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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THERE WERE 14 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT WAS CHIPPING ON THE VEHICLE. HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY DECLINED ANY LIABILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 36,461. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD FRAME RUST. UPDATED 09/09/09.*JB
Steering, Suspension, Jun 12, 2009
VERY LOOSE STEERING WHEEL. PROBLEM IS THE SLIP SHAFT IN THE STEERING COLUMN. OVER TIME THE LOVER SHAFT WEARS AND THE STEERING BECOMES LOOSE AND SLOPPY. PROBLEM FIRST SHOWS UP AS LOOSENESS IN THE WHEEL AND EVENTUALLY TURNS INTO A CLUNK WHEN DRIVING OVER MINOR ROUGH ROADS. FROM TALKING TO MECHANICS AND OTHER TACOMA OWNERS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT ADDRESS. PROBLEMS INCLUDE DIFFICULTY MAINTAINING CONTROL OVER ROUGH PAVEMENT. WANDERING AT ALL SPEEDS. MAJOR DIRECTION CHANGES WHEN BREAKING ON ALL ROADS. SMOOTH OR ROUGH. OVER ALL THE TRUCK IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. I'VE HAD THE TRUCK ACTUALLY CHANGE LANES WHEN I HIT AN UNEXPECTED ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AT APPOX 30 MPH. THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DUE BECAUSE OF THE SLOP IN THE STEERING WHEEL. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TRUCK IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND I HAVE GONE THROUGH THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING TRYING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH NO LUCK. I'M NOW FACED WITH SPENDING EVEN MORE MONEY TO REPLACE A STEERING COLUMN. *TR
Structure, Jun 1, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY PREDICTED THAT THE FRAME WOULD FAIL WITHIN THE YEAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FRAME FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONDUCTED A TEST BY TAKING A HAMMER AND STRIKING THE RUST SPOTS TO SEE IF THE HAMMER WOULD GO COMPLETELY THROUGH. THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, WHICH MEANT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPLETELY FAILING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK FOR INSPECTION BY A REGIONAL INSPECTOR. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE ISSUE NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BEFORE A CRASH OCCURS. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT A REGIONAL INSPECTOR WOULD CALL HIM TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,200.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2009
I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 TACOMA WHEN THE BATTERY AND OIL LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE TRUCK BECAME UNDRIVEABLE. WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OFF I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. I HAD TRUCK TOWED TO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THAT CRANKSHAFT BOLT WAS BROKEN/SHEARED OFF. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR CONFIRMATION - THEY CONFIRMED. HAD INSURANCE ADJUSTER LOOK AT IT TO DETERMINE IF RELATED TO ANY ACCIDENTS - NO RELATION. CALLED TOYOTA CORP AND THEY SAID THAT BOLT SHOULD NOT BREAK UNLESS UNDER EXTREME TORQUE OF DEFECT. MECHANIC, DEALERSHIP AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER ALL SAID THE SAME. THE BOLT IS MADE OUT OF CASE-HARDENED STEEL. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY MAJOR WORK DONE TO THE TRUCK THAT WOULD INVOLVE THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT!! DEALERSHIP IS QUOTING COST OF APPROX $4000 FOR SHORT BLOCK REPAIR. IF BOLT IS/WAS DEFECTIVE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS THAT SHOULD FALL ON TOYOTA WHETHER OR NOT THE TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I NEED THIS FIXED! *TR
Suspension, Mar 27, 2009
2003 TOYOTA TACOMA RECALL NOTICE FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PARTS FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *NJ
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2009
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS SEQUENTIAL FAILURE. THERE ARE TWO LIGHTS FOR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ONE FAILED AND THEN 1 MONTH LATER, THE OTHER LIGHT FAILED. *TR
Suspension, Equipment, Feb 5, 2009
