NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
I took my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and for a tire alignment and was told by an employee of the tire shop that my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and lower ball joints. I checked the VIN number and it said I have zero recalls, but there is a general recall on this make a model that I have what do I do? I also have the steering has a lot of play whenever I go for a bump in the road like the tires catch the road so I kind of swerve a little bit and I feel that it’s very unsafe to me and other drivers.
While driving at both high speeds (highway) and local road speed limits, Toyota Tacoma's rear passenger side frame split completely in half. While performing maneuvers such as right turns, vehicle wobbled and I, driver, lost temporary control of vehicle. Upon further inspection, rear driver side frame also contains stress fractures which are symmetric to the rear passenger side of truck. Potential for accident has increased exponentially. Pictures provided. Brought evidence of clear safety hazard to local Metro Detroit dealership at 773 S Rochester Rd Unit B, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 on 04NOV25, and called Toyota Corporate on 05NOV25. Toyota Corporate neglected my concerns about safety hazard and potential harm to myself and family. Safety recall needs to be issued immediately. This issue stems from a well known recall from Toyota of Toyota Tacoma's, 1996-2004, which contained an OEM defect of excessive corrasion to the frames, causing premature failure of the frames due to excessive rust build up which impacts frame integrity and increases probability of failures such as observed in my case.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving over railroad tracks, the lower ball joint separated from its socket, which caused the CV axle shaft to break apart and led to the separation of the upper ball joint. As a result, the front driver's side tire folded under the fender, causing the truck to abruptly veer off the road and into the right shoulder All parts are available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the failure occurred, I was driving over a series of railroad tracks when the truck suddenly veered off the road onto the shoulder. This abrupt veering and stopping put my safety—and the safety of others—at risk, as the drivers behind me had to react suddenly to avoid a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The truck was serviced in 2006 in response to the recall, having the lower ball joints replaced, however the replacement parts may have failed Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe of the vehicle was corroded and the subframe had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 260,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the rear sub frame on the driver's and passenger's side were corroded. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 345,000.
The frame rusted through and there are holes in the frame The frame broke while my wife was driving home from work. Had to get it towed to the house No No No, no symptoms
I was getting on the freeway and was hit by another driver (who fled the scene and didn’t get caught) and my truck spun around 180 before catching bushes and rolling three times smashing my front end and almost collapsing my roof and my airbags failed to deploy as well as my seatbelt tensioner not tightening resulting in me breaking my back in three spots. I was going approximately 35-45 mph and the first roll from the top of the embankment dropped about 15 which is where the front end got smashed due to being front heavy and this is where I broke my back before continuing to roll
I was getting on the freeway when my truck either got hit by someone or it sped up without me pressing the gas causing me to spin and catch the bushes on the side of the on-ramp where I rolled and slammed my front end continuing to roll 3 times. I broke my back due to the airbag failure to deploy
This truck was sprayed for frame rust at Kern Toyota Winchester, Va 10/07/2010 a problem Toyota was very aware of and tried to put a band-aid on a known issue that would rust out and not pass inspection or worse yet cause a terrible accident or cause harm to driver/passengers or other drivers. We have had another vehicle in the family by Toyota that they replaced the entire frame and now they state that is not true. However, we had a rental for over a month while they did replace entire frame for same issue. Now our above truck that is in wonderful shape nothing else wrong but frame that is rusted did not pass inspection requiring parts that need welded. So we have a good truck that only thing wrong is the issue Toyota knew they used faulty equipment/parts for.
The DARCARS Toyota dealership in Rckville, MD has refused to repair an outstanding safety recall issue for my 2003 Toyota PreRunner truck. I had received a recall notice from Toyota for my 2003 Toyota PreRunner. On July 21, 2023, I arrived for my 7:30 a.m. appt at DARCARS to get the spare tire lift carrier repaired. Although it was still within the eligible recall period, a very annoyed service manager told me that DARCARS would not repair it. Although I had made the appt 1+ weeks earlier, he told me no repair parts had been ordered in preparation for repairing the hazard. After I insisted the safety recall issue created a dangerous hazard for me and other drivers since the spare tire located underneath the truck might fall down onto the roadway while driving, he became angry and said the spare tire lift carriage must first be inspected (a 5-10 min inspection) to determine if corrosion on the lift was present. Since I had expected the dangerous part was going to be replaced, I agreed to the inspection. A Toyota service rep drove the truck to the service bays for an inspection. Although my appt was scheduled as the first day of the day, I waited over an hour with no response from the manager or the service rep. During this hour wait, I asked on at two occasions if the inspection was completed and was told "No" with no details provided. I finally walked outside to the back of the DARCARS dealership and discovered my truck had been sitting in a parking lot. No no one had bothered to inspect it. Due to the attitude of the DARCARS service manager, service rep, lack of communication, and the failure to have ordered any parts to repair the safety hazard, it became obvious that DARCARS had no intention of correcting the safety hazard. They intended to stall and make receiving the recall repairs as difficult as possible -- and requiring a second service visit. (Afterward, a non-Toyota mechanic performed a inspection and confirmed the lift carrier are severely corroded.)
