2003 TOYOTA Tundra Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
402
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
STRUCTURE
96 complaints
The 2003 Toyota Tundra is known for severe frame rot due to improper rust protection, which led to a major safety recall. The excessive corrosion can cause rust holes to form in the frame, compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity. This can lead to frame cracking or even complete failure, making the truck extremely dangerous to drive. A weakened frame affects the vehicle’s ability to absorb impact in a crash, reduces stability, and can lead to suspension or steering failure. In extreme cases, parts like the fuel tank or spare tire can detach, increasing the risk of a serious accident.
Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while in the process of selling the vehicle, the potential buyer inspected the subframe and informed the contact that the frame was severely rusted inside and outside. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected. The mechanic confirmed the failure and informed the contact that the six bolts holding the bed securely were severely rusted. The contact was provided an estimate for a partial external repair of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously sprayed a corrosion protective compound on the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure); however, the failure progressively worsened. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Mar 06, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while working underneath the vehicle, he became aware that the junction point on the frame rail of the front driver’s side was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rust was confirmed and pictures and documentation that the frame needed to be replaced were submitted to Toyota Chicago regional however, the subframe replacement was denied by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted who informed the contact to find another 2003 Toyota Tundra owner where they had remedied the frame rust failure free of charge. The contact stated that the other vehicle owner informed him that Toyota offered to replace the frame or buy back the vehicle. The contact stated he provided the information to Toyota with the other owner's information and VIN, however, the contact stated that Toyota had not offered to replace the frame or buy back the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced in 2013 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) at Toyota West (1500 Auto Mall Dr, Columbus, OH 43228) however, the rust failure occurred. The contact stated that the remedy was insufficient. The contact stated that a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
May 14, 2024
In October 2024, my truck's frame exhibited significant rust, a defect that aligns precisely with a previous recall on this model. The rust has spread to critical parts, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This directly threatens the safety of my son, who relies on this truck for transportation. The rust compromises the frame's integrity, risking structural failure and potential loss of vehicle control. This defect was not previously flagged by warning lamps or messages and was only recently discovered through visual inspection. This issue has been documented in the past and is consistent with a recall initiated a year ago. This recall specifically cited frame rust as a critical defect, and my vehicle is one of those affected models. Given the safety concerns, the severity of frame rust, and the recall history, the frame needs immediate replacement. This action is crucial to ensure my son's safety and prevent potentially life-threatening incidents on the road.
Apr 30, 2024
On 4/19/2024 I arrived for an appointment at Corwin Toyota of Bellvue, Nebraska for inspection of my vehicles known recall of the frame due to excessive rust and potential failure due to a faulty manufacturing process. My vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Tundra SR5, Access Cab. Upon arrival, the service representative, and later corroborated by his manager, refused to inspect my vehicle stating "work had already been done on my frame". That is not true. I am the original owner of said vehicle and had it inspected in approximately 2010 after being informed of the recall, likely at a dealership in Denver Colorado where i was residing at the time. At that time was informed vehicle frame did not have excessive rust and NO work was done. The vehicle was purchased in Colorado Springs from Corwin Toyota (same dealership franchise company?), in 2003. Since then, the vehicle has lived in Nebraska and Iowa for most of its existence where salt is used on roads extensively in the winter. I was informed by the service representative at the dealership they will not look at it as they show it has already had repairs done to the frame as I stated. This is false. No work has been done on my vehicles frame at any point and is now experiencing significant frame rust. At some point, maybe at inspection in 2010, maybe later, that some work had been done making the frame ineligible for future inspection or repair or replacement. I am sure Toyota and its agents, Toyota dealerships, are highly motivated to exclude as many vehicles associated with this frame recall as possible. I am certain I am not the only one experiencing this fraud on the consumer. Please investigate whom allegedly did work on my frame, when, and what specifically. I expect the ability to have my frame legitimately inspected and actual repairs or replacement of effected part(s) as resolution. I will be contacting the manufacturer but expect the same run around without your direct involvement. Thank you in advance.
Apr 20, 2024
+ 91 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
68 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the part was discontinued. The failure mileage was 235,680.
Mar 01, 2023
TAKATA RECALL
Jan 18, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A PAPER IN THE MAIL STATING TO FILE A PPIC PROOF OF CLAIM BECAUSE I HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A CURRENT REGISTERED OWNER OF A VEHICLE WITH A TAKATA -MANUFACTURED AIRBAG INFLATORS CONTAINING PSAN. DESPITE NOT HAVING SUFFERED ANY INJURY, LOSS, OR DEATH IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I FILE THIS CLAIM.
Dec 26, 2017
TAKATA RECALL ON PROPOSED AIRBAG INFLATOR. AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON
Nov 06, 2017
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. PER TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE DEPT,DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Oct 30, 2017
+ 63 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
26 complaints
I AM A RETIRED TOYOTA MASTER DIAGNOSTIC TECHNICIAN. AS I WAS REPLACING MY REAR BRAKE LINES ON MY 2003 TUNDRA-WITH 79,962 MILES, I SAW A FLUID LEAK UNDER REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING HAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THE GEAR OIL IS LEAKING THROUGH THE HOUSING. UNFORTUNATELY THE ONLY REMEDY IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. THE FRAME HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED-UNDER RECALL. THE REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE RUSTED THROUGH WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED- AT MY EXPENSE. ALSO THE POWER STEERING LINES HAVE ALSO RUSTED THROUGH WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED- AT MY EXPENSE. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE MATERIAL THAT WAS USED IS OF VERY LOW QUALITY CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.IE; LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO DIFFERENTIAL LOCK-UP, LOSS OF VEHICLE BRAKING DUE TO RAPID FLUID LOSS, LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL DUE TO RAPID FLUID LOSS. I AM AMAZED THAT TOYOTA MOTOR CO. WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT THEY SOLD-WITHOUT BEING FORCED TO. ONE QUICK LOOK UNDER A 2003 TUNDRA IS ALL IT TAKES TO SEE THAT LOW/POOR QUALITY HARDWARE AND MATERIALS WERE USED. WITHOUT REPAIR AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF ABOVE STATED COMPONENTS SOMEONE WILL GET INJURED-POSSIBLY FATALLY. MY BRAKES FAILED AS I WAS TOWING A TRAILER IN HEAVY, CITY TRAFFIC. I WAS GOING 35MPH WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND THEN PROCEEDED TO STOP SUDDENLY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS ROOM TO MANEUVER TO THE RIGHT SO I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I'M SURE THERE HAVE BEEN THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE COMPLAINTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THESE COMPONENTS SHOULD LAST FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE TRUCK. A DIFFERENTIAL IS NOT AN ITEM ONE EXPECTS TO EVER REPLACE. OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THESE FAILURES FOR YEARS. THANK YOU.SINCERELY,....
Oct 08, 2016
TOYOTA HAD A RECALL OF RUSTED OUT FRAMES FOR 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA TRUCKS. MINE WAS REPLACED, BUT NOW THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS RUSTED OUT AND IT REQUIRES AN ENTIRE NEW REAR AXLE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE AND WAS TOLD SINCE MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY THEY WILL NOT STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT AND REPLACE AN OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE PART. THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE THE REAR END TO LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING AND POSSIBLE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES.
Jan 15, 2016
THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING OF THE TRUCK IS RUSTED THROUGH AND LEAKING GEAR LUBE, IF IT GOES UNNOTICED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL COULD LOCK UP CAUSING THE REAR WHEELS TO LOCK UP AND CAUSE A CRASH. THIS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2000-2003 TUNDRAS AND IS VERY UNSAFE, THERE IS NO REASON THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING SHOULD RUST THROUGH THIS QUICK, 30 YEAR OLD TRUCKS DO HAVE THIS ISSUE BUT A WHOLE LOT OF TOYOTA TRUCKS DO, IF YOU DO A SEARCH ON GOOGLE FOR RUSTED THROUGH DIFFERENTIALS ITS ALL TOYOTA TRUCKS, AND ITS NOT JUST A DIFFERENTIAL COVER ITS THE ENTIRE HOUSING, I WOULD NOT BE WRITING THIS IF IT HAD A COVER I WOULD HAVE REPLACED IT IN AN HOUR AND CALLED IT A DAY. THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK WAS ALREADY REPLACED BECAUSE IT RUSTED THROUGH AND NOW THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS RUSTED THROUGH DUE TO SUBSTANDARD MATERIALS USED IN ITS CONSTRUCTION. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE JUST LIKE THE FRAME THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
Jul 22, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS LEAKING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REAR END HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Aug 12, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL WAS RUSTED OUT AND THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING. AS A RESULT, THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Jul 29, 2014
+ 21 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
22 complaints
My mechanic says the frame on our 2003 Toyota Tundra is rusted to the point that the pickup is unsafe to drive and is about to break in half. I have contacted two local Toyota dealers with no response. This vehicle had a recall to fix the issue but it appears the was a time frame placed on when Toyota would repair the frame. This truck is unsafe to drive and it makes me wonder how many of these vehicles are still on the road endangering the public
Aug 18, 2022
I purchased my 2003 Toyota Tundra limited V8 about 7 months ago. Unbeknownst to me there had once been a recall because of the frame rusting out prematurely. So after further investigation I found my frame is dangerously rusted to the point of extreme safety concerns. I have been in contact with Toyotas head corders and was told there's nothing they can do because apparently I missed the recall time. But I bought the truck after the recall was time was over. In either case Toyota should absolutely be responsible for this no matter the time frame because of there admittance that these truck frames were rotting out prematurely. Please help before there is a crash, Fire and Fatality
Apr 27, 2022
TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE FRAME AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. RECOMMENDED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT. AS THE FRAME WAS RUST AND HAD MULTIPLE RUST PERFORATIONS IN THE FRONT HALF OF THE FRAME
Oct 19, 2020
THERE WERE 2 ISSUES WITH THE FRAME ON THE 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA THAT WERE ADDRESSED ON MY SON'S TRUCK WHEN THEY WERE ISSUED. NOW, THE FRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND POSSIBLY A HAZARD TO DRIVE. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHO DID NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE FRAME BUT, PULLED UP INFORMATION FROM TOYOTA AND TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND AS I SEE OTHERS ONLINE TO THIS DAY GETTING FRAMES REPLACED. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE WHO CLAIMS THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE AS THE FRAME IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THIS IS REALLY A POOR WAY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS THAT PAY VERY HEAVILY FOR THESE TRUCKS AND EXPECT THEM TO LAST. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ORIGINALLY IN NY AND EVENTUALLY PA WHICH ARE THE COLD WEATHER STATES THAT WERE INVOLVED. THE COATING PLACED ON THE TRUCK DID NOTHING AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL AS THERE IS NOTHING THAT SHOWS IT WAS EVER THERE. I HAVE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS, VIDEOS, ETC THAT I WAS UNABLE TO UPLOAD.
