2003 Toyota Tundra Complaint Log

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING, THE FRAME CRACKED INTO TWO PLACES BEHIND THE CAB WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UN-DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED GRAHAM TOYOTA (1515 W 4TH ST, MANSFIELD, OH 44906 (419) 529-1800) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO PROVIDED CASE 2001 021145 HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

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.

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.

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?

2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA SHOWING SEVERE SIGNS OF FRAME RUST AND CORROSION DAMAGE RENDERING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE ON A PUBLIC ROADWAY. THIS VEHICLE IN EVERY OTHER WAY GAS BEEN MANUFACTURED TO PERFORM FOR MANY MORE YEARS EXCEPTING THE FOUNDATION OF THE VEHICLE, THE FRAMEWORK. MANY, MANY OF THESE VEHICLES ARE IN USE ON AMERICAN STREETS BY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO ARE IN DIRE RISK AND POSING A LIFE THREATENING RISK TO ALL OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.

ON 12/05/11 NEWARK TOYOTA COMPLETED RECALL SSC90M PHASE 2-CRC APPLICATION TO MY RUSTED FRAME. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I NOTICE A BONDING FAILURE AND DELAMINATION OF THE CRC APPLICATION. BY NOVEMBER OF 2013 I ASKED THE SAME SERVICE LANE MANAGER, BILL C. AND THE TECHNICIAN THAT PERFORMED THE WORK TO INSPECT THE FAILED APPLICATION. I ASKED THE TECHNICIAN WHY IT FAILED AND HE STATED "I DID NOT PREPARE THE SURFACE CORRECTLY BEFORE I PLACED THE APPLICATION". I APPRECIATED HIS HONESTY BUT WAS TOLD THEN THAT THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. MY FRAME IS NOW VERY RUSTED SO I ASKED BILL C. TO REINSPECT MY FRAME ON 12/5/19 WHILE MY TUNDRA WAS IN FOR A TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. WILLIAM TOLD ME THAT HE HAD A MANAGER INSPECT MY FRAME AND THAT NO PERFORATIONS WERE FOUND (PLEASE SEE ALL ATTACHED PHOTOS). THEY DID NOT MENTION THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE FRAME C CHANNEL LOWER FLANGES. THIS EXPONENTIALLY EXPANSIVE CORROSION HAS REACHED THE LEAF SPRING BRACKET FLANGE RIVETS (SEE PHOTO 8810); CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY WILL RESULT. I AM A MECHANICAL ENGINEER WITH EXTENSIVE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN CORROSION RELATED FAILURE. THIS FRAME AND VEHICLE ARE UNSAFE! ON 12/21/19 I EMAILED THIS INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND COPIES OF ALL SERVICE RECORDS, TO THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE CENTER. THEY EMAILED ME BACK ON 12/28/19 AND ASKED ME TO CALL THEM. THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE, JEFFERY M., CALLED MY DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME WAS NOT PERFORATED SO I AM NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE FRAME REPLACEMENT RECALL. I ASKED JEFFERY MULTIPLE TIMES IF THE DEALER SAID THE FRAME IS SAFE OR NOT. HE REFUSED TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION AND WOULD ONLY STATE THAT MY FRAME IS NOT PERFORATED. THE NHTSA/TOYOTA 10MM PERFORATION CRITERIA IS INADEQUATE AND THE PHASE 2 APPLICATION BONDING FAILURE EXACERBATED MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT RETENTION.

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

2003 TUNDRA SUBJECT TO FRAME RUST DETERIORATION RECALL WHICH ENDED THIS YEAR 2019. THIS VEHICLE UNDERWENT THIS RECALL INSPECTION AT TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD "PAINT WITH RUST INHIBITOR WILL SOLVE PROBLEM". RECENT INSPECTIONS X2 BY FRAME MECHANICS (NOW A FEW YEARS LATER) RESULTED IN IMMEDIATE RECOMMENDATION TO NOT DRIVE DUE TO DANGER OF IMMINENT FRAME COLLAPSE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 118,000 MILES AND IS OTHERWISE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. I AM SURE MANY OTHERS ARE IN SAME CONDITION - NOT HAVING FRAME REPLACED BY MANUFACTURER, OR MISLED BY MANUFACTURER'S SERVICE CENTER. MANY ACCIDENTS LIKELY WILL OCCUR IN FUTURE. OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES NEED TO BE WARNED OF THIS DANGER.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING DIFFERENTIAL FLUID FROM THE HOUSING WALL OF THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR END HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO CONTINENTAL TOYOTA (6701 SOUTH LA GRANGE ROAD, HODGKINS, IL 60525, (708) 716-4497) WHERE IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DENIED ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.

FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. CAR HAS ONLY 130K MILES. TOYOTA DENIES CULPABILITY, FRAME IS MADE OF INFERIOR MATERIAL NOT ABLE TO WITHSTAND USE.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A FEW YEARS AGO I BOUGHT A USED TOYOTA TUNDRA WITH 70K MILES ON IT THINKING I WAS GETTING A RELIABLE VEHICLE WITH LOTS OF LIFE LEFT ON IT. WHAT I GOT WAS THE MOST UNRELIABLE EXPENSIVE PIECE OF CRAP I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT EVEN NEARLY RUINED OUR HONEYMOON. WE TOOK THE TRUCK ON A ROAD TRIP TO SEE THE SOUTHWEST AND KICK OFF OUR MARRIAGE. IT WAS VERY EXCITING THANKS TO TOYOTA. AT THE GRAND CANYON WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF HUNTING DOWN THE LAST OVERPRICED BOTTLE OF POWER STEERING FLUID. RATHER THAN RELAXING AT THE SOUTH RIM I HAD TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO LIMP THE TRUCK TO THE NEAREST SHOP. THAT WAS OVER $1200 OUT OF OUR BUDGET. THE NEXT OBSTACLE WAS EVEN MORE EXCITING. WE DISCOVERED THE BACK TIRES WHERE READY TO FALL OFF AND THE FRONT WHEELS HAD DEVELOPED SOME ISSUE ALSO. SO WE LIMPED THE TRUCK TO ELK CITY OKLAHOMA IN THE MIDST OF TORNADO WARNINGS. WE EVEN GOT TO SPEND THE NIGHT IN A RUN DOWN MOTEL 6. I THINK THEY RENTED ROOMS BY THE HOUR. THAT WAS ANOTHER $1400 OVER OUR BUDGET FOR A TWO DAY STAY IN SCENIC ELK CITY. AT LEAST WE GOT A FREE LOANER FROM THE FOLKS AT SMITH FAMILY NISSAN. IT'S MORE THAN TOYOTA HAS DONE FOR US. I HAD TO DRIVE UP TO KEENE TO JUST GET PUSHED RIGHT OUT THE DOOR POLITELY. THEY COULD HAVE AT LEAST SAVED ME THE TRIP BY SIMPLY RETURNING MY EMAIL. WE GOT THE SAME TREATMENT FROM TOYOTA CORP. AND FOR A SOUVENIR WE ARE LEFT WITH A VERY EXPENSIVE PIECE OF SCRAP METAL IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT APPEARS AS THOUGH TOYOTA CHEEPED OUT ON THE STEEL FOR THE FRAME. CHEAP CHINESE STEEL. THE SOLUTION WAS TO SPRAY SOME CHEAP CRAP ON THE FRAME AND COVER UP THE PROBLEM. IT WON'T BE LONG BEFORE IT BREAKS IN HALF JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THANKS TOYOTA FOR ALL THE HELP AND THE GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CUSTOMERS. THANKS TO TOYOTA'S PATCH JOB THE FRAME ISSUES DID NOT APPEAR IN A CAR FAX REPORT.

FRAME RECALL INFERIOR STEEL USED ON THE FRAME HAS LED TO PREMATURE FAILURE AND ROT. TOYOTA APPLIED A SEALANT TO THE FRAME TO ADDRESS THE RUST ISSUE. THE SEALANT WAS ALSO AN INFERIOR PRODUCT AND DID NOT ADHERE TO THE FRAME. BECAUSE TOYOTA CONSIDERED THE RECALL CLOSED THERE WAS NO WARNING TO INDICATE A HAZARD COULD EXIST. A RECALL WILL NOT SHOW UP ON CAR FAX IF THE MANUFACTURER DEEMS THE RECALL IS COMPLETE. TOYOTA'S POSITION THAT ROAD SALT IS THE CAUSE OF THE PREMATURE FRAME ROT IGNORES THESE FACTS.