We bought the truck used from a dealer about 10 -12 years ago. We've always taken good care of it, and kept it in a garage. It always passed inspection with no problems, and there is nothing wrong with the truck, except at the last inspection about 2 weeks ago the mechanic said the frame has completed rusted through and the truck is not safe to drive. We can't get it fixed. I called Toyota and they said since it was no longer under warranty, too bad. They did "open a case" for us and I'm supposed to hear back from them next week, but I don't have much hope that they will do anything. The truck only has about 90,000 miles on it, despite being 20 years old. It is in good shape in every other way.
The contact owned a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving up the driveway at 5 MPH and turning into the garage, the accelerator pedal was depressed but went down to the floorboard and became stuck. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into the fence gate and the corner of the neighbor's residence. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V388000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
I was driving home on March 10 2023 well out of no where my Toyota Tacoma something on the front end suspension broke it looks to me the recal that Toyota fixed before I even got the truck well sent me into 3 trees head on 55mph no airbag deployed I didn't have a chance to try and stop the vehicle I thought I was going to die I know the road I was on isn't the best shape I need help
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V542000 (Tires) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to rust on the subframe, and the spare tire carrier needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 236,000.
frame. We did have the frame checked a few times since we were made aware of the issue with rusted frames. Terrible noise. Technician says frame is being held to cap by two inches of rusted frame on both side just above rear wheel. Our repair person says of there was a recall, he can fix it. It thought there was a recall. He said otherwise the truck looks perfect. We are original owers. have kept truck in perfect condition. This is our second toyota truck and fourth toyota car. I can't imagine you would not authorize/pay for frame replacement, new/used. we are crushed. please advise if you can authorize/pay for repair/replacement. Our repair person advised we should not drive for fear of truck splitting in half.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle remained and was diagnosed that the rear frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was included in an unknown warranty extension; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 310,000.
The local dealership Cloninger Ford /Toyota told me that I need to replace the airbag ECU and Pretensioner on drivers side. The cost estimate was $1,500.00. I have seen that Toyota has given recalls on other models for this defect. I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. I am submitting this complaint with hopes for my case to be considered. The airbag light cam on on my truck 2 months ago and Cloninger Toyota replaced the front seat belt assy. and erased dics. This cured the problem (light on) for a few weeks. Please consider this issue for recall further than you have at this point.
Truck crashed into rocks on shoulder and rolled over. Driver side Windshield and roof crushed. Air bag did not deploy. Sheriff took a report of crash.HI213530034 Greenspot road. Highland , CA. Vehicle is in possession of coparts authorized by USAA insurance
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the entire subframe of the vehicle was rusted due to severe corrosion. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that there was an opportunity to have the frame of the vehicle coated but that make the corrosion worse. The contact feels as though the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
While driving, on the highway, the rear shock absorber support mount came loose, allowing the truck bed to come loose from the frame/chassis. Fortunately only the passenger side came loose, keeping the truck's bed attached to the rear of the truck I later found that this particular model has a problem with Frame rot which generated a Toyota bulletin. I bought the truck from Toyota, as a used truck in 2011, but received no notifications of this potentially hazardous vehicle. If the bed had come loose at highway speed, any vehicle following the 2003 Toyota Tacoma truck would have been severely damaged or potentially resulted in the death of the people in the cars following behind me and the truck. There was a Toyota bulletin issued previously which was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. The vehicle has been in Toyota shops regularly for inspections, maintenance and other repairs but the shop never mentioned anything about a "rusty" frame. Upon further research, I have found multiple Toyota Tacoma owners with similar issues with the frame. I believe Toyota knowingly manufactured and sold a defective product with serious potential safety issues. This vehicle either should be banned from the road for the safety of all drivers.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while changing the oil, he noticed that the undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted which resulted in the sub-frame being compromised. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, RODENTS ATE THE FUEL LINE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALEY TOYOTA OF ROANOKE (1530 COURTLAND RD NE, ROANOKE, VA 24012) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FUEL LINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE HOWEVER, THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE CHECK UP AT LITHIA TOYOTA OF REDDING (250 E. CYPRESS AVE, REDDING, CA 96002, (530) 250-3207) THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED HIM THAT THE SPARE TIRE HAD SEVERE CORROSION, AS WELL AS THE REAR SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 450,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,208.
THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND WAS NEVER ADDRESSED TO BE FIXED
I TOOK MY TACOMA FOR STATE INSPECTION AND THEY COULD NOT LIFT IT BECAUSE THE FRAME HAS A HOLE THROUGH IT AT THE FRONT MOUNTING POINT OF THE REAR SPRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HITTING A SEVER BUMP OR A POTHOLE COULD SNAP THE FRAME IN HALF. I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE FRAME, ONLY ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER. I'M NOT A COMPUTER EXPERT AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO ADD A PICTURE OF THE FRAME TO THIS DOCUMENT. I DO KNOW THAT I NEED THE TRUCK BUT I AM UNABLE TO GET IT INSPECTED TO DO SO. PLEASE HELP.
I PURCHASED MY 2003 TACOMA SECOND HAND BACK IN 2015 WHICH SERVES AS MY PRIMARY VEHICLE TO THIS DAY. AFTER RETURNING FROM A YEAR LONG DEPLOYMENT OVERSEAS, I HAD A FEW FRIENDS OVER ON 4JUN OF WHICH ONE WAS ADMIRING MY TRUCK UNTIL HE LOOKS UNDERNEATH AND NOTICES ALL THE FRAME RUST. HE ADVISES THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON IT AND I SHOULD CONTACT MY TOYOTA DEALER TO GET IT SERVICED. FEELING DISTRAUGHT, I GO ONLINE AND LOOKUP RECALLS FOR MY CAR WHICH LED ME TO THE "FRAME RUST" SAFETY ISSUE ON A MANY TOYOTA MODELS TO INCLUDE MY OWN. THE ADVISEMENT SUGGESTS SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE FRAME RUSTING THROUGH DUE TO FACTORY NEGLIGENCE IN SUFFICIENTLY COATING WITH ANTI-CORROSION MATERIALS. FURTHER RESEARCH IN OTHER FORUMS STATE OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS DESCRIBING IT AS FRAME RUST ALTOGETHER AND NOT JUST ON THE SPARE TIRE PLATE. ISSUES DESCRIBED INCLUDE THE ISSUE CAUSING THE LEAF SPRING TO SNAP AND THE FRAME ITSELF RUSTING THROUGH. INSPECTION OF MY TRUCK PROVES TRUE TO ALL ACCOUNTS DESCRIBED. I CONTACTED SERVCO TOYOTA IN HONOLULU, HI THE VERY NEXT DAY AND SPOKE TO A NICE LADY. I EXPLAINED HOW I BECAME THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SINCE 2015 AND WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THIS RECALL. SHE CHECKED MY VIN TO CONFIRM THAT I WAS AFFECTED BY IT, HOWEVER THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED AS OF 2018 SO THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. SHE GAVE ME THE 1-800 NUMBER TO TOYOTA WHICH LED ME NOWHERE AND KEPT DIVERTING ME BACK TO SERVCO TOYOTA INSTEAD OF THEIR MAIN OFFICE..... WHAT FRUSTRATES ME THE MOST IS THAT TOYOTA PROVIDED ME NO NOTICE OR WARNING ABOUT THIS RECALL. SO HOW CAN I REACT TO SOMETHING I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF. SAFETY RECALLS SHOULD NEVER HAVE EXPIRATION DATES AS IT REMAINS A SAFETY ISSUE UNTIL ITS PROPERLY REMEDIED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER?S AND PASSENGER?S SIDE REAR SUBFRAME AND REAR LEAF SPRING WERE FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BERLIN CITY TOYOTA OF PORTLAND LOCATED AT 191 RIVERSIDE ST, PORTLAND, ME 04103 (207) 618-6528, AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.*DT 8/14/2020 EDIT BY [XXX]: I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO ADD THAT THE TACOMA WAS BROUGHT INTO THE SEASHORE TACOMA DEALERSHIP IN NEW JERSEY BACK IN 2013 FOR A DIFFERENT RECALL AND THE FRAME RECALL WAS NEVER ADDRESSED OR BROUGHT UP TO ME WHILE MY TACOMA WAS THERE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT IN 2016 WHILE I WAS STATIONED IN ALASKA, I RECEIVED A POST CARD ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. I PROMPTLY CALLED THE NUMBER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE WARRANTY DID NOT PERTAIN TO MY TACOMA. OTHERWISE, I WOULD HAVE PUT IT ON THE FERRY TO JUNEAU FOR THE INSPECTION. LASTLY, I HAVE OWNED THIS TACOMA SINCE 2009. IT AS BEEN STATIONED WITH ME FOR 4 YORK IN FL, 4 YORK IN NJ, 4 YORK IN SITES, AK AND 2 YEARS IN ME. IT ALSO PREVIOUSLY LIVED BETWEEN IN KY AND FL PRIOR TO ME. HAD I BEEN ASKED THE RIGHT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF THE TACOMA THEN I'M SURE THEY WOULD HAVE TOLD ME THE TRUCK WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. *DT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED THROUGH WITH FIVE HOLES TO THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BENNETT TOYOTA (1951 LEHIGH ST, ALLENTOWN, PA 18103), WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE FIVE HOLES IN THE SUBFRAME AND THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.