Jan 09, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT WAS FAULTY, RUSTED, AND COULD NO LONGER SUPPORT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Aug 17, 2018
+ 17 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
17 complaints
I BOUGHT MY TUNDRA NEW IN 2003..I BOUGHT IT TO CARRY THE MAIL AS I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WOULD LAST LONGER AND HOLD UP BETTER THAN OTHER MAKES..I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE PADS THE FIRST TIME AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES BUT WAS NOT TO CONCERNED AS I USE THEM MORE HEAVILY THAN MOST DRIVERS..THE NEXT TIME WAS ABOUT 12,000 MILES AND THIS TIME IT WAS SHUTTERING VERY BAD AND I REPLACED THE ROTORS ALONG WITH NEW PADS..THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM OF REPLACEMENT OF PARTS TO ELEVATE THE SEVERE SHUTTERING EACH TIME THINKING I HAD IT FIXED..TODAY FOR THE FIRST TIME I FIND OUT THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA KNEW ABOUT BUT POSSIBLY HAVE TRIED TO COVER BECAUSE THE REAL FIX IS VERY COSTLY ($2000)..THEY ISSUED A TBS (BR004-02) ALONG WITH 6 OR 7 OTHER TSB'S ABOUT THE PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES FROM YEAR MODEL 2000-2005..I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IF I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BEFORE MY 36,0000 WARRANTY EXPIRED IT COULD HAVE BEEN FIXED..HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THE SERVICE BULLETIN I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER..SINCE THE BRAKE PARTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY I DID NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AS THE FIRST PAD REPLACEMENT SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM..I WAS INFORMED THAT MAYBE IF ENOUGH PEOPLE FILED A COMPLAINT HERE THAT TOYOTA WOULD BE FORCED TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT THEY NEW ABOUT BUT DID NOT INFORM OWNERS ABOUT TO HAVE REPAIRED.. *TR
Jan 21, 2012
EXTREME WARPING ON FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKES ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS LEADS TO LONGER STOPPING DISTANCES. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT IS NOT A RECALL AND IT IS BECAUSE THE ROTORS ARE TO SMALL FOR THE SIZE VEHICLE. I KNOW SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAD THEM REPLACED,BUT ABOUT 2000 MILES ON NEW EQUIPMENT AND THEY WARP AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS I OWN A TOYOTA TUNDRA AND A TOYOTA SEQUOIA AND BOTH HAVE THE SAME PARTS AND SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Apr 28, 2010
I READ WITH INTEREST THE AP STORY ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES ON THE TOYOTA PRIUS. THE FIRST GENERATION TUNDRA (2000-2006) HAS HAD FRONT BRAKE PROBLEMS FOR YEARS (UNDERSIZED) AND TOYOTA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT OR ISSUE A RECALL. THE BRAKES ON MY 2003 TUNDRA ARE HORRIBLE. THEY VIBRATE AND SHIMMY. I HAD TO REPLACE PADS AND TURN THE ROTORS TWICE ALREADY AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THE ENTIRE FRONT BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THE ROTORS CANNOT BE TURNED AGAIN. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THESE BRAKES TSB BR004-02 BUT THAT'S IT, AND THE SUGGESTED FIX IS VERY EXPENSIVE. CHECK OUT SOME OF THE ONLINE FORUMS FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ANNOYING, EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. HTTP://WWW.TUNDRASOLUTIONS.COM/FORUMS/BRAKES/65633-UPGRADE-YOUR-EARLY-TUNDRA-BRAKES-1-A/ HTTP://WWW.TUNDRATALK.NET/ HTTP://WWW.YOTATECH.COM/F28/TIRE-SIZE-STOCK-2003-TUNDRA-RIMS-92790/ JUST IN CASE YOU ARE INTERESTED... THANKS FOR LISTENING. *TR
Feb 17, 2010
FRONT ROTORS KEEP WARPPING. TURNED THE ORIGINAL SET AT 40000, THEN REPLACED THEM WITH SLOTTED ROTORS, WHICH HAVE NOW WARPPED. UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TECHINNCAL SERVICE BULLETIN STATING THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT SELF ADJUST, SUBSEQUENTLY INCREASING THE BRAKE LOAD ON THE FRONT, CAUSING THE WARPPING. THE REAL FIX MIGHT BE TO FIX THE REAR BRAKES. APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE FRONT WHEELS SHUDDER OR SHIMMY OFFICALLY CALLED "PULSATION" INCREASED WHEN BRAKING ON A DOWNHILL OR WITH SOME LOAD IN THE BED. TOYOTA SHOULD FIX THIS!!!
Feb 08, 2010
FRONT BRAKE CALIPER CORROSION LEADING TO REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY. *TR
Feb 03, 2010
+ 12 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
16 complaints
I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra with a Rusted out frame, I have called Toyota with no help from them as it was Sorry its your problem.. I need Help Toyota, this is my only transportation. I BOUGHT YOUR PRODUCT IN GOOD FAITH, Please stand behind your product.
Oct 17, 2025
Frame Corrosion: There was originally a customer service campaign for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra’s for frame corrosion that was extended under administration tracking code “BXD.” My vehicle was manufactured in Indiana and has major frame rust on the rear cross member portion of the frame. This extension has no expiration date and the vehicle has excessive damage to the frame. Please help authorize the replacement of this frame as the vehicle only has 150,000 miles and has a clean title. Any help would be appreciated.
Sep 26, 2025
Frame cross member recall, I have called several toyota dealerships and all have denied me service to the recall
Feb 17, 2025
The truck frame has failed due to rust. Dealer only inspected but did not clear the warranty recall because of liability. They refused to do the recall. The truck seems unsafe to drive but they said there is nothing they can do. I don't feel safe driving it or selling it to endanger someone else. The dealer confirmed the truck frame is rusted beyond repair. I was not aware how bad the frame was rusted until the dealer showed me.
Mar 31, 2022
I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL ON THE FRAME IT WAS RUSTED. THEY SAID IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE REPLACED. SO THEY UNDERCOATED IT AND ALL THE UNDERCOAT FELL OFF. THEY DIDN'T UNDERCOAT THE WHOLE THING AND NOW IT'S RUSTING EVEN MORE. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
Jul 08, 2020
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
15 complaints
The frame on this truck is completely rusted. There are several holes and cracks in the frame. You can pull chunks of the rusted frame off with your fingers. It is unsafe to drive and is a hazard to other drivers There are many photos online of this model of truck that have broken in half when the frame has failed. There are stories of people who are driving this vehicle and it breaks in half while on the highway causing injury. I took it to our local mechanic in June who said this truck is unsafe. I contacted the Iowa Attorney General's office and made a complaint. They put me in contact with Toyota's corporate office who referred me to their Brand Experience Center. They said it had to be evaluated by a Toyota dealer. I took it to the original dealer who sold this vehicle - Wilson Toyota in Ames Iowa- on September 27, 2022. Their service center says the frame needs replaced. They said they would not pay for any repairs. They said this truck had two safety recalls to replace the frame but they said they expired in 2012. I spoke to Toyota's Brand Experience Center again on the 27th and was told that my truck did not have any rust on it when it was taken in for the recall. Nothing was done to this vehicle when it was taken in for the recall repairs. There are many posts on Toyota forums that describe the same thing happening to other owners of this truck. - They are unaware of this condition of their truck frames until they bring it in to a reputable mechanic. The attached photos of this truck show the upper body is in good shape. But the frame is falling apart.
Sep 29, 2022
MY TUNDRA 2003 SR5 ACCESSCAB 4X4 TRD. IT HAS RUSTED SO BAD THE LAST 5 YRS. IT WILL NO LONGER PASS HAWAII SAFETY INSPECTION. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SINCE ABOUT 2007. IT HAS BEEN A GREAT RUNNING TRUCK. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. NEW BRAKES. BUT THE RUST HAS RUINED THE FRAME, TAILGATE AND BACK OF BED! HAVE NOT DRIVEN FOR A YEAR!
Mar 23, 2021
FROM 2001-2003 IS A FRAME RECALL ON THESE TUNDRA'S DUE TO MASSIVE RUST ISSUE. I WENT INTO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HERE IN NORFOLK, VA, AND THEY GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND SAYING I "MISSED THE WINDOW" FOR THIS ISSUE. THEN I CALLED CORPORTATE AND THEY GAVE ME A DIFFERENT REASON, SAYING THEY "APPLIED" ANTI-RUST SPRAY" IN 2016. WHICH IS NOT A THING. CLEARLY IT DID NOT WORK BECAUSE THERE ARE MASSIVE HOLES IN MY FRAME. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO OWN UP AND DO MY RECALL WHEN SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE THE EXACT SAME TRUCK AND GOT THEIRS DONE. I AM ACTIVE DUTY AS WELL, AND IT FRUSTRATES ME THAT THEY WOULD TREAT A VETERAN LIKE THIS. I BROUGHT UP MY SPARE TIRE LATCH BEING VERY RUSTED UNDERNEATH, WHICH THERE IS ALSO A RE-CALL FOR. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. 3 WEEKS LATER MY SPARE TIRE FLEW OFF FROM MY TRUCK, THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS INJURED.
Mar 17, 2021
FRAME IS SEVERELY ROTTEN
Jul 31, 2020
MY 2003 TUNDRA FRAME IS RUSTED AND CRACKING. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LSC) A0F.
Jul 07, 2020
+ 10 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 complaints
2003 TOYOTA 4DR. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND STRUCK A FENCE. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK. *JB
Apr 15, 2010
MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA WAS INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT FEBRUARY OF 2008 DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN WHICH MY VEHICLE SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND WENT OVER A CONCRETE BARRIER, MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED HEAVY REAR END AND SIDE DAMAGE. THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE COST ME $5,663.14, I HAVE THE ACCIDENT REPORT. HOW COULD I GET TOYOTA TO REIMBURSE FOR THE COST OF THE DAMAGE. PLEASE ADVISED.
Mar 25, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UP AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY OFF OF THE ROAD, AND ROLLED OVER TWO TIMES. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE ANKLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,000. UPDATED 6/3/10 *CN UPDATED 06/25/10.*JB
Mar 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. IN 2006, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, HE ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF A VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BODY SHOP MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT FOUND NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE ACCELERATION. HE TRADED THE VEHICLE IN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 32,000.
Feb 23, 2010
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA ON THE H3 FREEWAY, CHANGING FROM THE RIGHT LANE TO THE LEFT LANE, WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, CRASHED INTO THE CENTER CONCRETE HIGHWAY DIVIDER, AND CONTINUED TO CRASH INTO THE DIVIDER UNTIL IT STOPPED RUNNING. SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKE THE WHOLE TIME BUT THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP UNTIL THE ENGINE DIED. WHEN OUR INSURANCE COMPANY INSPECTED THE TRUCK IT FOUND THAT THE REPEATED IMPACT INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER HAD BENT THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK AND THEN DECLARED THE TRUCK A TOTAL LOSS. AFTER THEY INSPECTED THE TRUCK OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK TO CAUSE IT TO SUDDENLY SPEED UP AND GO OUT OF CONTROL. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
+ 7 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
11 complaints
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT THE ISSUE WAS AND THEY STATED IT WAS A LEAK IN THE GAS CAP AND THAT I DIDN'T HAVE CAP TIGHT ENOUGH. ON THE WAY HOME FROM THE DEALER THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME BACK ON, SO I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL FILLER NECK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Aug 13, 2013
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON DUE TO SMALL LEAK IN EVAPORATION CONTROL. TOYOTA DEALER INSPECTION DETERMINED LEAKING FILLER TUBE. COST TO REPLACE $350+. HOW MANY OF THESE COMPLAINTS ARE NECESSARY BEFORE THIS IS RECOGNIZED AS A DEFECT? *TR
Oct 14, 2011
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DEALER ADVISED THE FUEL FILLER TUBE HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN IN MOST 2003 TUNDRA ACCORDING TO RESEARCH. BECAUSE TRUCK HAS 136,000 MILES, DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY HELP WITH COST OF LABOR OR PARTS. DEALER DID ACKNOWLEDGE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR 2003 MODELS. SO MUCH FOR TOYOTA DEPENDABILITY. *TR
Mar 15, 2011
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS FOUND ALONG THE WELDING WITHIN THE FUEL TANK. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,754 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,754. SM.
Jan 24, 2011
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT. DURING EMISSION INSPECTIONS IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A REPAIR WAS NECESSARY. CRACKED FUEL FILTER WAS REPLACED. TOTAL COST OF REPAIR $320. *TR
Sep 13, 2010
+ 6 more complaints for this component
STEERING
8 complaints
THIS IS THE 2ND TIME WE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK SHUTTING DOWN. THE COMPANY SHOULD BE MADE TO GUARANTEE THERE WORK AND/IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MASSIVE RECALL ON THE IGNITION AND STEERING SYSTEM.
