Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2003 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota Corolla based on all problems reported for the 2003 Corolla.
Vehicle began making a grinding, chatter type noise. I took the vehicle to a private mechanic and found that the transmission has to be replaced. In looking for replacement transmission I found several complaints for the exact same issue. Many have had the transmission replaced only to have the issue resurface with the new/refurbished transmission. This would seem like a manufacturing flaw and could be very problematic if the car will no longer shift into gear, as several complaints have noted.
2003 Toyota Corolla le with only 120,000 miles needs new manual transmission at the cost of $3800 for a rebuilt transmission. Car was making loud grinding noise when shifting and having convulsions which forced us to get off the highway and onto the emergency lane. There were no previous "warning signs" this was going to happen. All warranty maintenance has been kept up to date on this vehicle at the right time. Toyota needs to issue a recall on these transmissions since they now seem to be more and more a common problem amongst this particular model year Corolla.