ONCE YOU FASTEN THE SEAT BELT, IT TIGHTENS WITH ANY MOVENT AND RESTRAINS THE BODY TO THE POINT THAT DISABLES MOVEMENT OR EVEN BREATHING. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER BEING SERVICED AT A DEALER (CUMBERLAND TOYOTA 1540 INTERSTATE DR, COOKEVILLE, TN 38501 (931) 272-3719) WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME WAS DISCOVERED TO BE RUSTED OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND ADVISED THAT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY BUT IT HAD EXPIRED BY 2018. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
WHEN I WENT TO THE GARAGE FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION, I WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE FRAME ON MY TACOMA WAS RUSTED SEVERELY WITH MAJOR HOLES AND COULD NOT BE INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRAME FOR SUCH ISSUES AND THAT I SHOULD CALL THE DEALER WHO SOLD THE TRUCK. BEING AS THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER OPEN (RETIRED), I WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK TO HIM. II CALLED THE TOYOTA COMPANY, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER IN EFFECT AND THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. I ASKED WHY I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THIS RECALL AS I WAS THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT "EVERYONE THAT OWNED ONE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A NOTICE." I WROTE A LETTER TO THE TOYOTA COMPANY IN JANUARY 2020 AND DID NOT RECEIVE A REPLY.
ON SEPTEMBER 14 2019, I TOOK MY TRUCK (2003 TOYOTA TACOMA) TO JERRY TOYOTA DEALER FOR A SERVICE. THEY FOUND A CRACK ON THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK AND THEY TOLD ME IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK, BUT THEY DIDN'T OFFER ANY REPAIR. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALLED FOR THE FRAME WAS EXPIRED ON 2018.
WE BOUGHT A TOYOTA TACOMA OFF A USED CAR LOT UNAWARE OF THE PREVIOUS RECALL ON THE TRUCK. WE ARE NOW STUCK WITH A UNDRIVEABLE VEHICAL THAT IS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE FRAME. IT IS IN ARE YARD. WE STILL OWE 10.000 FOR IT AND BEING FORCED TO PAY INSURANCE FOR A VEHICAL IM NOT EVEN ABLE TO USE.
FRAME IS RUSTING.
AT APPROXIMATELY 128K MILES, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT GO OUT. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED WHILE DRIVING, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN OBVIOUS CAUSE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONTINUALLY GARAGED SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN 2003.
POWER STEERING PUMP HAVING ISSUES I CAN FILL IT UP TO THE FULL LINE AND IT WILL GO DOWN TO HALF EMPTY EVERYTIME I'VE DONE IT THEREFORE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT, THE TRUCK BED HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED/CORROSION COMPLETELY THROUGH IT ON BOTH SIDES, THE SPARE TIRE MECHANISM IS RUSTED SO BADLY IT DOESN'T WORK AND HALF OF IT IS MISSING DUE TO RUST/CORROSION AN HAS FALLEN OFF, AND THE FRAME BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO HANG ON THE GROUND AND IT KNOCKED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK BEFORE I COULD GET THE TRUCK STOPPED, ALSO THE SUSPENSION ON THE REAR OF THE TRUCK IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ON THE TOP UNDER THE BED JUST ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ON THE BOTTOM.
