Safety ratings
2003 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
2003 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlNo
Crash test videos & photos
Crash test #1NHTSA test 4465
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Crash test #2NHTSA test 4478
Full test report (PDF) ↗Crash-test footage is converted for smooth playback the first time someone requests it — usually under a minute.
Recalls (5)
- TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRECampaign 12V542000 · 23/11/2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Risk: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E026000 · 23/03/2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 03V189000 · 19/05/2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.
Risk: THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E065000 · 17/07/2006
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTCampaign 05V225000 · 17/05/2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
Risk: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- STRUCTURE182
- SUSPENSION66
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL29
- AIR BAGS27
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
- POWER TRAIN22
- TIRES21
- SERVICE BRAKES16
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/31/2018· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
THE REAR BRAKE LINES THAT CONNECT OVER THE REAR AXLE RUSTED INTO AND CAUSED THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN INTO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR TO THE BRAKES THE SERVICE CENTER REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE BRAKE LINES BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO SEVERELY THAT IF PUT ON A LIFT THE FRAME WOULD FALL APART AND THE TRUCK WOULD BREAK IN HALF. THE SERVICE CENTER DETERMINED ALSO THE TRUCK WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SERVICE RECORDS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE ON FILE WHERE THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION OF THE FRAME AND REPORTED THE TRUCK DID NOT HAVE A RUST ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE LETTERS I RECEIVED AND HEEDED THE WARNING TO HAVE THE TRUCK INSPECTED.
- 12/31/2003· SUSPENSION
THE FRONT TIRE TREADS ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES OF THE VEHICLE WORE OUT WITHIN 10,000 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED THE SHOCKS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHICH FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE SHOCKS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
- 12/29/2010· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOK THAT HELD THE FLOOR MAT IN PLACE LOOSENED AND CAUSED THE FLOOR MAT TO BECOME STUCK UNDER THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH IN THE RAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE HOOK. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE ANY RECORD OF THE PREVIOUS REPAIR AND STATED THE THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS OF A REPLACEMENT HOOK. THE FLOOR MAT HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 03/03/11 *BF UPDATED 03/07/11
- 12/29/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I PURCHASED MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 IN MAY OF 2003 IN WHICH AS OF THIS DATE OF 12.29.06 MY TRUCK HAS 43K MILES ON IT AND IS IN EXCELLANT CONDITION. OVER THE COURSE OF THE PAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE HAD TO SPEND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THIS TRUCK AND STILL CAN NOT DRIVE IT. I HAVE HAD TO PUT A BRANDNEW CRANKSHAFT KIT IN MY TRUCK DUE TO THE KEYWAY ON THE CRANKSHAFT SHEARING OFF RESULTING IN MY TRUCK SHUTTING DOWN. AFTER INSPECTING MY TRUCK BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC THE KEY WAS NOT THERE AFTER IT HAD SHEARED OFF IN WHICH PARTS HAD MOVED FORWARD AND GROUND INTO THE METAL. AFTER THE CRANKSHAFT REPLACEMENT I CONTINUED TO HAVE MORE AND MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. I HAVE REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT, HARMONIC BALANCER, NEW FAN, OIL PUMP BECAUSE THE TRUCK WILL NOT HOLD OIL PRESSURE, MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, CRANK SENSOR, CAM SENSOR'S, RE-SETTING OF THE COMPUTER AND LABOR COST. I PICKED MY TRUCK UP ON A FRIDAY AFTER IT CAME BACK FROM HUNTERSVILLE, NC AT LAKE NORMAN TOYOTA IN WHICH THE TRUCK WAS HOOKED UP AND WAS GIVEN A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH BUT, THE TRUCK LEFT ME STRANDED ONCE AGAIN ON SUNDAY NIGHT AT 7:00 PM IN WHICH I HAD TO HAVE A ROLL BACK PICK IT UP FOR THE FOURTH TIME. THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON WHEN THE ENGINE WOULD IDLE LESS THAN 1K RPMS IN WHICH IT THEN FINALLY HAD TO BE SHUT OFF AS SOON AS I HEARD THIS DUE TO THE SOUNDS OF METAL RUBBING METAL. THE TRUCK IS NOW LOCATED AT LEATHERMAN AUTO LOCATED IN NEWTON, NC (828.465.5269) IN WHICH THE OWNER, SCOTT HAS NOT MADE ANY REPAIRS TO THIS TRUCK YET. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON IN ALL FOUR INSTANCES AS WELL AS THE OIL LIGHT AND OTHER LIGHTS AND I THEN LOOSE CONTROL OF MY TRUCK DUE TO IT SHUTTING DOWN. I WAS ON I-40 TRAVELING AT 65-70 MPH WHEN MY TRUCK STARTED JERKING AGAIN AND THEN I LOST MY POWER STEERING AGAIN AND HAD TO FIGHT WITH THE TRUCK TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. THE TRUCK IS STALLING OUT IN WHICH I AM IN FEAR OF EITHER MYSELF OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS BECOMING INJURED OR POSSIBLY KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS INSTANCE.