Jul 11, 2017
GEAR SHIFTER BROKE WHILE TRYING TO PLACE IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE AND AS I ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE SHIFTER UP TO THE PARK POSITION IT BROKE WHEN IT GOT TO NEUTRAL. I WAS STRANDED AWAY FROM HOME AND HAD TO CALL SOMEONE TO COME HELP ME GET IT HOME. WHEN LOOKING UP ON YOUTUBE THERE ARE OVER 27,000 VIEWS ON ONE POST ABOUT THIS. THIS IS FAULTY PARTS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED.
Oct 04, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING ANY SPEED, AN ABNORMAL WINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Nov 17, 2014
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA WHICH DEVELOPED AN EXHAUST LEAK. THE AFT OXYGEN SENSOR BECAME DETACHED FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION I NOTICED THE ATTACHING HARDWARE WAS MISSING, IT CORRODED. I INSPECTED OTHER HARDWARE AND NOTICED THE STEERING SHAFT ATTACH POINT HAS SEVERE CORROSION. THE HARDWARE THAT ATTACHES THE SHAFT TO THE STEERING GEAR RACK AND PINION IS HALFWAY CORRODED AND WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. IF THE HARDWARE FAILS LOSS OF STEERING WILL OCCUR. I LIVE IN NEW YORK AND THE TRUCK HAS 100,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRUCK IS IN GREAT SHAPE BUT FRAME AND ASSOCIATED PARTS HAVE CORROSION. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jun 22, 2010
WE OWN A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH 47,000 MILES ON IT AND ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. ON FRIDAY WHILE PUTTING THE TRUCK INTO REVERSE IN A PARKING LOT, THE SHIFT MECHANISM SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. OUR CERTIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC CAME AND MANAGED TO GET IT INTO DRIVE AND DRIVE IT TO HIS SHOP,AND IN OPENING THE STEERING COLUMN, FOUND THE ENTIRE THING WAS BROKEN WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. OUR MECHANIC, WHO IS A CERTIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC SAYS THAT THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. AS WITH ANOTHER COMPLAINT LODGED ON THIS PROBLEM, IT IS NOT AS IF THE MECHANISM HAS EXPERIENCED ROUGH HANDLING IN ANY WAY. *TR
May 08, 2010
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
7 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE EXITING HIS HOME, HE NOTICED THAT HIS VEHICLES HOOD WAS ON FIRE AND THAT THERE WERE DRIPPING FLAMES FALLING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71000.
Aug 20, 2009
NARRATIVE: 1. NORMAL DRIVING 2. CRACKED EXHAUST FLANGE(S). 3. NOTHING, YET. *TR
Feb 17, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD TICKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST INDICATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
Sep 26, 2007
I BOUGHT MY 2003 TUNDRA NEW.GOT 15,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT SHOW.THE DEALER THEY FIXED IT AND AGAIN NOW AT 49,000 MILES.
Mar 16, 2007
WHEN DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED FUMES COMING FROM THE VENTS, CAUSING THE CONSUMER'S EYES TO BURN, AND MAKING IT HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO BREATH. *AK
Feb 23, 2004
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
Well I finally paid off my 2003 Toyota Tundra and I wanted to really just get a really good tune up when I say really go I mean oil change spark plugs plug wires brakes tires everything , So as they go to check my tires and brake They said that the brakes on the front didn't even go to my truck the rotors everything and that is a really big issue so now I can't get my front brakes repaired because they don't understand why those parts are on my vehicle when they shouldnt be and I need to know what to do?
Jun 16, 2025
I just bought a 2003 toyota tundra 4wd v8 in Feb 2022 totally unaware of any recalls or frame rust or anything even closely related! After 6 months of owing this vehicle I had the wheel bearings replaced n mechanic told me my frame has so much damage due to rust n corrosion that it is eating through parts of my frame, he mentioned that toyota did recalls etc on this n I immediately called Toyota and told them along with doing research on this matter, I was told everything expired etc n nothing can be done! Well previous owner had took it in 2012 to have rust proofing done underneath n entire frame, that was just 10 years ago! Well toyota ways recall was done, apparently the remedy didnt work or my frame wouldn't look this bad 10 years later !so I believe that is a defective remedy and since I bought the vehicle knowing nothing, and do to the safety issues related too this as serious injury and or death can occur, I believe that they should replace my frame as they admitted to using inferior metal to build these and therefore leading too all these issues! Using inferior metal should make the part (frame) a defective part as well! Bottom line is iam driving a vehicle that can cause me n my family along with everyone on the road serious injury or death! They tried to fix the problem with rust proofing n by doing that in 2012 there is no way my frame should be in this.condition , therefore I should be entitled to a new remedy related to recall since the remedy the used was insufficient n defective regardless I'd it expired or anything! I also have alot of pictures of frame n the amount of rust n corrosion! Can you please let know a way too send these pictures to you from my phone! Thank you
Sep 26, 2022
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS WHERE I'VE HAD BRAKE-LINE FAILURE(ALSO REPORTED MY FIRST ONE HERE). MY VEHICLE WAS JUST RECENTLY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY AT THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM FOR A CATASTROPHIC BRAKE-LINE FAILURE WHICH NEARLY RESULTED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. AFTER THE REPAIR TO THE EXPLODED LINES MY DEALER STATED HE INSPECTED THE REMAINING LINES UNDER THE TRUCK & SAID THEY ALL LOOKED GOOD & THERE SHOULDN'T BE ANYMORE PROBLEMS WITH THE LINES FAILING. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN HOWEVER AS I JUST HAD ANOTHER LINE SPRING A SUDDEN LEAK WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHILE DRIVING TO WORK. MY VEHICLE IS NOW OFF ITS WARRANTY(ONLY BEEN 1500 MILES SINCE REPAIR-79,000 MILES ON IT NOW) SO I CANNOT SEND IT BACK TO THEM. IT WASN'T A SUDDEN, COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES THIS TIME BUT A GRADUAL SOFTENING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN TRYING TO STOP UNTIL ALL OF THE FLUID WAS GONE THEN I HAD NEXT TO NOTHING UPON ARRIVAL TO WORK. ANYHOW, I DID MAKE IT TO WORK & THEN PUT MORE FLUID IN IT TO GET IT HOME WHEN I GOT OFF SHIFT. UPON SEARCHING FOR THE LEAK I WAS SURPRISED TO NOTICE THAT THE LINES HAD BROKEN WHERE THERE WAS NO RUSTING INVOLVED, IT TURNS OUT THERE'S A MOUNTING BRACKET WHICH ONCE HAD A GROMMET IN IT THAT EITHER FELL OUT OR ROTTED AWAY CAUSING THE BRACKET TO CUT THROUGH THE LINES UNDER IT FROM METAL-TO-METAL CONTACT. THE LINES INVOLVED LOOKED AS THOUGH THEY'D BEEN CUT WITH A KNIFE AT THE LOCATION. THE DEALER NEVER WOULD'VE NOTICED THIS AS IT TOOK ME ALMOST 30 MINUTES TO FIND IT MYSELF. I DID CONTACT TOYOTA HOWEVER THEY CHOOSE TO DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS HOWEVER SINCE I'VE HAD TWO SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURES WITHIN 4,500 MILES I FEEL I SHOULD LET SOMEONE KNOW BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS THE SAME PROBLEM AND KILLS THEMSELVES OR OTHERS WHEN THEIR BRAKES DECIDE TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING! THANK-YOU!
Apr 04, 2017
I WAS RECENTLY APPROACHING A RED-LIGHT ABOUT A MILE FROM WORK WHEN I UNEXPECTEDLY & SUDDENLY WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK. I NEARLY COLLIDED WITH TRAFFIC IN MY LANE & HAD TO VEER INTO THE OPPOSING LANES TO AVOID A COLLISION. TURNS OUT MY BRAKE-LINES FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST WHICH I'VE RECENTLY COME TO LEARN IS A PROBLEM ON THESE PARTICULAR TRUCKS. I'VE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE EVEN WITH VEHICLES WITH WELL OVER 200K MILES ON THEM LET ALONE WELL-LESS THAN 80,000; EVEN FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER. MY DEALER HAD TO RETRIEVE THE TRUCK FROM MY JOB(130-MILE ROUND TRIP) & HE EVEN STATED HE HASN'T SEEN BRAKE LINES FAIL LIKE THIS ONE DID & SPECULATED IT WAS DUE TO THEM SITTING NEAR THE FRAME WHERE ROAD-SALT & "[XXX]" COLLECTS WHICH CAUSES THEM TO PRE-MATURELY ROT OUT, POTENTIALLY(OBVIOUSLY) CAUSING THEM TO BURST. IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER ITS WARRANTY BUT THE NEAR-MISS I ENCOUNTERED WITH IT NEVER, IN MY OPINION, SHOULD'VE HAPPENED PARTICULARLY WITHOUT WARNING OR WITH THE PRESENT MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ON THE DASH DID WORK BUT ONLY AFTER ALL FLUID SHOT OUT OF IT & BRAKING WAS SUDDENLY NOT ENOUGH TO STOP IN TIME. I'VE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER(TOYOTA) ABOUT THIS & WAS RUN AROUND TO NO AVAIL. I FEEL THIS COULD BE A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN AS THERE'S NO DOUBT STILL MANY OF THESE VEHICLES STILL ON THE ROADS. I HAVE NO PICTURES TO UPLOAD BUT MY DEALER CAN VERIFY THE REPAIRS DONE AFTER THIS HAPPENED. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 29, 2017
BRAKE SYSTEM - WE PURCHASED OUR 2003 TUNDRA NEW IN 2003. IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG TO EXPERIENCE A PAD AND ROTOR PROBLEM, BUT MY WIFE HAS MOSTLY FREEWAY DRIVEN THE TRUCK ABOUT 90 MILES PER DAY. SHE SELDOM SPEEDS AND HAS A PERFECT TRACK RECORD TO SHOW FOR IT. WHEN I WOULD DRIVE THE TUNDRA, I ALMOST ALWAYS NOTICED A BRAKING HOP (IN THE PEDAL). UNFORTUNATELY, SHE HAS A TENDENCY TO DEFER MAINTENANCE. FOR THE MOST PART, WE HAVE PUT THE TUNDRA IN THE SHOP FOR NEW ROTORS OR NEW PADS(OEM) ALTERNATELY APPROX. EVERY 1500 MILES. JOHN ELWAY TOYOTA SAYS THEY CAN CHECK TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYTHING THEY CAN DO . . . NOTHING YET. TOYOTA KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE DOWNGRADED BRAKING SYSTEM ON THESE VEHICLES. I DON'T KNOW , BUT SUSPECT, A COMPLETELY NEW, UPGRADED BRAKE SYSTEM, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ROTORS, PADS, DRUMS, BEARINGS AND CALIPERS BE INSTALLED. SHOULD I JUST PAY THE $2 GS?
