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CarComplaints.com Notes: A dependable pickup option that does have a slight history of frame corrosion. Even though mud looks cool on a truck, it's best if you run this through the car wash every now and again.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
111,271 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2003 Toyota Tundra body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2003 Toyota Tundra Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Oct 292016

Tundra

  • 152,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In May 2016, I purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra from a used car dealer. In October, as I was changing the oil, I noticed a rust hole in the front section of the frame and as I further inspected, there were rust holes and cracks in the front section of the frame. I checked the passenger side and found the same problem. I went to my local Toyota dealer and they informed me that the recall had expired in 2012. I then contacted Toyota headquarters and they reviewed my case and sent it to a case manager. The case manager contacted me 2 days later and said there was nothing they could do because it was a warranty issue and it had expired. This is troubling to comprehend because a co-worker of mine who owns a 2001 Toyota truck had his frame replaced, no questions asked, in 2015. I find this extremely troubling because this is a safety issue that could lead to potentially injuring myself and my family if the frame were to further crack or split. Toyota states that they "want our customers to have a great ownership experience, so we are pleased to resolve litigation in a way that benefits them and demonstrates that we stand behind the quality and reliability of our vehicles." I find this hard to believe considering they are not willing to resolve my safety issues and concerns.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #22

Apr 042016

Tundra

  • 262,000 miles
In June of 2012 I took my Tundra to have the frame campaign performed, in January of 2013 I contacted Toyota stating the frame / corrosion recall was not performed properly and I felt the frame needed to be replaced as there was a lot of rust. They contacted the dealer I took it back and they reinspected the frame and I was told it was no rust found. A few months after this I would be driving and I would hit a bump and end up in the next lane. I took it to work and put the vehicle on a lift and found the steering rack mount cracked at the frame. I welded it back together. About a month ago the same thing the frame where the rack mounts cracked in another spot so this time I need to take L angle steel and weld in place. On 3/4/ 2016 I decided I was going to go back and undercoat my frame correctly. At this time I have found holes in my frame exactly where the points of the frame that the recall falls under. Toyota has stated they are not going to offer any assistance

- Dundalk, MD, USA

problem #21

Jan 132016

Tundra

  • 162,000 miles
I was driving down the road and lost my spare tire the cross member rotted off the truck I had Toyota under coat the truck in 2012 I hope no one got hurt or killed from the tire falling off

- Millersburg, OH, USA

problem #20

Nov 302015

Tundra

  • 159,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle has sustantial frame rust which affects the safe operation and the resale/trade-in value. Toyota refuses to offer any remedy because the frame replacement program ended in 2012. My vehicles frame passed a frame inspection in 2011 by a local dealer. I took them at their word. I dont feel that the frame on a 12 year old vehicle should havae such a short service life. This is a hardship for hundereds of Tundra owners who have otherwise good vehicles that are now potentially un-safe and utterly worthless. The dealer did offer to patch the frame in one area but it is corroded in several areas. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as Toyota actions did not go far enough.

- Salisbury, MA, USA

problem #19

Oct 152015

Tundra

  • 170,000 miles
Bad frame rust bad suspension rust bad differential rust bad spare tire rust.if rust condition gets worse the possibility of suspension failure is very real.some of these models need to be recalled or bought back before there is injury or death.

- Kalona, IA, USA

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problem #18

Apr 272015

Tundra

  • 149,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame was rusted. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.

- Fallston, MD, USA

problem #17

Jul 092015

Tundra

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While the vehicle was being repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure), the technician discovered that there was corrosion on the rear cross member. The vehicle was repaired; however, the remedy failed to repair the failure. While driving at approximately 45 mph, the vehicle started to shake and the rear driver side tire detached. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Morgan Town, WV, USA

problem #16

Jul 212015

Tundra

  • 69,679 miles
Vehicle was towed to Toyota dealer due to gear shift selector would no longer work. Issue was found to be transmission cable rusted thru and broke. During a successful repair of above issue; a frame inspection was performed. I was notified by the local Toyota service manager rust had compromised the frame putting a few holes in the right front frame rail. The service people took pictures and submitted a package to the regional contacts with "a recommendation to replace my vehicle's frame." Again, the local Toyota dealership repair technicians and mgmt. Are recommending the frame be replaced under a extended warranty issue. At this point in the process Toyota has denied remediation and or corrective work on their part !! this is a Tundra truck which has had all factory recalls performed; and in other aspects is in excellent mechanical and running shape with just under 70K mi. I have called Toyota corporate customer service on 8/7, case # 1508070842 and am waiting for feedback. I am creating this safety complaint as I don't believe Toyota will do anything, yet I want to be positive on the matter. I expect Toyota to either replace the frame, remediate and repair, or offer to purchase it back towardsthe purchase of a new one.