- 12/28/2021· AIR BAGSCrash
Truck crashed into rocks on shoulder and rolled over. Driver side Windshield and roof crushed. Air bag did not deploy. Sheriff took a report of crash.HI213530034 Greenspot road. Highland , CA. Vehicle is in possession of coparts authorized by USAA insurance
- 12/28/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAME OF TRUCK IS ROTTING AWAY. CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT ISSUE AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAD A PROGRAM THAT ENDED IN 2011 THAT ADDRESSED THAT ISSUE. HAS END DATE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT A RECALL BUT A SUGGESTION BY TOYOTA. I WOULD THINK THAT SINCE THE FRAME ROTTING AWAY THAT WOULD BE A TOTAL RECALL DUE TO SAFETY HAZARDS. TOYOTA HAS ADMITTED TO FAULTY FRAMES BY HAVING THE PROGRAM BUT NOW WILL NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM
- 12/28/2009· STRUCTURE
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH APPROXIMATELY 29,000 MILES, LIVING IN THE NORTHEAST. THE FRAME AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE HAVE EXTENSIVE RUST FROM FRONT TO REAR. I BELIEVE THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. AT THIS POINT, THE TRANSMISSION SHIELD AND THE FUEL TANK SHIELD ARE IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE SO CORRODED THAT THEY NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MUFFLER ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. *TR
- 12/27/2012· STRUCTURE
MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH 105K MILES WAS FOUND DURING AN INSPECTION TO HAVE A RUSTED FRAME TOYOTA HAS ADMITTED TO THE DEFECT AND REFUSES TO CORRECT I OWN AND BOUGHT NEW A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM ROCKINGHAM TOYOTA IN SALEM, NH. I WAS JUST INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC ON 12/5/2012 THAT MY TRUCK WOULD NOT PASS MASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO A TROUBLE CODE (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THAT MY FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND THAT MY TOYOTA TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I PERSONALLY VERIFIED THIS BY CRAWLING UNDER MY TOYOTA TRUCK AND POKING MY FINGERS THROUGH THE FRAME. MY TOYOTA TACOMA IS READY TO FOLD IN HALF DUE TO THE EXTENT OF FRAME RUST. AFTER CONTACTING TOYOTA IN CALIFORNIA (PHONE 800 331 4331) AND DISCUSSING THE SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE ASSIGNED CASE MANAGER [XXX], I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE TO RECTIFY THIS UNSAFE CONDITION. I ALSO CONTACTED ROCKINGHAM TOYOTA IN SALEM, NH. AND THEY WOULD TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS UNSAFE CONDITION. THEY MENTIONED THAT THE SAFETY RECALL "PROGRAM" HAD EXPIRED. TOYOTA CORPORATE CLAIMS THAT I RECEIVED SEVEN RECALL NOTICES REGARDING RUSTED FRAME ISSUES. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL OR NOTICE FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE FRAME ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 12/27/2012· SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
TOYOTA HAS RECALLED MY TRUCK DUE TO A RUSTED OUT FRAME. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS ELECTED TO REPLACE MY FRAME WITH A NEW FRAME. THIS LARGE PROCEDURE HAS LEFT ME INSECURE ABOUT THE OUTCOME. THIS TRUCK IS NOW 10 YEARS OLD AND AS SOON AS THE START WRENCHING ON ALL THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS TO DISASSEMBLE AND RE ASSEMBLE MY TRUCK I AM AFRAID THAT THEY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF EXISTING COMPONENTS DUE TO ADDED WEAR AND TEAR. THE DEALER WILL NEED TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL BRAKE LINES AND GAS LINES THAT HAVE BEEN SET IN PLACE AND HAVE EXTENSIVE CORROSION THIS WILL LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE AND UNSAFE OPERATION. MOST MECHANIC KNOW THAT A RUSTED AND SET BOLT THAT HAS NOT BEEN MOVED FOR 10 YEARS HAS A 50% CHANCE OF REMOVAL. IN ORDER TO REMOVE SUCH A "STUCK" BOLT THEY WILL NEED TO APPLY HEAT AND IMPACT AND MAY WEAKEN THE EXISTING PARTS, STEEL, AND BOLTS TO LOWER LEVELS OUT OF TOLERANCE THAT THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED ORIGINALLY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS SERVICE IS COMPLETED IN A LOCATION WITH OUT THE CONTROLS, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TESTING THAT IS IN PLACE IN A FACTORY WHERE NEW VEHICLES ARE BUILT. THERE IS UNCERTAINTY THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL BE ASSEMBLED, TESTED, AND INSPECTED ACCORDING THE MANUFACTURER'S GUIDELINES FOR A FACTORY PRODUCED VEHICLE. THIS LEADS TO UNCERTAINTY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT OPERATE WITHIN THE INTENDED MANUFACTURES GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY, ROLL OVER PROTECTION, AND CRASH PERFORMANCE. I PROPOSE THAT A TOTAL FRAME RECALL AND REPLACEMENT (OR ANY LARGE INTEGRAL PART THAT WILL IMPACTED THE VEHICLE OPERATION) ON ANY VEHICLE SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTY DESCRIBED. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THERE APPEARED TO BE AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BOOT THAT WAS NOT APPARENT PRIOR TO THE FRAME REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE.
