Know Your Truck

2003 Toyota Tacoma

Recalls and owner complaints reported to NHTSA

Compared with the typical (middle) count of 243 complaints across the 3 model-year 2003 midsize trucks we cover. Best-selling trucks naturally collect more complaints because more of them are on the road.

Price & value

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Owner's manual

Get the free official owner's manual from Toyota's owner's manuals page. Choose 2003 Tacoma. It covers maintenance schedules, fluids, towing limits and warning lights. Older years may not be listed online.

Recalls

A recall doesn't mean a truck still has the problem. Enter the truck's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or ask a dealer to see whether the repair was done.

  • Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

    Nov 2012 · #12V542000

    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.

    Read more: details, risk and fix

    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.

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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 [phone removed].

  • Exterior Lighting

    Jul 2006 · #06E065000

    CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.

    Read more: details, risk and fix

    CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

    Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT [phone removed].

  • Exterior Lighting

    Mar 2006 · #06E026000

    CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.

    Read more: details, risk and fix

    CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

    Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

    Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT [phone removed].

  • Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint

    May 2005 · #05V225000

    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.

    Read more: details, risk and fix

    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.

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

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT [phone removed].

  • Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

    May 2003 · #03V189000

    ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E.

    Read more: details, risk and fix

    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.

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

    Fix: 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 [phone removed].

Owner complaints by area

Reports owners filed with NHTSA. They aren't verified, and one complaint can mention more than one area. Tap an area to read the most recent ones.

  • Structure182
    5 involved a crash
    • Filed Nov 2025 · Also filed under Suspension

      While driving at both high speeds (highway) and local road speed limits, Toyota Tacoma's rear passenger side frame split completely in half. While performing maneuvers such as right turns, vehicle wobbled and I, driver, lost temporary control of vehicle. Upon further inspection, rear driver side frame also contains stress fractures which are symmetric to the rear passenger side of truck. Potential for accident has increased exponentially. Pictures provided. Brought evidence of clear safety hazard to local Metro Detroit dealership at 773 S Rochester Rd Unit B, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 on 04NOV25, and called Toyota Corporate on 05NOV25. Toyota Corporate neglected my concerns about safety hazard and potential harm to myself and family. Safety recall needs to be issued immediately. This issue stems from a well known recall from Toyota of Toyota Tacoma's, 1996-2004, which contained an OEM defect of excessive corrasion to the frames, causing premature failure of the frames due to excessive rust build up which impacts frame integrity and increases probability of failures such as observed in my case.

    • Filed Feb 2025

      The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe of the vehicle was corroded and the subframe had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 260,000.

    • Filed Nov 2024

      The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the rear sub frame on the driver's and passenger's side were corroded. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 345,000.

    • Filed Oct 2024

      The frame rusted through and there are holes in the frame The frame broke while my wife was driving home from work. Had to get it towed to the house No No No, no symptoms

    • Filed Feb 2024

      Hello I Just wanted to check if my vehicle was ever in a crash. 2/29/24 VIN. [XXX] 03 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 4 cyl. EMail is [XXX] Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 182.
  • Suspension66
    7 involved a crash
    • Filed Feb 2026 · Also filed under Steering

      I took my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and for a tire alignment and was told by an employee of the tire shop that my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and lower ball joints. I checked the VIN number and it said I have zero recalls, but there is a general recall on this make a model that I have what do I do? I also have the steering has a lot of play whenever I go for a bump in the road like the tires catch the road so I kind of swerve a little bit and I feel that it’s very unsafe to me and other drivers.

    • Filed Jan 2026

      Invoice no. XXX Frame recall. I have a receipt stating…”J# 20TOZFRAM,;CS FRAM Inspection TECY(S):351 Warrenty inspected Frame, Frame failed, perforation, Replaced Frame at Dealer”. Except they did not replace the frame, I have a receipt stating they replaced the “ spare tire rack assembly. Now, my frame is so rusted it will not pass inspection next September. It has been welded already, at the tune of $2500.00. This truck has 122,000 miles. I want the truck fixed. I’ve been in touch with the BBB and the attorney general, and others. The attorney general suggested I get a lawyer. This is a a gross deception from the Orleans Dealer in [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    • Filed Nov 2025 · Also filed under Structure

