2003 Toyota Solara Reliability Score: 9.1 out of 10

24 NHTSA Complaints

0 Recalls

0 Fire Reports

10 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

9.1 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar midsize coupes

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

Owners filed 4 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize coupe fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 18.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall4 complaints against about 18 for similar vehicles

9.1

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

2AZ-FE

2.4L 4-cyl / 157 hp

12 complaints 12.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

other

body

brakes

interior

Same engine used in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Matrix (2009-2014)TOYOTA Matrix (2003-2008)TOYOTA RAV4 (2006-2012)TOYOTA RAV4 (2013-2018)

+6 more

TOYOTA Corolla (2003-2008)TOYOTA Camry (2012-2017)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)TOYOTA Solara (2004-2008)TOYOTA Corolla (2009-2013)TOYOTA RAV4 (2001-2005)

Show 2 additional engine variants 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.

1MZ-FE

3.0L 6-cyl / 200 hp

7 complaints 7.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

interior

fuel system

engine

electrical

Same engine used in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)LEXUS ES (2000-2001)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Avalon (2000-2004)LEXUS RX (2000-2003)

+7 more

LEXUS RX (2004-2009)TOYOTA Camry (2012-2017)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)TOYOTA Sienna (2000-2003)TOYOTA Avalon (2005-2012)TOYOTA RAV4 (2001-2005)LEXUS ES (2002-2006)

Toyota Solara Unidentified Engine

5 complaints 5.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior

electrical

other

suspension

Owner Complaints by System

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

Safety Systems: 8 owner complaints

Interior: 5 owner complaints

All Generations

20022002 20032003 XV302004-2008

Alternatives in Midsize Coupe

4 engines / 49 complaints

1 engine / 34 complaints

11 engines / 1,396 complaints

Audi

2012-2018

6.2/10

4 engines / 145 complaints

Audi

2019-2025

5.0/10

4 engines / 63 complaints

6 engines / 178 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Toyota Solara. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the interior and the electrical system.

Is the 2003-2003 Toyota Solara 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 24 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Toyota Solara. 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 Solara have?

NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2003 Toyota Solara 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 Solara?

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

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Solara?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the interior 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 Solara have NHTSA crash test ratings?

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

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 24 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-10-12.