2003 Toyota MR2 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 33%of 6 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Toyota MR2, 33% of the 6 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,900 miles.
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.
“The design of the computer controlled power train makes throttle, transmission and starter inter-dependent. My vehicle has repeatedly lost power and coasted to a stop. The vehicle has been recently inspected by a Toyota dealer, who says there's nothing wrong with it. But the vehicle operator's manual anticipates stalling while underway and gives directions to re-start - sometimes successful, sometimes not and the vehicle has to be towed, in my experience. Manual directions (page 153): if your engine stalls while driving ... Reduce speed gradually, keeping a straight line. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574607, filed 2014-03, 28,000 miles“Purchased used from carmax and within 100 miles the transmission light came on, it would not shift out of first gear. I had it delivered to have the vehicle looked at, and it refused to go into reverse gear next. When they attempted to drive it only 1 st and 2nd gear would work. After having a brand new transmission installed from Toyota by aamco transmission as soon as the vehicle made it back to the car dealer, it started leaking fluids all over the lot. The transmission solenoid had quit working and starting spraying hot fluids all over the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10513052, filed 2013-05, 67,800 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota MR2
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota MR2
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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