This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Car stumbles/hesitates intermittently at various speeds. Have spent time/money trouble shooting the problem/making repairs with no affect on problem. Problem appears to be drive by wire throttle body Toyota part # 22030-62020 (Toyota data per VIN shows this part should not be on my car). Toyota has a program to replace throttle body if found to be defective (for a limited time) except problem cannot be duplicated in the shop and it does not cause any codes. On-line research indicated problem is with the throttle position sensor (tsp) or the accelerator pedal position sensor (apps) on the throttle body failing. Research indicates Toyota is aware of this problem as they will replace part free if proven defective and apparently has redesigned their throttle body. Issue is, most of the time the dealer cannot reproduce the problem in the shop and since it does not cause a code they will not honor the warranty program because they will not be reimbursed without proving the part is defective. The problem with this throttle body has been identified in vehicles with as little as 30000 miles to over 250000 miles per on-line research. While riding with me the dealer's technician has seen and felt the stumble/hesitation (RPM drops about 150 to 250 RPM when traveling at a constant speed for no reason) but has never been able to duplicate it in the shop or identify the cause. This stumbling/hesitation occurs everytime the car has been driven for longer than 20-30 minutes since the 1st occurrence. Twice it has stumble while making a left turn at an intersection causing me to almost get hit by an on coming vehicle. This throttle body is a non-serviceable part and cannot be repaired, per the dealer it is required to be replaced as a unit. This part needs to be recalled and Toyota required to replace it at no cost now instead of only when it fails before someone is killed.
The problem that exists is on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma. It will all of a sudden lose power and have no throttle response, almost as if it was hitting an engine governor. The rpms usually drop anywhere from 200-500 and then comes back up. The power would slowly come back after keeping my foot on the throttle. It consistently does it after accelerating out of an intersection (usually around 25 mph or while cruising (around both 45 mph or 75 mph) on the highway. This drop of power or lack thereof is a huge safety issue, especially when pulling into an intersection or needing quick acceleration to avoid an accident. I have read about many others with the same issues with their late model Tacoma. The parts to fix the issue are very costly and the problem seems to be widespread. [xxx] request research. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I'm filing the compliant to acknowledge the fact that these older fly by wire throttle bodies have a faulty tps that is only replaceable as a whole new throttle body. The cost on them is between 700 to 1000 dollars. My Tacoma do have a faulty tps on it. I'm waiting to save up enough money to replace the throttle body however, there have been numerous times that upon pulling out into traffic it has acted up. When this happens you get a very bad hesitation or lack of acceleration to the point of endangering myself and other drivers. The hesitation has lasted as long as 3 to 5 seconds before the throttle will finally respond. The condition will only happen during hot summer months. Thank you for your time and would like the see this looked into and or resolved. I will be able to replace the throttle body because I work at a dealership and get the parts at cost. However some people may not be able to save up the cost for the new part. Thanks again sincerely!!
The check engine light came on as the car decelerated. I had to depress the gas peddle to the floor to accelerate the vehicle. Took it to the dealer and they told me the choke was sticking and I needed to have an upper engine cleaning. 10000 miles later the same thing happened. Now I need a new throttle body.
Gasoline tank broke loose while driving after corrosion caused failure of retaining strap/brackets. Fire did not occur, drive shaft kept tank from completely separating from vehicle. 2003 Toyota Tacoma had already been recalled for corrosion problems in April 2010.
- Colchester, VT, USA
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Toyota Tacoma, 2003 acceleration drops to 25% inadvertently. This is a well documented issue on several of the Toyota Tacoma bulletin boards yet Toyota has done nothing to remedy this highly dangerous situation. The accelerator pedal position sensor fails and drops the acceleration to 25% without warning. This happened to me while doing 75 on the highway and I was nearly rear ended by a semi truck! I have complained to Toyota with no response. This is well documented and needs to be addressed!
Slow fill up at the gas pumps. The tank takes 10-12 minutes to fill. It takes the gas very slowly. Pump will keep clicking off. The pump hose has to be kept half to three-quarters out in order that the gas flow into the tank.
My engine light on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma keeps coming on. I sent $1000 to replace the oxygen sensor and then the evap connector assembly. The engine light is still on. The repair shop told me they've replaced many of these on Toyota.
My 2003 Toyota Tacoma V6 SR5 double cab 4X4 has a condition where the throttle cuts out while accelerating. This is a very dangerous situation when pulling into traffic or while driving in traffic.
After driving for approximately 2 hours, on three separate occasions, the vehicle would intermittently lose significant power. It felt as though I had taken my foot off the throttle. After my own investigation, I learned that Toyota has a history of this problem, particularly with their 2003/2004 model Tacoma's. evidently, their accelerator pedal position sensor (part of their throttle by wire design) fails. This created a few serious safety situations for me when the throttle failed to respond when needed. After reporting this to the dealer, they inspected the vehicle and did determine the apps was at fault. Numerous accounts of this happening with other owner's is readily available via the various bulletin boards on the web. Compounding the issue, is the fact that this sensor cannot be replaced without replacing the entire throttle body assembly at a cost of $1000 or so. Toyota initially responded that they've never heard of this issue yet others have reported to them prior to me which indicates either they have a very poor process for logging issues or are trying to avoid another recall.
Intermittent check engine light and rough idle - 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L auto, double cab, 55K miles check engine light came on. Took vehicle to local chain shop who diagnosed error code PO511 - idle air control valve (iacv). Toyota parts department prices this part at $226 and service manager indicated $249 for labor (not including tax). Vehicle currently has 55K miles on it and "engine" should be covered by 6 yr/60K mile powertrain warranty. Took vehicle to dealer (to have other recalls corrected) who indicated a $90 fee was required just to diagnose check engine light. Toyota customer service indicated the iacv was only covered to 3yr/36K and that I should pay dealer fee and seek "factory assistance" for any costs to repair. I contend that this type of a part - not serviceable/maintainable by the customer, should be guaranteed against failure for more than ~50K miles and repair should be covered by manufacturer.
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- Sumter, SC, USA