2003 Corolla Transmission, 2003 Corolla transmission Options

[MDD]

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Just spoke to the dealership and my transmission is gone in my 03 Corolla. It is a 5 speed and
all servicing has been done at the dealership. I do have high kms on the car because of a long commute to work however it is all freeway driving at non rush hour time. They have advised that I do not have warranty options that the full amount is my responsibility. My last Toyota was great. Regular maintenance and no problems.........This Toyota, regular maintenance from first day I drove it off the lot............not so great. Really disappointed. I thought this one would be great too.
Anyone else has their transmission go on their 2003 Corolla?
Toyota Canada has advised that they have my problem under review and it will take 7-10 days to get back to me. The dealership has said they would discount the labour but looking at $1500 for a used transmission!
Ugh!!

[04CorollaOwner]

i had to have the differential gears and bearing assemblies replaced on my 04 corolla. it had less than 70k miles on it, but, of course was out of warranty. it's still making an odd noise when i put it in 5th gear, and my mechanic tells me that it is a design defect in the transmission, nothing to be done about it until it gets worse. (don't know that i believe that, but i haven't had time to investigate further) i'm rather disgusted by the whole deal, as i purchased based on toyota's great reputation. bummer that i got one of the rotten apples from the barrel!

[flyefisher]

Guys read my post about the 2000 5-speed. My specific problem was a worn differential at 85K. Used transmissions for this are $800+ USD which is extremely high for salvaged transmissions. Several parts dealers told me that the demand for these used guys was very high. The differential on mine turned out to be cheaper than a salvaged transmission. I dropped $1500 for this ($500 for differential, dealer-only part, a clutch and a right driveshaft). My transmission repair guy said he sees a lot of these with leaks and play but rarely works on other corollas.

Toyota doesn't acknowledge any known issues. But I've heard enough to know that their manual transmissions for these cars are junk.

[Sdude]

you guys having same problem im having? my corolla 03 5 speed been having issue with the tranny big time! It started to make this noise from the differential (grinding noise ) when you drive and after a while, it just locked up and you can no longer shift. I went a bought a used tranny 700 bucks, rebuild> run it for less than a year same issue with that tranny, what gives???

There should be a recall on this> this is going to be my third tranny now..i just got a brand spankin new one from toyota for 1600.00, thinking maybe they did a crappy job rebuilding it. the going rate for these tranny are 700-800 used and rebuild...

the tech at toyta said not too many people order these tranny, i told him my problem and he just say he dont know! Im sure they are aware of this issue!

[kathy102]

I just found out that my 5 speed 2003 Corolla needs new transmission too! The differnential is going out and making horrible noises. I took it to the Toyoya dealership and 2 transmission places becasue I just couldn't belive my Toyoya with less than 90000 miles needs a new transmission!! A friend that works at a car dealership found a used tranny from a salvage yard for $1630, which is alot higher than what you guys are saying they are going for on here. Toyoya dealership quoted me $2800 for a rebuilt and $3100 for a new one. I am SOOO disappointed. I bought a Toyota beliving in them and their product.

[love my car]

My 2003 Corolla would not go in reverse...took it to the dealer and they told me it would cost me about 3500 for a "re-manufacture" trans. Which means it not new and not a used one from a totaled car. I don't understand how a five years old car with 85K miles on it would required a new trans so soon. I called the Toyota Customer Experience hot line and got no where. The lady even say that they can't guarantee parts thats why they have warranty and for example a car with 2000 miles might need a new trans you just never know! I told her that if that is the case that car has some issues.

The last Corolla I owned had over 200k miles and it was an '89. Go figure than the newer one is crapping out faster than the older models.

Help me...I don't know what else to do and after calling corporate and the responde I got from them I don't know what other ways that we can reach them and help them realize they are losing a lot of customers. Can't we all write letters or email them with our concerns????

Let me know....longing for some answers.

[Ron Thompson]

My son just had to replace a manual transmission in his 95K mile, 2001 Corolla, S. The middle section of the transmission casing was cracked and losing fluid. The local garage finally found one in Maine after two others came in with similiar cracking. Cost of the job was around $1800. One thousand for the tranny, $500. for labor and about $300 for the clutch kit, and flywheel refacing.
When he brought the tranny home there were metal shavings under the top cap. I'm going to dismantle it and check the interior. If nothing but curiousity as to what went wrong.