      While driving at both high speeds (highway) and local road speed limits, Toyota Tacoma's rear passenger side frame split completely in half. While performing maneuvers such as right turns, vehicle wobbled and I, driver, lost temporary control of vehicle. Upon further inspection, rear driver side frame also contains stress fractures which are symmetric to the rear passenger side of truck. Potential for accident has increased exponentially. Pictures provided. Brought evidence of clear safety hazard to local Metro Detroit dealership at 773 S Rochester Rd Unit B, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 on 04NOV25, and called Toyota Corporate on 05NOV25. Toyota Corporate neglected my concerns about safety hazard and potential harm to myself and family. Safety recall needs to be issued immediately. This issue stems from a well known recall from Toyota of Toyota Tacoma's, 1996-2004, which contained an OEM defect of excessive corrasion to the frames, causing premature failure of the frames due to excessive rust build up which impacts frame integrity and increases probability of failures such as observed in my case.

    • Filed Sep 2025

      Prior to July, 2010, I received a letter from Toyota stating my Tacoma Frame was recalled. I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I set up an appointment with the Orleans Toyota dealer and set up an appointment. They gave me a loaner and had my truck for two weeks. I thought my frame had been replaced. All this time went by and now my frame is dangerously rusted. Last year I spent $2500 getting it spot welded. This year the mechanic says he may not be able to pass it next time. This provoked me to research all my bills for the truck. What I found was unbelievable to me. I never looked at my billing receipt from Orleans Toyota, but believed the frame was done. Not the case. They replaced the 83341 Spare Tire Carrier 5092 Wpt. Part=04002-11204. My Tacoma has 122,000 on it now. I’m [XXX]. I cannot afford a new car payment . From what I understand there are 100s of people with the same problem of seriously rusted frames. I need your help. Thank youL [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    • Filed May 2025

      What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving over railroad tracks, the lower ball joint separated from its socket, which caused the CV axle shaft to break apart and led to the separation of the upper ball joint. As a result, the front driver's side tire folded under the fender, causing the truck to abruptly veer off the road and into the right shoulder All parts are available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the failure occurred, I was driving over a series of railroad tracks when the truck suddenly veered off the road onto the shoulder. This abrupt veering and stopping put my safety—and the safety of others—at risk, as the drivers behind me had to react suddenly to avoid a collision. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The truck was serviced in 2006 in response to the recall, having the lower ball joints replaced, however the replacement parts may have failed Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 66.
  • Vehicle Speed Control29
    6 involved a crash
    • Filed May 2023

      The contact owned a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving up the driveway at 5 MPH and turning into the garage, the accelerator pedal was depressed but went down to the floorboard and became stuck. The contact lost control of the vehicle, and the vehicle crashed into the fence gate and the corner of the neighbor's residence. The air bags did not deploy. There was no injury sustained. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard, where it was totaled. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V388000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

    • Filed Aug 2016

      LOSS OF ACCELERATOR DUE TO BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR/THROTTLE BODY. WHEN YOU EASE OFF THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE ALL THROTTLE RESPONSE. THEN YOU HAVE TO "WORK" THE ACCELERATOR IN AND OUT UNTIL IT STARTS RESPONDING AGAIN. IT HAPPENS ON TAKE OFF OR ANYTIME YOU BACK OFF ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT HAS CUT OFF ON ME TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND I ALMOST GOT HIT! IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE AND I HAD TO TRY TO WORK MY WAY OVER WITH NO THROTTLE AND TRY NOT TO GET RUN OVER! IT NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. TOYOTA DOESN'T SELL A NEW TPS FOR THIS VEHICLE NOW ( A $40 TO $50 PART)TOYOTA WILL BE HAPPY TO SELL ME A NEW THROTTLE BODY FOR $1400 AND THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE LABOR. I THOUGHT MANUFACTURERS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PARTS FOR THEIR VEHICLES.

    • Filed Aug 2016 · Also filed under Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System

      I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF POWER SUCH AS FUEL PUSH THE THROTTLE DOWN A COUPLE OF TIMES IT PICK BACK UP HAPPENED TO MORE TIMES WITHIN 10 MI1NUTES IT DID NOT THROW A CODE BEEN CHECKING IT MAY RELATE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM BEEN READING ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM

    • Filed Aug 2016

      INTERMIDIOT LOSS OF THROTTLE RESPONCE, FROM STANDING AT LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND FROM ACCELERATION. HESITATION DURING ACCELERATION UNTIL PEDEL IS PRESSED FULLY AND OSSULATION WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY SPEED ON HWY. **NO WARNING CODES PRESENT**

    • Filed Jun 2016 · Also filed under Engine

      I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA ON HIGHWAY 156 DOWNHILL TO HOLLISTER, CA I WAS GOING APPROX 65 MPH AND IT JUST JERKED BACK AND LOST POWER I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO 40MPH NO HIGHER , THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED ON AND IT SEEMS I AM GETTING NO KIND OF DIAGNOSTIC ERROR OF WHAT COULD BE WRONG.

