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.
Suspension, Apr 10, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY TURNED LEFT AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Structure, Apr 5, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL CRACKS LOCATED ON BOTH SIDES AND THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS TOO DAMAGED TO REPAIR AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
Structure, Feb 14, 2017
EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST AND ROT HAS RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 90K MILES ON IT.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Dec 13, 2016
THE FRAME ON MY 2003 TACOMA IS RUSTING BADLY! THE TRUCK ONLY HAS ABOUT 98K AND IM THE SECOND OWNER. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK ON 9/3/2011. THE TRUCK IN GETTING TO THE POINT OF BEING UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MOUNTING POINTS FOR THE LEAF SPRINGS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF NOTIFICATION FROM TOYOTA REGARDING THE FRAME RECALL. I'VE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY ARE TELLING ME I DON'T QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE BECAUSE NO CORROSION TREATMENT HAS APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS, I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED! IF I HAD BEEN, THEN THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME FREE OF CHARGE. I'VE RECEIVED AT LEAST THREE LETTERS FROM TOYOTA FOR THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER RUST ISSUE, SO THEY DO KNOW I OWN THE TRUCK AND HOW TO CONTACT ME. I'VE LIVED AT THE SAME LOCATION FOR 14 YEARS! FROM WHAT I'VE READ, THE CORROSION TREATMENT THEY ALLEGEDLY OFFERED DIDN'T HELP ANYWAY. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SOME PEOPLE WERE NOTIFIED AND OTHER WERE NOT. THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME DRIVING THESE UNSAFE TRUCKS. I HAVE TO WONDER HOW MANY OF THOSE PEOPLE ARE CLUELESS ABOUT THE DANGER THEY ARE PUTTING THEM SELVES INTO, NOT TO MENTION THEIR FAMILIES. AT ANY MOMENT YOU COULD LOOSE TOTAL CONTROL...AFTER THE TRUCK COLLAPSE IN HALF AFTER YOU HIT A BUMP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IM SURE IF SOMEONE LOOKED HARD ENOUGH THEY COULD FIND EXAMPLES OF THESE UNSAFE TACOMAS CAUSING SERIOUS AND POSSIBLY FATAL ACCIDENTS. THEY ALREADY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM. HOW ELSE COULD THEY HAVE WON A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE VENDER THAT SUPPLIED THEM WITH THESE FRAMES. THEY SUED, AND WON BECAUSE THESE FRAMES ARE DEFECTIVE. THAT SETTLEMENT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONTINGENT UPON THE ONGOING INSPECTIONS AND REPAIRS FOR EVERYONE AFFECTED. *TR
Structure, Dec 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Structure, Nov 22, 2016
EMERGENCY BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT WAS TOLD HOW UNDERSIDE OF TRUCK IS CORRODING RUSTING BADLY REMOVED MY SPARE TIRE IT WAS ALSO BADLY RUSTING . I AM THE ONLY OWNER OF VEHICLE , ALSO OWN HIGHLANDER AND CAMRY . BOTH NOT EVEN CLOSE TO LOOKING LIKE UNDER WHAT I HAVE WITH TRUCK ?
Suspension, Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2016
FRAME RECALL FOR RUST TOYOTA DID UNDERCOAT THE FRAME AND IT DID NOT DRY FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW ALL THE UNDERCOAT IS FALLING OFF AND THE FRAME IS RUSTING WORSE THAN WHEN IT ORIGINALLY WAS WORKED ON I TOOK IT BACK AND WAS TOLD AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO HOLES THEY WILL NOT FIX THE RUSTPROOFING.
