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2003 Toyota Tacoma

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 228.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

268 reports with mileage · 91 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 181 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

30 crash reports1 fire reports18 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

27 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2015
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 09/10/15*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10732236

1,880,000 miles · Oct 29, 2014
Air Bags

DRIVING VERY SLOW ON A ROUGH TERRAIN LOGGING ROAD AND AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS NOT GONE OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650982

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2014
Air Bags

MY 2003 MATRIX HAD LESS THAN 40,000 ORIGINAL MILES WHEN THE DASH AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOYOTA RECALLED THE MATRIX FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WAS CORRECTED IN 2013. MY 2003 TACOMA TRUCK'S CURRENT MILEAGE IS ONLY 29,667 ORIGINAL MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES THE DASH AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. A FRIEND WHO SPECIALIZES IN TOYOTA …

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MY 2003 MATRIX HAD LESS THAN 40,000 ORIGINAL MILES WHEN THE DASH AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. TOYOTA RECALLED THE MATRIX FOR THIS PROBLEM AND WAS CORRECTED IN 2013. MY 2003 TACOMA TRUCK'S CURRENT MILEAGE IS ONLY 29,667 ORIGINAL MILES. AT APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES THE DASH AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. A FRIEND WHO SPECIALIZES IN TOYOTA REPAIRS CHECKED IT AND SAID IT WAS THE B1100-AIR BAG SENSOR MODULE.. TOYOTA HAS YET TO RECALL THE 2003 TACOMA FOR AN AIR BAG PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10586940

188,707 miles · Jul 30, 2013
Air BagsService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

COMING TO A STOP APPROX 2 MPH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED VERY LOUDLY AND THE TRUCK SHOW FORWARD. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE TRUCK. I SWERVED TO AVOID THE CAMPSITE WE WERE AT AND HIT A TREE VERY HARD. THE ENGINE HOWEVER CONTINUED TO REV LOUDLY AND I SHIFTED TO PARK. WITH THE ENGINE STILL VERY LOUD AND THE WHEELS SPINNING I H…

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COMING TO A STOP APPROX 2 MPH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED VERY LOUDLY AND THE TRUCK SHOW FORWARD. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE TRUCK. I SWERVED TO AVOID THE CAMPSITE WE WERE AT AND HIT A TREE VERY HARD. THE ENGINE HOWEVER CONTINUED TO REV LOUDLY AND I SHIFTED TO PARK. WITH THE ENGINE STILL VERY LOUD AND THE WHEELS SPINNING I HAD TO SHUT THE ENGINE BY REMOVING THE KEY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532725

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2011
Air BagsStructureTiresCrashInjury

LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THE 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID INTO HIS VEHICLE AND HE HIT THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TIRES AND FRONT FENDER RATIO HAD …

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LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE SAFETY OF THE 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, ANOTHER VEHICLE SLID INTO HIS VEHICLE AND HE HIT THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE OF THE OTHER VEHICLE AT 40 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TIRES AND FRONT FENDER RATIO HAD A DESIGN DEFECT. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. *JB..UPDATED 01/31/12..UPDATED 11/19/13 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10423465

80,000 miles · Jun 15, 2011
Air BagsCrash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OUT IN AN INTERSECTION WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HIM AT 45 MPH. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OUT IN AN INTERSECTION WHEN A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HIM AT 45 MPH. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10406924

93,000 miles · Jan 17, 2009
Air BagsCrash

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 EN…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10255459

20,458 miles · Jan 6, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #10253990

64,000 miles · Sep 25, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10243440

40,000 miles · Jan 15, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury

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 FA…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10214934

Official recalls

3

12V542000 · Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

05V225000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: 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.

03V189000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.