2003 Toyota MR2 Reliability Score: 6.0 out of 10

25 NHTSA Complaints

0 Recalls

1 Fire Reports

4 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

6.0 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar sports cars

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 14 powertrain complaints. A typical sports car fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 8.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall14 complaints against about 8 for similar vehicles

6.0

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

1ZZ-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 138 hp

16 complaints 16.0 per year Gasoline

1 fire report

View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission

electrical

engine

brakes

fuel system

Same engine used in

LEXUS IS (2006-2013)TOYOTA Prius (2016-2022)TOYOTA Matrix (2003-2008)TOYOTA Celica (2000-2005)TOYOTA Corolla (2003-2008)

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Toyota MR2 Unidentified Engine

9 complaints 9.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

cooling

transmission

other

electrical

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota MR2, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Transmission: 10 owner complaints

Engine: 7 owner complaints

Electrical System: 6 owner complaints

All Generations

20022002 20032003

Alternatives in Sports Car

4 engines / 69 complaints

5 engines / 24 complaints

6 engines / 41 complaints

3 engines / 27 complaints

1 engine / 22 complaints

3 engines / 24 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 complaints?

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the electrical system.

Is the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 have?

NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota MR2?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the MR2 have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2003 Toyota MR2. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 25 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-10-12.