Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Toyota Corolla owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. The contact lowered the front passenger's side window; however, while attempting to raise the window, the window failed to respond. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V162000 (Visibility). The contact called a local dealer and was informed of the recall; however, the recall had been repaired in 2008, and the VIN was not eligible for a second repair. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact was informed that any additional repairs would be out-of-pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
I was driving as usual and suddenly the air bags exploded inside the dash causing damage to the passenger window and the front crystal. Seconds after the drivers airbag also opened and consequently the alarms. I did not impact anything and the car won't start again.
Was driving 20mph on a side street with my toddler in the car when I smelt strong electrical fire. Window switch got stuck on driver side window and instead of blowing fuse my door caught on fire. Called the dealership etc and they wouldn't do anything about what happened because no recall for my year. Just received a recall letter today. Two months after! This is my second recall on this car and I'm not sure how much longer I can handle this. I will never own a Toyota again. Fyi the first recall was for electrical problems in my driver side door so they replaced the entire door panel parts etc but obviously didn't fix the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that the sun roof exploded without an impact or warning while driving 30 MPH. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the sun roof was an aftermarket product and was not repaired. The vehicle was later taken to wesley chapel Toyota (5300 eagleston blvd, wesley chapel, fl 33544, [phone]), but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the sun roof being an aftermarket product. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. While driving at any speed, the front passenger side rearview mirror distorted the driver's view, causing vehicles to appear close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (lehman Toyota/Scion, miami, fl, [phone]) where the contact was quoted an unaffordable repair cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10. Updated 10/26/17
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that all the windows, except the driver side window, did not open. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15V043000 (air bags) and 15V285000 (air bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
While driving on the highway (I-75) in Michigan on April 2, 2022 the sunroof exploded for no apparent reason.
Power window recall from Toyota is still defective. Toyota attempted to repair the recall for the power window recall for component : visibility:power window devices and controls visibility:glass, side/rear and yet when they repair it still comes back. They refuse to tighten the bolts again. This is dangerous as it can break again anytime causing death, accidents, or serious injury! Toyota of glendale in ca refused to repair my recall after it recurred(all they had to do is tighten the bolts). [redacted] call me if you have the same issue and we can have a new recall on Toyota. I also called Toyota and they said tuff luck...I have it recorded... They simply refused to admit their recall correction is not a good correction!!!
1. Electrical: driver & passenger side electric windows would not roll up after rolling them down. Drivers side window button was not broke...& physically worked when pushed down or pulled up but did not roll the window up. Passenger side window button actually broke/caved in when pushed to roll window down. Once rolled down...it would not roll up. 2. Unknown or other: air conditioner barely blows any air out of vents. When set on "highest fan option"...u can hear it working & can feel cool air but u have to have your face 2 inches in front of vent to feel it. 3. Seat belts: passenger side seat belt will not click/lock into locking device to keep seatbelt on. Don't know of anything breaking it...just wouldn't "click" into locking device one day.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Toyota Corolla. While driving approximately 70 MPH on normal road conditions, the front driver's side power window was activated. Suddenly, the glass shattered while the window was in operation. There were no prior warnings or injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 08V162000 (visibility: glass, side/rear); however, the recall remedy was insufficient and did not correct the failure. In addition, the rear passenger and driver's side door glass bolts detached from the window regulator. Currently, the vehicle is at the authorized dealer for repair. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 92,000.
Related recalls
Visibility › Glass, side/rear
Toyota is recalling 662,178 my 2003-2004 corolla, corolla matrix and Pontiac vibe vehicles equipped with power windows. The driver and front passenger door glass bolts May loosen and come off, causing the door glass to separate from the window regulator.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger door glass bolts with newly designed bolts free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2008 to Toyota owners. The recall began on May 21, 2008, for Pontiac owners.
NHTSA investigations
Side front power window shatters
For the subject vehicles, there is a possibility that the retention force of the regulator bolts which attach the front side window glass to the power window regulator May not be sufficient due to an interference of the retention nut and the bolt shoulder radius.in this condition the bolt May become loose, causing a loud noise to be generated when the window is raised or lowered.if the vehicle and the power window…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Corolla years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Toyota Corolla?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Toyota Corolla, 4% of the model year's 720 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Toyota Corolla window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-162 (glass, side/rear, Apr 10, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Corolla window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.