- 12/24/2010· PARKING BRAKE
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THE PARKING BRAKE REMAINS ON AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. I WILL TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HOPEFULLY FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THE FAULTY PARKING BRAKE. THIS IS SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOYOTA TO FIX. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME FAULTY ITEM. ONE FAULTY PARKING BRAKE IS ONE TOO MANY. ALL VEHICLES SHOULD BE EQUIPMENT WITH A FUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE. *TR
- 12/20/2017· STRUCTURE
I PURCHASED A 2003 TACOMA IN APRIL OF 2016 FROM MATTHEWS MOTOR COMPANY OF COVINGTON, PA. FAST FORWARD TO 12/2017 AND THE FRAME NOW HAS A COUPLE HOLES IN IT NEAR THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WHERE THE GAS TANK ATTACHES TO THE FRAME. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE TRUCKS FOR THE FRAMES. CONTACTED TOYOTA TO HAVE IT ADDRESSED ONLY TO BE TOLD THE CAMPAIGN EXPIRED. THE TRUCK WAS INSPECTED IN 2011 (BEFORE I OWNED IT) UNDER CAMPAIGN "ZTH" AND NO RUST PERFORATION WAS FOUND, AND AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, AN UNDERCOATING WAS APPLIED AT THIS TIME. I AM TOLD HOWEVER THAT BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS NOT UNDERCOATED / DIDN'T HAVE A CORROSION PREVENTION TREATMENT APPLIED UNDER CAMPAIGN "90D" THAT IT NO LONGER QUALIFIES FOR COVERAGE UNDER CAMPAIGN "ZTH." HOW CAN THE TRUCK NOT QUALIFY FOR THE CAMPAIGN NOW WHEN IT DID IN 2011? MOREOVER, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY LETTERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE PURCHASING THE TRUCK, DESPITE THE OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE PRESENTED BY A POTENTIALLY FAULTY FRAME. I WOULD HAVE TO INSIST THAT TOYOTA INSPECT MY FRAME, ACKNOWLEDGE IT IS PERFORATED FROM RUST FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH CAMPAIGN ZTH, NOT ONLY FOR MY VEHICLE BUT FOR THOSE IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCE.
- 12/19/2013· SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TURNING AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT WAS FOUND TO BE SEPARATED, CAUSING THE FRONT SUSPENSION TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,640.
