Research · Two Seaters
2003 Toyota MR2Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2003 Toyota MR2. Most complaints involve power train (13) and vehicle speed control (7). The EPA rates it 25 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
25mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
31
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2003 Toyota MR2 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2003 – Feb 2026
- Power train13
- Vehicle speed control7
- Engine5
- Electrical system5
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Service brakes2
- Structure2
- Wheels1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Power train
13 reports2 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE GEAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER CHIP AND HYDRAULIC PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,800. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. *JS”
Vehicle speed control
7 reports3 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.”
Engine
5 reports1 crash
“2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION/ SHIFTING MALFUNCTION - WHILE AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CAR JERKED FORCEFULLY FORWARD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PROCEED FROM STOPPED POSITION, THEN TURNED ITSELF OFF. THE CAR BECAME INCAPABLE OF SHIFTING AND HAD TO BE TOWED. ECU WAS REPLACED. SIMILAR PROBLEMS RESURFACED. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 5-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR2 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| MR2 Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
- 25mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Toyota MR2 as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 4876
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2003 MR2 questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota MR2 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2003 Toyota MR2 problems?
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (13), vehicle speed control (7), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2003 Toyota MR2 get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Toyota MR2 at 25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026