May 05, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
TIRES
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA EQUIPPED WITH DEFINITY DAKOTA H/T TIRES, SIZE: P265/70R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WOULD DEFLATE RAPIDLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12T013000 (TIRES). PEP BOYS INSPECTED THE TIRES AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT SHOWED PEP BOYS THE RECALL LETTER AND THEY KEPT IT, STATING THAT THEY HAD NO WAY TO COPY THE LETTER IN ORDER TO RETURN THE ORIGINAL TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Feb 15, 2019
AFTER HAVING HAD MY TIRES ROTATED & BALANCED TWICE,I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE BELTS ARE POSSIBLY STARTING TO SEPARATE. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE TIRES VIBRATE THE ARMREST AND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR... AT TIMES VERY VIOLENTLY. *TR
Aug 11, 2014
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BRIDGE, THE TIRE BLEW OUT, CAUSING THE TRUCK TO SPIN AROUND 180 DEGREES. THE TRUCK WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ON THE RIM TO AN AREA WHERE THE TIRE COULD BE CHANGED. INSPECTION OF ALL FOUR TIRES SHOWED NO EXCESSIVE TREAD WEAR AND NO ITEMS LODGED IN THE TIRE WHICH WOULD CAUSE A FLAT. WE ARE STILL DECIDING WHETHER TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES OR NOT. TIRE IS DUELLER H/T 689. *TR
Jan 30, 2008
TIRE FAILURE: TOYOTA TUNDRA 2003 EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP GRAND TREK P265/70R16 TIRES: THE TIRES DEVELOPED 5" LONG CRACKS BETWEEN THE TREADS PARALLEL WITH THE TREADS ON THE WEAR SURFACE. THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPPED TIRES ON THE VEHICLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 08/03. MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 8,126 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NONCOMMERCIAL, LIGHT DUTY WORK AND HAS BEEN PARKED IN A CLOSED LOCATION-GARAGE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF WEATHER CHECKING ON THE TIRES AND THE TREAD DEPTH WAS NEAR NEW. THERE HAS BEEN NO OFF ROAD USE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE HAS BEEN VERY LIMITED TOWING USE OF LESS THAN 1,500 LBS OF TOTAL TOWED WEIGHT. THE TREAD SEPARATION OCCURRED ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE.*AK
May 08, 2007
RECEMT RAINY WEATHER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAVE SHOWN THE OEM TIRES B.F.GOODRICH TIRES 265/70R16 RUGGED TRAIL ON MY 2003, TOYOTA TUNDRA TO BE DANGEROUS. THESE TIRES NOT ONLY SHOW SIGNIFICANT WEAR, AT ONLY 17000 MILES, BUT DANGEROUSLY SLIP AND SLIDE ON WET ROADS. ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, IN WET CONDITIONS, MY TRUCK SLIPPED OFF THE ROADWAY. ONE OCCASION, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO MY FRONT BUMPER. AT FIRST OPPORTUNITY I REPLACED THESE TIRES WITH BRIDGESTONE, DUELER AT REVOS, AN EXCEPTIONAL TIRE IN WET CONDITIONS. TOYOTA SHOULD BE ALERTED TO (1) THE RAPID WEAR CONDITION OF THESE OEM TIRES AND (2) THE POTENTIAL DANGER IN WET CONDITIONS. *AK
Jan 05, 2005
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
Both rider and driver seat belt become unlatched randomly. I have no expectation these will remained secure if involved in an accident
Feb 27, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MOLLE TOYOTA (601 W 103 RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64114, (812) 942-5200) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE ORDERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 273,000.
Dec 24, 2019
SEAT BELT REPEATEDLY UNHOOKS AFTER YOU INSERT BUCKLE IN TO LOCKING MECHANISM. SEAT BELT WAS SECURED IN LOCKING MECHANISM AND VERIFIED BY PULLING ON STRAP AFTER LOCKING IN PLACE. LATER AS YOU DRIVE AROUND THE BELT UNLOCKS BY ITSELF. I HAVE INVESTED AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SPRING LOCK IS WEAK, DEFECTIVE AND WILL NO LONGER STAY ON THE PROPER LOCK POSITION. IT SEEMS THE INTERNAL SPRINGS ARE BROKEN OR AT BEST WEAKENED AN CAN DISLODGE FROM THE LOCKED POSITION AT ANYTIME IN A FEW SECONDS OR HOURS AFTER IT WAS SECURED. THIS PROBLEM GIVES YOU A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY. THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY AND LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. THE UNLOCKING CAN HAPPEN IN THE PARK POSITION, DRIVING ON A STREET OR DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. THE PROBLEM CAN BE DETECTED BY THE RED 'PRESS' BUTTON SHOULD BE ALL THE WAY EXTENDED WHEN THE LATCH IS NOT IN PLACE. IF THE LATCH DOES NOT EXTEND FULLY AND IT'S NOT FLUSH WITH THE EDGE OF THE BUCKLE THEN IT IS DEFECTIVE. LOCK BUTTON CAN BE MANEUVERED INTO THE LOCK POSITION BY WIGGLING IT, BUT IT WILL NOT HOLD IN PLACE.
Sep 09, 2019
SEAT BELT UNLOCK BY ITSELF. HAD THIS HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES DURING HARD BRAKING.
Apr 23, 2019
MANUFACTURER RECALL ORDER OSV254 OR SUMMARY 70A
Jan 28, 2018
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
5 complaints
IN MID DECEMBER, 2019, I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED FROM UNDER MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. FORTUNATELY, NO VEHICLES WERE BEHIND ME AT THE TIME. I WAS SO SURPRISED TO SEE THAT TIRE BOUNCING DOWN THE ROAD BEHIND ME! THAT SPARE TIRE HAD NEVER BEEN TAKEN FROM THE CARRIER. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION/RECALL IN EARLY FEBRUARY. THEY SAID THE CORROSION ON THE CROSS-MEMBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER CORROSION ISSUE CAUSING THE TIRE TO DROP WAS ONLY FOR RECALLS ON THE TACOMA MODELS, I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ISSUE. I FEEL THIS IS A TOYOTA MANUFACTURING SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE?
Feb 06, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING RECALL REPAIRS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS) AT GALAXY TOYOTA (750 NJ 30, EATONTOWN, NJ 07724), THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT OF THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INSTRUCTED TO SIGN A WAVER, NOTING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 295,000.
Apr 03, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD'S AIR BAG COVER MELTED AND WAS STICKY TO THE TOUCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT, IN THE PAST, THERE WAS AN UNIDENTIFIABLE ODOR COMING FROM THAT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DARCARS TOYOTA FREDERICK (5293 BUCKEYSTOWN PIKE, FREDERICK, MD 21704 (301) 696-6300). BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER TOOK PICTURES AND SENT THEM TO A LOCAL TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE FOR DARCARS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED HE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO SUN GLARE AND WAS UNSURE IF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WAS SAFE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Oct 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 14V350000 (AIR BAGS), 09V444000 (STRUCTURE) AND 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS FOR THE RECALL PART TO BECOME AVAILABLE AND THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Jan 21, 2015
TRAVELING ON HWY 11. 4 CARS AHEAD SUDDENLY STOP. I HAD 3 CHOICES: HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. GO INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC, OR HEAD OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO THE BAYOU. MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE BAYOU, HIT A PARKED SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER. NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE TRACTOR TRAILOR. MY TOYOTA GOT SEVERELY CRUNCHED ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE. MY AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF. I WAS GOING 30 MILES PER HOUR, AND NOTHING DEPLOYED. NOW I UNDERSTAND IT IS A GOOD THING THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. *TR
Nov 02, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
I need to have rear shock replaced. They found that the bracket holder rusted thru . Shock was fine . The Rear frame corrosion and separation, spare tire frame corrosion is really bad. I have had this truck since 2004 . I absolutely love my truck. I am deeply saddened that all the care I took still didn’t prevent all this damage .
Sep 17, 2025
I was turning down a residential street and when I was getting up to speed. About 30 miles per hour. My truck jumped up a couple times like I hit a pit hole. I got out to inspect and see what I hit but the street was freshly paved 2 years before it was smooth as butter. I look at the truck and find out my passenger tire had fallen off. Upon further inspection I see my ball joints failed and try tire came off. It snapped the cv axle in half ripped and the brake line and abs module off and broke the frame bracket for the rack and pinon. As a result my insurance totaled my vehicle out.
Oct 17, 2021
THE WHOLE CHASSIS FRAME FOR MY TRUCK IS SIGNIFICANTLY AND DANGEROUSLY RUSTED AND IT IS BREAKING APART WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME, MY FAMILY, AND OTHER DRIVERS. THIS ALSO HAS LEAD TO MY BREAKS LINES FAILING DUE TO RUST WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO ME NOT BEEN ABLE TO STOP ON A RED LIGHT. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUST DAMAGE TO THE CHASSIS FRAME AND IN SOME PARTS OF THE CHASSIS FRAME THAT WERE WELDED FROM FACTORY HAVE BROKEN OFF. IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CHASSIS FRAME PIECES HAVE STARTED TO FALL OFF AND THERE ARE HOLES THROUGH THE CHASSIS FRAME WHERE THERE SHOULD NOT BE HOLES. PARTS THAT SHOULD BE SOLID STEEL HAVE HOLES THROUGH IT. THE RUST IS SO BAD ON THE CHASSIS FRAME THAT IT HAS RUSTED OUT THE FUEL LINES AS WELL JUST LIKE IT DID THE BRAKE LINES. SECTIONS WHERE THE ENGINE MOUNTS GO IN THE CHASSIS ARE ALSO HEAVILY DAMAGE DUE TO RUST. THE RUST IS SO BAD I HAVE STEP THROUGH PARTS OF THE BED OF THE TRUCK WHEN STANDING ON IT. THERE ARE ALSO HOLES ON THE BED OF THE TRUCK WHERE YOU CAN SEE THROUGH THE GROUND DUE TO THE RUST DAMAGE. *TR
May 06, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PREPARING TO UNDERGO A STATE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE AND BACK UP LIGHTS ON TOP OF THE CABIN WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. WHILE REPLACING THE LIGHT BULBS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIGHT FIXTURES ON BOTH SIDES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. *DT UPDATED 11/2/18*JB
Sep 25, 2018
THE VEHICLE'S THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS MELTED HOLES ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE INTERNAL PLASTIC STRUCTURE ABOVE THE BOTH CARGO LAMP BULBS. AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET IT IS APPARENTLY VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THERE ARE ALSO PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, ADDRESSING THE SAME ISSUE. MY CONCERN IS OF FIRE AND/OR FAILURE OF THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT ADDRESSED. *TR
Aug 08, 2012
LAST WEEK I PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA LIMITED 4X4 FROM A USED CAR DEALER. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME (8.5 HOURS AWAY), I NOTICED THE LEFT SIDE CARGO LIGHT (EXTERIOR NEXT TO THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT) WAS BURNED OUT. WHEN I REMOVED THE LENS TO DETERMINE THE LIGHT NUMBER NEEDED FOR REPLACEMENT, I FOUND THE HOUSING TO BE MELTED. UPON INSPECTION, THE BULB WAS THE RECOMMENDED BULB BY THE MANUFACTURER. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE. I CAN PROVIDE PHOTOS OF THE HOUSING AND THE BULB IF REQUIRED. *JB
Mar 07, 2007
WHEELS
3 complaints
AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN GEAR AND STARTING THE DRIVE, A GRINDING/SQUEALING SOUND STARTED COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THIS SOUND CONTINUED UNTIL THE VEHICLE COULD BE PARKED AND TAKEN TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP TO BE LOOKED AT (PARKED WITHIN 1 MILE OF ORIGINAL STARTING POINT). THE REPAIR SHOP DEEMED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO A FAILED WHEEL BEARING. THE REPAIR SHOP HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH A PREVIOUSLY WORKED ON TOYOTA PRERUNNER WHERE THE SAME INCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT THE DRIVER CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE TRUCK WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED BACK TO THE SHOP AFTER THE WHEEL BECAME COCKED AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE WHILE THE DRIVER WAS ON THE ROAD. *TT
Apr 16, 2014
2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA EXTENDED CAB I CHECKED MY FRONT BRAKE PADS. WHEN I REPLACED THE TIRE, TWO LUG BOLTS FAILED AT 70FT/LBS OF TORQUE. THE SPECIFICATIONS ARE TIGHTEN TO 80FT/LBS. WHEN I PURCHASED NEW BOLTS AT A DEALER, THE PARTS COUNTERMAN SAID HE WAS SELLING A LOT OF THESE LATELY. *JB
Jul 13, 2006
THE WHEELS RUSTED INSIDE ALL THE WHEEL WELLS. *JB MANUFACTURER/DEALER HAD DONE NOTHING, STATING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE SEVERE WINTER AND REFUSED TO FIX UNDER WARRANTY. SCC
Mar 25, 2003
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
3 complaints
TOYOTA HAD A RE-CALL FOR EXCESSIVE CORROSION ON THE 03 TUNDRA. I HAVE BEEN TAKING THE TRUCK IN FOR INSPECTIONS FOR 3 YEARS & WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS OK. THIS YEAR TOYOTA SAID THEY HAD AN OK TO UNDERCOAT THE FRAMES. WHILE MY TRUCK WAS IN FOR THE WORK IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR DIFFERNTIAL HAD RUSTED THROUGH & WAS LEAKING OIL. EVEN THOUGH THIS COMPONENET IS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK JUST LIKE THE FRAME THAT WAS COVERED THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY CORROSION. TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $2000 FOR THE REAR DIFFERNTIAL CASING TO BE REPLACED. WHY WAS THIS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL IF THE COMPONENET IS PART OF THE UDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE? *TR
Mar 08, 2012
I HAVE A 2003 TUNDRA ACCESS CAB 4WD TRUCK. TOOK IT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR THE RUST RECALL INSPECTION AND TO INVESTIGATE OIL LEAKING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING. DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE FRAME WAS FINE BUT THE CROSS MEMBERS AND TANK SUPPORTS NEED COATING. THEY ALSO ADVISED THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT OIL IS LEAKING AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THEY SAID THAT TOYOTA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE HOUSING. THE VEHICLE HAS 108K MILES. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT WITH ALL THE KNOWN RUST ISSUES THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Jul 22, 2010
ENTIRE REAR END HOUSING RUSTED AWAY REQUIRING A WHOLE NEW REAR END HOUSING. FRAME IS RUSTING OUT ON WHOLE TRUCK. *TR
Nov 15, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
3 complaints
2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST INCLUDING ALL RUSTABLE COMPONENTS WITH ANY CONNECTION TO THE FRAME. 2011 MAINE STATE INSPECTION FAILED DUE TO RUSTED EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWO YEARS PRIOR FOR SAME REASON (JUNE 2009). *TR
Jun 15, 2011
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED: BRAKES LOCKED UNDER WET CONDITIONS. VEHICLE SLID OFF ROAD. VEHICLE HAS HISTORY OF PULSATING BRAKE PEDAL, SHUTTERING AND CLANGING NOISES UNDER BRAKING. *TR
Apr 21, 2010
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, BRAKES PULSATE, AND VEHICLE IS GOING SIDE TO SIDE. IT IS HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND COULD NO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TUNDRA V6. *AK THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH THE SLIDDING DOORS NOT SHUTTING PROPERLY.*TS
Sep 12, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
BATTERY DRAINS WITH ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT OFF. IF VEHICLE LEFT SITTING MUCH OVER ONE WEEK IT WILL COMPLETELY DRAIN THE BATTERY TO THE POINT THAT IT WILL NO LONGER HOLD A CHARGE. I'VE REPLACED THE BATTERY 5 TIMES IN ONE YEAR AND FINALLY PUT A QUICK DISCONNECT ON THE NEGATIVE BATTERY POST. I'VE HAD TOYOTA LOOK AT IT TWICE AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. *TR
Oct 22, 2010
BATTERY DRAINS WITH ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT OFF IF VEHICLE LEFT SITTING MUCH OVER ONE WEEK. AFTER THIRD VISIT TO DEALER, THEY REPLACED A WIRING HARNESS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
Aug 20, 2007
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35MPH AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, VEHICLE SHUT OFF. *AK
Aug 19, 2003
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
rear leaf spring mount separated from the frame due to complete rust -through of the frame. felt a "thump" during normal acceleration.