- 12/19/2006· AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG VIBRATION WHEN MOTOR IS RUNNING. RETURNED TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP DUE TO LOUD RATTLE IN DASH BOARD. DEALER INSPECTED AND REPORTED THAT A MAJORITY OF THE CLIPS HOLDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IN PLACE WERE NOT THERE. DEALER ORDERED REPLACEMENT CLIPS AND DASHBOARD BOLTS AND REPAIR WAS MADE. IN OCTOBER 2003 RATTLE RETURNED AND A BOLT APPEARED ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD. RETURNED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP WHERE INSPECTION TOOK PLACE. MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT SOMEONE HAD HIT THE DASHBOARD TO LOOSEN BOLTS, NOT THE CASE, YET NO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR TIGHTEN EQUIPMENT WAS MADE. *NM
- 12/17/2018· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED BY A MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS FOR THE FRAME. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER ON 12/17/18 REPRESENTATIVE STATED NOTIFCATION WAS MAILED W/O A RESPONSE. CONSUMER STATED NO NOTIFICATION WAS SENT, REPRESENTATIVE STATED SHE WOULD GET BACK TO THE CONSUMER ON 12/18/18 BUT NEVER DID.*JB
- 12/15/2006· PARKING BRAKE
2003 TOYOTA TACOMA PARKING BRAKE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.*MR WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS RELEASED, THE BRAKE DID NOT COMPLETELY DISENGAGE AND COULD BE HEARD DRAGGING UNTIL IT KICKED OFF. OCCASIONALLY IT REFUSED TO RELEASE AND REQUIRED RE-APPLICATION BEFORE FINALLY RELEASING. WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED, IT DID NOT ALWAYS HOLD THE VEHICLE EVEN ON A MODEST SLOPE SUCH AS THE CONSUMERS DRIVEWAY. *JB *NM
- 12/14/2018· STRUCTURE
WE BOUGHT A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA IN A PRIVATE SALE. UPON INSPECTION THE FOLLOWING DAY WE REALIZED THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF RUST AND ACTUAL HOLES IN THE FRAME. MY FIANC AND I REACHED OUT TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER WHO REFUSED TO SPEAK WITH US. I CONTACTED A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TO SEE IF I COULD OBTAIN SERVICE RECORDS AND I WAS ABLE TO OBTAIN THE RECORD WHERE THE IMAGES OF THE FRAME WAS SENT TO HEADQUARTERS FOR THE FRAME REPLACEMENT. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND TOLD THEM WHAT HE HAPPENED, THEY CONFIRMED A FRAME REPLACEMENT WAS APPROVED BUT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD ISSUES WITH THE TITLE AND IT PUSHED IT OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY EXTENSION BY THE TIME IT WAS FIXED. TOYOTA REFUSES TO HONOR IT, THE REPRESENTATIVE ACTUALLY SAID 'YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT A VEHICLE THAT WAS SO OLD'. I WAS APPALLED. THEY OFFERED NO AID, NO DISCOUNT. ALL SHE SAID WAS THAT WE SHOULDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN IT'S CONDITION. MY FIANC HAS NO CHOICE AND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH HIS NEPHEW WHEN HE LOST THE BREAKS (DUE TO THE RUSTED DUST SHIELD SLICING THE BRAKE LINE) AND HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 65 MILES PER HOUR. NOW HE IS MISSING WORK BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE ONE VEHICLE. I AM COMPLETELY BAFFLED BY TOYOTA AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. WE SPEND ALL OF OUR SAVINGS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THEY BASICALLY TOLD US TOO BAD.
- 12/13/2016· STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
THE FRAME ON MY 2003 TACOMA IS RUSTING BADLY! THE TRUCK ONLY HAS ABOUT 98K AND IM THE SECOND OWNER. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK ON 9/3/2011. THE TRUCK IN GETTING TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE FRAME RECALL. I'VE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY ARE TELLING ME I DON'T QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE BECAUSE NO CORROSION TREATMENT HAS APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED! IF I HAD BEEN, THEN THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME FREE OF CHARGE. I'VE RECEIVED AT LEAST THREE LETTERS FROM TOYOTA FOR THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER RUST ISSUE, SO THEY DO KNOW I OWN THE TRUCK AND HOW TO CONTACT ME. I'VE LIVED AT THE SAME LOCATION FOR 14 YEARS! FROM WHAT I'VE READ, THE CORROSION TREATMENT THEY ALLEGEDLY OFFERED DIDN'T HELP ANYWAY. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SOME PEOPLE WERE NOTIFIED AND OTHER WERE NOT. THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME DRIVING THESE UNSAFE TRUCKS. I HAVE TO WONDER HOW MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE ARE CLUELESS ABOUT THE DANGER THEY ARE PUTTING THEM SELVES INTO, NOT TO MENTION THEIR FAMILIES. AT ANY MOMENT YOU COULD LOOSE TOTAL CONTROL...AFTER THE TRUCK COLLAPSE IN HALF AFTER YOU HIT A BUMP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IM SURE IF SOMEONE LOOKED HARD ENOUGH THEY COULD FIND EXAMPLES OF THESE UNSAFE TACOMAS CAUSING SERIOUS AND POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENTS. THEY ALREADY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM. HOW ELSE COULD THEY HAVE WON A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE VENDER THAT SUPPLIED THEM WITH THESE FRAMES. THEY SUED, AND WON BECAUSE THESE FRAMES ARE DEFECTIVE. THAT SETTLEMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTINGENT UPON THE ONGOING INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS FOR EVERYONE AFFECTED. *TR
