2003 Toyota Echo problems
The Toyota Platz (Japanese:トヨタ・プラッツ, Toyota Purattsu) is a subcompact car that was manufactured in Japan by Toyota from 1999 until 2005, when it was replaced by the Belta. Designated by Toyota as the XP10 series, the Platz was also sold in export markets as either the Toyota Yaris or Toyota Echo. The "Yaris" and "Echo" names were also given to the export version of the related Japanese market Vitz hatchback, from which the Platz derives. In Japan, it was available at the Toyopet Store and the Netz Toyota Store dealerships.
Etymology
The name "Platz" is German for "space" (as defined by "the interior room is spacious"). Only straight-four engines were fitted to the Platz, which was sold in Japan as a four-door sedan only. A coupé version was also available in North America where the car was badged "Echo".
History
The Platz was introduced in 1999 as a sedan sold internationally, with a coupé version exclusive to North America following for the 2000 model year. The Platz is closely related to the Vitz hatchback with which it shares front doors, a common interior and mechanical componentry. The running gear is also shared to a lesser degree with the ist and bB, sold in the United States as the Scion xA and xB respectively, and the JDM-only WiLL Vi. The same platform is the base for the JDM-only Probox and Succeed wagons.
In the United States, the Echo sold almost 50,000 units in its first year, with just half that many in 2003. The Echo was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, a failed effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States. The Echo sold in high volumes in Canada, where Toyota also offered the three- and five-door hatchback versions of the Vitz badged as the Echo beginning with the 2004 model year to replace the Echo coupé (which was dropped after 2003). The coupé remained on sale in the United States until the 2005 model year along with the sedan, while the hatchback variants were never sold there. It was the predecessor to the current North American Yaris, sharing many identical features, such as the odd (and somewhat controversial) center placement of the speedometer and gauges, as opposed to in front of the steering wheel. Power options on the Echo are a rare find; most models are equipped with manual windows and locks, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD and/or a cassette player.
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Common 2003 Toyota Echo problems
The 2003 Toyota Echo is a reliable vehicle, but like any other car, it has some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most common issues is the fuel filler neck collapsing, making it difficult to fill up the tank with gas. This problem can be frustrating, but it's not a significant safety concern.
Another issue that has been reported is the charcoal canister failing, which can cause a check engine light to come on. The charcoal canister is part of the vehicle's emissions system, and when it fails, it can cause the car to emit more pollutants than allowed by law.
The 2003 Toyota Echo also has a timing chain, not a belt, which means it doesn't need to be replaced. However, if the timing chain becomes loose or stretched, it can cause the engine to run poorly or even fail. It's essential to have the timing chain checked regularly to ensure it's in good condition.
The Echo's tires can also cause problems. The low tire pressure warning light may come on, indicating that one or more tires have low air pressure or a slow leak.
Finally, the anti-lock brake system (ABS) may have issues, causing the ABS warning light to come on. This light can indicate a variety of problems, from a faulty speed sensor to low brake fluid or total brake failure. It's crucial to have the ABS system checked as soon as possible if the warning light comes on.
In summary, the 2003 Toyota Echo is a reliable vehicle, but it has some common problems that owners have reported. These issues include the fuel filler neck collapsing, the charcoal canister failing, the timing chain stretching, tire pressure problems, lane-keeping assist warning lights, and ABS system issues. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these problems from becoming significant issues.
What is the common problem with Toyota Echo?
Toyotas are renowned for their reliability and owners have few troubles with their Echo. Some report a few squeaks and rattles that seem to come from the body. They're not necessarily a big deal, but can be annoying. Check for clicking sounds while making turns.
Why did the Toyota Echo fail?
Another problem: The Echo was cheap. Really cheap. Base models didn't even get power-assisted steering, let alone power windows, power locks, power mirrors or air conditioning. All could be added, at significant cost…
How many miles will a Toyota Echo last?