Aug 09, 2023
THE FRAME IS PREMATURELY SEVERELY ROTTEN AND CRUMBLING. THIS IS A MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO EVERY TUNDRA OWNERS ATTENTION. I HAVE HAD IT SPRAYED, BUT WAS ONLY DONE FOR THE BACK CROSSMEMBER BY TOYOTA. THE OTHER HALF IS READY FOR A CATASTROPHE IN DUE TIME. THERE MAY BE OTHERS IN MY SITUATION AND NO WAY IS A FRAME SUPPOSED TO CRUMBLE WITHOUT SITTING IN CONSTANT SALT. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP THE OTHER OWNERS AND MAKE THEM AWARE IF THEY HAVEN'T YET. THE FRAME WILL BUCKLE WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE HARM TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. MINE HAS PIECES AS BIG AS 12 BY 8 COME OFF. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP I HAVE WENT TO TOLD ME TO KEEP AN EYE ON IT SINCE THE RECALL HAS LAPSED.
Oct 25, 2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE FUEL TANK DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE AND FELL ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY RE-ATTACHED THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. ROMANO TOYOTA (6400 BASILE ROWE, EAST SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13057, (315) 445-1070) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REQUESTED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 155,000.
Nov 21, 2018
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. CODE RELATED TO EVAPORATION/FUEL SYSTEM. CHECKED THE FUEL CAP, APPEARS OK, RESET LIGHT AND RETURNED ON. WILL REPLACE FUEL CAP. POTENTIALLY FUEL FILLER PIPE AS MENTIONED FREQUENTLY ON HERE. *TR
Jun 12, 2012
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
FRAME CORROSION WAS NOT PROPERLY ADDRESSED DURING 2012 RECALL. AS A RESULT THE FRAME HAS CORRODED IN MULTIPLE AREAS AND THE BRAKES JUST FAILED DUE TO BRAKE LINE CORROSION. TOYOTA IS REFUSING ANY ADDITIONAL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES. HOWEVER THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE MORE TO ADDRESS THE FRAME CORROSION DURING THE 2012 RECALL.
Oct 27, 2018
PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA JULY 2016. FRAME WAS UNDERCOATED BY TOYOTA AND DID NOT SEEM TO BE ANY ISSUES AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, I HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING SOME OF MY OWN MAINTENANCE UNDER THE VEHICLE. WHILE UNDER, I NOTICED LARGE AREAS HAD THE CRC TREATMENT CHIPPING AND PEALING OFF. I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER (PRIORITY TOYOTA CHESAPEAKE, VA) THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE CORROSION PROTECTION HAS EXPIRED AND THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER THEY COULD DO. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GREASE MY PROPELLER SHAFT, I WAS ON MY CREAPER TRYING TO PULL MYSELF UNDER THE VEHICLE. I GRABBED PART OF THE FRAME, IN FRONT OF THE LEAF SPRING PERCH. WHILE GRABBING THIS SECTION OF FRAME AND PULLING MYSELF UNDER THE TRUCK, THE FRAME CRUMBLED IN TO MY HAND. THERE WERE A LOT OF RUST FLAKES, LARGE AND SMALL, I COLLECTED AS MUCH OF THE RUST AND FLAKES AS I COULD AND STORED THEM IN A ZIP LOCK BAG. THE SIZE OF THE DETERIORATION WAS ABOUT 7" LONG AND PERFORATED ABOUT 9/16" NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THE C CHANNEL. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME ON THIS VEHICLE PARTICULARLY IN REGARDS TO BRAKING SYSTEM, FRAME CROSS MEMBERS AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE SOON AFTER TO REPORT WHAT HAPPENED. I TOLD THEM MY VIN AND OTHER INFORMATION. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL BACK IN 1 BUSINESS DAY. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM TOYOTA TODAY 10/27/16 AND A REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT TOYOTA IS NO LONGER SUPPORTING MY VEHICLE FOR ANY CAMPAIGNS. I ASKED THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER LITERATURE REGARDING THE FRAME CORROSION PROGRAMS FOR TUNDRAS, HOWEVER, TOYOTA WILL NOT LET ME HAVE THIS INFORMATION. AT THIS POINT TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP OR PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN REPAIRING THEIR POORLY DESIGNED VEHICLE. PLEASE DO NOT BUY TOYOTAS BECAUSE IN THE FUTURE THERE WILL BE FAILURES AND TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. PLAIN AND SIMPLE. *TR
Oct 27, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
SPIRAL CABLE, ALSO CALLED CLOCKSPRING, FAILED, IDENTICAL TO OTHER TOYOTA SPIRAL CABLE FAILURES ON OTHER MODELS THAT WERE RECALLED. ANOTHER RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED THAT CORRECTS THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM (IT DISABLES THE DRIVER AIRBAG AND HORN) FOR AFFECTED TUNDRA MODELS.
Oct 12, 2017
2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE AIR BAGS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IN SEPTEMBER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE PROBLEM AT A COST OF $ 177.12. HOWEVER, THAT SAME EVENING, THE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AGAIN. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE COST TO REPAIR IT, WOULD BE ANYWHERE FROM $ 2,506.00- $ 3,177.76 PLUS $ 975 FOR LABOR. *JB
Oct 18, 2012
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
2 complaints
DRIVING AND MADE A LEFT TURN WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WENT FLYING AND THE TRUCK STARTED SWIRVING IN CIRCLES. AND CAUSED A MAJOR DAMAGE IN WHICH THE DEALER DOESNT WANT TO RESPOND. *TR
Feb 06, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE), THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE REAR CROSS MEMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE DETACHED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Aug 20, 2015
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
BAD FRAME RUST BAD SUSPENSION RUST BAD DIFFERENTIAL RUST BAD SPARE TIRE RUST.IF RUST CONDITION GETS WORSE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUSPENSION FAILURE IS VERY REAL.SOME OF THESE MODELS NEED TO BE RECALLED OR BOUGHT BACK BEFORE THERE IS INJURY OR DEATH.
Nov 13, 2015
I TOOK MY 2003 TUNDRA TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP, INDEPENDENT, TO HAVE THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL EVALUATED DUE TO CRUNCHING SOUND WHICH OCCURRED WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP AND LEAKING OF FLUID DUE TO CORROSION ON HOUSING. THE SHOP CALLED ME THAT DAY TWO HOURS LATER AND INFORMED ME THAT MY FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON BOTH SIDES MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND NOT WORTH PROCEEDING IN ANY REPAIRS OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AT THIS POINT. THEY CONTACTED THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH TOLD THEM THAT THE FRAME PERFORATION RECALL, NHTSA # 09V444 HAD EXPIRED 7/31/2015 SIX DAYS PRIOR. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO CALL TOYOTA, WHICH I DID. THE LADY INFORMED ME THAT THE RECALL WAS STILL ONGOING. I TOOK THE TUNDRA TO THAT SAME DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO INSPECT THE FRAME. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALL ME AND INFORM ME THAT I NEED TO CONTACT TOYOTA AGAIN MYSELF. THIS IS A TOYOTA GARAGE TELLING ME THIS. TONIGHT I GET ON TOYOTA'S WEBSITE AND FIND TWO RECALLS IN REGARDS TO THE FRAME PERFORATION. ACCORDING TO THE TOY WEBSITE BOTH STATUS' OF RECALLS OFFER REMEDIES AVAILABLE AND THIS SITE IS UPDATED 8/7/2015. I CAN SEE THAT MY NEAREST DEALER ISN'T GOING TO BE VERY HELPFUL. MY TRUCK HAS 112,000. I'M THE 2ND OWNER AND HAVE BEEN DILIGENT WITH MAINTENANCE. I DO NO OFF ROADING AND USE IF TO TRANSPORT MY MOTORCYCLE TO RACES HUNDREDS OF MILES FROM HOME.
