2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Electrical system4
2. Power train4
3. Vehicle speed control3
4. Engine2
5. Exterior lighting1
6. Service brakes1
7. Service brakes, hydraulic1
8. Structure1
9. Tires1
10. Electronic stability control (esc)1

Latest complaints

• Sep 30, 2015MI55,000 miCrash
  Engine · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 toyota MR2 spyder. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact mentioned that the vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a curb. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 toyota MR2 spyder. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact mentioned that the vehicle spun out of control and crashed into a curb. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

• Sep 29, 2014HI30,800 mi
  Electrical system · Power train
  TL* the contact owns a 2003 toyota MR2 spyder. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and the gear warning indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that the computer chip and hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer…

  TL* the contact owns a 2003 toyota MR2 spyder. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and the gear warning indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that the computer chip and hydraulic pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,800. updated 12/2/14*cn the consumer stated the actuator assembly was repaired under warranty. *Js

• Sep 12, 2014WV
  Electrical system · Engine · Power train

  2003 toyota MR2 spyder 6-speed transmission/ shifting malfunction - while at traffic light, the car jerked forcefully forward when attempting to proceed from stopped position, then turned itself off. The car became incapable of shifting and had to be towed. Ecu was replaced. Similar problems resurfaced. *tr

• Apr 10, 2014MO100,253 mi
  Vehicle speed control

  While driving, the cruise control switch became intermittent in operation, with potential of being unable to disengage it. *tr

• Sep 13, 2010MO76,000 mi
  Power train › Manual transmission

  Sequential manual transmission clutch failed to completely disengage leaving the car in gear with potential crash results. transmission computer was replaced after 3 separate times in the shop. *Tr

• Sep 23, 2009MS66,000 mi
  Structure

  Plate under engine comes loose, hanging under car and exposing the engine compartment to the road. This plate had come loose several times and I have replaced screws to put it back in place, but this time it completely failed and broke. *Tr

• Dec 16, 2008MD
  Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
  My car has a hard shift problem. it stops at every traffic light and I have to start it again. Also when I shift the stick it changes so hard, it pushes me and shake it itself so hard. I was going to crash when it happened first time. I took it to repair shop. They said "transmission control…

  My car has a hard shift problem. it stops at every traffic light and I have to start it again. Also when I shift the stick it changes so hard, it pushes me and shake it itself so hard. I was going to crash when it happened first time. I took it to repair shop. They said "transmission control computer needs to be replaced and reprogrammed" "sequential manual transmission (smt) harsh shift" this IS a bulletin of toyota, I took it to toyota dealer, they said they will charge for it. It s not under warranty. But it IS manufacturing mistake, it s not my mistake. They have to take care of this. what can I do about this? Please help. *Tr

• Jan 14, 2006TX19,400 mi
  Exterior lighting › Fog lights

  During the course of normal, everyday driving, the driver's side fog lamp lense obtained a hole. this allows water, among other elements to compromise the integrity of the fog lamp as well as the fog lamp bulb. the toyota dealership has refused to replace this under the manufaturer's warranty and/or the extended warranty. I am seeking to purchase and replace the fog lamp, myself. *nm

• May 3, 2005MI9,142 mi
  Tires
  2003 toyota MR2 spyder bridgestone potenza re040 215/45r16 dot no. Ej1ejaa3602, mounted on driver's side rear wheel mileage at failure: 9142 road conditions at failure: clear, dry, ~ 40 f., south-bound on u.s. I-69 michigan exit no. 3, no road hazards, 70 mph vehicle speed the tire in…

  2003 toyota MR2 spyder bridgestone potenza re040 215/45r16 dot no. Ej1ejaa3602, mounted on driver's side rear wheel mileage at failure: 9142 road conditions at failure: clear, dry, ~ 40 f., south-bound on u.s. I-69 michigan exit no. 3, no road hazards, 70 mph vehicle speed the tire in question was inspected by a qualified tire dealer the evening before the blow out. The tire pressure was certified to manufacturers specifications. from the point of inspection, the tire was operated was operated 10 miles in city traffic and then parked in a garage overnight. The following day the tire was operated at highway speeds (average 50 mph, max 70 mph) for ~ 200 miles. tire blew (tread completely seperated intact from sidewall) without any warning. Steering wheel jerked and I lost some control but regained enough control to coast to a stop (brakes were not applied). Vehicle rode on sidewall and rims from blowout to coast to stop. the only time the tire IS known to have insufficient pressure was after it blew without any prior problem or warning. It took between 30 60 seconds to bring the MR2 running at 70 mph on dry roads with a blown drivers side tire to coast to a complete stop. submitted incident claim 835370 dated 4/18/2005, failed tire, and pictures of tire and damaged cast aluminum rim to bridgestone. bridgestone legal (norma y davis 800 543 7522 ) denied my claim and request for reimbursement for damaged tire and rim. Bridgestone findings: 1. tire was operated for an unknown period of time with insufficient air pressure to carry the load 2. insufficient air pressure condition IS evidenced by the tattered sidewalls and the melted innerliner, and was the cause of the subsequent damage 3. Tire failure did not result from a defect in either materials or workmanship on 5/3/2005 I requested that the case be sent to arbitration. No response yet from bridgestone.

