2003 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 371 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 31 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 22 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Tires, temporary/emergency spare tireNov 23, 2012
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 12V542000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
Campaign 06E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower ball jointMay 17, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 05V225000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 19, 2003
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.
THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 03V189000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
371 reports, newest first.
Parking brake, Dec 24, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THE PARKING BRAKE REMAINS ON AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. I WILL TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HOPEFULLY FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THE FAULTY PARKING BRAKE. THIS IS SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOYOTA TO FIX. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME FAULTY ITEM. ONE FAULTY PARKING BRAKE IS ONE TOO MANY. ALL VEHICLES SHOULD BE EQUIPMENT WITH A FUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 7, 2010
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS THE CAR DECELERATED. I HAD TO DEPRESS THE GAS PEDDLE TO THE FLOOR TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE CHOKE WAS STICKING AND I NEEDED TO HAVE AN UPPER ENGINE CLEANING. 10000 MILES LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. NOW I NEED A NEW THROTTLE BODY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 24, 2010
GASOLINE TANK BROKE LOOSE WHILE DRIVING AFTER CORROSION CAUSED FAILURE OF RETAINING STRAP/BRACKETS. FIRE DID NOT OCCUR, DRIVE SHAFT KEPT TANK FROM COMPLETELY SEPARATING FROM VEHICLE. 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA HAD ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR CORROSION PROBLEMS IN APRIL 2010. *TR
Structure, Aug 30, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE IT WITH A SPRAYED WITH A RUST COMPOUND, HOWEVER 3 MONTHS AFTER THE REPAIR THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPOUND WOULD NOT DRY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Aug 25, 2010
GAS TANK FELL OFF, TILL IT WAS 2 TO 3 INCHES OFF GROUND. *TR
Structure, Aug 5, 2010
EXCESSIVE RUST HAS APPEARED ON THE FRAME AND UNDERBODY COMPONENTS OF MY 2003 TACOMA MAKING ME QUESTION THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY AS IT AGES. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND PASSENGERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS KNOWING THAT PROPER EXAMINATION OF THE METAL'S STRENGTH REQUIRES MORE THAN JUST A VISUAL INSPECTION AND THE USE OF A HAMMER. I BEGAN NOTICING EXCESSIVE RUST APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE IN JANUARY 2004. *TR
Tires, Jul 30, 2010
I HAVE HAD 3 OUT OF 4 TIRES PURCHASED IN 9/08 DEVELOP LARGE "BUBBLES" AT THE RIM AND 1 ONE OF THEM WENT FLAT. THE OTHERS WERE NOTICED AND CHANGED AND ALL TIRES HAD TEARS IN THEM THAT WERE NOT VISIBLE WHEN THE TIRES WERE ON THE RIM. THE FIRST TIRE HAD AROUND 25000 MILES ON IT WHEN IT DEVELOPED A LARGE BUBBLE WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING. THE RECEIPT FROM THE DEALERSHIP THAT REPLACED THE TIRE SAID IT HAD A CUT IN IT. LAST WEEK ANOTHER TIRE WENT FLAT AFTER I HAD DRIVEN OVER 400 MILES AND THIS CAUSED ME TO INSPECT MY TIRES AND I NOTICED A "BUBBLE" THAT STARTED ON THE RIM OF ANOTHER TIRE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN I HAD TO BUY 2 NEW TIRES BECAUSE BOTH OF THESE TIRES HAD TEARS OR CUTS 1 1/2 - 3 INCHES LONG THAT WERE VISIBLE ONLY AFTER THE RIM WAS REMOVED. THESE TIRES HAD AROUND 40,000 MILES ON THEM. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE ORIGINAL TIRES FROM AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF WORKING OUT A RESOLUTION WITH THEM. THE 4TH TIRE HAS A "RIPPLE" IN IT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE, NOT AROUND THE RIM, AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT IS FROM SEPARATION AND IS NOT UNUSUAL. I AM ALSO ASKING THAT THEY REPLACE THAT TIRE FOR ME. I STILL HAVE THE LAST 2 TIRES BUT WILL HAVE TO GIVE THEM TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN WE WORK OUT A RESOLUTION. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jul 5, 2010
