2003 Toyota Mr2 problems
The Toyota MR2 is a line of two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports cars, manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984 until 2007 over three generations: W10 (1984–1989), W20 (1989–1999) and W30 (1999–2007). It is Japan's first rear mid-engined production car.
Conceived as a small, economical and sporty car, the MR2 uses simple but effective design elements, including an inline-four engine, transversely mounted in front of the rear axle, four-wheel disc brakes, and fully independent coilover suspension – MacPherson strut fronts and Chapman strut rears.
The name MR2 stands for either "mid-ship run-about 2-seater" or "mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seater". In French-speaking markets, the vehicle was renamed Toyota MR because the abbreviation "MR2" sounds like the profanity "merde" when spoken in French.
Social links
Common 2003 Toyota Mr2 problems
The 2003 Toyota MR2 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily affecting the drivetrain, transmission, engine, fuel system, and electrical components.
- Drivetrain Problems: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received three complaints regarding drivetrain issues in the 2003 Toyota MR2. However, specific details about the nature of these problems are not provided in the search results.
- Transmission Problems: There are two reported transmission problems in the 2003 Toyota MR2. The most common issue occurs when the vehicle has a lot of mileage, typically over 125,000 miles. In these cases, the automatic transmission may not shift correctly. This issue can be resolved by replacing the shift solenoid or repairing the throttle position sensor, rather than replacing the entire transmission.
- Engine Problems: Two engine problems have been reported to the NHTSA. The specific details of these issues are not provided in the search results.
- Fuel System Problems: Two fuel system problems have been reported to the NHTSA. The specific details of these issues are not provided in the search results.
- Electrical Problems: One electrical problem has been reported to the NHTSA. The specific details of this issue are not provided in the search results.
In addition to these problems, the 2003 Toyota MR2 has been reported to have issues with its suspension, particularly when the car is bumped up against kerbs due to its low-slung sports car design. The exhaust can also rot from the inside if the car is used for lots of short journeys, which can be a pricey fix.
It is important to note that the 2003 Toyota MR2 has a hard-earned reputation for reliability, and most of the problems reported are related to high mileage or specific use cases. When buying a used MR2, it is recommended to check for any signs of crash damage, track day use, mismatched tyres, and exhaust issues.
Are MR2 engines reliable?
Reliable: Toyota is known for producing reliable cars, and the MR2 is no exception. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years. Fuel efficient: The MR2's small size and efficient engine make it a fuel-efficient car.
Is Toyota MR2 hard to maintain?
The 00–07 Toyota MR2 Spyder isn't much more expensive or difficult to work on than many other Toyotas of the era. Toyota didn't make any other mid-engined cars, so many components are unique to the Spyder (which means there are no other compatible models to borrow parts from).
Which year MR2 is the best?
The 1993-1995 models are particularly desirable, as they featured several upgrades, including revised suspension tuning and larger brakes. Ultimately, the "best year" for a Toyota MR2 will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as performance, styling, and reliability.
Is a Toyota MR2 a good buy?
Toyota is known for creating reliable, high-quality vehicles. While the Toyota MR2 may not be the most famous Japanese sports car, it's a great and notable choice for driving enthusiasts.
Are MR2 engines reliable?
Reliable: Toyota is known for producing reliable cars, and the MR2 is no exception. With proper maintenance, it can last for many years. Fuel efficient: The MR2's small size and efficient engine make it a fuel-efficient car.
Is Toyota MR2 hard to maintain?
The 00–07 Toyota MR2 Spyder isn't much more expensive or difficult to work on than many other Toyotas of the era. Toyota didn't make any other mid-engined cars, so many components are unique to the Spyder (which means there are no other compatible models to borrow parts from).
Was the Toyota MR2 a good car?
Not only is the Toyota MR2 an iconic sports car from the 80s and 90s, but many agree that it is among the best sports cars Toyota has ever built. The MR2 was Akio Yoshida's take on the exotic – both in its stylish design and driving feel.
Which year MR2 is the best?
The 1993-1995 models are particularly desirable, as they featured several upgrades, including revised suspension tuning and larger brakes. Ultimately, the "best year" for a Toyota MR2 will depend on individual preferences and priorities, such as performance, styling, and reliability.
2003 Toyota Mr2 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Mr2 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Mr2 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Toyota Mr2
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Mr2. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Toyota Mr2 vehicles.
2016-02-26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-24
- VIN: JTDFR320X0X
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MR2. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING AND GEARS SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,500.