Structure, Nov 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED CORROSION AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Structure, Tires, Nov 1, 2016
I HAVE A TOYOTA TACOMA 2003 TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER LIFT PLATE. TOLD THEM I HEARD OF RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE ON THE FRAME, THEY SAID IT EXPIRED. LEFT THE TRUCK TO DO RECALL I TOOK IT IN FOR. THEY CALLED SAID COULDN'T DO THE RECALL I BROUGHT IT IN FOR BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS SO BAD, AND THAT THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE I WAS STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK AND THAT IT REALLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED WHY THEY COULDN'T DO THE FRAME SINCE IT WAS RECALLED OR A SAFETY ISSUE, AGAIN THEY SAY IT WAS EXPIRED. I ASKED IF HE HAD KIDS, HE SAID YES. ASK HIM IF FORMULA WAS TAKEN OFF THE SHELVES BECAUSE OF RECALL, AND A MONTH LATER WAS PUT BACK ON BECAUSE THE RECALL EXPIRED WOULD YOU STILL BUY IT. HE SAID SORRY HE DOESN'T MAKE THE RULES. HOW DOES A RECALL EXPIRE AND IF IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT OR JUST A BAD PRODUCT THAT TOYOTA USED, WHY AREN'T THEY HELD ACCOUNTABLE? WENT ON LINE AND READ A FORUM AND THERE IS EVEN A CLASS ACTION SUITE ON THIS PROBLEM. AND ALSO EVEN AS OF TODAY TOYOTA IS STILL PRODUCING TOYOTA TACOMA WITH BAD FRAMES. I HAVE 7 GRANDCHILDREN WHO I HELP TO TAKE PLACES, NOW THEY ARE STRANDED AND MYSELF, BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIPS, BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. PLEASE I'M ASKING TO HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. DESPERATE IN PHILADELPHIA. UPDATED 01/11/2017*CT *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2016
4 CYLINDER ENGINE NEVER DIT FRAME RECALL IT'S SO DANGEROUS USE TOYOTA TACOMA 2003 I DO HAVE 3 KIDS AND DEALERS NOT HELP
Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Sep 27, 2016, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH AND EXITING A RAMP, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE LEFT, THEN BACK TO THE RIGHT, AND TURNED 360 DEGREES. THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE BOBBLED, FLIPPED OVER, CRASHED INTO TREES, AND LANDED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Power train, Sep 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A BUMP AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED SUDDENLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST MONTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 28, 2016
LOSS OF ACCELERATOR DUE TO BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR/THROTTLE BODY. WHEN YOU EASE OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE. THEN YOU HAVE TO "WORK" THE ACCELERATOR IN AND OUT UNTIL IT STARTS RESPONDING AGAIN. IT HAPPENS ON TAKE OFF OR ANYTIME YOU BACK OFF ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT HAS CUT OFF ON ME TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND I ALMOST GOT HIT! IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE AND I HAD TO TRY TO WORK MY WAY OVER WITH NO THROTTLE AND TRY NOT TO GET RUN OVER! IT NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. TOYOTA DOESN'T SELL A NEW TPS FOR THIS VEHICLE NOW ( A $40 TO $50 PART)TOYOTA WILL BE HAPPY TO SELL ME A NEW THROTTLE BODY FOR $1400 AND THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE LABOR. I THOUGHT MANUFACTURERS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PARTS FOR THEIR VEHICLES.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2016
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF POWER SUCH AS FUEL PUSH THE THROTTLE DOWN A COUPLE OF TIMES IT PICK BACK UP HAPPENED TO MORE TIMES WITHIN 10 MI1NUTES IT DID NOT THROW A CODE BEEN CHECKING IT MAY RELATE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM BEEN READING ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM
Structure, Aug 8, 2016
TOYOTA ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE FRAMES OF THIS VEHICLE DUE TO THEM ADMITTING THAT THEY USED SUBSTANDARD METAL TO BUILD THE FRAME, THEREFORE, RESULTING IN ACCELERATED RUST AND CORROSION. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE, AND HAPPENED TO FIND OUT FROM A FRIEND THAT TOYOTA EXTENDED THE WARRANTY BECAUSE OF THIS. I TOOK THIS FRAME IN FOR AN EVALUATION ON 8/3/16 AND IT FAILED THE INSPECTION. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT AND IS IN GREAT CONDITION OTHER THAN THE FRAME, WHICH WAS TOYOTA'S FAULT AND THEY NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT TOYOTA OF MELBOURNE IN MELBOURNE, FLORIDA, TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD INSTALL A NEW FRAME, BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING FOR ANY PARTS THAT MAY BE NEEDED TO DO THE INSTALLATION WHICH WILL BE AROUND $2,500. I THINK THAT THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL BECAUSE TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE 2008, BOUGHT BACK OVER 800,000 OF THESE TRUCKS, AND NEVER NOTIFIED ME THAT I NEED TO GET THIS FRAME INSPECTED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THAT MUCH MONEY FOR A REPAIR, SO I WILL BE DRIVING AROUND WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, BECAUSE TOYOTA REFUSES TO MAKE THIS A RECALL. THIS IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY, AND TOYOTA IS PUTTING THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS AT RISK BY FORCING THEM TO PAY MORE THAN THE VEHICLE IS WORTH FOR THE REPAIR. IN TODAY'S ECONOMY, NO ONE WHO IS DRIVING A 2003 VEHICLE CAN AFFORD A $2,500 REPAIR ON AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUE! PLEAS WORK TO FORCE TOYOTA TO MAKE THIS A RECALL SO THAT NO DEATHS OCCUR WHEN THESE ROTTED FRAMES FALL OFF OF THESE TRUCKS WHILE THEY ARE BEING DRIVEN!