The Toyota Echo should last over 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. The most important thing You can do to help Your car last a long time is do the scheduled maintenance.
Are Toyota Echos good on gas?
And that 1.5-liter teamed with 4-speed automatic delivers 32 m.p.g. city and 38 m.p.g. highway. After a couple of days behind the wheel, we swore that the only way the fuel gauge would move off “F” was if we siphoned the tank. Whether gas is $1 or $2 a gallon, Echo will conserve the supply for everyone.
What is the common problem with Toyota Echo?
Toyotas are renowned for their reliability and owners have few troubles with their Echo. Some report a few squeaks and rattles that seem to come from the body. They're not necessarily a big deal, but can be annoying. Check for clicking sounds while making turns.
Why did the Toyota Echo fail?
Another problem: The Echo was cheap. Really cheap. Base models didn't even get power-assisted steering, let alone power windows, power locks, power mirrors or air conditioning. All could be added, at significant cost…
What is the fuel economy L 100km for a 2003 Toyota Echo?
Toyota Echo 2003 Fuel consumption
The Toyota Echo currently offers fuel consumption from 5.4 to 5.8L/100km.
How many miles will a Toyota Echo last?
200,000 miles
I've got almost 200,000 miles on my Echo and I've had to do nothing beyond expected repairs and maintenance. It's a small car, but that is part of what I love about it -- so easy to maneuver, and has the best turning radius of any car I've driven. It doesn't have the power of a larger car, but that's fine for me.
2003 Toyota Echo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Echo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Echo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Toyota Echo
The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Echo. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Toyota Echo vehicles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-18
- VIN: JTDBT123235
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED RAPIDLY ON ITS OWN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FITZGERALD TOYOTA GAITHERSBURG AT (301) 921-0300 (LOCATED AT 907 N FREDERICK AVE, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20879), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED CALLED FITZGERALD TOYOTA BACK AFTER THEY CALLED. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN, BUT TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC WOULD BE $180/HR. HE SAID THEY COULD LOOK AT IT. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR ENTIRE TIME THAT WE HAVE HAD AND NO PROBLEMS, I WAS NOT GOING TO PAY $180/HR TO HAVE THAT DONE, WHEN REPOTS FROMECHP BURNERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND TOYOTA WON'T FIX. UPDATED 10/16/18*JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-17
- VIN: JTDBT123230
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: ON MARCH 17, 2005 I PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA ECHO FROM TOYOTA OF NASHUA IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR AND LEAVING TOYOTA OF NASHUA TO DRIVE HOME, THE ENGINE STOPPED AS I APPROACHED A STOPLIGHT AT THE END OF THE HIGHWAY EXIT NEAR MY HOUSE. I HAD SIMPLY DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH TO COAST TOWARD THE RED LIGHT. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME, ASSUMING THAT IT STALLED DUE TO STALE GAS. HOWEVER, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO QUIT PERIODICALLY. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WOULD QUIT SEVERAL TIMES IN A WEEK AND THEN GO SEVERAL MONTHS WITH NO PROBLEM. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED ON JUNE 2, 2005 I DESCRIBED THE PROBLEM TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND ASKED THAT IT BE FIXED. AT THAT TIME, THE CAR HAD 28,606 MILES ON IT AND WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY. THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. (SERVICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE) THE PROBLEM PERSISTED THROUGHOUT THE FOLLOWING YEAR SO WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO BE INSPECTED ON JUNE 29, 2006, I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER TO HAVE A TECHNICIAN USE THE CAR TO COMMUTE TO WORK UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AND FIXED. ON JULY 19, 2006, THE DEALER CALLED AND ASKED ME TO PICK UP THE CAR. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN 787 MILES, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP THE CAR THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. I REFUSED BECAUSE THE DEFECT HAD NOT BEEN FIXED AND THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WITH ANOTHER MANAGER, THEY AGREED NOT TO CHARGE ME, BUT TOLD ME THAT IF I BROUGHT THE CAR IN AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM I WOULD BE CHARGED. (SERVICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE) THE PROBLEM PERSISTS TO THIS DAY. I DRIVE THE CAR ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY AND COMPENSATE FOR THE PROBLEM BY DOWNSHIFTING WHEN COASTING OR COMING TO A STOP TO KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING. RECENTLY, THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING NEARLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA 4DR. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A FENCE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-13
