Four problems related to transmission failure 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.
I was driving on the freeway at about 60mph when the transmission failed. It felt like there was something stuck under the wheels of my car. I was able to pull off the road safely. It wouldn't go into any gear after that, but luckily, I was in neutral so it could be towed. The shop I took it to said this is a very common problem for the 2003 Corollas with the 5-speed manual transmission. It cost me $3,700 for a new transmission (and labor) from Toyota, which will most likely end up with the same failure. I am the original owner and my car has 92,000 miles on it. I have kept up on all the maintenance; there is no reason this should have happened. I have mailed a complaint to Toyota corporation and am awaiting a response. This vehicle is unsafe for the road and should be recalled.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 55 mph when the vehicle would no longer shift gears. The vehicle was maneuvered to the shoulder and shut off. The vehicle was then towed to an independent repair shop where the driver was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 123,410.
Manual transmission failed on my 2003 Toyota Corolla and locked up. I have replaced the transmission already and it is my second transmission and is my second incident. It locks up and comes to a sudden stop.
Vehicle lost power when exiting one highway to enter another. In addition, a loud sound started to come from the engine compartment. Moved vehicle out of traffic and drove very slowly. Prior to failure there were some sounds from the transmission but no loss of power or trouble getting the vehicle into to gear. Considered it lucky that the transmission did not seize up in the middle of traffic and cause an accident. I was able to drive the vehicle, slowly, to a repair facility before some of the gears became inoperable. Mechanic is in the process of replacing the transmission, there are many reports of transmission failures for 2003 5 speed manual transmissions on the internet, especially in canada. Most failures are occurring after the warranty period expires but under 100,000 miles. My mechanic is saving the old transmission.