Toyota

MR2 (2003)

2003 · Sports Car ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.3)
25 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
4 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Toyota MR2 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

1ZZ-FE

1.8L 4-cyl / 138 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.3)
16 complaints 16.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
8
electrical
5
engine
3
brakes
2
fuel system
2

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (8 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)
Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Toyota MR2 Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
9 complaints 9.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
4
cooling
3
transmission
2
other
2
electrical
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (3 complaints)
Transmission Issues (2 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota MR2 regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (10 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (7 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)
electrical critical

All Generations

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 has accumulated 25 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota MR2 engine is most reliable?

The 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.8L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

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

The 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 25 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

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

The 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 has 25 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Toyota MR2?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota MR2?

Before buying a used Toyota MR2, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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: 2026-05-23.

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