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 29.
  • Air Bags27
    19 involved a crash
    • Filed Jun 2024

      I was getting on the freeway when my truck either got hit by someone or it sped up without me pressing the gas causing me to spin and catch the bushes on the side of the on-ramp where I rolled and slammed my front end continuing to roll 3 times. I broke my back due to the airbag failure to deploy

    • Filed Jun 2024

      I was getting on the freeway and was hit by another driver (who fled the scene and didn’t get caught) and my truck spun around 180 before catching bushes and rolling three times smashing my front end and almost collapsing my roof and my airbags failed to deploy as well as my seatbelt tensioner not tightening resulting in me breaking my back in three spots. I was going approximately 35-45 mph and the first roll from the top of the embankment dropped about 15 which is where the front end got smashed due to being front heavy and this is where I broke my back before continuing to roll

    • Filed May 2023 · Also filed under Steering, Suspension

      I was driving home on March 10 2023 well out of no where my Toyota Tacoma something on the front end suspension broke it looks to me the recal that Toyota fixed before I even got the truck well sent me into 3 trees head on 55mph no airbag deployed I didn't have a chance to try and stop the vehicle I thought I was going to die I know the road I was on isn't the best shape I need help

    • Filed Jun 2022

      The local dealership Cloninger Ford /Toyota told me that I need to replace the airbag ECU and Pretensioner on drivers side. The cost estimate was $1,500.00. I have seen that Toyota has given recalls on other models for this defect. I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. I am submitting this complaint with hopes for my case to be considered. The airbag light cam on on my truck 2 months ago and Cloninger Toyota replaced the front seat belt assy. and erased dics. This cured the problem (light on) for a few weeks. Please consider this issue for recall further than you have at this point.

    • Filed Dec 2021

      Truck crashed into rocks on shoulder and rolled over. Driver side Windshield and roof crushed. Air bag did not deploy. Sheriff took a report of crash.HI213530034 Greenspot road. Highland , CA. Vehicle is in possession of coparts authorized by USAA insurance

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 27.
  • Unknown or Other26
    • Filed Aug 2023

      The DARCARS Toyota dealership in Rckville, MD has refused to repair an outstanding safety recall issue for my 2003 Toyota PreRunner truck. I had received a recall notice from Toyota for my 2003 Toyota PreRunner. On July 21, 2023, I arrived for my 7:30 a.m. appt at DARCARS to get the spare tire lift carrier repaired. Although it was still within the eligible recall period, a very annoyed service manager told me that DARCARS would not repair it. Although I had made the appt 1+ weeks earlier, he told me no repair parts had been ordered in preparation for repairing the hazard. After I insisted the safety recall issue created a dangerous hazard for me and other drivers since the spare tire located underneath the truck might fall down onto the roadway while driving, he became angry and said the spare tire lift carriage must first be inspected (a 5-10 min inspection) to determine if corrosion on the lift was present. Since I had expected the dangerous part was going to be replaced, I agreed to the inspection. A Toyota service rep drove the truck to the service bays for an inspection. Although my appt was scheduled as the first day of the day, I waited over an hour with no response from the manager or the service rep. During this hour wait, I asked on at two occasions if the inspection was completed and was told "No" with no details provided. I finally walked outside to the back of the DARCARS dealership and discovered my truck had been sitting in a parking lot. No no one had bothered to inspect it. Due to the attitude of the DARCARS service manager, service rep, lack of communication, and the failure to have ordered any parts to repair the safety hazard, it became obvious that DARCARS had no intention of correcting the safety hazard. They intended to stall and make receiving the recall repairs as difficult as possible -- and requiring a second service visit. (Afterward, a non-Toyota mechanic performed a inspection and confirmed the lift carrier are severely corroded.)

