2003 Toyota Corolla: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2003 Toyota Corolla
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Several brake, gearbox and airbag recalls
This Corolla had recalls for brake problems (2002 and 2005), possible gearbox damage (2002) and front passenger airbag concerns (2004 and 2006).
At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg and ask for proof any recall work was done.
- All engines
Misty rear lights
Condensation can build up inside the rear light clusters.
At the viewing: Look inside the rear lights for water droplets or misting.
- All engines
Squealing brakes
Owners report squealing brakes. It's an annoyance rather than a major fault.
At the viewing: Listen for squeals when braking gently on the test drive.
Looking at a Toyota Corolla?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Toyota Corolla compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 5,947 | Tyres 15% |
| 2022 | 23,838 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 40,845 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 55,784 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 48,385 | Tyres 24% |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 145 | Lights and electrics 23% |
| 2010 | 272 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2009 | 3,861 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 2008 | 9,957 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 2007 | 13,759 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2006 | 37,752 | Brakes 44% |
| 2005 | 33,913 | Brakes 47% |
| 2004 | 21,999 | Brakes 49% |
| 2002 | 11,020 | Brakes 46% |
| 2001 | 6,048 | Brakes 38% |
| 2000 | 3,498 | Suspension 38% |
| 1999 | 3,556 | Suspension 41% |
| 1998 | 2,856 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 1,456 | Suspension 47% |
| 1996 | 557 | Suspension 39% |
| 1995 | 426 | Suspension 41% |
| 1994 | 514 | Suspension 40% |
| 1993 | 512 | Suspension 40% |
| 1992 | 379 | Suspension 37% |
| 1991 | 195 | Suspension 34% |
| 1990 | 177 | Suspension 34% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |