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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

359 reports
189,000 miles · Jul 27, 2017
Structure

FRAME OF VEHICLE HAS CORRODED AWAY CAUSING FUEL TANK TO FALL OFF. THIS HAPPENED AS I PULLED INTO PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11010964

160,000 miles · Jun 1, 2017
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE KRAUSE TOYOTA OF BRINIGSVILLE, PADEALER DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT IT DID NOT PASS BECAUSE THE REAR END NEAR THE SPRING SHACKLE FOR THE SUSPENSION WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT, AS OF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE KRAUSE TOYOTA OF BRINIGSVILLE, PADEALER DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT IT DID NOT PASS BECAUSE THE REAR END NEAR THE SPRING SHACKLE FOR THE SUSPENSION WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT, AS OF 2012, THEY WERE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER OPENED CASE NUMBER: 1706010045. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10992636

180,000 miles · May 23, 2017
StructureSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF SEVERE CORROSION TO THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHIC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF SEVERE CORROSION TO THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE RUST AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED CASE NUMBERS: 1075172502 AND 1705192164. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ UPDATED 08/03/2017 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10991240

91,000 miles · May 15, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY AND THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WERE PREMATURELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE EXTENSIVE HOLES, RUST, AND CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BODY AND THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WERE PREMATURELY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE EXTENSIVE HOLES, RUST, AND CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 08/03/17*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10985787

124,000 miles · May 9, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH AN INDEPENDENT WELDING COMPANY WHO INFORMED THAT THEY COULD WELD THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH AN INDEPENDENT WELDING COMPANY WHO INFORMED THAT THEY COULD WELD THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.

NHTSA ODI #10984425

120,000 miles · May 5, 2017
StructureUnknown Or Other

FRAME RAILS, LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE, EXHIBITING RUST THRU. SAFETY ISSUE; FRAME FAILURE IN FUTURE.(VERY NEAR).

NHTSA ODI #10983722

172,000 miles · Apr 24, 2017
Structure

2003 TACOMA. TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BE SERVICED AND THE TECHNICIAN POINTED OUT THAT I HAVE EXTENSIVE FRAME CORROSION AND HOLES IN THE FRAME AND THAT THE CAR IS DANGEROUS AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. CAR WAS STATIONARY. WTF?

NHTSA ODI #10980268

180,000 miles · Apr 17, 2017
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WORKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #10978747

223,000 miles · Apr 12, 2017
StructureTires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE PREMATURE RUST AND CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE WELDED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE PREMATURE RUST AND CORROSION ASSOCIATED WITH THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FRAME WOULD NEED TO BE WELDED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 223,000.

NHTSA ODI #10972024

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2017
SuspensionCrashInjury

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #10971740

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.