- 12/12/2013· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE THROTTLE STUCK AT ABOVE NORMAL IDLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE TRAFFIC BUT THE IDLE WOULD NOT COME BACK TO NORMAL CURB IDLE. WHAT MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME IS THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED AND THEY CAN ONLY GET THE PART FROM THE DEALER. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE NOT BEEN SO GOOD. I HOPE TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND GOING TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION. *TR
- 12/09/2013· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE UNDER A NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 12V542000 (TIRES) HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY THE RECALL DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR AN UNDERCOATING SPRAY TO PREVENT FRAME RUST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RECEIVED THE TREATMENT BUT IT STILL DID NOT PREVENT THE FRAME RUST, WHICH THE DEALER STATED WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
- 12/08/2016· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
- 12/08/2005· TIRES
DT: CONTACT STATED THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND END UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WENT FLAT. THE TREAD FOR THE TWO FRONT TIRES IS SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALL. ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO URGED THE CONTACT TO SENT TO THEM THE TIRES. HE HAS NOT YET SENT THE TIRES TO THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
- 12/07/2010· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS THE CAR DECELERATED. I HAD TO DEPRESS THE GAS PEDDLE TO THE FLOOR TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE CHOKE WAS STICKING AND I NEEDED TO HAVE AN UPPER ENGINE CLEANING. 10000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. NOW I NEED A NEW THROTTLE BODY. *TR
- 12/06/2012· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN 2010 FOR THE SAME FAILURE WHERE THE DEALER APPLIED A SOLUTION TO THE FRAME TO PREVENT IT FROM RUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 07/02/13*LJ UPDATED 12/24/13*CN
- 12/05/2003· POWER TRAIN
AFTER APPROX. PUTTING 5,000 MILES ON MY TACOMA 2003 DOUBLE CAB, I STARTED NOTICING WHEN NORMALLY BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE IS A CLUNCKING SOUND FROM THE REAR END. THE HARDER YOU STOP THE VEHICLE THE WORSE IT GETS. IT'S LIKE GETTING SLIGHTLY REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. IF IT DOESN'T MAKE THIS CLUNCKING FEELING AND SOUND AS YOU COME TO A STOP, IT WILL DO IT ONCE YOU LET OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL TO IDLE/ROLL FORWARD TO ADVANCE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC. THIS APPEARS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHICH NOW HAS 24,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO RON CARTER AUTO WORLD AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TELLS ME THAT TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS AND CONSIDERED IT NORMAL. IF THIS IS NORMAL WHY DON'T OTHER VEHICLES DO THIS? IT GETS ANNOYING LOOKING INTO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR EVERY TIME THIS HAPPENS THINKING THAT YOU'VE BE REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.*JB
- 12/01/2015· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE FRAME BEING CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
- 11/29/2022· STRUCTURE,TIRES
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V542000 (Tires) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to rust on the subframe, and the spare tire carrier needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 236,000.
- 11/23/2012· SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
PURCHASED USED VEHICLE FROM PRIVATE SELLER. ON THE FIRST DAY OF USE, AFTER OBTAINING NEW TITLE, TAGS, INSURANCE COVERAGE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY SCHEDULED SERVICE W/ THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. UPON INSPECTION WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINTS THAT THE DEALER WILL REPLACE FOR FREE. THE DEALER HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS. AFTER RECEIVING THE PARTS AND UPON START OF THE REPAIRS, I RECEIVED A PHONE INFORMING ME THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS GIVEN AN 800 PHONE NUMBER TO CALL AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE OFFICE. I AM PATIENTLY AWAITING FOR A RESPONSE. *TR
- 11/22/2016· STRUCTURE
EMERGENCY BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT WAS TOLD HOW UNDERSIDE OF TRUCK IS CORRODING RUSTING BADLY REMOVED MY SPARE TIRE IT WAS ALSO BADLY RUSTING . I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF VEHICLE , ALSO OWN HIGHLANDER AND CAMRY . BOTH NOT EVEN CLOSE TO LOOKING LIKE UNDER WHAT I HAVE WITH TRUCK ?
