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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

What owners actually said

359 reports
23,750 miles · Jun 26, 2006
SuspensionTires

DT: THE CONTACT STATED A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED PERTAINING TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL ON 12/27/05 WHERE THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY AFTER ABOUT THREE MONTH LATER AND IT WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE F…

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DT: THE CONTACT STATED A RECALL LETTER WAS RECEIVED PERTAINING TO THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL ON 12/27/05 WHERE THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY AFTER ABOUT THREE MONTH LATER AND IT WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FRONT TIRES WERE BALANCE WHICH RESULTED IN DIFFICULTY OF STEERING DUE TO THE TIRES BECOMING WORN. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT THE WORN TIRES WERE A DIRECT RESULT OF THE IMPROPER ALIGNMENT PERFORMED BY THE DEALER ON 12/27/05. AFTER 3 DAYS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR TIRE ROTATION BECAUSE THE DIFFICULTY IN STEERING HAD WORSENED. THE ROTATION FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR AWHILE HOWEVER AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS THE STEERING WORSENED. ON 6/26/06, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT TIRE DEALER FOR REALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT CAN PROVIDE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF THE TIRES BEFORE THE ALIGNMENT, AFTER THE ALIGNMENT AND THE SPECIFIED RANGED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10160817

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2006
Fuel System, Other

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON CHARCOAL CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED APPARENTLY THIS OCCURS OFTEN TO OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS PART SHOULD LAST MORE THAN JUST OVER 3 YEARS FILING COMPLAINT TO SEE IF THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART OR DESIGN THAT COULD LEAD TO LATER PROBLEMS COST $560 TO REPLACE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159938

25,000 miles · May 16, 2006
Suspension

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTIFICATION. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID # 05V225000 CONCERNING THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REMEDY. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. A…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION PRIOR TO RECEIVING RECALL NOTIFICATION. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID # 05V225000 CONCERNING THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, THE DEALER PERFORMED THE RECALL REMEDY. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION.

NHTSA ODI #10157672

Mileage unknown · May 9, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

I BROUGHT THIS CAR AND IT WAS IN A ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP LIED TO ME BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME THAT AL THE PARTS WERE GOING TO BE COVERED BY THE GUARANTEE. HOW EVER ALL THE PARTS WERE NOT COVERED AND I HAD TO PAY SOME OF THE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND COMPLAINED BUT THEY WOULD NOT LISTEN TO ME. THE CAR ALSO LEAKS OIL BUT THE …

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I BROUGHT THIS CAR AND IT WAS IN A ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP LIED TO ME BECAUSE THEY TOLD ME THAT AL THE PARTS WERE GOING TO BE COVERED BY THE GUARANTEE. HOW EVER ALL THE PARTS WERE NOT COVERED AND I HAD TO PAY SOME OF THE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND COMPLAINED BUT THEY WOULD NOT LISTEN TO ME. THE CAR ALSO LEAKS OIL BUT THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T PAY ATTENTION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10157116

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2006
Suspension

2003 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE LATER BEGAN TO MAKE A GRINDING & CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LURCH FORWARD. *TS *JB ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***

NHTSA ODI #10149746

22,200 miles · Jan 18, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury

DT*: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS PRE-BRAKING PRIOR TO IMPACT, THE SPEED AT THAT TIME WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, BUT WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE POLICE WERE AT THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE T…

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DT*: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT COLLISION AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS PRE-BRAKING PRIOR TO IMPACT, THE SPEED AT THAT TIME WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, BUT WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE POLICE WERE AT THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTOR HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 03/09/06

NHTSA ODI #10147993

20,000 miles · Dec 8, 2005
Tires

DT: CONTACT STATED THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND END UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WENT FLAT. THE TREAD FOR THE TWO FRONT TIRES IS SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALL. ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT THE CON…

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DT: CONTACT STATED THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. THE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND AND END UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WENT FLAT. THE TREAD FOR THE TWO FRONT TIRES IS SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALL. ALL FOUR TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO URGED THE CONTACT TO SENT TO THEM THE TIRES. HE HAS NOT YET SENT THE TIRES TO THE MANUFACTURER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10144780

21,000 miles · Nov 22, 2005
Power Train

AT 21,000 MILES HEARD LOUD NOISE FOR DIFFERENTIAL, AND BAD GLUNK WHEN LEAVING STOP LIGHT, TOYOTA NEVER PUT IN GEAR LUBE TO COVER UP THE BAD WELDS ON RIGHT END OF DIFFERENTIAL (THAT WOULD HAVE LEAKED IF THEY DID PUT IN GEAR LUBE), NO REPLY FROM E-MAILS, PHONE CALLS, TALKING TO CUST. REP, (REQUESTED ARBITRATION FORMS BY PHONE AND …

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AT 21,000 MILES HEARD LOUD NOISE FOR DIFFERENTIAL, AND BAD GLUNK WHEN LEAVING STOP LIGHT, TOYOTA NEVER PUT IN GEAR LUBE TO COVER UP THE BAD WELDS ON RIGHT END OF DIFFERENTIAL (THAT WOULD HAVE LEAKED IF THEY DID PUT IN GEAR LUBE), NO REPLY FROM E-MAILS, PHONE CALLS, TALKING TO CUST. REP, (REQUESTED ARBITRATION FORMS BY PHONE AND E-MAIL 6 TIMES, NEVER RECEIVED THEM EVEN THOUGH TOYOTA LIED AND SAID THEY WILL SEND THEM.) . *NM

NHTSA ODI #10143437

15,500 miles · Nov 1, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT AFTER SUDDENLY BRAKING ON LEVEL GROUND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS IT STALLED WHILE TRYING TO INCREASE SPEED ON AN INCLINE. ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER BEING COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE …

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DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT AFTER SUDDENLY BRAKING ON LEVEL GROUND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS IT STALLED WHILE TRYING TO INCREASE SPEED ON AN INCLINE. ONE OF THESE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER BEING COMPLETELY TURNED OFF. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 11/29/2005 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10141385

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2005
Suspension

INFO COPY LTR FWD TO TOYOTA REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL, CUSTOMER DISSATISFIED W/QUALITY OF CURRENT TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TS **REFERENCE 10140998*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE FRONT END PROBLEM AFTER BEING FIXED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER WHICH MADE IT HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE …

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INFO COPY LTR FWD TO TOYOTA REGARDING FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT RECALL, CUSTOMER DISSATISFIED W/QUALITY OF CURRENT TOYOTA VEHICLES. *TS **REFERENCE 10140998*** THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE FRONT END PROBLEM AFTER BEING FIXED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER WHICH MADE IT HARD TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES HAD DELAYED ACTION, IT TOOK A LITTLE TIME TO RESPOND TO TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10141000

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.