Aug 08, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
AS I WAS TRAVELING AT A SLOW SPEED WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHICH HAD SUDDENLY BEGAN AS I TURNED ONTO A SIDE STREET. I STOPPED VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE. I DISCOVERED THAT MY FUEL TANK WAS DRAGGING BENEATH THE TRUCK. THE METAL STRAPS THAT HELD TANK TO FRAME HAD RUSTED THRU CAUSING TANK TO FALL TO ROAD SURFACE. ALL THE CONNECTIONS TO FUEL TANK WERE RIPPED FROM TANK. TOYOTA IS WORRIED ABOUT THE SPARE TIRE FALLING DOWN DO TO RUSTED FRAME MEMBERS BUT I FEEL THEY SHOULD BE MORE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR FUEL TANKS FALLING OFF. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I HATE TO THINK OF WHAT CONSEQUENCES MIGHT HAVE BEEN. *JS
Jul 07, 2014
I RECEIVED THE SSC 90M - TUNDRA VEHICLES SEVERE CORROSION OF THE REAR CROSS MEMBER PHASE 2 - CRC APPLICATION. MY TRUCK HAS A TONNEAU COVER AND A BED RUG INSTALLED. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE BED OF THE TRUCK WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. I TOLD THEM THAT I DID NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO REMOVE THE TONNEAU COVER AND THE BED RUG. THEY SAID THAT THEY COULD NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR WITHOUT THESE ITEMS REMOVED AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REMOVE THEM FOR ME. I THEN CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 800-331-4331, EXTENSION [XXX] AND DISCUSSED THE SITUATION WITH [XXX]. SHE CLAIMED THAT THE RECALL LETTER STATES THAT THE TRUCK MUST BE PRESENTED IN "FACTORY CONDITION" (I GUESS THAT MEANS NO BED RUG OR TONNEAU COVER). I REREAD THE LETTER AND THAT IS NOT STATED ANYWHERE IN THE LETTER. I CALLED HER BACK AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST ME NOR WOULD SHE ELEVATE MY ISSUE TO THE MANAGEMENT LEVEL. THIS RECALL WORK MUST BE DONE, AND AGAIN, I HAVE NO MEANS TO REMOVE THESE ITEMS. I'M SURE THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY TUNDRA OWNER EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. THIS TRUCK WILL BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE IF THE RECALL WORK IS NOT DONE. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Jan 24, 2012
SUSPENSION,TIRES
2 complaints
PREMATURE TIRE WEAR, THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE FRONT TIRES TO SHOW PREMATURE WEAR. THIS IS ON A 2003 TUNDRA T-3 WITH DUNLAP TIRES. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS TYPE OF TIRE WEAR, IT STARTS ON THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 15,000 MILES
Jun 12, 2005
MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA (2 WHEEL DRIVE/V8) HAS UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. NEEDS TIRE REPLACEMENT AT 16,000 MILES. MECHANICS TELL ME IT'S A SHOCK OR FRAME PROBLEM. TOYOTA DENIES THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, SAYS IT'S THE TIRES AND/OR I DRIVE TOO HARD. *LA
Oct 20, 2003
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Frame rusted out causing gas tank to fall off truck while driving. Was sparking while trying to pull of to a safe spot on highway, tank was hanging on by the fuel line. Leaf spring also broke on truck do to rust. Cars were avoiding my truck on highway as sparks were coming from the gas tank shield scrapping the highway. Frame should have been replaced along with gas lines, and leaf springs during the recall in 2012 range. Toyota of York decided to just undercoat spray frame, prior to me purchasing truck from them. They never notified me (the consumer) of the recall that was current on truck.
May 21, 2025
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The frame has failed by rusting through and continues to the brake line. It is available for inspection. The truck is no longer safe to drive due to the rust and brake issues. The truck frame could have failed in traffic causing harm to myself and other drivers. The problem has been confirmed by Yingling’s in Topeka, KS, Lewis Toyota in Topeka and Crown Toyota in Lawrence, KS. They have all done inspections of the truck frame. The problem first appeared when it was taken to Yinglings in 2018 to replace the muffler.
Aug 16, 2024
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I just bought the Toyota I was told that he had brought this Toyota to a dealership and it was sent to har some sealant sprayed on frame to prevent anymore rust. The whole frame and the spare tire holder thing is total rusting out and the motor mounts are even rusting out is there a recall on his veichle if not there should be
Mar 05, 2023
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact's son intentionally hit a curb and downshifted in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and an unknown axle was leaking and causing the brake failure. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the gas tank was detaching from the vehicle due to the frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Aug 11, 2022
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE
1 complaint
The frame on my tundra has rusted out so bad that the engine mounts are rusted through, my truck only has 86k miles please help this is our daily driver to get to work and take the kids to school
Nov 14, 2021
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The frame haas already been repaired, at the suggestion of my inspection mechanic. The whole frame is dangerously rusted. Now he says, “get rid of it—it’s dangerous to drive!” Another problem, the air bag fault light won’t stay off! Parts in the steering column have been replaced, to no avail! Toyota did that work. No one knows if my air bag will work or not!
Sep 24, 2021
SEAT BELTS,ENGINE
1 complaint
SEAT BELTS NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND FRAYED WEBBING ALSO FEAR OF TIMING BELT GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING WITH FAMILY AND CAUSING ME AND MY FAMILY AND/ OR A ONCOMING VEHICLE TO WRECK AND HAVE SERIOUS INJURIES OR MULTIPLE DEATHS! *TR
May 12, 2020
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
1 complaint
TWO ITEMS HERE: FIRST I WENT TO CHANGE MY TIRE WITH MY SPARE AND IT WAS MISSING. THE TIRE SERVICE COMPANY SAID THE TIRE MUST HAVE FALLEN OFF SOMEWHERE AS THE CABLE HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE WAS RUSTED OFF. 2ND, I HAD MY TUNDRA PUT UP ON A LIFT TO SEE WHAT THE BANGING SOUND WAS. ONE OF THE SHOCK'S CONNECTIONS WAS RUSTED OFF AND JUST HANGING. HE ALSO STATED THAT THE WHOLE FRAME AND CRANKCASE ON THE REAR DRIVE AREA LOOKED LIKE "BARK ON A TREE" AND COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION
Dec 09, 2019
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED - TO MY SHOCK AND I JUST FAILED INSPECTION BUT THE TRUCK IS GORGEOUS AND RUNS GREAT WITH ALL NEW TIRES. I'M CURRENTLY LOW INCOME AND WONDER HOW THE FRAME RECALL WAS MISSED BUT THE AIRBAG WAS REPLACED. PLEASE ADVISE AND THANK YOU.
Oct 25, 2019
STEERING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
A RECALL LETTER WAS SENT FOR 2003 TUNDRA FOR UNDERCOATING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS THERE FOR THREE DAYS. I WAS TOLD NOTHING ELSE WAS NEEDED. I BROUGHT ATTENTION TO DEALERSHIP ABOUT FRAME RECALL. I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER THAT RECALL ALTHOUGH THE YEAR AND MODEL WAS ON THE SITE. SECOND ISSUE OF CONCERN, ENTIRE STEERING LINE REPLACED. THERE WAS A LACK OF POWER STEERING. VEHICLE HOUSED FOR THREE DAYS AT DEALERSHIP. FAST FORWARD TODAY, 25 SEPTEMBER WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION BY SERVICE MANAGER OF LARGE AMOUNT OF FRAME RUST AND VEHICLE WAS NOT ROAD WORTHY. LAYERS OF RUSTED METAL CRUMBLED IN MANAGER'S HAND. AS A CONSUMER PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP FOR HELP TO RESOLVE ONGOING CONCERNS. I AM A FEMALE RETIRED VETERAN PLEADING FOR HELP. I LOVE MY VEHICLE PERFORMANCE IS THE REASON THE MILEAGE IS 260,000 (+). YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS CONCERN WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED.
Sep 25, 2019
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS IN MOTION AND DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT. AFTER THE COLLISION, THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE TAKATA AIRBAG WAS REPLACED BY THE AUTO MANUFACTURER (TOYOTA DEALERSHIP) PRIOR TO MY ABOVE MENTIONED ACCIDENT. THE AUTO ACCIDENT OCCURRED FOR UNKNOWN REASONS, POSSIBLY BRAKE FAILURE OR UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION OF THE CAR ENGINE.
Jul 15, 2019
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TAKARA INFLATORS AND DRIVING DOWN A VERY BUSY STREET AND HAD A DRIVER FLASHING HIS LIGHTS AT ME. I PULLED OVER TO FIND OUT THAT MY SPARE TIRE UNDERNEATH MY TRUCK HAD FALLEN OFF AND BOUNCED INTO A BUILDING. I GO BACK TO GET IT AND NOTICE THAT IT HAD RUSTED AND FELL OFF. I'VE BEEN HAVING BALL JOINT ISSUES AND NOW MY RACK AND PINION HAS STARTED TO LEAK BECAUSE OF RUST. I'VE LEARNED ABOUT A RECALL ON MY FRAME HAS BEEN ISSUED. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID MY TRUCK HAD BEEN LOOKED AT AND NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. I'VE GOT THE SPARE TIRE AND THE RUSTED BRACKET. I'M REALLY SCARED TO EVEN DRIVE IT,AND AIR BAG THEY WANT TO REPLACE IT BUT TO SCARED TO DRIVE IT
Jun 21, 2019
STRUCTURE,TRAILER HITCHES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRAILER HITCH BECAME DETACHED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE HITCH DROPPED LOW TO THE GROUND AND WAS BENT. THE CONTACT USED THE TRAILER JACK TO LIFT UP THE TRAILER AND STRAIGHTEN THE HITCH TO THE RECEIVER IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRAILER HITCH WAS BOLTED TO THE REINFORCEMENT BUMPER, WHICH WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THE PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE TRAILER FROM HIS VEHICLE AND PLACED IT IN THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW COUNTRY TOYOTA OF SARATOGA SPRINGS (LOCATED AT 3002 NY-50 BUILDING # 1, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866, (518) 584-7272) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BUMPER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE). THE RECALL ONLY INCLUDED THE FRAME AND ALL THE CROSSMEMBERS; THEREFORE, THE DEALER COULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1906120378. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Jun 12, 2019
STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL DRAGGING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED AND DETACHED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED DON MOORE TOYOTA (4216 FREDERICA ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42301, (270) 926-2500) AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. *BF *JB
Apr 26, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL, I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WITH MY TOYOTA TUNDRA WHEN A NISSAN ALTIMA FAILED TO STOP FOR A STOP SIGN. AT WITCH POINT MY AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. THE TRUCK IS TOTALED AND SO WAS THE NISSAN! I WAS DRIVING EAST ON QUINCY AVE. AND THE NISSAN WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON B ST. WHEN SHE FAILED TO STOP AT THE STOP SIGN.
Apr 22, 2019
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA FRONT END MAKING A SEVERE GRINDING, SQUEAKING, AND KNOCKING NOISE. THE CV AXLE BOOTS ARE DESTROYED AND SEEMS LIKE THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUB IS GOING OUT QUICKLY AS WELL. ALSO HAVE TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE AND NOISE WHEN TURNING. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 86,000 MILES ON IT.
Mar 18, 2019
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE FRAME BY THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL IS ALMOST BROKEN IN HALF...IT HAS A 2 FOOT LONG SECTION MISSING...OTHER STEERING COMPONENT AFFECTED STABLIZER BAR ALMOST RUSTED IN HALF..BRACKET AND BUSHING ALMOST NONEXISTENT...THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVER FOR ME,MY WIFE AND MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER...I FEAR FOR THEIR SAFETY SHOULD IT COMPLETELY LET LOOSE...I DRIVE VERY SLOW...I AM 59 YEARS OLD...PLZ HELP ME GET A NEW FRAMEFROM TOYOTA...THANX
Mar 08, 2019
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
STEERING COLUMN SHIFT BRACKET BROKE IN 3 PLACES WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE, MAKING SHIFTING IMPOSSIBLE. SEE PICTURES FROM 2 OF 3 FRACTURE LOCATIONS, 3RD FRACTURE IS AT AN ATTACHMENT SCREW (NOT SHOWN). THIS IS CAUSE BY AN PUNDERDESIGNED PART MADE OF INFERIOR CAST ALUMINUM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ON TUNDRAS AND OTHER TOYOTA MODELS WITH SAME DEFECTIVE BRACKET. THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT MUST BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY TOYOTA WITH A REDESIGNED PART.
Aug 20, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL AIR BAGS LIGHTS IS ON, THE PASSAGER SIDE. I TOOK TO THE SHOP TO FIX, A MONTHS LATER CAME BACK AGAIN THE LIGHTS.
