2003-2008 Toyota Corolla: Reliability

Updated: 11/23/08

2003 Toyota Corolla
2008 Toyota Corolla
View the Photo Gallery

2003-2008 Toyota Corolla 

  • Price Range:  $6,200 - $13,500
CG Rating

51

out of 100

About our Road Test

Pricing

Explore

Related to Toyota Corolla

View Another Vehicle

Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Corolla includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Corolla .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The A/C warning light may flash and the compressor clutch may fail to engage due to a faulty clutch relay. (2002-04)

Battery: The battery dies because a faulty headlight switch is unable to turn the lights off and an updated switch is available. (2003)

Battery: Whenever the battery is too low to start the vehicle, the relay for the daytime running lights (DRL) becomes damaged and a revised relay must be installed. (2003)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may illuminate due to a faulty air/fuel ratio sensor. (2005-06)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may come on because of a very small leak in the evaporative emissions system charcoal canister. (2005)

Check-engine light: Excessive sulfur odor on cars with a 1ZZ-FE engine, usually accompanied by a check engine light (and trouble code P0420) must have the PCM (engine computer) reprogrammed or replaced. (2003-04)

Suspension noise: A tapping noise that seems to be coming from the dash is actually from the upper suspension mount for the spring on which insulating material must be applied. (2003)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $350
Alternator $660
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,550
Brakes $370
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $450
Constant Velocity Joints $990
Exhaust System $265
Radiator $380
Shocks and/or Struts $1,610
Timing Chain or Belt $350
Advertisement

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement