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8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
20,000 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
2003 Toyota Corolla engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Toyota Corolla Owner Comments

problem #1

Jun 042015

Corolla LS 1.8L V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

unexpected acceleration when applying brakes unexpected acceleration when applying brakes

This problem has existed since the vehicle was purchased. Previous incidences have not resulted in a crash and by continually applying pressure to the brake the engine finally would come back to idle.

This last time, there was a pick up truck so close that I was unable to stop the forward motion until after contact was made. I have had the Corolla into Toyota multiple times to complain of this problem, but each time they said they were unable to reproduce the problem.

Since there has been an accident, Toyota is arranging for an inspector to come look at the car. This has not yet occurred. In the mean time, I am not driving the car and have not had the damage to my grill/bumper repaired yet.

Update from Aug 4, 2015: Toyota has sent an inspector that says he finds no malfunctions. However, I have been doing some investigation on my own and have found the possible explanation for the problem. I found that if my foot is over half way to the right on the brake pedal, when it is pressed it also presses on the accelerator. The more pressure applied to the brake, the more pressure that is also applied to the accelerator pedal. I am posting a picture illustrating this.

Update from Aug 8, 2015: I don't see a place to reply to the comment made about my complaint and pictures. So, I'll just reply here. Yes, I realize that my foot pressing in that position is risky. Now that I'm aware that I might have been doing that ( since I drive 2 different cars) I am making a conscious effort to be sure my foot is to the left of center. The point in showing that picture is to make others aware that it could present a problem if their foot is wide and positioned too far to the right on the brake pedal. It might also explain some of the other events where people have complained about unexpected acceleration with the Corolla.

- Major H., Houston, TX, US

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