2003 Toyota Tundra Body Problems
- 62
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 62 stored complaint records:
- 3 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- failure mileage · 10 records
- spare tire · 9 records
- needed replaced · 9 records
- frame rusted · 8 records
- independent mechanic · 7 records
- unsafe drive · 6 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 21 |
| 100–150k mi | 16 |
| 60–100k mi | 11 |
| 30–60k mi | 4 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body
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 [redacted]) but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who provided case 2001 021145 however, no…
ODI 11300148
Air Bags · Body
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…
ODI 11307603
Body
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…
ODI 11287802
Body
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…
ODI 11292484
Body · Unknown Or Other
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.
ODI 11270967
Body
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, [redacted]) where it was…
ODI 11278285
Body
Frame is completely rusted through. Car has only 130k miles. Toyota denies culpability, frame is made of inferior material not able to withstand use.
ODI 11265668
Body · Steering
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…
ODI 11258184
Body · Trailer Hitches
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,…
ODI 11219453
Body
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…
ODI 11218689
Body
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…
ODI 11218372
Body
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…
ODI 11208037
Air Bags · Body · Unknown Or Other
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.
Crash reported · 1 injury
ODI 11203011
Body · Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
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 ([redacted], owensboro, ky 42301, [redacted]) and was informed to have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not…
ODI 11204005
Body
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…
ODI 11174426
Body · Suspension
Rear cross member that holds on spare tire is completely rusted. Toyota refuses to replace because the recall has expired.
ODI 11161917
Body
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.…
ODI 11153974
Body · Service Brakes · Suspension
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.
ODI 11143338
Body
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.
ODI 11131494
Body
Frame rusted to the point of being non-repairable and unsafe to drive.
ODI 11097644
Body
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…
ODI 11091364
Air Bags · Body
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.…
ODI 11082660
Body
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, [redacted], topsham, me 04086,…
ODI 11073048
Body · Steering · Suspension
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…
ODI 11055661
Body
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 ([redacted], newport news, va 23608, [redacted]) 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…
ODI 11061222