2003 Toyota Mr2 Spyder problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Vehicle Speed Control (3) · Power Train (2) · Tires (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (81)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
to prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. the purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Structure:body 2024-12-05 · T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
toyota vehicles are currently protected with rapgardtm protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. this material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. follow the removal procedure in this bulletin to remove the rapgardtm protective film wi
Structure:body 2024-12-03 · T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. this type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surfa
Structure:body 2024-05-17 · T-SB-0061-23 Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
toyota vehicles are currently protected with rapgardtm protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. this material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
Structure:body 2024-05-15 · T-SB-0062-23 Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. this type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surfa
Showing the 6 most recent of 81 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2015-09-30 · Vehicle Speed Control · 55,000 mi · 💥 crash“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 w…”
2014-09-29 · Power Train · 30,800 mi“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 milea…”
2014-09-12 · Power Train“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 · 100,253 mi“while driving, the cruise control switch became intermittent in operation, with potential of being unable to disengage it. *tr…”
2010-09-13 · Power Train:manual Transmission · 76,000 mi“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…”
2009-09-23 · Structure · 66,000 mi“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 · Vehicle Speed Control“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" "sequen…”
2006-01-14 · Exterior Lighting:fog Lights · 19,400 mi“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 purchas…”
2005-05-03 · Tires · 9,142 mi“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 even…”
2004-08-20 · Electrical System · 🔥 fire“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.