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDBT123130
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SPOUSE WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. THE DRIVER HAD TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HIT A SNOWBANK TO AVOID A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT NOTICED NO PRIOR EXPERIENCES WITH THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION BEFORE THAT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND RAN DIAGNOSTICS TESTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,800. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,536. UPDATED 03/30/10 *BF UPDATED 07/07/10.*JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-13
- VIN: JTDAT123630
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA ECHO WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHUTS OFF WHEN SLOWING OR STOPPING, ESPECIALLY ON DOWNGRADES WHEN CLUTCH IS DEPRESSED. I HAVE LEARNED TO LESSEN THESE OCCURRENCES BY NOT PUSHING IN THE CLUTCH UNTIL THE CAR IS ALMOST STOPPED, BY NEVER COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH IN, AND BY MAKING TURNS WITH THE CAR IN GEAR. BECAUSE IT DOESN'T ALWAYS HAPPEN, IT NEVER HAS HAPPENED FOR THE DEALER OR OTHER MECHANICS, SO THEY SAY THEY CAN'T FIX IT. OR THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2005. THE DATE I AM USING FOR THE INCIDENT IS THE MOST RECENT TIME IT HAPPENED. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-28
- VIN: JTEGH20V830
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK, LARGE AMOUNT. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I HAVE A 2003 4RUNNER THAT HAS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND THAT HAPPENS AT RANDOM. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT 3 TIMES. IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND NOT VERY COMFORTING. IF THE DRIVESHAFT IS SLAMMING AND MAKING THIS NOISE, I CAN'T IMAGING ANYONE THINKING THAT IS VERY SAFE. THE THING COULD BREAK AT ANY MOMENT. WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE THE SLAMMING DOES TO IT! TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOME GETS HURT FROM IT. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-10
- VIN: JTEBT17R030
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BACK HATCH UNLOCKED AND FLEW OPEN ON HIGHWAY WHILE I HAD CUSTOMERS IN MY 4 RUNNER. PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHUT...WOULD NOT SHUT. HAVING TO DRIVE NOW WITH BACK TAILGATE TIED SHUT. EXHAUST COMES IN THROUGH BACK OF VEHICLE. HAVING REPAIRED ON 10/24 FOR A COST OF OVER $400! *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-07-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD TICKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST INDICATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-08
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: POWER LOCKS - BEGINNING IN 2006, THE DRIVER SIDE/REAR POWER LOCK IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY SE BEGAN TO FAIL. THE FAILURE BEGINS WITH INTERMITTENT FUNCTIONING OF THE LOCKS - THE DOORS WILL LOCK/UNLOCK UNPREDICTABLY. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS - CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE RISK OF THEFT FROM A CAR THAT FAILED TO LOCK. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PART WAS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. (I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD). *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-28
- VIN: JTDAT123230
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE I HEAR A HIGH PITCHED WHINE COMING FROM THE CAR. FROM DOING RESEARCH ON FORUM SITES DEDICATED TO THE ECHO IT SEEMS TO BE COMMON ON ALL CARS. THE WHINE IS LOUDEST ON THE HIGHWAY BETWEEN 45 - 65 MPH. I CONTACTED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD TO REMOVE MY STOCK HUB CAPS / THIS DOES NOT WORK. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT LOOK INTO THE ISSUE DUE TO THE CAR BEING DISCONTINUED. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-01
- VIN: JTDAT123630
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE COMMONLY SHUTS OFF WHILE BRAKING OR DECELERATING TO 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO A SERVICE DEALER TWICE BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE.