- Arlington Heights, IL, USA

problem #15

Aug 062015

Tundra

  • 112,932 miles
I took my 2003 Tundra to a transmission repair shop, independent, to have the rear differential evaluated due to crunching sound which occurred when taking off from a stop and leaking of fluid due to corrosion on housing. The shop called me that day two hours later and informed me that my frame was completely rusted out near the front of the vehicle on both sides making it unsafe to drive and not worth proceeding in any repairs of the rear differential at this point. They contacted the nearest dealership which told them that the frame perforation recall, NHTSA # 09V444 had expired 7/31/2015 six days prior. I was instructed to call Toyota, which I did. The lady informed me that the recall was still ongoing. I took the Tundra to that same dealership for them to inspect the frame. The next day they call me and inform me that I need to contact Toyota again myself. This is a Toyota garage telling me this. Tonight I get on Toyota's website and find two recalls in regards to the frame perforation. According to the toy website both status' of recalls offer remedies available and this site is updated 8/7/2015. I can see that my nearest dealer isn't going to be very helpful. My truck has 112,000. I'm the 2nd owner and have been diligent with maintenance. I do no off roading and use if to Transport my motorcycle to races hundreds of miles from home.

- Lumberport, WV, USA

problem #14

Jan 202015

Tundra

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer where the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The technician stated that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Jamesville, NY, USA

problem #13

Jan 182015

Tundra

  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the rear of the frame was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the entire frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

- Danville , KY, USA

problem #12

Jul 162010

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 980,000 miles
Traveling on hwy 11. 4 cars ahead suddenly stop. I had 3 choices: Hit the car in front of me. Go into on coming traffic, or head off the side of the road into the bayou. Missed the opportunity of the bayou, hit a parked semi tractor trailer. Nothing happened to the tractor trailor. My Toyota got severely crunched on the right passenger side. My air bags never went off. I was going 30 miles per hour, and nothing deployed. Now I understand it is a good thing the airbags didn't go off.

- Slidell, LA, USA

problem #11

Jun 202014

Tundra

  • 173,566 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle being serviced, the contact was informed that the frame was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,566.

- Uxbridge, MA, USA

problem #10

Oct 312013

Tundra

  • 56,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that there were holes corroded throughout the frame. There was a manufacturer's recall that had expired for the frame failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

- West Chesterfield, NH, USA

problem #9

Apr 132013

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 49,955 miles
Upon inspection there is total rust of the frame and bolts on the suspension. Unusual tire wear. I have read about some recalls but this is an exceptional low miles vehicle (less then 50,000) and it is found to be in unsound condition and current value should be at least $18,000.

- Neosho, MO, USA

problem #8

Mar 032013

Tundra 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
Frame has several rust perforation holes. Toyota refuses to repair. Vehicle bought used in March of 2013.

- Kapaa, HI, USA

problem #7

Jul 152012

Tundra

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The vehicle was included and repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 09V444000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields). After the repairs while the contact was driving approximately 45 mph, he noticed that the front driver's side of the vehicle was unbalanced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the rings around the strut had become corroded, causing the spring to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later discovered that the fuel filter bracket, rear differential seals and the front rack were also corroded. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Wethersfield, CT, USA

problem #6

Oct 182012

Tundra 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 154,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact noticed damage to the frame. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V444000 (structure: Frame and members:underbody shields). In conjunction to the remedy repair the brake calipers were a required replacement which was not mentioned in the recall; however, they were replaced at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified and offered to reimbursement for the parts and partial labor cost. The failure mileage was 154,000. Updated 06/18/13 the consumer stated after being refunded for the repairs of the calipers, on 1/31/13, rust was found on the new frame. Updated 06/24/2013

- Hinsdale, MA, USA

problem #5

Oct 122011

Tundra

  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated there was a recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V444000 (structure: Frame and members: Underbody shields). The contact stated that the parts continued to remain on a massive back order for over a year. The dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available. The contact had concern of the safety deffect mentioned in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The contact had not experienced failure at this time.

- Wautoma, WI, USA

problem #4

Jun 082011

Tundra

  • 81,000 miles
Received the recall notice, brought vehicle to local dealer which stated there was no corrosion, dealer did not spray under carriage. Family member also owns this truck and stated that his was sprayed and then subsequently eroded and replaced. I will be calling the dealer tomorrow for reevaluation as the fuel filler may be eroded or cracked.

- Fall River, MA, USA

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