    • Filed Jun 2021 · Also filed under Steering, Suspension

      While driving, on the highway, the rear shock absorber support mount came loose, allowing the truck bed to come loose from the frame/chassis. Fortunately only the passenger side came loose, keeping the truck's bed attached to the rear of the truck I later found that this particular model has a problem with Frame rot which generated a Toyota bulletin. I bought the truck from Toyota, as a used truck in 2011, but received no notifications of this potentially hazardous vehicle. If the bed had come loose at highway speed, any vehicle following the 2003 Toyota Tacoma truck would have been severely damaged or potentially resulted in the death of the people in the cars following behind me and the truck. There was a Toyota bulletin issued previously which was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. The vehicle has been in Toyota shops regularly for inspections, maintenance and other repairs but the shop never mentioned anything about a "rusty" frame. Upon further research, I have found multiple Toyota Tacoma owners with similar issues with the frame. I believe Toyota knowingly manufactured and sold a defective product with serious potential safety issues. This vehicle either should be banned from the road for the safety of all drivers.

    • Filed Apr 2021 · Also filed under Suspension

      THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND WAS NEVER ADDRESSED TO BE FIXED

    • Filed Mar 2021 · Also filed under Seats

      ONCE YOU FASTEN THE SEAT BELT, IT TIGHTENS WITH ANY MOVENT AND RESTRAINS THE BODY TO THE POINT THAT DISABLES MOVEMENT OR EVEN BREATHING. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.

    • Filed Sep 2020

      I TOOK MY TACOMA FOR STATE INSPECTION AND THEY COULD NOT LIFT IT BECAUSE THE FRAME HAS A HOLE THROUGH IT AT THE FRONT MOUNTING POINT OF THE REAR SPRING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME HITTING A SEVER BUMP OR A POTHOLE COULD SNAP THE FRAME IN HALF. I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE FRAME, ONLY ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER. I'M NOT A COMPUTER EXPERT AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO ADD A PICTURE OF THE FRAME TO THIS DOCUMENT. I DO KNOW THAT I NEED THE TRUCK BUT I AM UNABLE TO GET IT INSPECTED TO DO SO. PLEASE HELP.

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 26.
  • Power Train22
    • Filed Sep 2016

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A BUMP AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED SUDDENLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST MONTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,000.

    • Filed Aug 2015

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP LIGHT ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO ANOTHER GEAR, THE SHIFT LEVER FAILED TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CENTER FORCE CLUTCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

    • Filed Jun 2014 · Also filed under Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine

      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. *TR

    • Filed Dec 2012 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

      TOYOTA HAS RECALLED MY TRUCK DUE TO A RUSTED OUT FRAME. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAS ELECTED TO REPLACE MY FRAME WITH A NEW FRAME. THIS LARGE PROCEDURE HAS LEFT ME INSECURE ABOUT THE OUTCOME. THIS TRUCK IS NOW 10 YEARS OLD AND AS SOON AS THE START WRENCHING ON ALL THE SYSTEM COMPONENTS TO DISASSEMBLE AND RE ASSEMBLE MY TRUCK I AM AFRAID THAT THEY SHORTEN THE LIFE OF EXISTING COMPONENTS DUE TO ADDED WEAR AND TEAR. THE DEALER WILL NEED TO REMOVE AND REINSTALL BRAKE LINES AND GAS LINES THAT HAVE BEEN SET IN PLACE AND HAVE EXTENSIVE CORROSION THIS WILL LEAD TO PREMATURE FAILURE AND UNSAFE OPERATION. MOST MECHANIC KNOW THAT A RUSTED AND SET BOLT THAT HAS NOT BEEN MOVED FOR 10 YEARS HAS A 50% CHANCE OF REMOVAL. IN ORDER TO REMOVE SUCH A "STUCK" BOLT THEY WILL NEED TO APPLY HEAT AND IMPACT AND MAY WEAKEN THE EXISTING PARTS, STEEL, AND BOLTS TO LOWER LEVELS OUT OF TOLERANCE THAT THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED ORIGINALLY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS SERVICE IS COMPLETED IN A LOCATION WITH OUT THE CONTROLS, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TESTING THAT IS IN PLACE IN A FACTORY WHERE NEW VEHICLES ARE BUILT. THERE IS UNCERTAINTY THAT THIS VEHICLE WILL BE ASSEMBLED, TESTED, AND INSPECTED ACCORDING THE MANUFACTURER'S GUIDELINES FOR A FACTORY PRODUCED VEHICLE. THIS LEADS TO UNCERTAINTY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT OPERATE WITHIN THE INTENDED MANUFACTURES GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY, ROLL OVER PROTECTION, AND CRASH PERFORMANCE. I PROPOSE THAT A TOTAL FRAME RECALL AND REPLACEMENT (OR ANY LARGE INTEGRAL PART THAT WILL IMPACTED THE VEHICLE OPERATION) ON ANY VEHICLE SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED GIVEN THE UNCERTAINTY DESCRIBED. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THERE APPEARED TO BE AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BOOT THAT WAS NOT APPARENT PRIOR TO THE FRAME REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE.