- 11/22/2005· POWER TRAIN
AT 21,000 MILES HEARD LOUD NOISE FOR DIFFERENTIAL, AND BAD GLUNK WHEN LEAVING STOP LIGHT, TOYOTA NEVER PUT IN GEAR LUBE TO COVER UP THE BAD WELDS ON RIGHT END OF DIFFERENTIAL (THAT WOULD HAVE LEAKED IF THEY DID PUT IN GEAR LUBE), NO REPLY FROM E-MAILS, PHONE CALLS, TALKING TO CUST. REP, (REQUESTED ARBITRATION FORMS BY PHONE AND E-MAIL 6 TIMES, NEVER RECEIVED THEM EVEN THOUGH TOYOTA LIED AND SAID THEY WILL SEND THEM.) . *NM
- 11/21/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE BOUGHT A TOYOTA TACOMA OFF A USED CAR LOT UNAWARE OF THE PREVIOUS RECALL ON THE TRUCK. WE ARE NOW STUCK WITH A UNDRIVEABLE VEHICAL THAT IS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE FRAME. IT IS IN ARE YARD. WE STILL OWE 10.000 FOR IT AND BEING FORCED TO PAY INSURANCE FOR A VEHICAL IM NOT EVEN ABLE TO USE.
- 11/19/2015· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES), THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNABLE TO BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 204,000.
- 11/18/2013· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE PROBLEM THAT EXISTS IS ON MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. IT WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN LOSE POWER AND HAVE NO THROTTLE RESPONSE, ALMOST AS IF IT WAS HITTING AN ENGINE GOVERNOR. THE RPMS USUALLY DROP ANYWHERE FROM 200-500 AND THEN COMES BACK UP. THE POWER WOULD SLOWLY COME BACK AFTER KEEPING MY FOOT ON THE THROTTLE. IT CONSISTENTLY DOES IT AFTER ACCELERATING OUT OF AN INTERSECTION (USUALLY AROUND 25 MPH OR WHILE CRUISING (AROUND BOTH 45 MPH OR 75 MPH) ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS DROP OF POWER OR LACK THEREOF IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO AN INTERSECTION OR NEEDING QUICK ACCELERATION TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ ABOUT MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR LATE MODEL TACOMAS. THE PARTS TO FIX THE ISSUE ARE VERY COSTLY AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE WIDESPREAD. [XXX] REQUEST RESEARCH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 11/17/2017· STRUCTURE
I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE HOTLINE TO INQUIRE IF MY TRUCK QUALIFIED FOR A FRAME RUST PROTECTION COATING OR REPLACEMENT UNDER THEIR 15 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT WAS OFFERED FOR 2001-2004 TACOMAS. I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRUCK WAS "POTENTIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR FRAME REPAIR" VALID UNDER THE WARRANTY UNTIL THE END OF 2017 AND A CASE WAS OPENED. I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO TAKE THE TRUCK INTO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A FRAME INSPECTION, AND THEN REGIONAL OFFICE WOULD MAKE THE DECISION TO COVER IT. I WAS ALSO INFORMED OF A RECALL ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER THAT WAS PRONE TO RUST AND POTENTIAL FAILURE. I BROUGHT MY TRUCK IN TO THE TOYOTA OF PORTLAND TO REPLACE THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER AND INSPECT THE FRAME. WHEN I PICKED UP MY TRUCK THEY SAID IT FAILED THE FRAME INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND THAT THEY NEVER REPLACED THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER BECAUSE THEY WERE WORRIED ONCE THEY REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER TO REPLACE IT WOULD FURTHER COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THE SURROUNDING AREA OF THE RUSTED FRAME. FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THE REGIONAL OFFICE DENIED MY FRAME REPLACEMENT BASED ON THE PHOTOS THEY RECEIVED. SUPPOSEDLY THE REGIONAL OFFICE SAID THAT THE RUST IS ONLY BAD ON THE CROSS SECTION AND THAT IS A REMOVABLE SECTION OF THE FRAME THAT CAN BE REPLACED SO THE FRAME ITSELF IS NOT DID NOT FAIL. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT I HAVE AUTHORIZED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER PAPERWORK SAYING MY VEHICLE FAILED THE FRAME INSPECTION, AND BASED SOLELY ON PHOTOS, AND WITH ONE MONTH LEFT OF MY WARRANTY, THE REGIONAL OFFICE DECIDED TO OVERRIDE THE DIAGNOSIS AND DENIED MY WARRANTY CLAIM. THE RECALLED SPARE TIRE CARRIER HAS STILL NOT BEEN REPLACED, AND IM WORRIED THAT ONCE IT IS IT WILL UNCOVER MORE CORROSION, BUT BY THAT TIME MY WARRANTY FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT WILL HAVE EXPIRED. I WANT TOYOTA TO HONOR MY WARRANTY AND REPLACE THE FRAME ON MY TRUCK LIKE THEY ARE OBLIGATED TO DO.
