28,000 and 100,000 miles. The median is 58,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the airbag system (43.6% of complaints, typically around 94,000 miles), the engine and its cooling system (9.3% of complaints, typically around 40,000 miles), throttle and speed control (9.1% of complaints, typically around 40,000 miles).
12 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2003–2008 Toyota Corolla last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2003–2008 Toyota Corolla were filed by 58,000 miles and 90% by 150,000 miles — figures drawn from 2,584 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
86 reports (3.3%) came in past 200,000 miles — each one proof a Corolla reached that mileage, not that it died there.
Before you buy a 2003–2008 Corolla: the 3-minute check
Generated from 2,584 mileage-tagged complaints, 12 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine on 2003–2008, most reported 2003–2005 cars. 1ZZ-FE excessive oil consumption from the piston oil-ring/oil-return-hole design, carried over and heavily reported on this generation. Toyota issued Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 covering 1ZZ-FE oil consumption on…
- Check engine management on 2005–2008 cars. Engine control module failure causing harsh shifting, check-engine light and stalling; NHTSA recall 10V-292 (2010) covered 1ZZ-FE Corolla and Matrix.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 28,000 and 100,000 miles, with a median of 58,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the airbag system and the engine and its cooling system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The engine and its cooling system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 40,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Toyota Corolla 2003–2008
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Throttle and speed control428 reports40,00019,000–68,000Throttle and speed control: 428 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 19,000 to 68,000 miles.
- Steering120 reports40,00021,000–75,000Steering: 120 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 21,000 to 75,000 miles.
- Engine and its cooling system439 reports40,00020,000–70,000Engine and its cooling system: 439 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 20,000 to 70,000 miles.
- Electrical system312 reports64,00030,000–97,000Electrical system: 312 reports, median 64,000 miles, middle half 30,000 to 97,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline204 reports78,00036,000–106,000Transmission and driveline: 204 reports, median 78,000 miles, middle half 36,000 to 106,000 miles.
- Airbag system2,058 reports94,00053,000–145,000Airbag system: 2,058 reports, median 94,000 miles, middle half 53,000 to 145,000 miles.
- Engine132 reports94,00066,000–133,000Engine: 132 reports, median 94,000 miles, middle half 66,000 to 133,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 2,058 | 43.6% | 94,000 | 53,000–145,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 439 | 9.3% | 40,000 | 20,000–70,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 428 | 9.1% | 40,000 | 19,000–68,000 |
| Electrical system | 312 | 6.6% | 64,000 | 30,000–97,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 204 | 4.3% | 78,000 | 36,000–106,000 |
| Engine | 132 | 2.8% | 94,000 | 66,000–133,000 |
| Steering | 120 | 2.5% | 40,000 | 21,000–75,000 |
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 117 | 2.5% | 25,000 | 9,000–52,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 107 | 2.3% | 59,000 | 35,000–130,000 |
| Body structure | 103 | 2.2% | 48,000 | 5,000–95,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Toyota Corolla 2003–2008 · 2,584 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 51% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 69% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 82% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
The staircase tops out at 97%: the remaining 3.3% of reports (86) came above 200,000 miles.
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
51% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
In the reporting window
- Airbag system — middle half 53,000–145,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system — middle half 20,000–70,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — middle half 19,000–68,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 30,000–97,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 36,000–106,000 mi
- Steering — middle half 21,000–75,000 mi
Mostly reported later
- Engine — middle half 66,000–133,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
69% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine and its cooling system — median 40,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — median 40,000 mi
- Steering — median 40,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Airbag system — middle half 53,000–145,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 30,000–97,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 36,000–106,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 66,000–133,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
82% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine and its cooling system — median 40,000 mi
- Throttle and speed control — median 40,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 64,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 78,000 mi
- Steering — median 40,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Airbag system — middle half 53,000–145,000 mi
- Engine — middle half 66,000–133,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 58,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The airbag system accounts for 43.6% of complaints (2,058 reports, 538 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 94,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 53,000 and 145,000 miles.
A single system taking 43.6% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.
The engine and its cooling system accounts for 9.3% of complaints (439 reports, 332 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 40,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 20,000 and 70,000 miles.
Throttle and speed control accounts for 9.1% of complaints (428 reports, 345 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 40,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 19,000 and 68,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 6.6% of complaints (312 reports, 251 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 64,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 30,000 and 97,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 4.3% of complaints (204 reports, 179 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 78,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 36,000 and 106,000 miles.
The engine accounts for 2.8% of complaints (132 reports, 108 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails late — a median of 94,000 miles, considerably beyond the vehicle's overall median. That pattern is consistent with normal service life rather than a defect, though it matters for anyone buying an example already near that mileage. The middle half of these reports falls between 66,000 and 133,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2007 model year drew the most — 984 complaints — while 2008 drew the fewest at 378. The median year sits at 915.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 12 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (9), equipment (2), the engine and its cooling system (1). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 4,725 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 796 (16.8%)
- Fires
- 42
- Injury reports
- 433
- Fatality reports
- 12
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
Engine 2003–2008, most reported 2003–2005
1ZZ-FE excessive oil consumption from the piston oil-ring/oil-return-hole design, carried over and heavily reported on this generation. Toyota issued Warranty Enhancement Program ZE7 covering 1ZZ-FE oil consumption on these model years with extended coverage.