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDBT123650
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: I OWN A 2004 ECHO. THERE ARE 3 MAIN PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. ONE; THE TRANSMISSION HESITATES WHEN ITS SWITCHING GEARS. THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC. TWO; I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 2, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THREE; A LOT OF TIMES WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR, IT STALLS. *NM
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDBT123630
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THIS INVOLVES MY UNCLE THOMAS BARRETT'S TOYOTA ECHO. THE VEHICLE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT TENSION. THE PASSENGER OCCUPANT WAS INJURED. *JB
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-15
- VIN: JTDBT123135
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DT: CALLER SAID THE DASH BOARD LIGHT IS NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH. CALLER CAN NOT SEE GAS GAUGE AND OTHER GAUGES DURING THE DAY TIME. DEALER SAID THE LIGHTS ARE NORMAL AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET BECAUSE HE CANT GET THROUGH ON THE PHONE NUMBER HE HAS. NO AIR CONDITIONING FILTER IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS PURCHASED.*AK
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-01
- VIN: JTDBT123635
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA ECHO WINDOW SIGN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD POWER EQUIPMENT, THIS TURNED OUT TO BE FALSE.*MR *JB THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF HIS VEHICLE IS ON THE AIR BAG RECALL LIST. UPDATED 06/03/15. *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-21
- VIN: JTDBT123635
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: PURCHASE A TOYOTA ECHO FROM MAROONE DODGE. WINDOW STICK SAID CAR HAD POWER STEERING. EQUIPMENT MISSING FROM CAR.DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE. FURTHER MORE CARS WITH RACK AND PINION WITHOUT POWER STEERING ARE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. ATTORNEY GENERAL WORKING ON CASE. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-08
- VIN: JTDBT123X30
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA ECHO HAS PROBLEMS STALLING.*MR THE DEALER HAS TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO VEHICLE THE VEHICLE, BUT HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL, BECAUSE THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. THE CONSUMER DID STATE THAT ONE TIME IN MAY THE DEALER EXPERIENCE THE VEHICLE STALLING, BUT STILL COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM MAY HAVE BEEN ELECTRICAL. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-08
- VIN: JTDBT123X30
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *NLM THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEMS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *JB *NM WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *NLM THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEMS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. *JB *NM THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO FIXED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AFTER A RECENT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR. (THE CONSUMER REQUESTED ODI TO PLEASE REFERNCE TO ODI#10065760 WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.) *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-16
- VIN: JTDAT123130
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWNED MY NEW 2003 TOYOTA ECHO LESS THAN A WEEK WHEN IT STARTED STALLING INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DECELERATING--SOMETIMES WHEN SLOWING THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH, OR SLOWING THROUGH A TURN, OR EXITING A HIGHWAY, OR MERGING WITH TRAFFIC, OR COMING TO A STOP. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED IT FROM ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP REPLICATED THE PROBLEM ONCE AND TRIED TO FIND A SOLUTION (BRINGING IN REGIONAL TOYOTA EXPERTS, AND EVEN KEEPING MY CAR ONCE FOR EIGHT DAYS), BUT THE PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED. ONCE I WENT SIX WEEKS WITHOUT A STALL, BUT IT CAN ALSO STALL MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE DAY--AT TIMES AND IN WAYS THAT ARE LIFE THREATENING. WHEN TOYOTA TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ITS FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO REPAIR (BEFORE I PURSUE REMEDY THROUGH MAINE'S LEMON LAW), I WAS TOLD THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG, NOTHING TO FIX.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDBT123435