- 11/17/2015· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS PLUG BURNED UP I HAD TO REPLACE IT HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT WITH IN MONTHS AS DO TAIL LIGHTS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BULBS THREE TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.AND REPLACED TAIL LIGHT BULBS TWICE IN SIX MONTHS
- 11/15/2018· STRUCTURE
FRAME RECALL
- 11/13/2015· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000.
- 11/12/2016· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FRAME RECALL FOR RUST TOYOTA DID UNDERCOAT THE FRAME AND IT DID NOT DRY FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW ALL THE UNDERCOAT IS FALLING OFF AND THE FRAME IS RUSTING WORSE THAN WHEN IT ORIGINALLY WAS WORKED ON I TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO HOLES THEY WILL NOT FIX THE RUSTPROOFING.
- 11/12/2015· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED REASON, THE AUTHORIZED DEALER OBSERVED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED INOPERABLE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 203,000.
- 11/12/2013· STRUCTURE
I HAVE A TOYOTA 2003 TACOMA THE FRAME IS GONE ROTTED SO UNSAFE WAS TOLD I SHOULD NOT HAVE IT ON THE ROAD!! I CANT AFFORD THE WELDING AND THE GUY SAID HE DOES NOT WANT THE RESPONSIBILITY IT COULD LAST 6 MONTHS OR MORE HE WOULD HAVE TO KEEP CHECKING IT! I TOOK IT TO SEVERAL TOYOTA DEALERS THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT EQUALLY SWAP ANY VEHICLE BUT YET TOLD ME IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE I CALLED CALIFORNIA MY CASE WAS DECLINED I HAD A MECHANIC SAY NOT TO DRIVE THIS ANYTIME THE FRAME WILL SPLIT IN HALF SO CLOSE TO IT I CAN'T WORK BECAUSE I NEED A TRUCK FOR MY JOB MY BOSS IS GIVING ME TIME BUT IS FED UP SO WHO KNOWS WILL I HAVE A JOB NEXT WEEK? I LOST SIDE JOB THAT WAS PAYING FOR MY TAXES DUE TO NO TRUCK.TOYOTAS HAVE HAS SO MANY ISSUES ON THIS THEY HAD THE BUY BACK PEOPLE WERE STILL GETTING MONEY THE YEARS THEY TOLD US WERE NOT MINE THE BUY BACK STOPPED IN 2011 WE KNOW SOMEONE GOT 17,0000 BACK ! ON HER OLD 99 HERS WAS NOTHING LIKE MINE!!!!! THERE WAS A RUST UNDERCOATING WE NEVER GOT THE LETTER !!!!!!!!!!!! AS A CHRISTIAN AFTER TELLING THEM THAT I NOW GOT A LETTER THAT SAYS THE SPARE TIRE LIFT PLATE YUP RUSTED BUT I CAN'T DRIVE IT TO THEM CANT USE THE SPARE TIRE RUSTED OUT RIM I AM READY TO HAVE A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING I WAS TURNED DOWN FROM MY CASE IN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS CALLED AGAIN TODAY I WILL HEAR BACK IN A DAY NO ONE CAN BELIEVE THIS I AM READY TO CALL THE NEWS MY WIFE WAS SUPPOSED TO TODAY BUT HAD ME FILL THIS OUT WHY WHO KNOWS I THINK AT THIS POINT IT NEEDS TO GO PUBLIC MONDAY NIGHT ON FACEBOOK TOYOTA USA MY WIFE PUT UP A STORY AND PICS AS PEOPLE WROTE THEY KEPT REMOVING THE POST !!!!!! THEY DID NOT WANT THOSE PICS OUT THERE SAW A COMPLAINT ON A 2006 ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WHAT HAPPENED TO TOYOTA? I REFUSE TO DRIVE A DEATHTRAP MY GRANDSON WENT WITH ME IN THAT TRUCK ON SATURDAYS .[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- 11/12/2013· STRUCTURE,TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE FRAME WOULD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000. UPDATED 11/21/13*CN
- 11/09/2004· STRUCTURE
WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A BODY SEAL PURSUANT TO A TSB (THEY SAID), BUT PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. I WOULD LIKE THIS REPAIRED OR FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE REPLACED. *AK
- 11/07/2016· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED CORROSION AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
- 11/05/2025· SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
While driving at both high speeds (highway) and local road speed limits, Toyota Tacoma's rear passenger side frame split completely in half. While performing maneuvers such as right turns, vehicle wobbled and I, driver, lost temporary control of vehicle. Upon further inspection, rear driver side frame also contains stress fractures which are symmetric to the rear passenger side of truck. Potential for accident has increased exponentially. Pictures provided. Brought evidence of clear safety hazard to local Metro Detroit dealership at 773 S Rochester Rd Unit B, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 on 04NOV25, and called Toyota Corporate on 05NOV25. Toyota Corporate neglected my concerns about safety hazard and potential harm to myself and family. Safety recall needs to be issued immediately. This issue stems from a well known recall from Toyota of Toyota Tacoma's, 1996-2004, which contained an OEM defect of excessive corrasion to the frames, causing premature failure of the frames due to excessive rust build up which impacts frame integrity and increases probability of failures such as observed in my case.