REAR DIFFERENTIAL RUSTED THROUGH AND FLUID LEAKED OUT.

I HAD A SAFETY RECALL FOR CORROSION AND HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN JULY, 2015. RECENTLY I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN EXHAUST LEAK. WHEN THEY PUT IT ON THE RACK THEY NOTED SEVERAL AREAS ON THE FRAME WHICH HAD RUSTED ALL THE WAY THROUGH. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE TRUCK WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF ANY RECALL AND THEREFOR TOYOTA WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FRAME. I BELIEVE THE SAME INFERIOR STEEL WAS USED ON MY FRAME AS WAS ON THE RECALLED TOYOTAS. I LIVE IN VIRGINIA WHICH WHILE WE DON'T EXPERIENCE THE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SNOW HERE, WE ARE STILL CONSIDERED A NORTHERN STATE PER TOYOTA. THE TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND WAS USED AS A DAILY DRIVER AND NOW WILL BE A TOTAL LOSS.

SEAT BELT UNLOCK BY ITSELF. HAD THIS HAPPEN MULTIPLE TIMES DURING HARD BRAKING.

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.

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

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.

MY COMPLAINT IS WITH TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY AND THEIR ADMISSION BUT YET NO RESOLUTION TO A KNOWN PROBLEM. MY STORY OF THIS TOYOTA TRUCK BEGINS WITH MY SON OWNING THIS TUNDRA FOR ABOUT 5-7 YEARS THEN SELLING ME, HIS FATHER THE SAME TUNDRA. BEFORE BUYING SAID TRUCK I WAS ASSURED IT WAS OF GOD STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY, DUE TO AN INSPECTION AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. UPON INSPECTION THEY DID FIND THAT THE FRAME HAD VISIBLE RUST AND PROCEEDED TO TREAT IT WITH ANTI-CORROSION. FORWARD TO THREE WEEKS AGO A LOCAL INSPECTION WAS TO BE DONE IN WHICH I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS DUE TO FRAME PROBLEMS AS IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA ENGINEERS KNOW THAT THE FRAMES ARE GOING TO RUST BECAUSE NO EXTERIOR APPLICATION OF ANY ANTI-CORROSION IS GOING TO PREVENT ANY CORROSION WITHIN A TUBULAR BOXED FRAME. I WAS REFUSED ANY SOLUTION FROM TOYOTA, WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY ADMITTED THAT THESE PARTICULAR TRUCKS ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. HOW CAN YOU HELP WITH GETTING TOYOTA TO RESOLVE THIS COMPLETELY INSTEAD OF PASSING THE LITTLE GUY ASIDE?

WE SENT OUR TRUCK FOR THE INSURANCE (PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE) COMPANY TO THE GARAGE FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND THEY TOLD US THE FRONT/RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRAME IS BROKE. MAKING THE TRUCK UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

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.

REAR CROSS MEMBER THAT HOLDS ON SPARE TIRE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED. TOYOTA REFUSES TO REPLACE BECAUSE THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED.

THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH TO THE POINT THE TRUCK CANNOT EVEN BE JACKED UP. IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND GARAGE KEPT,IT IS NOT DUE TO A LACK OF CARE FOR THE VEHICLE.

MY TRUCK'S FRAME HAS LARGE, MAJOR RUST PERFORATION HOLES ALL OVER THE FRAME AND WILL SOON NEED REPLACEMENT. I FEEL THAT THIS WILL SOON BE A SAFETY FACTOR, AS THE FRAME IS THE ONLY PART OF THE VEHICLE THAT HOLDS THE TRUCK IN ONE PIECE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I'M AFRAID MY FRAME WILL NOT PROTECT ME IN A COLLISION AND THAT MY TRUCK MAY SNAP IN HALF DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. TOYOTA CORPORATE HAD ME IMMEDIATELY BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR A FRAME INSPECTION AND THE RUST PERFORATION WAS NOTED AND VERIFIED, BUT TOYOTA CORPORATE WILL NOT REPLACE MY FRAME BECAUSE THE AREAS SPECIFIED IN THEIR CURRENT OPEN RECALLS AREN'T AS RUSTED AS WHAT WOULD BE NORMALLY DEEMED QUALIFIED FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT. THE CONDITION OF MY FRAME IS TERRIBLE AND MAY BE CONSIDERED MORE DANGEROUS SOON, COMPARED TO WHAT COULD HAPPEN TO THE FRAME CONCERNS OF THE CURRENT RECALLS.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SERVICING HIS VEHICLE, HE LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND NOTICED THAT THE SWAY BAR WAS RUSTED ALONG WITH THE ENTIRE FRAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS ABSENT FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. AS A RESULT, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. WALDORF TOYOTA (2600 CRAIN HIGHWAY, WALDORF, MARYLAND 20601, (301) 843-3700) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXCEEDED THE THREE YEAR/36,000 MILE WARRANTY COVERAGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 1811171313. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS COATED WITH A PREVENTATIVE RUST PROTECTION ON DECEMBER 24, 2011 PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL THAT EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 453,839.

