Toyota

MR2 (2003)

2003 · Sports Car ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.4)
31 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Toyota MR2 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
โ€”
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

3 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota MR2 regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (11 complaints)
transmission critical
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)
electrical critical

All Generations

Alternatives in Sports Car

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 has accumulated 31 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota MR2 engine is most reliable?

The 2003-2003 Toyota MR2 was offered with 4 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 solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 31 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 31 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, Electrical System, Engine, 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.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the MR2?

The 2003 Toyota MR2 received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: N/A stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 31 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver