Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder Electrical system Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
33%of 12 total for the year
Median mileage
30,800miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder, 33% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,800 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 sequential manual transmission (smt) harsh shift this is a bulletin of Toyota, I took it to Toyota dealer, they said they will charge for it. It s not under warranty. But it is manufacturing mistake, it s not my mistake. They have to take care of this. …”

NHTSA complaint #10251987, filed 2008-12

“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 mileage was 30,800. Updated 12/2/14 the consumer stated the actuator assembly was repaired under warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #10640007, filed 2014-09, 30,800 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10632785, filed 2014-09

“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. The relay switch under the battery caused the fire. Reported by a progressive insurance inspector.”

NHTSA complaint #10083945, filed 2004-08

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003433%

Other parts of the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology