NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota Tundra. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PEARSON TOYOTA (12978 JEFFERSON AVE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23608, (757) 874-6000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS IN POOR CONDITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN 2012 PER A MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR FRAME RUST IN WHICH AN ANTI-CORROSIVE AGENT WAS SPRAYED ONTO THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,430. *BF THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN UPDATE. *JS *TR
VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST OF THE FRAME.
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.
MY AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND I WENT TO DEALER THEY SAID IS BEEN REPLACE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND THEY I WENT TO MY MECHANIC THEY BEEN REPLACE SOME NEW PART RELATED TO THE AIRBAG IS BEEN OK FOR ONE MONTH NOW THE LIGHTS ON AGAIN.
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.
SPARE TIRE RETAINER FAILED DUE TO RUST AND TIRE FELL OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION
THE FRAME IS RUSTING APART WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION.
THE SRS SYMBOL FOR PASSENGER AIR BAGS CAME ON IN MY TOYOTA TUNDRA ON 7/8/17, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND CONTAINED HOLES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS UNDERCOATED FOR RUST AND CORROSION ON JULY 12, 2012. HERITAGE TOYOTA IN BURLINGTON, VERMONT DISCOVERED THE SEVERE FRAME RUST AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS UNDERCOATED, WHICH IS WHAT THEY WERE REQUIRED TO DO. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF MILEAGE WARRANTY COVERAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. ...UPDATED 10/23/17 *BF *JS
I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE A FEW YEARS AGO AND EVERYTIME I WOULD CALLED TO GET REPLACED AS PROMISED THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY AIRBAGS TO REPAIR AND CLAIM IT WASN'T THAT BIG OF A DEAL YOU JUST COULDN'T HAVE A PASSENGER IN YOUR CAR AND EVENTUALLY THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAG. I JUST LOOKED UP INFORMATION AGAIN ON MY TRUCK AND NOW IT'S NOT EVEN SHOWING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BUT I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION THAT THEY'RE ACTUALLY WAS SO I DON'T KNOW IF SINCE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE IT IT'S NOT A VALID RECALL OR WHY THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE RECALL BECAUSE I THINK IT'S FUNNY TO NOT ENFORCE RECALLS IF THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO. NOTHING HAPPENED BECAUSE I TURNED OFF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SO I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S FAULTY OR WHAT BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE IT IS MY POINT AND REASON FOR MY COMPLAINT I DON'T REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN THE RECALL WAS BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY A FEW YEARS AGO I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS TIMES TO TOYOTA AND ALWAYS BEEN TOLD THEY DON'T HAVE PARTS YET I THINK THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REINVESTIGATED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND SEVERE CORROSION AROUND THE CROSS MEMBER. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,200. UPDATED 06/21/17*LJ *JS
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.
TRUCK HAS 98K MILES. BROUGHT IN 2003 NEW. TOOK GOOD CARE OF IT. HAD A RECALL ON FRAME CORROSION AND HAVE IT RECOATED IN 2011. TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO MECHANIC FOR NON FRAME RELATED ISSUE. THE TRUCK FRAME BROKE DEAD CENTER (BETWEEN THE TRUCK AND THE BED AREA) WHILE ON THE LIFT (THANKFULLY NO ONE GOT HURT). I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THEY TOOK CARE OF MY TRUCK WITH THE RE-COAT. IT IS AT OWNERS EXPENSE TO FIX IT. THEY ARE NOT ADMITTING THEIR RECALL WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN FIXING THE UNDERLYING ISSUE. THIS IS WELL KNOW FLAW IN THEIR DESIGN. EVEN THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TOLD ME HE HAD COUPLE BROKE THE SAME WAY WHILE ON THEIR LIFT. I AM TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH TOYOTA. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK FOR TOYOTA'S RELIABILITY, BUT I WAS WRONG. HAVING A TRUCK FRAME BROKE LESS THAN 100K MILES IS LIKE HAVING SOMEONE DIED AT AGE 25. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.