    • Filed Sep 2011

      I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE REAR AXLE HOUSING ON MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE METAL ON THE REWARD SIDE OF THE RING GEAR HOUSING IS VERY THIN AND WILL RUST OUT AND BEGIN TO LEAK. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN GEAR OIL LEAKING THROUGH PINHOLES IN THE REAR AXLE ON TWO OTHER TOYOTA TRUCKS. THE THIN METAL AND LACK OF ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT ON THE AXLE HOUSING CREATES SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS. 1. EVENTUAL FAILURE OF THE MECHANICAL COMPONENTS IF LEAK IS NOT DETECTED. IF THE FAILURE OCCURS WHILE IN MOTION THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF IT IS A SEVERE FAILURE THAT LOCKS UP THE REAR WHEELS. 2. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE REAR AXLE HOUSING. THE METAL IS WEAKENED DUE TO THE CORROSION AND CAN POSSIBLE CAUSE THE HOUSING TO BEND OR BREAK. AGAIN CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. 3. POLLUTION. THE LEAKING GEAR OIL THROUGH THE RUSTED AXLE HOUSING CAUSES POLLUTION OF GROUND WATER AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS. *TT

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 22.
  • Tires21
    1 involved a crash
    • Filed Nov 2022 · Also filed under Structure

      The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V542000 (Tires) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair due to rust on the subframe, and the spare tire carrier needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 236,000.

    • Filed Mar 2021 · Also filed under Structure

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE CHECK UP AT LITHIA TOYOTA OF REDDING (address removed) THE TECHNICIAN [name removed] THAT THE SPARE TIRE HAD SEVERE CORROSION, AS WELL AS THE REAR SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 450,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

    • Filed Apr 2017 · Also filed under Structure

      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.

    • Filed Nov 2016 · Also filed under Structure

      I HAVE A TOYOTA TACOMA 2003 TOOK IT IN FOR A RECALL ON THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER LIFT PLATE. TOLD THEM I HEARD OF RECALL OR SAFETY ISSUE ON THE FRAME, THEY SAID IT EXPIRED. LEFT THE TRUCK TO DO RECALL I TOOK IT IN FOR. THEY CALLED SAID COULDN'T DO THE RECALL I BROUGHT IT IN FOR BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS SO BAD, AND THAT THEY COULDN'T BELIEVE I WAS STILL DRIVING THE TRUCK AND THAT IT REALLY IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I ASKED WHY THEY COULDN'T DO THE FRAME SINCE IT WAS RECALLED OR A SAFETY ISSUE, AGAIN THEY SAY IT WAS EXPIRED. I ASKED IF HE HAD KIDS, HE SAID YES. ASK HIM IF FORMULA WAS TAKEN OFF THE SHELVES BECAUSE OF RECALL, AND A MONTH LATER WAS PUT BACK ON BECAUSE THE RECALL EXPIRED WOULD YOU STILL BUY IT. HE SAID SORRY HE DOESN'T MAKE THE RULES. HOW DOES A RECALL EXPIRE AND IF IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT OR JUST A BAD PRODUCT THAT TOYOTA USED, WHY AREN'T THEY HELD ACCOUNTABLE? WENT ON LINE AND READ A FORUM AND THERE IS EVEN A CLASS ACTION SUITE ON THIS PROBLEM. AND ALSO EVEN AS OF TODAY TOYOTA IS STILL PRODUCING TOYOTA TACOMA WITH BAD FRAMES. I HAVE 7 GRANDCHILDREN WHO I HELP TO TAKE PLACES, NOW THEY ARE STRANDED AND MYSELF, BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIPS, BECAUSE THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT. PLEASE I'M ASKING TO HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. DESPERATE IN PHILADELPHIA. UPDATED 01/11/2017*CT *TR

    • Filed Jan 2016 · Also filed under Structure

      2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRAME RUST RECALL NOTICE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE FRAME ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE SPRING HANGER WAS RUSTED. IN SEPTEMBER 2009, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND NO RUST WAS FOUND. IN JANUARY 2009, THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER WAS REPLACED. *JB

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 21.
  • Service Brakes16
    2 involved a crash
    • Filed Feb 2026 · Also filed under Wheels, Engine

      Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much

    • Filed May 2019 · Also filed under Suspension

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 35-40 MPH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION EXPLODED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE FLEW UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE LINE SNAPPED. THE VEHICLE MOVED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,661.