Engine Management 2005–2008
Engine control module failure causing harsh shifting, check-engine light and stalling; NHTSA recall 10V-292 (2010) covered 1ZZ-FE Corolla and Matrix.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 860 | 464 |
| 2004 | 560 | 289 |
| 2005 | 972 | 526 |
| 2006 | 971 | 554 |
| 2007 | 984 | 519 |
| 2008 | 378 | 232 |
Recalls (12) — is your car included?
Nov 2019 · 2003–2008 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. 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, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propella
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. 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. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Oct 2019 · 2003–2008 · Air BagsAn improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The defect. 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. The air bag may not unfold as designed during inflation under high temperature conditions, possibly resulting in the air bag not inflating properly.
What can happen. An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury during a crash.
The free fix. 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. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1Q and K0Q. Pontiac owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is N192273760.
Jan 2019 · 2003–2005 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…
The defect. 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI
Mar 2016 · 2008 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008 that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The affected ve
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 8, 2016 for GM owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-286.
Mar 2016 · 2008 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Lexus SC vehicles manufactured August 3, 2007, to July 30, 2010, 2008 Toyota Corolla vehicles manufactured May 25, 2007, to December 21, 2007, 2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to December 18, 2007, and 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured June 1, 2007, to January 2, 2008. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This rec
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. The recall began on March 25, 2016 for Toyota and Lexus vehicle owners. The recall began on June 23, 2016 for GM owners. The respective dealers will either replace the front passenger air bag inflator or the entire front passenger air bag assembly depending on the model. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. This recall expands recall 15V-285.
Aug 2015 · 2003–2004 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or…
The defect. 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, 2004, 2003-2004 Avalon vehicles manufactured June 5, 2002, to December 20, 2004, and 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe vehicles manufactured January 18, 2002, to April 27, 2004. Due to electrical noise, a component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the
What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the air bags or the seat belt pretensioners increases the risk of an injury or crash.
The free fix. 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. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. GM issued an interim notification to owners on March 27, 2015. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-620-7668. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 13V-029 and 14V-147. Vehicles that had a noise filter installed as the remedy for one of those campaigns need to have the air bag control module replaced under this c
Jul 2015 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. 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 sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe,
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. 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. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: Th
Jul 2015 · 2003–2007 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could…
The defect. 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 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side
What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The free fix. 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. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
Mar 2013 · 2003–2004 · Air BagsInadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the…
The defect. 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 internal shorting. The electrical short may create an abnormal current flow and increased heat which can damage the circuits. This could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
What can happen. Inadvertent deployment of the airbags or the seat belt pretensioners may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. 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. Dealers previously installed a supplemental harness containing an electrical filter between the airbag control module and its wire harness, free of charge. Dealers will replace the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for second notices. For more information, Toyota owners may call 1-800-331-4331 and Pontiac owners
Nov 2010 · 2005–2008 · Engine and Engine CoolingThere are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect.
The defect. Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Corolla and Corolla matrix vehicles. The engine control module (ecm) for the subject models equipped with the 1zz-fe engine and two-wheel drive may have been improperly manufactured. There is a possibility that a crack may develop at certain solder points or on varistors on the circuit board.
What can happen. There are a variety of warnings and consequences associated with the defect. The engine warning lamp could be illuminated, harsh shifting could result, the engine may not start, or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven. An engine shutoff while the vehicle is being driven increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the production number of the ecm and replace the ecm if necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Toyota will mail an interim owner notification the middle of september 2010 to advise owners of this defect and recall. This interim notification will inform owners that they will receive a future notification when parts become available to have the free remedy performed on their vehicle. The safety recall began on november 29, 2010. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
May 2010 · 2006–2008 · EquipmentA driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
What can happen. A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
May 2010 · 2006 · EquipmentThis does not meet the standard requirements.
The defect. Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "Tire selection and rims." These vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
What can happen. This does not meet the standard requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states Toyota at 713-580-3300.
What owners reported
I purchased a new 2003 Toyota Corolla and from day one it has had a horrid odor in cold weather months, a smell like rotten eggs. I have been to the dealership repeatedly and they say there is nothing wrong with the car, that it is the gas. Not true! The smell is so bad that at times i cannot stand to run the heater…
2003 · 3 miles · Equipment
Took vehicle to dealer in miami for srs recall, light came on about 6 month earlier, advisor told me they replace srs control unit, but light still on and airbag are not operational, i was told probably a spiral cable needs to be replace at my expense and that is not covered. I see a lot of this same problem happening…
2003 · 15 miles · Airbag system
The gas used in the state consumer lived in caused vehicle to accumulate sulfur. While driving consumer smelled sulfur. Which indicated that exhaust was entering the vehicle. Manufacturer indicated that this problem was caused by the exhaust getting caught underneath the vehicle. Although the manufacturer/ dealership…
2003 · 50 miles · Engine and its cooling system
(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…
2003 · 100 miles · Electrical system
Built from 2,584 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page