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!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY. ADDITIONALLY, THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CHUNKS OF THE FRAME WAS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1710030430. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED CALLED TOYOTA DIRECTLY TO INFORM THEM OF ISSUE OF FRAME BEING CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES. THIS WAS DETECTED NY MY MECHANIC WHO IS CERTIFIED AND HAS HIS OWN REPAIR FACILITY. HE INDICATED FRAME WILL NOT LAST ANOTHER YEAR. TOYOTA DENIED CONSUMER ANY CLAIM DUE TO A RE-CALL WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. VIN IS INVALID UPDATED 7/25/18*JB
EVERY TIME I GO ON A TRIP THAT REQUIRES THE TRUCK TO BE RUNNING FOR LONGER THEN 20 MIN OR SO IT BEGINS TO MAKE A REALLY LOUD GRINDING CLUNKING SOUND AND YOU CAN FEEL IT. IT'S SEEMINGLY COMING FROM THE BACK AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOVING OF THE TIRES. MY BUDDY THINKS IT IS THE TRANSMISSION BOX AND THAT IT IS STUCK BETWEEN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND REG. IT ALSO WON'T GO OUT OF FOUR LOT AND FOUR HI WHEN I WANT IT TO.
TAKATA RECALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V444000 (STRUCTURE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000. UPDATED 04/19/17 *LJ *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED TOYOTA MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
TAKATA RECALL ON PROPOSED AIRBAG INFLATOR. AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON
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
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
MY 2003 TUNDRA FRAME IN 2009 WAS DETERMINED TO BE IN OK CONDITION ,THAT IS A RESULT OF LOW MILES , THE FRAME IS NOW 6 YEARS OLD WITH VISIBLE RUST AS I MENTIONED TO MY FALMOUTH TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER ,WITH THAT I GOT A RUST PREVENTATIVE COMPOUND . THIS COMPOUND WAS TO STOP THE RUST , I WOULDN'T BE DOING THIS IF THAT WAS THE CASE , NOW JANUARY 2017 WITH JUST 98000 MILES AND COSMETICALLY A CLEAN TRUCK WITH MY EXPECTATIONS ONLY 1/3 USED , THE NEXT 200,000 MILES I EXPECTED TO PUT ON THIS TRUCK WILL NOT HAPPEN AS FALMOUTH TOYOTA SHOWS ME THE FRAME WORK AROUND THE GAS TANK BRACKETS IS READY TO FAIL ALONG WITH OTHER VISIBLE HOLES AND CRACKS IN OTHER PORTIONS OF THE FRAME , WHY AM I NOT PROTECTED ? IT'S A KNOWN FAILURE AND ALL FAMES SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED NOT A SELECTED FEW , PLEASE I WANT RESULTS . I WAS SOLD ON TOYOTA WHEN THEY ADVERTISED A TRUCK OR CAR STOPPING ON A BRIDGE AND PHOTOGRAPHED THE ODOMETER AT 500,000 , MY GUESS IS THAT IS A THING OF THE PAST AS THEY MADE THERE BILLIONS OF.
2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUST HOLES NEAR FRONT SWAY BAR AND LEFT REAR AT SHOCK MOUNT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED FOR RUST HOLES MULTIPLE TIME NONE WERE FOUND, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY TREATED FOR FRAME RUSTING.*JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE CONTACT RECOGNIZED MULTIPLE HOLES IN THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
EXTREME RUST AREA ALL AROUND REAR DIFFERENTIAL, PITTING IN METAL, AND ALSO THE SPARE WHEEL TIRE EXTREME RUST.
IN MAY 2016, I PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA FROM A USED CAR DEALER. IN OCTOBER, AS I WAS CHANGING THE OIL, I NOTICED A RUST HOLE IN THE FRONT SECTION OF THE FRAME AND AS I FURTHER INSPECTED, THERE WERE RUST HOLES AND CRACKS IN THE FRONT SECTION OF THE FRAME. I CHECKED THE PASSENGER SIDE AND FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM. I WENT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED IN 2012. I THEN CONTACTED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY REVIEWED MY CASE AND SENT IT TO A CASE MANAGER. THE CASE MANAGER CONTACTED ME 2 DAYS LATER AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO BECAUSE IT WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND IT HAD EXPIRED. THIS IS TROUBLING TO COMPREHEND BECAUSE A CO-WORKER OF MINE WHO OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA TRUCK HAD HIS FRAME REPLACED, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, IN 2015. I FIND THIS EXTREMELY TROUBLING BECAUSE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD LEAD TO POTENTIALLY INJURING MYSELF AND MY FAMILY IF THE FRAME WERE TO FURTHER CRACK OR SPLIT. TOYOTA STATES THAT THEY "WANT OUR CUSTOMERS TO HAVE A GREAT OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE, SO WE ARE PLEASED TO RESOLVE LITIGATION IN A WAY THAT BENEFITS THEM AND DEMONSTRATES THAT WE STAND BEHIND THE QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF OUR VEHICLES." I FIND THIS HARD TO BELIEVE CONSIDERING THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO RESOLVE MY SAFETY ISSUES AND CONCERNS.
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
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
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,....
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE MADE A CLUNKING/RATTLING NOISE. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACED HER HAND ON THE CENTER OF THE STEERING WHEEL, SHE FELT A HEAVY OBJECT SHIFTING AROUND INSIDE. THE CONTACT CALLED TOYOTA OF THE DESERT (LOCATED AT 68105 KYLE ROAD, CATHEDRIAL CITY, CALIFORNIA 92234; 760-328-0871) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO DRIVER SIDE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE AIR BAG NOR WAS THERE WARRANTY COVERAGE; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1708252544. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
PURCHASED MY 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA IN MAY 2016, SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT I NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS ROTTING IN THE FRONT ON BOTH SIDES, I CONTACTED THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM CRAZY JIMS IN MILWAUKEE WHICH WAS ABSOLUTELY NO HELP. HE APPLIED A UNDERCOAT BUT DIDN'T DO A VERY GOOD JOB AS IT HAS ALREADY WORN OFF. I THEN CONTACTED TOYOTA THINKING THEY WOULD DO SOMETHING THEY OPENED A CLAIM NUMBER WHICH RESULTED IN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BEING DONE. I AM APPALLED THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT, I KNOW THAT THE TRUCK IS NOT NEW BUT TOYOTA IS KNOWN FOR THE QUALITY AND DURABILITY OF THEIR VEHICLES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND THEY CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WOULD ALLOW A UNSAFE VEHICLE TO BE DRIVEN ON THE ROADS AND HIGHWAYS. I DRIVE MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN IN THIS VEHICLE AND I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE DEALER IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BUT UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN AND NO FUNDS TO PURCHASE A NEW ONE AS I AM STILL PAYING THE LOAN ON THIS ONE. PLEASE HELP ME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE FROM A AUTO DEALER AND A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE I NOTICED THE FRAME WAS ROTTED. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE PARTS. I WENT TO TOYOTA WHO STATES THAT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING EITHER MY TRUCK IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ON ANY ROAD FOR MYSELF OR OTHER DRIVERS.