2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4WD CREW CAB PICKUP I WOULD LIKE TO RELATE A RECENT EXPERIENCE I HAD WITH MY 2003 TOYOTA PICKUP. I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK THROUGH A PARKING LOT IN LARGO, MARYLAND ON JANUARY 29, 2009. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN IN THE FRONT END AND I CAME TO A STOP. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAD DROPPED DOWN INTO THE WHEEL WELL. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BY BOSWELL AUTO SERVICE OF WALDORF, MARYLAND NEAR WHERE I LIVE. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE CASTLE NUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY HAD COME OFF. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENT. THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SEPARATED AND AS A CONSEQUENCE FRONT AXLE WAS BROKEN AS WELL. IN REVIEWING MY RECORDS I SAW THE RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT FOR MY TOYOTA. I HAD THIS RECALL WORK COMPLETED AT WALDORF TOYOTA ON DECEMBER 29, 2005. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED MY TRUCK. HE TOLD ME I SHOULD MAKE THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AWARE OF THIS INCIDENT. IN HIS OPINION, THIS EVENT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IF THE BALL JOINT CASTLE NUT IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY. I TOOK THE INFORMATION TO WALDORF TOYOTA ON FEBRUARY 3, 2009. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER (MICHAEL PAVAN, 301-843-3700, MPAVAN@TOYOTAOFWALDORF.COM) AND A MAN I BELIEVE WAS A MECHANIC OR SERVICE SUPERVISOR. I SHOWED THEM PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE BROKEN BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REMNANTS OF THE COTTER PIN WERE STILL IN SO THAT THEY BELIEVE THEY HAD INSTALLED THE CASTLE NUT CORRECTLY. I LEFT THE BROKEN BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY WITH THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE WOULD REPORT IT TO HIS REGIONAL MANAGER. *TR
Air bags, Jan 17, 2009, crash
I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, LUCKILY EVERYBODY HAD THEIR SEAT BELTS ON AND NOBODY GOT HURT. I DO NOT HAVE A PASSENGER TURN OFF KEY FOR THE AIR BAG IN THE VEHICLE. I AM TOLD THE TRUCK WILL BE TOTALED OUT DUE TO THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS BENT. *TR
Structure, Jan 13, 2009
SYNOPSIS OF PROBLEM: THE FRAME OF THE TACOMA WAS FABRICATED WITH INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION, PARTICULARLY INSIDE THE BOXED SECTION OF FRAME UNDER THE MIDSECTION OF THE TRUCK. THE FRAME IS LITERALLY RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT. WHAT HAPPENS IS, AS THE FRAME RUSTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE BOXED SECTION, THE RUST FLAKES DROP ONTO THE BOTTOM OF THE BOXED SECTION. THESE RUST FLAKES THEN PLUG THE WEEP HOLES IN THE FRAME SO THAT MOISTURE IS NOT ALLOWED TO DRAIN OUT THE INTERIOR OF THE BOXED SECTION, THEREBY EXACERBATING THE POTENTIAL FOR CORROSION. SO WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THE BOTTOM OF THE BOXED SECTION OF FRAME IS RUSTING OUT DUE TO THE BUILD-UP OF MOISTURE AND THE ACCUMULATION OF RUST FLAKES PLUGGING OFF THE WEEP HOLES. THE RUST FLAKES ARE 1/8? DEEP ON THE BOTTOM OF MY BOXED SECTION OF FRAME. BASICALLY THE BOTTOM 20% OF TACOMA FRAMES ARE RUSTING OUT. WHAT IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS ABOUT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOXED SECTION OF FRAME BECOMING COMPROMISED BY CORROSION, IS THE BOTTOM OF THE BOXED SECTION IS WHERE THE BRACKET FOR THE REAR LEAF SPRING IS ATTACHED. AS THE BOXED SECTION CORRODES, THERE IS LESS AND LESS MATERIAL SUPPORTING THIS MAJOR SUSPENSION BRACKET. THE DESIGN OF THIS BRACKET MUST BE ANALYZED BY YOUR NHTSA INDEPENDENT ENGINEER. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IT DOESN?T TAKE MUCH FRAME CORROSION TO SEVERELY COMPROMISE THE INTEGRITY OF THIS WELDED LEAF SPRING BRACKET. IF THIS BRACKET FAILS, THEN THE FRONT OF THE LEAF SPRING COMES FREE, THE REAR AXLE COMES OUT OF ALIGNMENT, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE OPERATOR TO LOSE CONTROL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! I ALSO CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER THAT SINCE THE FRAME IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY SYSTEM, WHAT DOES A SEVERELY CORRODED AND WEAKENED FRAME DO TO THE LEVEL OF CRASH PROTECTION OFFERED BY THE VEHICLE? IF NHTSA?S INDEPENDENT ENGINEER FINDS THAT THE FRAME DOES PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THE CRASH PROTECTION OFFERED BY THE VEHICLE, THEN THE NHTSA WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO FORCE TOYOTA TO DO A RECALL. *TR