2015-09-30
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-16
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDFR320330
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
2014-09-29
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-15
- VIN: JTDFR320430
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2014-09-12
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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
2014-04-10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-03
- VIN: JTDFR320630
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BECAME INTERMITTENT IN OPERATION, WITH POTENTIAL OF BEING UNABLE TO DISENGAGE IT. *TR
2014-03-24
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-01
- VIN: JTDFR320X30
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: THE DESIGN OF THE COMPUTER CONTROLLED POWER TRAIN MAKES THROTTLE, TRANSMISSION AND STARTER INTER-DEPENDENT. MY VEHICLE HAS REPEATEDLY LOST POWER AND COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECENTLY INSPECTED BY A TOYOTA DEALER, WHO SAYS THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. BUT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR'S MANUAL ANTICIPATES STALLING WHILE UNDERWAY AND GIVES DIRECTIONS TO RE-START - SOMETIMES SUCCESSFUL, SOMETIMES NOT AND THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE TOWED, IN MY EXPERIENCE. MANUAL DIRECTIONS (PAGE 153): IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING ... REDUCE SPEED GRADUALLY, KEEPING A STRAIGHT LINE. MOVE CAUTIOUSLY OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE PLACE... MANUAL TRANSMISSION, NA SEQUENTIAL MANUAL TRANSMISSION: TURN THE IGNITION KEY TO THE ?ACC? OR ?LOCK? POSITION. APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS AFTER, TRY STARTING THE ENGINE AGAIN. IF YOUR ENGINE WILL NOT START, SEE ?IF YOU ENGINE WILL NOT START -? ON PAGE 150 OF THIS MANUAL. HOW CAN ONE "MOVE CAUTIOUSLY OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE PLACE", IF THE ENGINE WON'T RUN? THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AS MANUFACTURED, IMO. *TR
2013-12-29
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDFR320330
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING AND PARKING BRAKE ON. I RELEASED THE BRAKE ON AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD CROSSING A CURB AND HITTING A ALUMINUM GUARD RAIL. THE SERVICE SEQ TRANSMISAME LIGHT CAME ON . AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE DEALER. IT WAS FOUND A HYDRAULIC LINE HAD BROKEN FROM CORRODING. THE DEALER PUT IN A NEW UNIT BUT THE OLD COMPUTER WOULD NOT WORK AND IS NOW PUTTING A NEW COMPUTER ABOUT 6600.00 AT THE THIS POINT. SO FAR TOYOTA DOESN'T KNOW US. *TR
2013-05-21
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-28
- VIN: JTDFR320630
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: PURCHASED USED FROM CARMAX AND WITHIN 100 MILES THE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. I HAD IT DELIVERED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT, AND IT REFUSED TO GO INTO REVERSE GEAR NEXT. WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT ONLY 1 ST AND 2ND GEAR WOULD WORK. AFTER HAVING A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED FROM TOYOTA BY AAMCO TRANSMISSION AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE MADE IT BACK TO THE CAR DEALER, IT STARTED LEAKING FLUIDS ALL OVER THE LOT. THE TRANSMISSION SOLENOID HAD QUIT WORKING AND STARTING SPRAYING HOT FLUIDS ALL OVER THE VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN TOWED BACK FOR FOLLOWUP REPAIRS AND THEY ARE CONSIDERING REFUNDING DUE TO EXCESSIVE VEHICLE DAMAGE. *TR
2010-09-13
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-26
- VIN: JTDFR320630
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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
2010-04-15
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
2009-09-23
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-22
- VIN: JTDFR320030
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
2008-12-16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-27
- VIN: JTDFR320430
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: 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
2008-02-28
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-28
- VIN: JTEGH20V830
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK, LARGE AMOUNT. *TR
2007-10-31
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
2007-10-21
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
2007-09-26
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.