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH HER HUSBAND WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-18
- VIN: JTEBT17R930
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2003 TOYOTA LIMITED 4-RUNNER V8- AWDFRONT-END VIBRATION PROBLEM. I FIRST PRESENTED THE VIBRATION PROBLEM TO MY DEALER THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST! THEY TRIED BALANCING THE WHEELS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY AGREED THE PROBLEM WAS THERE AND NOTIFIED CORPORATE. THEIR TECHNICAL STAFF HAD THEM REMOVE THE FRONT AXELS AND RETEST THE VIBRATION WHICH STARTED AT 22 MPH, WENT TO 32MPH 42, 55, AND 62MPH NOW DISAPPEARED! A WEEK LATER A TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE MET WITH ME AND MENTIONED THAT SEVERAL VEHICLES IN PHOENIX HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED IT PROBABLY WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO GET A FIX. TWO MONTHS LATER I TALKED TO THE TECH. REP. AGAIN AND HE MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINEERING GROUP HAD DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE INTERFERENCES IN THE SPIDER GEAR ASSEMBLY IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, THEY WERE TRYING TO CORRECT THE CONDITION WITH THRUST WASHER SHIMS AND OTHER THINGS. I HAVE PRESENTED MY CLAIM TO THE CUSTOMER SUPPORT GROUP. I HAVE CALLED THEM REGULARLY ONCE A MONTH AND HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS AT FINDING WHAT THEIR SCHEDULE IS FOR THE FIX,--ONLY TO SAY WE ARE WORKING ON IT AND YOUR DEALER WILL NOTIFY YOU. IVE SINCE HEARD FROM MY DEALER STAFF THAT THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF LEXUS GX470'S AS WELL AS 4-RUNNERS INVOLVED. IM BEGINNING TO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY VEHICLES WITH DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLIES INVOLVED, THAT IT MAY REQUIRE SOME KIND OF MAJOR REDESIGN AND BUILD. IT MIGHT BE A LONG TIME BEFORE WE SEE A FIX! I HAUL A POP-UP TRAILER AND DOES IT MAGNIFY THE PROBLEM!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-14
- VIN: JTDBT123X30
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RE: VALVE COVER OIL BAFFLE WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW TOYOTA ECHO ON 3-23 03. ON 9-14-03 WE EXPERIENCED ENGINE TROUBLE. LEAVING US STRANDED ON A DESOLATE STRETCH OF HIGHWAY. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO FRONTIER TOYOTA IN SANTA CLARITA. UPON THEIR INSPECTION THEY STATED THAT WHO EVER LAST CHANGED THE OIL HAD BENT THE OIL BAFFLE CAUSING IT TO LODGE INTO THE TIMING CHAIN. REVIEWING OUR RECORDS OUR LAST OIL CHANGE WAS ONE MONTH EARLIER AND 2,200 MILES EARLIER. RESEARCHING FURTHER THERE IS A TSB DATED ON 3-02-02 UNDER THE HEADING EGOO7-02 VALVE COVER OIL BAFFLE -DAMAGE PREVENTION. IN THEIR OIL FILLING PROCEDURE THEY STATE "PLEASE TAKE MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT THE BAFFLE IS NOT DAMAGED DURING THE OIL FILL PROCESS" I HAVE RECORDS OF ALL THE OIL CHANGES 3 TOTAL, THE VEHICLE. ONLY HAS 14,958. I HAVE SPOKE WITH THE OIL CHANGE SERVICE MEN THEY HAVE INVESTIGATED THE VEHICLE. THEY WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE TSB. NOWHERE IN THE SERVICE MANUAL IS THERE NOTICE OF THIS OIL BAFFLE WARNING,OR ANY KIND OF WARNING ON THE OIL FILL CAP OR ON THE VALVE COVER. IN FACT AS FAR AS I CAN SEE THERE WERE NO MEASURES TAKEN OTHER THAN THE TSB WHICH WAS NOT PRESENTED TO US UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ALMOST 1 YEAR AFTER THE TSB WAS ISSUED THE DEALERSHIP FRONTIER TOYOTA WILL NOT HONOR THE FACTORY WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THE VALVE COVER IS COVERED UNDER THEIR WARRANTY MANUAL. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- VIN: 9999
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NAR 9-10-03. FOIA EMAIL FWD FM KOST/GC INQUIRING HOW MANY 2003 TOYOTA'S HAVE HAD A PROBLEM OF ACCELERATING WHILE THE BRAKE IS BEING APPLIED, ES HAVE NO RECORD. *CB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER MOTORIST, AND NONE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *JB
Negative 2003 Toyota Echo car reviews
Positive 2003 Toyota Echo car reviews
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I came across this cute ride at the local dealership and decided to check it out on a whim. A few hours later, I was driving it home. The interior is designed really well, with lots of little storage spots, and the center dash is just perfect. It rides smoothly and can easily keep up on the highway - just in case you were wondering. The fuel economy is amazing, and you don't have to sacrifice much to get it. People keep asking me what kind of car I have, but hey, get your own echo!