[Travelmandy]

Hello Everyone, I have joined your ranks, yesterday my 2003 Corolla transmission died driving on the highway. I found out that Toyota is on a 2 week - 2 month back order for new transmissions for this car (think there is a problem) and even used are hard to find because of the high demand.

I am wondering if anyone here has reported the problem to Toyota Service Center? If not please do .. until they hear it enough times they can ignore it ... if they ever decide to do a recall, anyone who had work done is possibly looking at reimbursement (I asked) ... so it is worth your time to report it ... PLEASE. The phone number is 1-800-331-4331.

Wish me luck I get the total bill Monday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blownose.gif)

[RJPB25]

Wow, interesting thread this is to find.

I bought my 2003 Corolla early 2007, it had roughly 50k miles on it. About 2 months after I get it, I'm driving in the freeway going about 80 in 5th gear (manual transmission) and my tranny gives out...

I immediately pulled over to the side and stopped. When I shifted into first and tried to go, it felt as if I was in neutral. So I got it towed back to Toyota and they wanted to blame it on me lol I had previous experience with manual transmissions and I had only had the car for 2 months, so they ended up putting a brand new tranny in and it was paid completely by the dealer :)

The only thing I did pay was $250.00 for the Clutch which I went ahead and changed. But, I guess I got lucky :/

Either way, I just thought I'd share my experience since it seems that its mostly a 2003 problem.

[Highrize]

Sadly you can add me to the list as well, just found out today that the transmission (manual) in my '03 Corolla is dying. It's a noisy, awful sound coming from the gear box at speed. It still shifts (for now), but the sound is really bad. Naturally the car is 2 months and 6,000Km out of warranty (106,000Km!). I can't believe this is happening with so few Km on the clock, and it's not like I drive it hard - quite the opposite. I have a friend who bought his '03 Corolla a couple months after me and he already had his transmission replaced - thankfully his was caught while his warranty was still in effect.

This is my first Toyota, and frankly, I'm not impressed. I have never had to replace a manual transmission in any car I've owned. And reading the stories of others above me, I'm wondering if getting it fixed is even worth it - how long will the fix last?

To add insult to injury, getting out of my car tonight I closed the door, clicked the power locks, and tested the door handle to make sure it was locked (yes I heard it click, it's just a force of habit). Well, the door handle broke off in my hand. Seriously, the transmission wasn't enough!? Sigh.

[Skorpio]

I too am having problems with my Corolla's '02 manual transmission. It's making a grinding noise too and gets worse when I push or release the clutch's pedal. I've went to some garage and the guy up there told me that in most of these cases, they change the bearing kit on the car and it's fine... and mostly it's '03 Corollas with higher mileage that have this problem... But after hearing the grinding, the guy was sure of the problem on my Corolla even if it's only at 128 000KM.

The guy could "re-build" it for me 1400$ + taxes (the labor costing around 975$ (13 hours of labor)). I've called another garage and they told me it was gonna cost me 950$... I'll let you all guess where am I going tomorrow morning to get this mess fixed!

[Roz]

I too received the lovely news last night that my 2003 Toyota Corolla Sport with 135000 kms needs a new transmission. I am horrified and completely disappointed that Toyota is not doing something about this. I purchased this car believing that I would have a dependable car for the next 10 years and I'm completely screwed (pardon the term). I had a Honda Civic for 10 years, 300,000 kms on it without one any problem at all on the transmission. Toyota is losing my business and I'll go back to Honda thanks.

[Highrize]

Well, at the end of the day, it's costing me $2,000 (tax and labour incl) to install a used JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) transmission in my '03 Corolla as *none* of the shops I visited would rebuild it for a reasonable cost. They all tell me it's a 'throw away' transmission, and that no OEM makes internals for it (Toyota only). I don't know if this is BS or not, but it hardly matters, rebuild quotes for in excess of $3,500. The transmission being installed is sourced from Japan, it's supposedly low mileage, and has a 6 month warranty. So basically, I've got 6 months to find a new car as I've got no reason to believe that this one would be any better than the one it replaces.

I'm incredibly frustrated with Toyota, this was the first new car I ever owned, and sadly it's likely to be my last Toyota. I have many, many friends who drive Hondas with upwards of 250,000Km and their transmissions are just fine. I drove my sister's 2000 Civic and seriously, it's leaps and bounds ahead of mine even when mine was new - so smooth. Plus my car has so many squeaks and rattles inside compared to hers, it's a real shame.