SINCE ALL NEW VEHICLES AND PRIOR WERE STANDARDIZING PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS WHY IS IT THAT THE CLOUDING/HAZY HEADLIGHT IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE OR A REPLACEMENT ISSUE? YOU CAN USE THE RESTORATION KITS BUT AFTER SO MANY APPLICATIONS IT WILL NOT WORK ANYMORE. MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED WITH THE CLOUDING/HAZING AND I HAVE BEEN USING KITS BUT THE SYMPTOM STILL COMES BACK. WILL THIS BE ADDRESSED? *TR
Power train, Jun 12, 2010
ON JUNE 11,2010 I WAS CHANGING THE ANTI FREEZE IN MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA.THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND RUNNING TO WARM ENGINE TO OPEN THERMOSTAT TO GET MORE COOLANT FROM THE LOWER BLOCK . WELL I DECIDE TO BOOST THE ENGINE SPEED BY MANUALLY MOVING THE THROTTLE .TO MY SURPRISE MY TRUCK LURCHED BACK BEFORE COMING TO A STOP I CHECK THE SHIFTER IT WAS STILL IN PARK .BUT A FURTHER EXAM THE VEHICLE STUCK IN REVERSE AND WILL NOT GO INTO ANY FORWARD GEAR. I M' GOING TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE LINKAGE NEEDS ADJUSTMENT EVERYBODY I TALK WITH SAID IT WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO MOVE UNLESS THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED FIRST. *TR
Steering, Apr 25, 2010, crash
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND I LOST CONTROL OF MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WHICH AT THAT TIME CAUSE MY STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK AND I ENDED UP CRASHING INTO A WALL AND TOTALING MY TRUCK. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. *TR
Structure, Tires, Apr 17, 2010
WEDNESDAY APRIL 14,2010 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:30 AM WHILE I WAS GETTING ONTO A HIGHWAY (101 E/B IN BEDFORD NH) MY SPARE TIRE BROKE OFF FROM THE UNDERBED CARRIER. THERE WAS A MOTORCYCLIST RIGHT BEHIND ME THAT HAD TO MAKE A EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID BEING HIT BY MY SPARE TIRE. THE PLATE HAD RUSTED OUT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 15, 2010, crash
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
Vehicle speed control, Mar 29, 2010
2003 TOYOTA TACOMA CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION ONLY HAPPENED AT LOW SPEEDS. UPDATED 06/08/10.*JB
Structure, Mar 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE RUST AND FLAKING ON THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 158,000. UPDATED 05/06/10.*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALER. THEY USED A BALL PIN HAMMER AND TAPPED ALL OVER THE FRAME AND SAID IT PASSED INSPECTION. UPDATED 06/25/10*JB
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2010
2003 TOYOTA TACOMA INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 25, 2010