- 11/04/2018· SUSPENSION
WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 40 MPH, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY BROKE OFF AT THE BALL JOINTS. THE TIRE FOLDED UNDER THE CHASSIS AND THE TRUCK SKIDDED TO A STOP IN THE ROAD SHOULDER.
- 11/02/2023· STRUCTURE
This truck was sprayed for frame rust at Kern Toyota Winchester, Va 10/07/2010 a problem Toyota was very aware of and tried to put a band-aid on a known issue that would rust out and not pass inspection or worse yet cause a terrible accident or cause harm to driver/passengers or other drivers. We have had another vehicle in the family by Toyota that they replaced the entire frame and now they state that is not true. However, we had a rental for over a month while they did replace entire frame for same issue. Now our above truck that is in wonderful shape nothing else wrong but frame that is rusted did not pass inspection requiring parts that need welded. So we have a good truck that only thing wrong is the issue Toyota knew they used faulty equipment/parts for.
- 11/01/2024· STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the rear sub frame on the driver's and passenger's side were corroded. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 345,000.
- 11/01/2016· STRUCTURE,TIRES
I HAVE A TOYOTA TACOMA 2003 TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER LIFT PLATE. TOLD THEM I HEARD OF RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE ON THE FRAME, THEY SAID IT EXPIRED. LEFT THE TRUCK TO DO RECALL I TOOK IT IN FOR. THEY CALLED SAID COULDN'T DO THE RECALL I BROUGHT IT IN FOR BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS SO BAD, AND THAT THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE I WAS STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK AND THAT IT REALLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED WHY THEY COULDN'T DO THE FRAME SINCE IT WAS RECALLED OR A SAFETY ISSUE, AGAIN THEY SAY IT WAS EXPIRED. I ASKED IF HE HAD KIDS, HE SAID YES. ASK HIM IF FORMULA WAS TAKEN OFF THE SHELVES BECAUSE OF RECALL, AND A MONTH LATER WAS PUT BACK ON BECAUSE THE RECALL EXPIRED WOULD YOU STILL BUY IT. HE SAID SORRY HE DOESN'T MAKE THE RULES. HOW DOES A RECALL EXPIRE AND IF IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT OR JUST A BAD PRODUCT THAT TOYOTA USED, WHY AREN'T THEY HELD ACCOUNTABLE? WENT ON LINE AND READ A FORUM AND THERE IS EVEN A CLASS ACTION SUITE ON THIS PROBLEM. AND ALSO EVEN AS OF TODAY TOYOTA IS STILL PRODUCING TOYOTA TACOMA WITH BAD FRAMES. I HAVE 7 GRANDCHILDREN WHO I HELP TO TAKE PLACES, NOW THEY ARE STRANDED AND MYSELF, BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIPS, BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. PLEASE I'M ASKING TO HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. DESPERATE IN PHILADELPHIA. UPDATED 01/11/2017*CT *TR
- 11/01/2005· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT AFTER SUDDENLY BRAKING ON LEVEL GROUND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS IT STALLED WHILE TRYING TO INCREASE SPEED ON AN INCLINE. ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER BEING COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM
- 10/31/2007· POWER TRAIN
I HAVE A 2003 4RUNNER THAT HAS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND THAT HAPPENS AT RANDOM. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT 3 TIMES. IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND NOT VERY COMFORTING. IF THE DRIVESHAFT IS SLAMMING AND MAKING THIS NOISE, I CAN'T IMAGING ANYONE THINKING THAT IS VERY SAFE. THE THING COULD BREAK AT ANY MOMENT. WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE THE SLAMMING DOES TO IT! TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOME GETS HURT FROM IT. *TR
- 10/30/2015· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE DETAILS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.