• Jul 30, 2004NVFire
  Electrical system

  Around 1:48 am while the vehicle was parked it caught on fire. the fire department arrived at the scene and extinguished the fire. the vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection. *ak the relay switch under the battery caused the fire. reported by a progressive insurance inspector. *sc *jb

• Apr 22, 2004UT1,100 miCrash
  Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic
  Problem 1: transmission will at random times during driving go into neutral without warning and lose power slowing the vehicle until it dies. The car will then not have power steering making it difficult to control. This has happened four times while driving in traffic twice causing a near serious…

  Problem 1: transmission will at random times during driving go into neutral without warning and lose power slowing the vehicle until it dies. The car will then not have power steering making it difficult to control. This has happened four times while driving in traffic twice causing a near serious accident. It has left my wife stranded and requiring the dealer to tow the vehicle as it would not re-start. It happened one time where there was room to pull to the roadside without incident. The car ran roughly and would not idle for a period of time as well as not go into forward or reverse gear. After about 1/2 hour I was able to get it into gear, but the check engine and sequential transmission lights were on. By the time I got to the dealer about 15 miles only the check engine light was still on. They found some codes but no one could find them in the book. problem 2: after owning the car for about ten days, my wife parked the car in our driveway with the e-brake set and the car in gear as per the owners manual and the instruction of the sales team. After about 15 minutes, our neighbor came to our door and told us our car had rolled out of the driveway causing damage to the vehicle and our granite mailbox. I have statements from them as they were eye-witnesses. One of the witnesses IS a certified accident investigator for many years. The dealer checked the brake on three different occasions and each time says the brake IS working as it should. To this day, I can get the vehicle to roll on my driveway with the brake on. I had the shop foreman look at it with me in the car and him driving it. We parked on a hill behind the dealer, he set the e-brake and released the foot brake and the car rolled. After two more attempts and the brake lever at the maximum physical travel, the brake set to hold the car, by now at the bottom of the hill. He then stated that the brake was in working order.

• Sep 29, 2003CA
  Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor

  While driving catalytic converter broke off into pieces. Dealer replaced catalytic converter. *ak

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11005153Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
• 11005149Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid.
• 10253223This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
• 10251070OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
• 10244113TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10238157TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
• 10214323TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
• 10207946POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Toyota.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
• 10197476Replacement vin plates.
• 10197473Product general information.
• 10190460Toyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
• 10190453TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10188913TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2021 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10187241TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10186195TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
• 10177782TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.
• 10177781TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this service bulletin before proceeding. This Service Bulletin provides best practice procedures for vehicle pulling complaint, diagnosis, and repair for 2002 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles. This information supplements Repair Manual procedures when the symptoms are: ?Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle moves to the right or left when the driver holds the steering wheel while driving straight ahead without exerting steering effort. ?Steering Wheel Off Center: The vehicle travels straight, but the steering wheel is not pointed straight ahead. The vehicle is not pulling. Before repairing a vehicle pulling to one side, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause of the pulling condition. Frequently, pulling to one side is diagnosed as a wheel alignment concern. However, the actual cause may be related to the lateral force generated by the tires, vehicle damage, road crown or worn components. Performing a wheel alignment when tire force is the cause could result in the wheel alignment being set at a value outside of specifications. This could then cause other problems such as uneven tire wear, etc. A customer may notice a pull to the left when in the left lanes of travel and notice a pull to the right or no pull when traveling in the right lanes of travel on the very same section of roadway. This road crown effect is environmental and cannot be corrected with suspension adjustments or any other wheel or tire modification discussed in this bulletin.
• 10174891TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
• 10174890TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
• 10171405TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address the condition. NOTE This bulletin applies to ALL powertrain fluids excluding fuel and coolant.
• 10164330TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information. NOTE ECU is a Toyota term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term ?ECU? is used as a generic label for the following SAE J1930 standard references: ? Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ? Engine Control Module (ECM) ? Transmission Control Module (TCM) ? Any other Toyota specific control unit
• 10152205TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
• 10150418TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
• 10149217TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
• 10145776Update on Technician Certification Requirements.
• 10145749Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10145748Technical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
• 10143953TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, and T-SB-0144-08 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Replacement Certification Label and VIN Plate Criteria A replacement certification label and/or VIN plate may be requested if: ? The vehicle was in an accident and the label and/or plate is damaged or attached to a part that will be replaced during the repair. ? The label and/or plate was stolen.
• 10143927TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system. NOTE New security provisions are required to obtain a reset passcode. It is critical to review the instructions for this new process BEFORE attempting to get a passcode in the new system.
• 10141577TSB: Some 2001 - 2005 model year MR2 Spyder vehicles may exhibit a condition where the Sequential Manual Transmission (SMT) warning light comes on, a buzzing noise is heard from the engine compartment, and/or the shift state cannot be changed. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
• 10134454TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
• 10134223TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
• 10134128TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
• 10133915Toyota vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not perform as expected, please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
• 10133901This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-13.
• 10133897Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the TIS and the CUW.
• 10133878Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
• 10133867SSTs are key elements to provide your customers with swift and accurate repairs resulting in superior customer satisfaction.
• 10133836This bulletin contains general vehicle pulling diagnosis and repair procedures along with specific information to help correct pulling complaints.
• 10133654TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Toyota vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries. This bulletin is intended to assist with safe handling and inspection of flood damaged vehicles and to provide basic guidance on likely needed repairs.

Every Toyota MR2 Spyder model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.