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I bought a 2003 Toyota Echo 4 door manual (White) and I absolutely love it! The new dark trim on the bottom makes it look sharp and I really like the placement of the meters in the center - it's much easier on the eyes. Overall, I think it's a fantastic car for a great price!
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I'm glad to hear that you have been enjoying your Toyota Echo! It sounds like a great option for those who aren't looking for luxury. The gas mileage is impressive and it's great to hear that there is plenty of leg room, even for taller individuals. The car also seems to have good acceleration and handles well on the highway. Additionally, the trunk space is a nice bonus. Overall, it seems like a great value for the price. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with the Toyota Echo!
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What a fantastic car! It's so inexpensive to operate and the tire wear is great. The only downside is that the extras can be a bit costly and there's no clock. But overall, it's a great choice.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with my new car. It's been great so far - I can go on trips without worrying about the cost of gas, since it gets 42 mpg on the road at reasonable speeds. Plus, there's plenty of space for luggage, beach stuff, and anything else I need. I have to admit, it was a bit of a spur of the moment purchase, but I really lucked out. Some people have even commented on how 'cute' it is, which I don't mind at all!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Echo problems:
What are common echo issues? | Toyota Nation Forum
Jul 4, 2012 ... Two trouble issues on my Echo that has 250 thousand kms: 1) Front wheel bearings 2) Charcoal canister. The bearings on both front sides are on ...
2003 Toyota Echo Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Toyota Echo? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Toyota Echo.
2003 Toyota Echo Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2003 Toyota Echo? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2003 Toyota Echo | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs
It is extremely reliable. I have never had a breakdown with the car. The only “problems” were mostly routine things, changing oil, replacing brake pads etc.
Toyota Echo Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top Toyota Echo Problems · Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System · Cleaning May Correct Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor · Crank sensor may fail, warranty may apply.
Other years of Toyota Echo
Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Echo?
Darren Jones 2025-01-05
I drive 65 miles a day round trip. This vehicle is a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive, dependable, and cost-efficient option. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, it provides a comfortable ride for long commutes in the DC area and even long trips for one or two people. Additionally, there is ample headroom for taller individuals, and the backseat and trunk offer more space than expected for a small car.
Gus Heidenreich 2025-01-01
Toyota will regain your trust with our commitment to safety. We understand that you have had a negative experience with our dealers and customer service, and we apologize for any frustration this may have caused. We assure you that we take all customer concerns seriously and are constantly working to improve our processes. Our vehicles undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety and reliability. We appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to earn back your trust in the future.
Nikko Mann 2024-02-01
My car is not performing as well as I had hoped. Unfortunately, Toyota Corporation has been unwilling to work with me to find a solution and I have had to pay for repairs. The trunk release has broken multiple times, the body moldings have fallen off, and the car's fuel efficiency is lower than expected. Additionally, the interior is made of cheap plastic. If you are looking for a reliable car, I would recommend considering a Honda Civic or Ford Focus instead.