WELL, I HAVE OWNED MY TOYOTA TACOMA 03' SINCE IT WAS NEW AND WAS AWARE OF SOME UNUSUAL PATTERNS OF INCREASED ENGINE REVVING FOR YEARS. I TOLD MY MECHANIC SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THE ISSUE AND HE REALLY DIDN'T BELIEVE IT WAS ACTING THAT WAY. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS PHENOMENON WAS WHEN I LEFT THE VEHICLE IDLING WHILE I WENT INTO A GAS STATION CONVENIENCE STORE AND WAS ALERTED OF THE IDLING TO BE HIGHER THAN WHEN I WENT IN THE STORE. I WAS STARTLED BECAUSE IT WAS REVVING ON ITS OWN, HIGHER AND HIGHER UNTIL IT LEVELED OFF AT A BIT HIGHER THAN NORMAL AND FINALLY TO AVERAGE IDLING. IT WAS CREEPY. THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MOSTLY WHEN I WOULD LEAVE THE CAR IDLING. ONLY 1 INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT I WAS IDLING IN PARK AND IT BEGAN TO IDLE HIGHER BUT NOT AS I SHOULD NOTICE ABSOLUTELY SOMETHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE REVVING INCREASED AND I SHUTTLED AHEAD TOWARDS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS AND AS I WAS ABOUT TO HIT THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF MINE THE ENGINE SLOWED AGAIN. I WAS EXTREMELY TERRIFIED AT THAT MOMENT. NOTHING STRANGE OCCURRED THAT DAY AFTER THAT. I QUESTIONED IF I HAD PRESSED THE GAS OR IF MAYBE SOMETHING, SOMEHOW, I MIGHT HAVE OVER LOOKED, BUT I DECIDED THAT THERE WAS DEFINITELY A STRANGE STICKING GOING ON IN THE ENGINE. I ALSO CONSIDERED IF IT WAS THE GAS PEDDLE PERHAPS, BUT I RULED THAT OUT AS, IT WOULD REV MOSTLY ON IDLES ON ITS OWN. *TR
Power train, Feb 19, 2010
THE CLUTCH ON MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA BECAME JAMMED WHILE TRYING TO SHIFT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE BUSHING WHERE THE CLUTCH PIVOTS DISLODGED AND JAMMED THE CLUTCH SO IT WAS UNABLE TO BE DEPRESSED. A CAR WAS COMING STRAIGHT INTO THE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE WHEN I STOMPED ON THE CLUTCH AS HARD AS I COULD, BREAKING THE BUSHING AND LETTING THE CLUTCH DEPRESS. IF I HAD NOT ACTED QUICKLY IT COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT. THIS WAS ON A HIGHWAY INTERSECTION. I TOOK IT IN TO TOYOTA AND THEY DID NOT TELL ME THE BUSHING HAD BROKE AND WAS MISSING THEY JUST PUT GREASE ON IT SO IT WOULD STOP SQUEAKING. I JUST FOUND OUT THIS YEAR AT TOYOTA THAT THE BUSHING HAD EXPLODED AND FALLEN OUT AND NOW THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. I AM MORE CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE BEING STUCK IN A SITUATION AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET THEIR VEHICLE IN GEAR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 9, 2010
TOYOTA TACOMA, 2003 ACCELERATION DROPS TO 25% INADVERTENTLY. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE ON SEVERAL OF THE TOYOTA TACOMA BULLETIN BOARDS YET TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING TO REMEDY THIS HIGHLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR FAILS AND DROPS THE ACCELERATION TO 25% WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DOING 75 ON THE HIGHWAY AND I WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED BY A SEMI TRUCK! I HAVE COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA WITH NO RESPONSE. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! *TR
Vehicle speed control, Feb 4, 2010
MY TOYOTA TACOMA PRE RUNNER 2003, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR FAILED ON THE FREEWAY AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. ALMOST CRASHED BECAUSE TRAFFIC WAS REALLY GOING FAST AND I HAD NO THROTTLE RESPONSE . I PUT THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL AND I PUT MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON AND ROLLED TO THE NEAREST OF RAMP. IF IT WASN'T FOR MY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DRIVING, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SO EASY. THIS IS VERY COMMON BUT THE REPAIRS ARE NOT. 1500 DOLLARS AT THE DEALERSHIP. THERE ARE SEVERAL CASES OF THIS OCCURRING IF YOU GO TO TOYOTA FORUM YOU WILL SEE THIS IS NOT A UNIQUE SITUATION. THIS STARTED WHEN I FIRST GOT THE TRUCK IN AUGUST 2009 BUT WHO KNOWS IF THE PREVIOUS OWNER NEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I THINK SHE DID. I CANNOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY ONLY SALE THE ENTIRE THROTTLE BODY WHICH COST 1200 DOLLARS PLUS LABOR 160 DOLLARS. ALMOST 1500 DOLLARS. *JB
Parking brake, Feb 4, 2010