2007-04-19
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-01
- VIN: JTDER320630
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE DRAIN TUBES IN THE CAR DOES NOT WORK SO, RAIN AND SNOW WILL MAKE THE CAR FILL WITH WATER . IF THE CAR IS FULL OF WATER THE COMPUTER IN THE CAR DOESN'T READ CAUSING THE CAR TO FAIL WHICH HAPPENED TO ME ON THE FREEWAY. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THEY REPLACED ALL WET THINGS IN CAR . IT DID NOT FIX THE DRAIN TUBE PROBLEM BECAUSE AFTER THE RAIN MY CAR IS FULL OF WATER AGAIN. SAME FAILURE WITH OTHER CARS. I THINK THEY WANT TO PUT DRY PARTS IN THE CAR AGAIN AT WHO'S COST THEIRS OR MINE? WITH ALL THE WATER IN MY CAR AGAIN THERE HAS TO BE CORROSION AND OTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR THAT IS NOT BEING FIXED. I WOULD LIKE THE CAR REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE SINCE I AM PAYING FIFTY THOUSAND FOR MY CAR . I DID NOT BY A FISH TANK. THAT IS WHAT I GOT . PLEASE HELP! NEW CAR NIGHTMARE. THANKS *TR
2007-01-08
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
2006-07-20
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-20
- VIN: JTDFR320430
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 3/15 05 1ST PROBLEM CAME TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE GEARS HAD IT TOWED. TOYOTA REPLACED COMPUTER TRANSMISSION. 6/7/06 2ND TIME CAME TO A STOP IN 3 LANE ROAD IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND COULDN'T RECOGNIZE GEARS. TOYOTA REPLACED COMPUTER ENGINE. 6/10 3RD TIME CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF 2ND. TOYOTA COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. 6/21/06 4TH TIME TRANSMISSION WENT INTO "N" WHILE IN 4TH GEAR. TOYOTA REPLACED PUMP ASSY. SEQEN. 7/20/06 5TH TIME AS I WAS TAKING A TURN OFF MAJOR ROAD COMPUTER FAILED TO RECOGNIZE GEAR. PULLED TO THE SIDE AND CAR DIED. I MADE IT HOME AND NOW WAITING ON A TOW. THIS IS VERY UPSETTING TO ME THE CAR ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES. THE LAST 3 TIMES ITS GONE IN THE SHOP HAS ONLY BEEN ABOUT 400 MILES IN BETWEEN SERVICE. I'VE BEEN LUCKY SO FAR ON THE BREAKDOWNS. BUT, I MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY NEXT TIME. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IT GIVES ME NO WARNING. IT COULD BE FATAL. *NM
2006-01-14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-13
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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
2005-05-03
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-07
- VIN: JTDFR320030
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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.
2004-08-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-19
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JTDFR320X30
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
2004-06-04
STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BE32K34U
- Components: STEERING,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: - NEW TOYOTA CAMRY LE PURCHASED JANUARY 2004 - ON FEBRUARY 25TH KEY WOULD NOT TURN (TOOK 10 - 15 MINUTES TO START IT) - LATER WHILE PARKING, THE CAR THE STEERING LOCKED TURNING THE CAR TO THE RIGHT - THE CAR ACCELERATED AND SURGED DESPITE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE (SAME AS ODI PEO4021) - THOUGH THE CAR BROKE A METAL FLAG POLE, DAMAGED A RETAINING WALL, AND FELL SEVEN FEET INTO A MAJOR STREET, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY - CAR IS SEVERELY DAMAGED: WHEELS, TIRES, FRONT END, GAS TANK, FRONT AXLE - DRIVER HAS A SWOLLEN AND SORE KNEE ALONG WITH SIGNIFICANT SOFT TISSUE INJURIES INCLUDING BACK PAIN *SC *JB
2004-02-06
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
2004-01-15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTDFR320430
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Mr2 problems:
common mr2 spyder problems? : r/mr2
https://www.reddit.com/r/mr2/comments/15ywzgq/common_mr2_spyder_problems/
Aug 23, 2023 ... common mr2 spyder problems? · Before '03, 1ZZs had a design flaw that causes oil burning. · Before late '05, 1ZZs had a design flaw that ...
2000 MR2 Common issues? [Archive] - Toyota MR2 Message Board
https://www.mr2.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-71183.html
I am picking up a 2000 Mr2 Spider tomorrow that has some known issues. I am getting it for the right price though. I actually had a 2000 ...
How common are SMT problems? | MR2 SpyderChat
https://www.spyderchat.com/threads/how-common-are-smt-problems.43150/
Aug 19, 2010 ... Is this car just a ticking timebomb? I'm not willing to drop $3500 in repair bills for a Toyota...but what are my chances this will happen?
Common Problems | MR2 Owners Club Forum
https://www.mr2oc.com/threads/common-problems.305466/
Jun 9, 2008 ... Headlights tend to fade. you can fix it with some lens cleaning products. 3rd brake light fades due to heat. factory "ear" straps on softtop ...
Used Spyder Buyer's Guide | MR2 SpyderChat
https://www.spyderchat.com/threads/used-spyder-buyers-guide.45167/
Jan 28, 2011 ... Any modification to the car will affect its reliability, either for good or ill. Only Toyota's design decisions that have proven to be ...
Other years of Toyota Mr2
Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Mr2?
Leave your review of 2003 Toyota Mr2