Jun 12, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
STEERING COLUMN SHIFT BRACKET BROKE IN 3 PLACES WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE, MAKING SHIFTING IMPOSSIBLE. SEE PICTURES FROM 2 OF 3 FRACTURE LOCATIONS, 3RD FRACTURE IS AT AN ATTACHMENT SCREW (NOT SHOWN). THIS IS CAUSE BY AN UNDERDESIGNED PART MADE OF INFERIOR CAST ALUMINUM. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM ON TUNDRAS AND OTHER TOYOTA MODELS WITH SAME DEFECTIVE BRACKET. THIS DANGEROUS DEFECT MUST BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY TOYOTA WITH A REDESIGNED PART.
May 15, 2018
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
ENTIRE FRAME HAS SEVERE RUST DESPITE ANTI-RUST/CORROSION INHIBITOR APPLIED IN 2010-2012. SMALL HOLES ARE NOW PRESENT IN FRAME AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 108K MILES. RECENTLY, THE POWER STEERING RACK AND PINION HAD TO BE REPLACED, AS IT RUSTED OUT. THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED RUST ON OTHER SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, INDICATING THAT RUST HAD MADE THE SYSTEM WEAK AND BRITTLE. COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF CORROSION INHIBITOR HAS NOW MADE IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO OBTAIN A CORRECT ALIGNMENT. THE RUSTED FRAME WILL SOON, IF NOT ALREADY, DIMINISH THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY. TOYOTA INSTITUTED A FRAME RECALL CIRCA 2010 FOR JUST THIS ISSUE. SOMEHOW THIS VIN WAS OMITTED. THE CORROSION INHIBITOR HAS PROVED INEFFECTIVE. I AM REQUESTING THAT NHTSA DEMAND TOYOTA INSTITUTE ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE EXCLUDED VINS. THESE OMITTED TUNDRAS, IN THEIR CURRENT POOR FRAME CONDITION, PRESENT A HAZARD TO DRIVERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS AND MUST BE REPAIRED.
Dec 20, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
"TAKATA RECALL"
Nov 02, 2017
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL-DATE FOR "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?" IS APPROX. DATE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED (ACCORDING TO STICKER ON DRIVER'S DOOR)
Oct 29, 2017
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
TAKANA RECALL // AND TOYOTA RECALL
Oct 24, 2017
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). I HAD THE FRAME INSPECTION RECALL PERFORMED IN 2012 AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME IS OK SO THEY COATED THE FRAME WITH UNDER COATING. A FEW MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND HIT A JOINT ON THE HIGHWAY AND ENDED UP IN THE NEXT LANE. AS I AM IN THE BUSINESS I PUT THE VEHICLE IN THE AIR THAT EVENING AND FOUND THE STEERING RACK MOUNT WAS DETACHED FROM THE FRAME DUE TO RUST. I THEN SPOKE TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED THE SITUATION AND I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. I WAS TOLD AGAIN THE FRAME IS OK.. I DID EXPLAIN TO THE DEALER THAT I HAD TO WLD A STEEL PLATE TO THE FRAME SO THE VEHICLE WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY STILL SAID THE FRAME IS OK AND THEY WOULD RE SPRAY THE FRAME AS A GESTURE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS CALLS AND EMAILS TO TOYOTA SINCE THEN BECAUSE JUNE OF 2016 I FOUND RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME IN 2 DIFFERENT SPOTS.. THERE IS A RECALL TO REPLACE THE FRAME IF THERE ARE PERFORATIONS IN THE FRAME DURING THE INSPECTION. HOWEVER I HAVE BEEN TOLD SEVERAL TIMES THEY WILL NOT ASSIST ME ANY FURTHER ON THIS SITUATION. THANK YOU [XXX] [XXX] *DL
Jul 05, 2017
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
EXTREME RUST AREA ALL AROUND REAR DIFFERENTIAL, PITTING IN METAL, AND ALSO THE SPARE WHEEL TIRE EXTREME RUST.
Nov 06, 2016
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I AM A RETIRED TOYOTA MASTER DIAGNOSTIC TECHNICIAN. I HAD TO REPLACE MY REAR BRAKE LINES ON MY 2003 TUNDRA-WITH 79,962 MILES. THE REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE RUSTED THROUGH WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED- AT MY EXPENSE. MY BRAKES FAILED AS I WAS TOWING A TRAILER IN HEAVY, CITY TRAFFIC. I WAS GOING 35MPH WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND THEN PROCEEDED TO STOP SUDDENLY TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS ROOM TO MANEUVER TO THE RIGHT SO I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I'M SURE THERE HAVE BEEN THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. THEN, AS I WAS REPLACING THE LINES, I SAW A FLUID LEAK UNDER REAR OF VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING HAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THE GEAR OIL IS LEAKING THROUGH THE HOUSING. UNFORTUNATELY THE ONLY REMEDY IS THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. ALSO THE POWER STEERING LINES HAVE ALSO RUSTED THROUGH WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED- AT MY EXPENSE. THE FRAME HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED-UNDER RECALL. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE MATERIAL THAT WAS USED IS OF VERY LOW QUALITY CAUSING VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.IE; LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO DIFFERENTIAL LOCK-UP, LOSS OF VEHICLE BRAKING DUE TO RAPID FLUID LOSS, LOSS OF VEHICLE STEERING CONTROL DUE TO RAPID FLUID LOSS. I AM AMAZED THAT TOYOTA MOTOR CO. WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE PRODUCT THEY SOLD-WITHOUT BEING FORCED TO. ONE QUICK LOOK UNDER A 2003 TUNDRA IS ALL IT TAKES TO SEE THAT LOW/POOR QUALITY HARDWARE AND MATERIALS WERE USED. WITHOUT REPAIR AND/OR REPLACEMENT OF ABOVE STATED COMPONENTS SOMEONE WILL GET INJURED-POSSIBLY FATALLY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE COMPLAINTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THESE COMPONENTS SHOULD LAST FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE TRUCK. A DIFFERENTIAL IS NOT AN ITEM ONE EXPECTS TO EVER REPLACE-"SORRY BUT YOUR WARRANTY'S EXPIRED". THANK YOU. SINCERELY, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 08, 2016
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN PART RELATED TO THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 261,000.
Apr 04, 2016
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TOYOTA APPLIED A CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND TO THE REAR CROSS-MEMBER ASSEMBLIES AND TO THE ADJACENT AREAS OF THE FRAME. THIS COATING HAS COMPLETELY PEELED OFF, RENDERING THE EXPOSED CORRODED METAL BACK TO IT'S ORIGINAL RECALLED STATE. THIS RECALL OCCURRED IN JANUARY OF 2012, THE PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY TOYOTA. ALL OF THE COATING IS GONE, AND, NO LONGER PROTECTING THE EXPOSED AND CORRODED METAL. *TR
Oct 28, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL MY FIRST CROSS COUNTRY RETIREMENT TRIP IN SEPTEMBER 2013. MY PLANNED TRIP WAS FROM TENNESSEE TO CALIFORNIA. WHEN I REACHED KINGMAN, ARIZONA (ABOUT 1200 MILES INTO THE TRIP), I WAS TRAVELING UPHILL ON INTERSTATE 40 WHEN SUDDENLY THE TRUCK ACCELERATED ITSELF TO A HIGH RPM AND SPEED. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOT RESPOND OR SLOW THE TRUCK DOWN. I TRIED TO MAINTAIN STEERING CONTROL, BUT IN A SPLIT-SECOND, I WAS THROWN OFF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO THE HILLSIDE, TREES, AND BUSHES. THE TRUCK COMPLETELY ROLLED OVER, FLIPPED UPHILL, AND COME TO A STOP FACING TRAFFIC. THE LANDED DRIVER SIDE DOWN, AND WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 79,000 MILES ON IT. A MONTH LATER I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL DONE FOR THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE 2003 MODEL. I NOW WONDER HOW MANY OTHERS WERE INJURED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I TOOK MANY PICTURES OF THE DAMAGES. *TR
Dec 26, 2013
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TOOK 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA IN FOR FRAME RUST CORROSION PROGRAM 09V-444000. WAS TOLD FRAME AND OTHER COMPONENTS HAD EXTENSIVE RUST AND MULTIPLE 10MM HOLES BY LEAD SERVICE TECHNICIAN AT LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. SERVICE MANAGER EXPLAINED THAT MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA FRAME WAS EXTENSIVELY RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD AND THEY WANTED TO TAKE MY TRUCK IMMEDIATELY AND PROVIDE A RENTAL CAR DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. ASKED FOR A PLAN OF ACTION OF THE SCOPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED (CORROSION COMPOUND VERSES FRAME REPLACEMENT) BEFORE GIVING POSSESSION OF VEHICLE. PHOTOS OF 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA FRAME, REAR CROSS MEMBERS, SPARE TIRE CARRIER, REAR BRAKE LINES & FUEL TANK MOUNTING SYSTEM WERE TAKEN AND SENT TO LEAD SERVICE TECH THREE STATES AWAY IN TEXAS. WAS INFORMED EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST EXISTS ON ALL COMPONENTS (FRAME, REAR CROSS MEMBERS, SPARE TIRE CARRIER, REAR BRAKE LINES & FUEL TANK MOUNTING SYSTEM) BUT IT IS NOT COVERED BECAUSE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER REGISTERED IN WISCONSIN. PURCHASED THIS 2003 TOYOTA CERTIFIED VEHICLE IN WISCONSIN IN APRIL OF 2010 AND NO INFORMATION WAS GIVEN TO ME AT REGARDING THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION OR ANY RUST INSPECTIONS THAT WERE PERFORMED. TOYOTA CORPORATION REFUSES TO REPAIR, REPLACE OR ADD CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND TO ANY SEVERELY AFFECTED RUSTED COMPONENTS. SIGNIFICANT RUST ISSUES EXIST ON THIS VEHICLE AND STILL TOYOTA CORPORATION REFUSES TO PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTATION OF THEIR INSPECTIONS. TOYOTA CORPORATION WILL NOT PUT IN WRITING THAT THE FRAME, REAR CROSS MEMBERS, SPARE TIRE CARRIER, REAR BRAKE LINES & FUEL TANK MOUNTING SYSTEM IS SAFE OR ROAD WORTHY. DEADLINE FOR ALL RUST REPAIRS IS DECEMBER 31, 2012. TOYOTA CORPORATION IS STALLING CONSUMERS TO KEEP FROM DOING ANY REPAIRS AND LEAVING UNSAFE RUSTED 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA'S ON THE HIGHWAYS. PLEASE INITIATE A NEW NHTSA INVESTIGATION REGARDING THIS MATTER FOR THE SAFETY OF CONSUMERS. *TR
Nov 08, 2012
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
FOR THE THIRD TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE WHERE THE SHIFT CONTROL GOES INTO THE STEERING COLUMN, WHERE IT CONNECTS HAS BROKEN. THIS IS A PIECE OF METAL THAT HAS AGAIN SNAPPED MAKING IT UNABLE TO SHIFT THE CAR. WHAT HAPPENS IF I WAS IN DRIVE AND COULD NOT SHIFT INTO PARK? I HAVE HAD THIS FIXED TWICE BEFORE, ONCE WHEN I WAS STUCK ON THE ROAD AND ONCE TOWED TO TOYOTA. *TR
Oct 30, 2012
STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY TOYOTA HAD A FRAME RECALL FOR RUSTING WHICH THEY FIXED. NOW I'M BEING TOLD MY GAS TANK IS RUSTING AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. TOYOTA WILL FIX IT FOR 1500. 00 DOLLARS I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND IS A TOYOTA PROBLEM. *TR
Aug 19, 2012
STRUCTURE,TIRES
1 complaint
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE SPARE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY (MOUNTED BENEATH THE VEHICLE) FELL WITHOUT WARNING TO THE ROADWAY BELOW. THE TIRE/WHEEL ENDED UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVING LANE, CAUSING NUMEROUS VEHICLES FOLLOWING BEHIND ME TO SWERVE TO AVOID IT. I PULLED OVER TO CONFIRM THE WHEEL WAS FROM MY VEHICLE, AND THIS WAS VERIFIED. I THEN TURNED AROUND TO PICK UP THE WHEEL AND REMOVE IT FROM THE HIGHWAY. I FOUND THE BRACKET STILL IN PLACE IN THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL, HOWEVER IT WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND HAD NO STRUCTURAL STRENGTH LEFT. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF THE CHAIN OR CABLE THAT HELD THE WHEEL AND BRACKET TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK. THIS VEHICLE HAD RECENTLY BEEN TO A TOYOTA DEALER EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE FRAME (CORROSION RECALL), AS WELL AS FOR REPLACEMENT OF GAS TANK STRAPS (WHICH WERE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION ISSUES). IT HAD BEEN DETERMINED THAT NO ACTION WAS NEEDED WITH REGARDS TO FRAME CORROSION. THE GAS TANK STRAPS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS NO COMMENT FROM THE TOYOTA DEALER ON ANY POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH THE SPARE TIRE MOUNTING SYSTEM. *KB