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.

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.

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

AFTER MECHANIC RECENTLY INSPECTED UNDER SIDE, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRAME HAD SIGNIFICANT RUST AND ROT. FRAME IS NOT EXPECT TO MAINTAIN STRUCTURE FOR VERY LONG.

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.

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.

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.

VEHICLE WAS ON RECALL FOR RUSTED FRAME, TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, FOR 2000-2004 AND 2007 MODELS. WE BROUGHT TRUCK IN, THEY SAID IT WASNT BAD ENOUGH FOR A NEW FRAME, AND DID THE COATING. WE GOT HOME AND SAW THAT THE COATING DIDN'T COVER ALL IT SHOULD HAVE. WE BROUGHT IT BACK A SECOND TIME. APPARENTLY IT WASN'T DONE PROPERLY AS A STABILIZER BAR IS RUSTED CLEAN THROUGH AND IS HANGING ON BY A THREAD. WE BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED AT A DEALERSHIP. WHAT RECOURSE DO WE HAVE? CAN WE GET THEM TO REPLACE THE FRAME NOW? THEY HAD IT IN THEIR HANDS TWICE AND DIDN'T COAT IT WELL ENOUGH TO KEEP IT SAFE. NOW I NEED A NEW FRAME. OTHERWISE THE TRUCK IS IN GREAT CONDITION, AND WE MAINTAIN IT AND CARE FOR IT PROPERLY.

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRIME TOYOTA - SACO (783 PORTLAND RD, SACO, ME 04072) FOR THE FREE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS EXTREMELY CORRODED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB-FRAME RECEIVED A RUST INHIBITOR TREATMENT IN 2010 UNDER A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RUST INHIBITOR TREATMENT FAILED TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 172,000.

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.

FRAME RUSTED TO THE POINT OF BEING NON-REPAIRABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF SEVERE FRAME CORROSION. THE DEALER (COBB COUNTY TOYOTA, 2111 BARRETT LAKES BLVD, KENNESAW, GA) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THE CORROSION; HOWEVER, THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REMEDY PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE) BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED PER THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

A FEW YEARS AGO MY TRUCK WAS RECALLED FOR RUST OF THE FRAME. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY DECIDED IT WAS FINE AND SPRAY COATED THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK AS A REMEDY FOR THE RECALL WORK, WHERE OTHER TRUCKS WERE GIVEN NEW FRAMES. IN MY STATE INSPECTION THIS MONTH I WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL RUST PROBLEMS (HOLES) ON THE FRAME IN THE FRONT UPPER PART OF THE FRAME, JUST 10,000 MILES SINCE THE RECALL REMEDY WAS DONE. THE DEALER TELLS ME THEY CAN DO NOTHING, IT IS A TOYOTA PROBLEM, TOYOTA TELLS ME IT IS A DEALER ISSUE SINCE THEY ALREADY "REPAIRED" THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE WORK THEY PERFORMED UNDER THE RECALL WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAKE THEIR TRUCKS SAFE, AND I BELIEVE ANOTHER RECALL MUST BE DONE AND THE FRAMES NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THIS IS AN UNSAFE SITUATION BOTH TO MYSELF AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE FELL FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SPARE TIRE RETAINING PLATE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED, BUT NO OTHER RUST WAS NOTICED ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE LOCAL DEALER (LEE TOYOTA, 115 MAIN ST, TOPSHAM, ME 04086, (207) 729-3358) WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE REPAIR COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 138,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TAKATA RECALL

MANUFACTURER RECALL ORDER OSV254 OR SUMMARY 70A