    • Filed Dec 2018 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

      THE REAR BRAKE LINES THAT CONNECT OVER THE REAR AXLE RUSTED INTO AND CAUSED THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN INTO A LOCAL SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR TO THE BRAKES THE SERVICE CENTER REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE BRAKE LINES BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED SO SEVERELY THAT IF PUT ON A LIFT THE FRAME WOULD FALL APART AND THE TRUCK WOULD BREAK IN HALF. THE SERVICE CENTER DETERMINED ALSO THE TRUCK WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. SERVICE RECORDS AT THE DEALERSHIP ARE ON FILE WHERE THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION OF THE FRAME AND REPORTED THE TRUCK DID NOT HAVE A RUST ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE LETTERS I RECEIVED AND HEEDED THE WARNING TO HAVE THE TRUCK INSPECTED.

    • Filed Jun 2016 · Also filed under Structure

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT DISPENSED THE BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME AND BRAKE POSITIONING VALVE EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM RELATED TO THE FRAME, WHICH EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.

    • Filed Jul 2015 · Also filed under Air Bags

      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

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 16.
  • Engine And Engine Cooling16
    • Filed Nov 2012 · Also filed under Suspension

      PURCHASED USED VEHICLE FROM PRIVATE SELLER. ON THE FIRST DAY OF USE, AFTER OBTAINING NEW TITLE, TAGS, INSURANCE COVERAGE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FOLLOWING DAY SCHEDULED SERVICE W/ THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER. UPON INSPECTION WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK NEEDED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE LOWER FRONT BALL JOINTS THAT THE DEALER WILL REPLACE FOR FREE. THE DEALER HAD TO ORDER THE PARTS. AFTER RECEIVING THE PARTS AND UPON START OF THE REPAIRS, I RECEIVED A PHONE INFORMING ME THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND THE VEHICLE IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I WAS GIVEN AN 800 PHONE NUMBER TO CALL AND DEAL DIRECTLY WITH TOYOTA CORPORATE OFFICE. I AM PATIENTLY AWAITING FOR A RESPONSE. *TR

    • Filed Feb 2010

      WELL, I HAVE OWNED MY TOYOTA TACOMA 03' SINCE IT WAS NEW AND WAS AWARE OF SOME UNUSUAL PATTERNS OF INCREASED ENGINE REVVING FOR YEARS. I TOLD MY MECHANIC [name removed] THE ISSUE AND HE REALLY DIDN'T BELIEVE IT WAS ACTING THAT WAY. THE FIRST TIME I EXPERIENCED THIS PHENOMENON WAS WHEN I LEFT THE VEHICLE IDLING WHILE I WENT INTO A GAS STATION CONVENIENCE STORE AND WAS ALERTED OF THE IDLING TO BE HIGHER THAN WHEN I WENT IN THE STORE. I WAS STARTLED BECAUSE IT WAS REVVING ON ITS OWN, HIGHER AND HIGHER UNTIL IT LEVELED OFF AT A BIT HIGHER THAN NORMAL AND FINALLY TO AVERAGE IDLING. IT WAS CREEPY. THIS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MOSTLY WHEN I WOULD LEAVE THE CAR IDLING. ONLY 1 INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT I WAS IDLING IN PARK AND IT BEGAN TO IDLE HIGHER BUT NOT AS I SHOULD NOTICE ABSOLUTELY SOMETHING WAS WRONG. WHEN I SHIFTED FROM PARK TO DRIVE THE REVVING INCREASED AND I SHUTTLED AHEAD TOWARDS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MY TRUCK WITHOUT PRESSING THE GAS AND AS I WAS ABOUT TO HIT THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF MINE THE ENGINE SLOWED AGAIN. I WAS EXTREMELY TERRIFIED AT THAT MOMENT. NOTHING STRANGE OCCURRED THAT DAY AFTER THAT. I QUESTIONED IF I HAD PRESSED THE GAS OR IF MAYBE SOMETHING, SOMEHOW, I MIGHT HAVE OVER LOOKED, BUT I DECIDED THAT THERE WAS DEFINITELY A STRANGE STICKING GOING ON IN THE ENGINE. I ALSO CONSIDERED IF IT WAS THE GAS PEDDLE PERHAPS, BUT I RULED THAT OUT AS, IT WOULD REV MOSTLY ON IDLES ON ITS OWN. *TR