Structure, Aug 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME PREMATURELY RUSTED WITH EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO THE POINT THAT THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER FRACTURED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 1, 2016
INTERMIDIOT LOSS OF THROTTLE RESPONCE, FROM STANDING AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND FROM ACCELERATION. HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION UNTIL PEDEL IS PRESSED FULLY AND OSSULATION WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED ON HWY. **NO WARNING CODES PRESENT**
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2016
RUSTING OF THE FRAME TO THE POINT OF MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED DURING THE 150,000 MILE SERVICE.
Structure, Jun 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Structure, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT DISPENSED THE BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME AND BRAKE POSITIONING VALVE EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM RELATED TO THE FRAME, WHICH EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 3, 2016
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA ON HIGHWAY 156 DOWNHILL TO HOLLISTER, CA I WAS GOING APPROX 65 MPH AND IT JUST JERKED BACK AND LOST POWER I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO 40MPH NO HIGHER , THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED ON AND IT SEEMS I AM GETTING NO KIND OF DIAGNOSTIC ERROR OF WHAT COULD BE WRONG.
Structure, May 17, 2016
WENT TO HAVE MY TRUCK INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME HAS RUST PRETTY MUCH ALONG THE WHOLE DRIVERS SIDE AND IT CAN'T BE INSPECTED
Structure, Wheels, Apr 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INDEPENDENTLY PERFORMING REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE, CORROSION WAS NOTICED ON THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INITIALLY STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD BEEN SPRAYED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSION AGENT UNDER A VOLUNTARY RECALL BUT THEN STATED THAT THE VOLUNTARY RECALL WAS NEVER PERFORMED. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER STATED THAT DUE TO THE CORROSION, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) COULD NOT BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.
Structure, Apr 22, 2016
I DISCOVERED THAT BOTH SIDES OF THE FRAME ARE BROKEN JUST AHEAD OF THE REAR AXLE. THE CAR REPAIR SHOP WHERE I TOOK IT SAID THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT THE BREAK DIDN'T RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS RECEIVED EXCEPTIONAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE AND THE BODY LOOKS NEW. THE VEHICLE IS USED FOR COMMUTING TO WORK AND OTHER "LIGHT DUTY". THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY POOR QUALITY FRAME AND I HAVE LEARNED THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON IT. REGRETTABLY THEY SHOW LITTLE CONCERN FOR THE THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES STILL ON THE ROAD VULNERABLE TO FRAME BREAKAGE. MOREOVER, MOST PEOPLE DRIVING THOSE VEHICLES HAVE NO IDEA THAT THEIR VEHICLES COULD BREAK APART AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH POTENTIALLY CATASTROPHIC RESULTS. JUST BECAUSE A RECALL ENDS (OFTEN PRIOR TO WHEN MANY WHO CAN ONLY AFFORD TO BUY USED VEHICLES ACQUIRE THEM) DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE SAFETY ISSUE HAS BEEN FULLY RESOLVED. THIS REMAINS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT TOYOTA IS SIMPLY IGNORING (THEY TELL ME IT IS NO LONGER THEIR RESPONSIBILITY!!!). I WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOTICED THE BREAKAGE WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON MY VEHICLE. OTHERS MAY NOT BE SO FORTUNATE.
Structure, Apr 18, 2016
I'M TRYING TO SELL MY TACOMA. THE FRAME IS RUSTED. I TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER WHEN THE FRAME RECALL WAS SENT TO ME. THEY SPRAYED THE FRAME WITH A CORROSION RESISTANT TREATMENT. OBVIOUSLY, THIS HASN'T SOLVED THE PROBLEM AND I WANT A NEW FRAME. I HAVE 134,000 MILES ON THIS TRUCK. IT'S IN GREAT SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. MY MECHANIC SAID IT'S A SAFETY FACTOR BECAUSE THE SPARE TIRE BRACE IS RUSTED; THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME NOW. ACCORDING TO A LETTER FROM TOYOTA USA PRESIDENT, THEY ARE ALLOWING REPLACEMENT FRAMES UP TO 15 YEARS.