IN JUNE OF 2012 I TOOK MY TUNDRA TO HAVE THE FRAME CAMPAIGN PERFORMED, IN JANUARY OF 2013 I CONTACTED TOYOTA STATING THE FRAME / CORROSION RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED PROPERLY AND I FELT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS THERE WAS A LOT OF RUST. THEY CONTACTED THE DEALER I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY REINSPECTED THE FRAME AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NO RUST FOUND. A FEW MONTHS AFTER THIS I WOULD BE DRIVING AND I WOULD HIT A BUMP AND END UP IN THE NEXT LANE. I TOOK IT TO WORK AND PUT THE VEHICLE ON A LIFT AND FOUND THE STEERING RACK MOUNT CRACKED AT THE FRAME. I WELDED IT BACK TOGETHER. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE SAME THING THE FRAME WHERE THE RACK MOUNTS CRACKED IN ANOTHER SPOT SO THIS TIME I NEED TO TAKE L ANGLE STEEL AND WELD IN PLACE. ON 3/4/ 2016 I DECIDED I WAS GOING TO GO BACK AND UNDERCOAT MY FRAME CORRECTLY. AT THIS TIME I HAVE FOUND HOLES IN MY FRAME EXACTLY WHERE THE POINTS OF THE FRAME THAT THE RECALL FALLS UNDER. TOYOTA HAS STATED THEY ARE NOT GOING TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE
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.
TAKATA RECALL: THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE (REMEDY NOTICE) FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA STATES THAT THE REPAIR WILL TAKE APPROX. 2 HOURS. WHEN SCHEDULING THE DEALER REQUIRES TWO DIFFERENT VISITS. ONE TO INSPECT AND DISASSEMBLE THE AIRBAG AND THEN REASSEMBLES THE AIRBAG. THE PART IS ORDERED. ANOTHER APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED TO INSTALL THE REPAIRED AIRBAG OR PART. THERE IS NO MENTION OF TWO APPOINTMENTS BEING REQUIRED TO REMEDY THE AIRBAG. CONTACTING TOYOTA DIRECTLY CONFIRMED THAT DEALERS ARE INFORMED THAT THIS REMEDY CONSUMERS TO VISIT THE DEALERS TWO TIMES AND ORDERING THE PART BETWEEN VISITS. THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE CONFIRMED THAT THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE DOES NOT CORRECTLY STATE THE TIME OR VISITS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE AIRBAG ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHANGED AND THE SAFETY NOTICE NEEDS TO CORRECTLY INFORM CONSUMERS OF THE REQUIREMENT TO VISIT A TOYOTA DEALER TWO TIMES FOR 2 OR MORE HOURS EACH TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.
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.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LOST MY SPARE TIRE THE CROSS MEMBER ROTTED OFF THE TRUCK I HAD TOYOTA UNDER COAT THE TRUCK IN 2012 I HOPE NO ONE GOT HURT OR KILLED FROM THE TIRE FALLING OFF
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WENT TO TOYOTA IN NATIONAL CITY CA PAID ALOT OF MONEY INCLUDING A NEW BATTERY ,WITCH I GOT FROM AAA AND STILL NO FIX
EXCESSIVE RUSTING OF FRAME ON 2003 TUNDRA, CAR WAS TAKEN MULTIPLE TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED AT ALL....I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA BUT HAVE GOTTEN THE RUN AROUND. PLEASE ADVISE.
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!
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
MY VEHICLE HAS SUSTANTIAL FRAME RUST WHICH AFFECTS THE SAFE OPERATION AND THE RESALE/TRADE-IN VALUE. TOYOTA REFUSES TO OFFER ANY REMEDY BECAUSE THE FRAME REPLACEMENT PROGRAM ENDED IN 2012. MY VEHICLES FRAME PASSED A FRAME INSPECTION IN 2011 BY A LOCAL DEALER. I TOOK THEM AT THEIR WORD. I DONT FEEL THAT THE FRAME ON A 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE SHOULD HAVAE SUCH A SHORT SERVICE LIFE. THIS IS A HARDSHIP FOR HUNDEREDS OF TUNDRA OWNERS WHO HAVE OTHERWISE GOOD VEHICLES THAT ARE NOW POTENTIALLY UN-SAFE AND UTTERLY WORTHLESS. THE DEALER DID OFFER TO PATCH THE FRAME IN ONE AREA BUT IT IS CORRODED IN SEVERAL AREAS. ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS TOYOTAS ACTIONS DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH.
2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE PASSENGER AIRBAG RECALL ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *JB
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.
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND 05V254000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026