2003 Toyota Corolla Exhaust System Problems
- 30
- 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.
Among these 30 stored complaint records:
- 1 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- rotten smell · 9 records
- catalytic converter · 6 records
- engine light · 4 records
- sulfur smell · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 1–30k mi | 9 |
| 30–60k mi | 2 |
| 60–100k mi | 2 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Exhaust System · Fuel System, Gasoline
The check engine light came on, the diagnostic said it was the o2 sensor which was replaced. The light went out and came back on again the next day. A mechanic checked it and said it was the catalytic converter. I read where catalytic converters don't go bad by themselves, therefore the problem has to stem from a manufactures defect and we should not have to pay for continual repairs. *tr
ODI 10298025
Engine · Exhaust System
I purchased a used 2003 corolla. Vehicle came with all service records and it had been well maintained. I also checked all fluids. Mileage was 133,065 at the time i purchased it. I thought this was good because toyotas are suppose to last forever, right? A week after i bought it i noticed a knocking in the engine. I checked the oil and it was out. I have to put 3-4 quarts of oil in my car every 7-8 days. It does not…
ODI 10314020
Exhaust System
2003- toyota corolla - check engine light came on about 2 years ago and was reset, just recently came on in april 2009 and not the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. Currently has 119,000 miles on it and needs to have the catalytic converter replaced. *tr
ODI 10278881
Exhaust System
I bought my 2003 toyota corolla from a toyota dealership, took it home, and it began stinking like rotten eggs. I called the service department and they told me to buy more expensive gas that contains less sulfur. Four years of buying expensive gasoline, and i find out my catalytic converter has burned up and i need a new one for $1200. I found out that catalytic converters can be damaged if fuel is being mixed to…
ODI 10226958
Automatic Transmission · Electrical System · Electronic Stability Control · Exhaust System · Front · Labels · Rear · Steering · Traction Control System · Vehicle Speed Control
Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) purchased 2003, toyota, corolla, vin: [xxx] with daughter. Veh was purchased from toyota of orange in ca. Two days later a hit and run driver forced veh to skid across five lanes on interstate 10 in ontario, ca, and landed atop center divider. The vehicle was sent to repair shop and "repaired" after approximately 5-8 months.…
Crash reported
ODI 10319371
Exhaust System
Consumer complaint regarding fumes entering through the air vents. *** no answer required*** *ts updated 11/7/2005 - the consumer has had this problem since the vehicle was purchased new. The manufacturer instructed the consumer to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times but they refused to fix the vehicle stating that fumes entering the vehicle was normal. *nm
ODI 10142154
Exhaust System
I purchase my toyota pre-owned with 46,000 miles on it odometer. A short while after the purchase the engine light came on. I called the car dealership to find out why the engine light was on. The agent stated that my gas cap may not be tight enough. I tightened my gas cap and the light when off for about 20 minutes. It never caused any problems in the performance of the car. However, when i went to get it smogged…
ODI 10327334
Body · Exhaust System · Suspension
Rotten egg smell and many structural defects in this car. *jb
ODI 10104294
Exhaust System
Consumer stated while driving at any speed smelled strong chemical fumes. Dealer inspected vehicle and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *ak
ODI 10048753
Exhaust System
Have noticed a strong sulfur/rotten egg smell from the exhaust that enters the inside of the car. I took it to the dealer and was told to change my brand of gas. No changes have been noticed.
ODI 10046825
Exhaust System
Car emits a rotten egg smell while at idle when heater is on. *ak
ODI 10045891
Exhaust System
This complaint regards the terrible smell emitted by my 2003 toyota corolla. The very strong smell fills the entire car, and often lasts several minutes. I do not know if the smell is harmful or not, but there should be something that toyota can do to fix the problem.*ak
ODI 10033149
Exhaust System
I own a 2003 toyota corolla le that emits a rotten egg smell when the engine is on and the car is idling. *ak
ODI 10055180
Exhaust System
Consumer states while driving at any speed smelled strong chemical fumes in the passenger compartment. Dealer has been notified.*ak
ODI 10027172
Exhaust System
While driving the vehicle the driver would smell a rotten egg smell. The dealership has been contacted. *nlm both of the consumer toyota corollas exhibited a rotten egg/fuel smell. The smell caused the consumer to feel nauseated while driving. The consumer believes the problem is with the catalytic converter. The consumer went through arbitration but was denied her request for the manufacturer to replace or…
ODI 10042242
Exhaust System
Strong sulfur odor enters vehicle, presumably exhaust gases.
ODI 10016825
Exhaust System
Since leasing my 2003 toyota corolla in march of 2003, i have experienced a rotten egg smell whenever the car is used. I brought it to the dealer (plaza auto mall) where i leased it from to have it checked out on 4/26/03. Technician found "no problems, everything operating normally at this time". On 6/2/04 i called toyota customer assistance and explained the foul odor smell. I was told the problem stems from a…
ODI 10098558
Exhaust System
There is a very foul sulfur smell that regularly enters the inside of my vehicle. *jb
ODI 10010963
Exhaust System
THERE WAS A SULFUR SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *JB
ODI 10011576
Exhaust System
Strong sulfur smell while sitting in traffic.*jb
ODI 10010298
Exhaust System · Power Train
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 87 octane or higher, such is not the case. In two words, rotten eggs. In two other words, hydrogen sulfide. As we decelerate to a stop light or sign, if the windows are open, or the ventilation system is set to intake outside air, the odor of rotten eggs is…
ODI 10070169
Exhaust System
Fumes entering the inside of the vehicle through air vents. This problem is with the vehicle from the beginning when it was bought new and until now. The manufacturers instructions were to bring vehicle to dealers. Vehicle was brought to dealers for repair but dealers could not fix the defect. *jb
ODI 10140128
Engine And Engine Cooling · Exhaust System · Fuel System, Gasoline
Purchased car new on 10/4/02. Within a month noticed a very significant sulfar odor expecially when coming to a stop at traffic lights particularly when the engine is cold. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they tell me that nothing is wrong. Their explanation is that some gas stations put additives in their gas that create this odor.. They have done nothing further to solve this problem.
ODI 10068985
Electrical System · Exhaust System · Suspension
(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 correct problem. (3) in 1/2004, leaking oil from under car, right front passenger's side - dealer said…
ODI 10056322
Exhaust System
Rotten egg smell- poor gas mileage (29 mpg- mostly highway/interstate) we have a problem with a rotten egg smell. We have complained and were told the following: 1) there's nothing wrong- it operating correctly. 2) you're running the wrong type of gas (we've tried all types) 3) you need to run the car on recirculation all the time so that you won't smell it.
ODI 10068741