I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK WITH 26,560 MILES. THERE IS A CONTINUOUS FAILURE IN THE PARKING BRAKE (PREVIOUSLY CALLED EMERGENCY BRAKE). APPARENTLY, THE PARKING BRAKE DESIGN IS SUCH THAT IT "FREEZES UP" GIVING AN INDICATION ON THE DASH WITH THE "BRAKE LIGHT" ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED AND THEREBY GIVES A FALSE READING THAT THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED. HOWEVER, AS A REAL PROBLEM OCCURS THE DRIVERS ARE LULLED INTO A FALSE SECURITY THAT THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT A WARNING BRAKE LIGHT IS LIT. WHEN A REAL PROBLEM OCCURS WITH THE BRAKES, INCLUDING THE ORDINARY BRAKE SYSTEM, THERE CAN BE A MORE SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM SUCH AS CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO LOCK ONTO THE REAR DRUMS. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON THIS PROBLEM AT HTTP://WWW.EHOW.COM/WAY_5649717_TACOMA-EMERGENCY-BRAKE-PROBLEMS.HTML TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THEIR 2005 AND 2006 TACOMA TRUCKS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT ANY EARLIER MODELS. THE DEALERS INDICATE THAT IT CAN BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF $442.12. SINCE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CAN INVOLVE SAFETY AND BECAUSE TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME AND INDEED HAS RECALLED CERTAIN MODEL YEARS FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM I BELIEVE A RECALL FOR ALL TACOMA TRUCKS SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE COMPANY FIXING THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. THUS FAR THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INJURY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2010
I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA PICK UP TRUCK. I'VE HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL FROM A FRIEND WHO WAS CONCERNED ABOUT MY TRUCK. THE GAS PEDAL IS STICKY AND CONSISTENTLY HOLLOW. THE RECALL JUST GAVE ME A CONFIRMATION WHY IT'S LIKE THAT. PLEASE HELP IN ADDING 2003 ON THE RECALL LIST AS WELL *CN
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 14, 2010
LEAKY WATER PUMP DISCOVERED UPON ROUTINE CHANGE OF TIMING BELT ON 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD PRERUNNER. DISCOVERED COMPLETE LACK OF GASKET AND WOEFULLY INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF SEALANT APPARENTLY APPLIED AT FACTORY. (NO MORE THAN 1/8" WIDE AFTER COMPRESSION BETWEEN WATER PUMP HOUSING AND ENGINE BLOCK) ENGINE CONTINUALLY USED A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE AND OVER TIME HAD BUILT UP A SUBSTANTIAL VOLUME OF SLUDGE/CRUSTY COOLANT AROUND WATER PUMP HOUSING AND TIMING BELT (CRANKSHAFT) PULLEY. ALTHOUGH ABSENT IN THIS INSTANCE, THIS BUILD-UP HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BREAK LOOSE AND FALL BETWEEN THE TIMING BELT AND PULLEY AND ULTIMATELY CAUSE TIMING BELT BREAKAGE. REPLACED BELT AND WATER PUMP. RE-MANUFACTURED WATER PUMP IS EQUIPPED WITH A GASKET. *TR
Structure, Dec 28, 2009
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH APPROXIMATELY 29,000 MILES, LIVING IN THE NORTHEAST. THE FRAME AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE HAVE EXTENSIVE RUST FROM FRONT TO REAR. I BELIEVE THE FRAME IS RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO. AT THIS POINT, THE TRANSMISSION SHIELD AND THE FUEL TANK SHIELD ARE IN DANGER OF FALLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE SO CORRODED THAT THEY NO LONGER FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND MUFFLER ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 19, 2009
SLOW FILL UP AT THE GAS PUMPS. THE TANK TAKES 10-12 MINUTES TO FILL. IT TAKES THE GAS VERY SLOWLY. PUMP WILL KEEP CLICKING OFF. THE PUMP HOSE HAS TO BE KEPT HALF TO THREE-QUARTERS OUT IN ORDER THAT THE GAS FLOW INTO THE TANK. *TR
Structure, Aug 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS HAVING HIS VEHICLE SERVICED, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 53,000.