Air bags, Jan 6, 2009, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD FRONTAL AIR BAGS ON BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE; HOWEVER, NEITHER DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS BACK. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WAS SMASHED INTO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE THE ENTIRE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE SMASHED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,458 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 34,000. UPDATED 02-23-09 *BF UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 1, 2008
MY ENGINE LIGHT ON MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA KEEPS COMING ON. I SENT $1000 TO REPLACE THE OXYGEN SENSOR AND THEN THE EVAP CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THEY'VE REPLACED MANY OF THESE ON TOYOTAS. *TR
Air bags, Sep 25, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP OR BLACKED OUT. THE VEHICLE HIT A GUARDRAIL WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND STRUCK A TREE AND ROLLED OVER. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR FRONT END AND REAR DAMAGE DAMAGE DUE TO THE IMPACT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED MAJOR SCALP INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP AND DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS CURRENTLY IN POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,000. UPDATED 10/16/08 *BF UPDATED 10/20/08. *JB
Suspension, Aug 19, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE HAD TURNED IN A 90 DEGREE ANGLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 318,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000. UPDATED 10/5/09 *CN UPDATED 10/07/09. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 7, 2008
MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA V6 SR5 DOUBLE CAB 4X4 HAS A CONDITION WHERE THE THROTTLE CUTS OUT WHILE ACCELERATING. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC OR WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. *TR
Structure, Jul 1, 2008
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST ON 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. *TR
Power train, Feb 28, 2008
REAR MAIN SEAL LEAK, LARGE AMOUNT. *TR
Air bags, Jan 15, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN ICY CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A WIRED GUARDRAIL AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL. THE FRONT PASSENGER WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THE INJURIES WERE UNKNOWN. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED AN INJURED RIGHT SHOULDER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, EVEN THOUGH THE SIDE AIR BAGS WERE ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE SIDE DOOR PANEL, FRONT BENDER, AND FRONT BUMPER WERE REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, AND NUMBER OF CYLINDERS WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000.
Suspension, Jan 10, 2008
IN JANUARY 2006, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA RE: BALL JOINTS ON OUR 2003 TACOMA. I SCHEDULED WITH THE DEALER AND THEY WERE ALL REPLACED. CHRISTMAS DAY OF 2007, I EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINTS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. BOTH UPPER AND LOWER SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH. AND, THE WHEEL PRETTY MUCH SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. (VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT INJURY). VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VEHICLE IS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH 74,0000 MILES. MILEAGE ON TOYOTA-REPLACED BALL JOINTS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE THAN ABOUT 20,000 MILES WHEN THEY FAILED. *TR
Power train, Oct 31, 2007
I HAVE A 2003 4RUNNER THAT HAS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND THAT HAPPENS AT RANDOM. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT 3 TIMES. IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND NOT VERY COMFORTING. IF THE DRIVESHAFT IS SLAMMING AND MAKING THIS NOISE, I CAN'T IMAGING ANYONE THINKING THAT IS VERY SAFE. THE THING COULD BREAK AT ANY MOMENT. WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE THE SLAMMING DOES TO IT! TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOME GETS HURT FROM IT. *TR
Structure, Oct 21, 2007