[Dave T]

Hi, I too have an 03 Corolla 5 sp manual, recently it has been making a strange noise almost like a knocking sound when in gear at low revs (below 2500) I have been told by three mechanics that the transmission is going. It only has 78 thousand kms and the drivetrain warranty expired two months ago. I have a class 1 license with air, I've never had a transmission fail. I'm wondering if I should try to trade it back to Toyota and let them deal with it or have it repaired and hope nothing else starts to go. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[chrisblackcat]

Same problem here. 2003 Corrolla had 90k miles on it. manual tranny went, we called Toyota and they said we should be lucky we got 90k out of it. People buy Toyotas because they expect to get oer 200k out of them. I am having it repaired at a shop, not a Toyota shop. Toyota denies this is a very common problem with the corrolla, give us a break, just Google this and there are tons of us with this same problem. I will be going way out of my way to let every consumer know about this and I will not let up. Some ideas I have had is having some magnetic yellow lemons made and attach them to the vehicle when I am driving and handing out printouts from the web of all the complaints from people with the same problems.By the way, the catylitic converter on the 2003 is another big problem that Toyota denies. We all need to stnd up for what we feel is fairness and Toyota is showing zero compassion and taking zero responsibility. Spread the word, tell everyone about your experience. This is the only way to get back at a company that boasts durability and lower projected owner repairs than other manufacturers. I stop everyone I see driving a corrolla and tell them about the problems with the manual tranny and cat converter. Lets not let them continue to screw the consumer anymore.

[CorollaGabe]

The differential just went out on my 2003 Corolla S. I was cruising down the highway in fifth gear and it started making noise; when I pulled over, the car completely locked up. It has a manual transmission and only 107,000 miles. All service has been done at the dealer. It needs a whole new transaxle (transmission and differential) for a whopping $2,213.57 plus tax and labor! I have spoken with two mechanics who tell me there is a defect in this manual transmission. One worked on the same problem before. The other mechanic told me this manual transmission/differential/transaxle is in the 2003 through 2008 Corollas. (Gee, I wonder why Toyota changed the tranny for 2009?) I have had a 1985 Corolla, 1990 Corolla, and 1994 Corolla with NO problems. This one is major.

[redaeon]

I bought a 2003 corolla le 5 speed with 67k on it 2.5 weeks ago..A couple of days ago it had issues going into reverse? Is how the transmission issues start? I'm calling the dealership tomorrow..I still have 6 weeks or 2k mi left on the warranty.

[redtoyford]

My 2003 corolla ce with a 5 speed manual transmission has started to exhibit the transmission growl problem. It has 178,000 kms. The dealer say a new transmission and clutch are required: $3633.00. An independant Toyota service shop is looking for a used transmission for me, but says that they are costly and in short supply due to high demand. Not a good sign. So I called Toyota, asking about any service bulletins or warrantee relief. They say that I should talk to the dealer again, which I will do.

[AdamOndi]

Wow. While I am glad that I am not the only one who is having this issue, it saddens me to see the degree of apathy from Toyota on this. I have a 2003 Corolla CE with a 5 Speed manual, and I started to get the same grinding noise from the transmission in 5th gear. It has since spread to 4th, 3rd, and now 2nd. I took it to a mechanic with a good reputation who specializes in Japanese cars, and no one at his shop had ever heard of this problem. I only have 120,000 miles on the car, and they were all amazed that I would be having transmission problems already.

I had the mechanic look into the cost of replacing the transmission, and he had a difficult time finding a replacement also. Obviously, these are in fairly high demand. He quoted me a cost of $1350.00 US for parts and labor, which doesn't sound too bad for the type of repair that this is.

I echo everyone else's sentiments about being disappointed in Toyota over this. This is my first Toyota and I was hoping to hit 200,000+ miles on it. Now I just want to get rid of it and buy a Honda Fit or something.

[impala409]

I have two Corollas with automatics ('03 & '04) but I heard from a while back that Toyota
was having problems with their manual transmissions, which is one of the reasons that I
opted for automatics. I too, am quite dismayed by the lack of "stepping up to the plate" by
Toyota concerning this issue, considering that they are usually quite good about this stuff.
Seeing the numerous complaints logged into this site alone, perhaps you guys and gals
should get together and form a class action against Toyota. Strength in numbers, etc. etc.