Oct 10, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
FRAME AND REAR END BANJO HOUSING ROTTED TO THE POINT WHERE GEAR OIL FROM REAR END LEAKED OUT ONTO THE ROAD. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO GARAGE TO MAKE TEMPORARY REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, FRAME IS DISINTEGRATED WITH PIECES FALLING TO THE GROUND. TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT GARAGE AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE TRUCK TO TOYOTA AND BOTH THE REAR END ASSEMBLY AND FRAME SHOULD BE REPLACED. GARAGE, STEWART'S OF GEORGETOWN, MA., STATES METAL OF FRAME HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE YOU COULD POKE HOLES IN IT WITH A SCREW DRIVER. FRAME EXAMINED ON AUGUST 6, 2011 AFTER PIECES OF FRAME FOUND UNDER THE TRUCK AFTER LABOR DAY WEEKEND. TRUCK HAS 40,700 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND USED TO DELIVER AND PICK UP SUPPLIES FOR PROPERTY OWNED. THE CONSUMER TO DATE, HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE A USABLE REAR END ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVE THE FAILURE WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE USE OF REPROCESSED METAL IN THE MANUFACTURING, TOGETHER WITH THE FAILURE TO PROPERLY TREAT EXPOSED METAL PARTS WITH CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUNDS. THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HIM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR THAT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN AUGUST 2007. UPDATED IVOQ 12/01/11 *TR
Sep 13, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON GIVING GAS CODES. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRAS. MINE HAS BEEN ON MY TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS SINCE I BOUGHT IT, AND I CONSTANTLY NEED TO GET IT RESET, UNTIL I DECIDE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. *TR
Feb 25, 2011
STEERING,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE FRAME ON MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA IS RUSTING BADLY. TOYOTA WAS UNABLE TO ALIGN MY FRONT END DUE TO RUST, AND IT HAS CAUSED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM TO COMPLETELY FREEZE UP AND THE BRAKE WILL NOT WORK. IT IS A COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM, I HAVE NO BRAKE. TOYOTA TRIED TO FREE UP THE BRAKES BUT WERE NOT ABLE TO. THEY GAVE ME A CAN OF LUBRICANT AND TOLD ME TO KEEP LUBING THE FROZEN SECTION. THEY WERE COMPLETELY UNABLE TO ALIGN MY FRONT END. *TR
Nov 23, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE MAIN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORATED DUE TO SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY REPLACED THE RUSTED FUEL TANK FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED A RUSTED BRAKE BACKING PLATE, AND THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, FOUR NEW TIRES WERE MOUNTED ON THE VEHICLE. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO PERFORM A TIRE ALIGNMENT DUE TO THE SIGNIFICANT FRAME DAMAGE. THE VIN WAS UNABLE TO BE ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Jul 22, 2009
SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA ACCESS CAB. I RECENTLY WAS PUTTING MY 5 YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER INTO THEIR BACK SEAT AND SHE PUT HER HAND UP TO STABILIZE HERSELF AND THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT HARNESS AND CASING WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAME CAME COMPLETE OFF OF THE FRAME. THERE WAS NO UNDUE STRESS PUT ON THE HARNESS OR CASING AND NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. THERE IS NOW A HOLE WHERE THE BOLT WAS ONCE PERMANENTLY ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR THE SAKE OF CONVENIENCE AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR 12-12-08 AT 8:30 AM. THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT AN HOUR. I TOOK IT IN AND THE SERVICE GUY WAS VERY KERT AND SAID THAT IT WOULD TAKE A MINIMUM OF 3 HOURS AND COST $104.00. FINDING THIS UNACCEPTABLE, I TOLD HIM I DID NOT FEEL I SHOULD PAY TO HAVE A BASIC PART OF THE CAR'S SAFETY LOOKED AT. I CAN UNDERSTAND IF IT IS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. BUT IT IS A SAFETY BELT! MY OTHER SAFETY BELT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE CREEKS WHICH MAKES ME WONDER IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THAT ONE AS WELL. I AM GLAD I DID NOT FIND OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT WAS DEFECTIVE DURING THE COURSE OF AN ACCIDENT. ANY ASSISTANCE AND/OR GUIDANCE YOU CAN GIVE ON THIS IMPORTANT MATTER WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AS WELL WHO TOLD ME THAT IT IS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Dec 17, 2008
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
POWER LOCKS - BEGINNING IN 2006, THE DRIVER SIDE/REAR POWER LOCK IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY SE BEGAN TO FAIL. THE FAILURE BEGINS WITH INTERMITTENT FUNCTIONING OF THE LOCKS - THE DOORS WILL LOCK/UNLOCK UNPREDICTABLY. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS - CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE RISK OF THEFT FROM A CAR THAT FAILED TO LOCK. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PART WAS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. (I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD). *NM
Jan 08, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS SPEWING SULFUR DIOXIDE WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, BUT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE DEALER DOES NOT HAVE AN UPDATED CONVERTER. THE DEALER COULD ONLY USE THE SAME TYPE OF CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH THEY DETERMINED WOULD HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM THE WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 02/07/06. *JB
Jan 17, 2006
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH DUE TO THE LOWER BALL JOINT CAUSING A REDUCED STEERING EFFORT. HE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INSTRUCTED HIM TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT.*AK
Nov 03, 2005
CHILD SEAT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I AM A CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN. I ASSISTED A CLIENT TODAY WITH THE INSTALLATION OF A GRACO "CARGO" CHILD RESTRAINT MODEL # 8487BEL EDOM 08/31/04. IN TRYING TO INSTALL THE SEAT IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR OUTBOARD LOCATION OF A TOYOTA TUNDRA ACCESS CAB TRUCK, I FOUND IT ESSENTIALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SECURE THE TETHER (TOP STRAP). THE VEHICLE MANUAL IS POORLY ILLUSTRATED AND THE PATH FOR THREADING THE STRAP BEHIND THE SEAT IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH THE TYPICAL 2 INCH HOOK TYPE TETHER. PLEASE REVIEW THE MANUAL & CHECK THE VEHICLE. I EVENTUALLY INSTALLED THE SEAT IN THE CENTER WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY USING THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CENTER TETHER INSTALLATION. THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE REALLY UNACCEPTABLE.*AK
Jan 12, 2005
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA'S PASSENGER DOOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE LOCKS GO OFF AND ON BY THEMSELF.*AK
Feb 04, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
2003 TUNDRA RPM HANG-UP - SAFETY ISSUE HELLO ALL:I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA 3.4, V6, 4X4, 5 SPEED. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IF I HAVE TO BRAKE HARD THE RPM'S ARE MAINTAINED FOR UP TO 1.5 SECONDS BEFORE THE RPM STARTS TO DROP. THIS OCCURS WITH AND WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ON. I'D LIKE TO ALSO NOTE THAT MY LAST TRUCK WAS A T-100 WITH THE 3.4 V6 ENGINE - SO I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH HOW THIS ENGINE SHOULD, IN THEORY, RESPOND. DEALER CLAIMS THIS A COMPUTER ISSUE AND TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A TSB. DEALER ALSO CLAIMS THAT THIS FEATURE WAS ADDED TO REDUCE JERKY FEELING WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. THE ISSUE PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IN AN EMERGENCY, YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO LOOSE 1.5 SECONDS OF BRAKING TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS THE ADDED WEAR ON YOUR FRONT DISK BRAKE PADS DUE TO THE ENGINE TRYING TO MAINTAIN RPM WHILE BRAKES ARE TRYING TO STOP THE TRUCK. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPRODUCED AT THE DEALER. TO CHECK A TRUCK, CRUISE AT 55 OR 65 MPH, NOTE THE RPM - THEN IF YOU HAVE TO BRAKE HARD TRY TO NOTE IF THE RPM DROPS IMMEDIATELY OR, HANGS UP FOR A SECOND OR TWO. ANOTHER WAY TO CHECK THIS IS, WHILE PARKED, RACE ENGINE TO 2500-3000 RPM THEN SWITCH FOOT FROM GAS TO BRAKE PEDAL QUICKLY-SIMULATING AN EMERGENCY STOP. NOTE THE RPM AND ENGINE SOUND. YOU WILL FIND THE ENGINE STILL MAINTAINING THAT 2500-3000 RPM FOR 1-1.5 SECONDS. ALSO, DEALER POINTED OUT THAT UNLESS THERE ARE MORE COMPLAINTS, TOYOTA 'WILL NOT' DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. PERSONALLY I WOULD LIKE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED BEFORE INCIDENT(S) FORCES US TO LOOK SERIOUSLY AT THIS. THANKS TO ALL MIKE LAUDANO. *LA
Nov 22, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
ENGINE LIGHT ON. I HAVE TAKEN IN 3 TIMES. UNKNOWN CAUSE/EMISSION SYSTEM OR FUEL SYSTEM. ENGINE HAS 2206 MILES ON IT. *LA
Oct 11, 2003
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
1 complaint
2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER - COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BOTH STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL, WITHOUT WARNING OR UNUSUAL CAUSE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 25 MPH. TOYOTA DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND STATES THAT VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND MEETS DESIGN INTENT. TOYOTA DEALER STATES THAT PROBLEM CAN NOT BE REPAIRED AND RECOMMENDS SNOW TIRES. SNOW TIRES THAT MEET TOYOTA SPECS ARE NOT COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE.*JB
Feb 27, 2003
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
CAR STALLS (GAS PEDAL DOES NOT RESPOND) WHEN TURNING INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO WHEN SLOWING TO A LOW SPEED AND THEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAS CAUSED US TO ALMOST BE HIT SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SIDE AND IN THE REAR. MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR WITH TIRE MARKS LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMES ON AND FLASHES. THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT WHEN THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF THE ACCELERATOR WILL HAPPEN. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE ALMOST EVERY TIME WE DRIVE. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND BEGIN TO GO YOU HEAR DINGING SOUNDS AND FEEL AND HEAR BUMPS AND GRINDING NOISES. 2 LIGHTS COME ON IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. 1 READS VSC TRAC AND THE OTHER READS TRAC OFF. IF YOU STOP AND RESTART THE ENGINE IT WILL EVENTUALLY STOP DOING IT. SOMETIMES THIS IS AFTER 1 RESTART AND SOMETIMES IT HAS TAKEN 5 AND 6. ON DAY IT WOULD NOT STOP NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU RESTARTED AND WE HAD TO DRIVE WITH LIGHTS ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 DIFFERENT TIMES.
Feb 15, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 TOYOTA Tundra have?
The 2003 TOYOTA Tundra currently has 402 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2003 TOYOTA Tundra?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 TOYOTA Tundra are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2003 TOYOTA Tundra problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 TOYOTA Tundra comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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