BACK HATCH UNLOCKED AND FLEW OPEN ON HIGHWAY WHILE I HAD CUSTOMERS IN MY 4 RUNNER. PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO SHUT...WOULD NOT SHUT. HAVING TO DRIVE NOW WITH BACK TAILGATE TIED SHUT. EXHAUST COMES IN THROUGH BACK OF VEHICLE. HAVING REPAIRED ON 10/24 FOR A COST OF OVER $400! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD TICKING AND RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. SHE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST INDICATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SEPARATING FROM THE INSIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 62,000.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 11, 2007, crash
I WAS THE NUMBER 3 VEHICLE AT A RED LIGHT. FIRST CAR WENT THROUGH (THINKING THE LIGHT HAD CHANGED). SECOND CAR MOVED INTO FIRST PLACE. I STARTED TO FOLLOW AND WHEN I REALIZED HE HAD STOPPED I APPLIED MY BRAKES. I COULD FEEL THE TRUCK LURCH EVEN THOUGH I WAS STILL PRESSING THE BRAKES AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. I SLAMMED INTO HIM AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE GAS PEDAL AT ALL. *TR
Suspension, May 4, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. IN FEBRUARY OF 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND WAS UNAVAILABLE. AS OF MAY 4, 2007, THE PART WAS STILL UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WAIT TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR IS UNACCEPTABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,300 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suspension, Apr 27, 2007
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA TO REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT SSC 50J A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND EACH TIME I CALL THEY TELL ME THE PARTS ARE IN BACK ORDER IN THE MEAN TIME I AM DRIVING ON THIS VEHICLE WITH MY BABY AND MY 6 YEAR OLD SON IN THE TRUCK I FEEL SOMETHING NEEDS TO HAPPEN ASAP I NEED TO GET MY PARTS REPLACED THE TREASON I AM TAKING IMMEDIATE ACTION RIGHT NOW BECAUSE FOR THE PAST DAYS THERE HAS BEEN NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AND ALSO IT HAS BEEN VERY JUMPY AND I WAS TOLD THAT IS THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE AND I AM VERY UPSET WITH TOYOTA HOW THEY ARE GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND . I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY KIDS IN IT BUT I HAVE NO CHOICE SINCE IT IS OUR ONLY VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME. I HAVE MENTIONED TO THEM TO LEND ME A LOANER AND I ALSO GET THE RUN AROUND I WILL TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BEFORE I PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Feb 26, 2007, crash
TL*- THE CONTACT PURCHASED ON 07/29/03 A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA FOUR DOOR DBL CAB. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED ON 4/25/04 WHILE SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE WITH AND LIGHTLY ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE REVVED SO FAST THE TRUCK DROVE OVER THE PARKING STRIP AND CRASHED INTO A PILLAR ON THE SIDEWALK, CAUSING $5000.00 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO TRUCK, AND $6000.00 DAMAGE TO THE PILLAR. DURING THE SECOND OCCURRENCE ON 10/09/06 VEHICLE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED SO THE CONTACT PUT IT IN TO NEUTRAL AND ENGINE REVVED FASTER. THE DRIVER THEN SHIFTED THE VEHICLE BACK INTO DRIVE AND ENGINE RETURNED TO NORMAL IN A COUPLE SECONDS. DURING THIRD OCCURRENCE ON 02/05/07 WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHTTHE ENGINE REVVED AND WENT BACK TO NORMAL BEFORE THE CONTACT5 COULD TURN OFF THE KEY. IF THERE HAD BEEN A CAR IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THE CONTACT TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER. EACH TIME THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING, AND GENTLY SUGGESTED THAT MAYBE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKES WERE BOTH ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME. FIRST TIME THE CONTACT'S FOOT WAS ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND THE OTHER TIMES IT WAS ONLY ON THE BRAKES, THAT WAS THE FIRST THING THE CONTACT CHECKED. THE SERVICE MANAGER ADVISED HER NOT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE SO SHE RENTED A VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE DAYS. THEY HAD SOMEONE FROM TOYOTA COME TO CHECK IT OUT, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK