2003 Toyota Corolla Catalytic Convertor Problems
- 13
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
What owners report
- catalytic converter · 8 records
- rotten smell · 7 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 60–100k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Catalytic Convertor
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that he was having problems with the catalytic converter failing and leaking oil. The catalytic converter was replaced two years ago and now it had failed again and needed to be replaced for $1200. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they reiterate that this failure needed to be replaced. There were no related recalls. The toyota manufacturer was…
ODI 10349179
Catalytic Convertor
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota corolla. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated while driving 35 mph. The mechanic stated that the catalytic converter was defective. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and would not be repaired for free. The dealer did not question that the catalytic converter failed and wrote up the repair order.…
ODI 10198262
Catalytic Convertor
Sulfur odor/catalytic converter; original catalytic converter replaced by toyota service department in maryland at 69308 miles covered by warranty on 4/8/05. Check engine light turned on again on 5/30/07, went off by itself on 5/31/07. Took vehicle to toyota service department in pennsylvania on 6/4/07 for service. Catalytic converter failed again at 134939 miles. Annual inspection and emissions due by october 2007,…
ODI 10193855
Catalytic Convertor
Car making knocking noise in engine. Took car to dealership and was advised that there was sludge in the engine. I was told it was from not receiving oil changes on time. The car only has 22,456 miles, and i have had 3 oil changes. They tell me i will need a new engine. I just bought this car in march 2002. The car also has a rotten egg smell.*ak
ODI 10045774
Catalytic Convertor
We are continuously experiencing problems with our toyota corolla (2003) creating a "rotten egg" smell. We have complained multiple times to toyota, including filing a complaint with their national headquarters. We have been told 1)the smell is normal, 2) we're using the wrong type of gas (we have tried all kinds) and 3) we need to run the car with the air recirculating at all times. We also do not get the gas…
ODI 10037331
Catalytic Convertor
ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN IDLING.*AK
ODI 10033146
Catalytic Convertor
My wife purchased a 2003 toyota corolla. She purchased it because of its implied economy. But despite the owner's manual claims that the car can use 1987 octane or higher, such is not the case. In two words, rotten eggs. In two other words, hydrogen sulfide.as we decelerate for any reason, if the windows are open, or if the ventilation system is set to intake outside air, the odor of rotten eggs is overpowering.…
ODI 10033181
Catalytic Convertor
After i had begun driving my 2003 corolla i smelled a terrible odor in the car. This continued (and still does) but, i was able to identify the odor...eggs/sulfur. It only begins to fade after a few miles. It occurs every time i drive. I notified toyota who referred me to the dealership. Koons said it's a known issue, but nothing can be done. Something to do with emissions. I drove a 2003 highlander and did not…
ODI 10020776
Catalytic Convertor
Strong sulfur odor from exhast. Service department has said it cannot be repaired, and blames bad gas. Did say toyota has acknowledged the problem. I have tested several brands and grades of gas with no improvements. Directly contacted toyota, who referred me back to the dealer, who said it cannot be fixed. Said car computer is functioning normally.
ODI 10005530
Catalytic Convertor
In november 2002, i purchased a toyota corolla 2003. When the heat is on, the car emits a nauseating rotten egg smell through the vents. I brought the corolla into a toyota dealer to have this problem fixed. Immediately, the toyota representative handed me a memo explaining that this "rotten egg" smell (as they also referred to it) can occur from low-octane brands and that it had nothing to do with the car itself.…
ODI 10048814
Catalytic Convertor
Bad rotten egg smell ever since i purchased my 2003 toyota corolla. I have contacted toyota and they say it's my gas, but i've had two other toyota's that have never done this and i've used the same gas in them. This is getting on my nerves that i purchased a new car and have to continually smell this odor and they won't do anything about it. *jb
ODI 10023704
Catalytic Convertor · Engine
My 2003 corolla has a rotten egg smell, especially when i am stopped, and it has been going on since i got the car. The dealer said to change gas and it would probably wear off, but it hasn't and i have been reading on the internet that other people are complaining about this, so i'm not the only one. Also, when i am stopped, sometimes the corolla will surge forward. I read where someone else is having the same…
ODI 10018871
Catalytic Convertor
Bad smell inside and outside of car when running engine
ODI 10051324