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE FRAME BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO FALL OUT AND WHEN IT DID IT BOUNCED UP AND KNOCKED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK CAUSING ME TO WRECK.AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THEM.
BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED, FRAME RUSTED, FROM COLD WEATHER STATE, HEARD LOTS OF TRUCKS DID THIS, RUST SO BAD AFRAID TO DRIVE IT,EVERYTHING ELSE ON TRUCK GOOD, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IT'S HAD 5 RECALLS, NOT ONE DONE BY FORMER OWNER, INTERNET WEB SITE SAID FRAMES WERE NOT COATED RIGHT, FACTORY DEFECT, WANT TOYOTA TO FIX ISSUE AS IT'S THEIR FAULT THIS HAS HAPPENED, IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A NOISE EMERGED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED ON BOTH SIDES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,733.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUB FRAME EXPERIENCED EXTREME RUSTING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
BROUGHT TRUCK INTO BODY SHOP IN JUNE 2019 TO HAVE WORK DONE. THEY TOLD ME THE FRAME ON THE TRUCK WAS SEVERELY RUSTED IN SEVERAL PLACES. THEY SAID IT MAY BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IN 2016 (ABOUT 2.5 YRS AGO) I BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER TO HAVE FRAME INSPECTED UNDER A RECALL NOTICE. AT THAT TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME WAS OK. IN ADDITION THE TRUCK WAS AT THE DEALER IN 2018 FOR ANOTHER RECALL FOR LEAF SPRINGS. AT THIS TIME THEY REPLACED LEAF SPRINGS BUT DID NOT REPORT ANY PROBLEMS WITH FRAME RUST. THE ORIGINAL BODY SHOP AND MY LOCAL CAR REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE SEVERITY OF THE RUST DAMAGE ON THE TRUCK INDICATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON A LONG TIME AND WERE SURPRISED THAT IT HAD PASSED TOYOTA DEALER FRAME INSPECTION. I CALLED TOYOTA NATIONAL LINE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR FRAME REPLACEMENTS FOR MY TRUCK THE PROGRAM ENDED IN JANUARY 31 2019. SUBSEQUENTLY I TRIED TO WORK WITH THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY HAVE ALSO TOLD ME THAT NATIONAL TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP. CLEARLY THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM (SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS) INDICATES THAT THE RUST DAMAGE WAS HAPPENING OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND TOYOTA WAS NEGLIGENT IN REPORTING THIS TO ME. TOYOTA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIRING/REPLACING THE FRAME SINCE CLEARLY THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED LONG BEFORE THE JANUARY 31 2019 DATE AND I HAVE FOLLOWED UP ON ALL THE RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS TRUCK.
FRAME RUSTED RESULTING IN STRUCTURE FAILURE (AUTO BASICALLY BROKE IN HALF), CALL TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. SAID THE TRUCK SHOULD HAVE BEEN SPRAYED. BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM A DEALERSHIP AND FEEL AS THOUGH THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE PROVIDED INSPECTION AND SPRAY IF NECESSARY PRIOR TO SELLING AUTO.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION EXPLODED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FLEW UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE LINE SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE MOVED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,661.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DARCARS LOCATED AT 15625 FREDERICK RD, ROCKVILLE, MD 20855 WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR FRAME CORROSION EXPIRED, AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 115,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARING DETACHED. THE HUB FOR THE WHEEL BEARING WAS LOOSE AND DETERIORATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUST AND WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE CORRECT CERTIFIED PARTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
FRAME IS ROTTEN AND BROKEN, SHOCKS RIPPED OFF OF FRAME. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND STILL NEED TO USE DAILY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COASTING INTO A FUEL STATION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT DETACHED FROM THE TIRE INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT AN IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO TOYOTA OF WHITTIER (LOCATED AT 14577 E, WHITTIER BLVD, WHITTIER, CA 90605, (562) 222-5386). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT BECAME LOOSE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION) IN 2005. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1902250627. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR FAILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.
A LOT OF RUST ON THE FRAME AND RUST UNDERNEATH. CLEAN AND WELL TAKEN CARE BUT THE RUST STILL EXIST. I EVEN HAVE TO REPLACE THE EXHAUST BECAUSE IT FALL OFF DUE TO THE RUST. THE RUST UNDERNEATH ARE ALMOST EVERYWHERE. *TR