    • Filed Jan 2010

      LEAKY WATER PUMP DISCOVERED UPON ROUTINE CHANGE OF TIMING BELT ON 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD PRERUNNER. DISCOVERED COMPLETE LACK OF GASKET AND WOEFULLY INADEQUATE AMOUNT OF SEALANT APPARENTLY APPLIED AT FACTORY. (NO MORE THAN 1/8" WIDE AFTER COMPRESSION BETWEEN WATER PUMP HOUSING AND ENGINE BLOCK) ENGINE CONTINUALLY USED A SMALL AMOUNT OF COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE AND OVER TIME HAD BUILT UP A SUBSTANTIAL VOLUME OF SLUDGE/CRUSTY COOLANT AROUND WATER PUMP HOUSING AND TIMING BELT (CRANKSHAFT) PULLEY. ALTHOUGH ABSENT IN THIS INSTANCE, THIS BUILD-UP HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BREAK LOOSE AND FALL BETWEEN THE TIMING BELT AND PULLEY AND ULTIMATELY CAUSE TIMING BELT BREAKAGE. REPLACED BELT AND WATER PUMP. RE-MANUFACTURED WATER PUMP IS EQUIPPED WITH A GASKET. *TR

    • Filed Apr 2009

      I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 TACOMA WHEN THE BATTERY AND OIL LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE TRUCK BECAME UNDRIVEABLE. WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OFF I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. I HAD TRUCK TOWED TO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT THAT CRANKSHAFT BOLT WAS BROKEN/SHEARED OFF. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR CONFIRMATION - THEY CONFIRMED. HAD INSURANCE ADJUSTER LOOK AT IT TO DETERMINE IF RELATED TO ANY ACCIDENTS - NO RELATION. CALLED TOYOTA CORP AND THEY SAID THAT BOLT SHOULD NOT BREAK UNLESS UNDER EXTREME TORQUE OF DEFECT. MECHANIC, DEALERSHIP AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER ALL SAID THE SAME. THE BOLT IS MADE OUT OF CASE-HARDENED STEEL. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY MAJOR WORK DONE TO THE TRUCK THAT WOULD INVOLVE THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT!! DEALERSHIP IS QUOTING COST OF APPROX $4000 FOR SHORT BLOCK REPAIR. IF BOLT IS/WAS DEFECTIVE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS THAT SHOULD FALL ON TOYOTA WHETHER OR NOT THE TRUCK IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I NEED THIS FIXED! *TR

    • Filed Oct 2008 · Also filed under Fuel System, Gasoline

      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 TOYOTAS. *TR

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 16.
  • Fuel System14
    • Filed Apr 2021 · Also filed under Gasoline

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, RODENTS ATE THE FUEL LINE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALEY TOYOTA OF ROANOKE (address removed) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FUEL LINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE HOWEVER, THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

    • Filed Jun 2014 · Also filed under Gasoline, Power Train, Engine

      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. *TR

    • Filed Nov 2013 · Also filed under Gasoline, Vehicle Speed Control

      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 TACOMAS. 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). *TR

    • Filed Jun 2013 · Also filed under Gasoline, Electrical System

      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!! *TR

    • Filed Dec 2010 · Also filed under Gasoline

      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. *TR

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 14.
  • Gasoline13
    • Filed Apr 2021 · Also filed under Fuel System

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, RODENTS ATE THE FUEL LINE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALEY TOYOTA OF ROANOKE (address removed) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE FUEL LINE NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE HOWEVER, THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

    • Filed Jun 2014 · Also filed under Fuel System, Power Train, Engine

      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. *TR

    • Filed Nov 2013 · Also filed under Fuel System, Vehicle Speed Control

      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 TACOMAS. 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). *TR

    • Filed Jun 2013 · Also filed under Fuel System, Electrical System

      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!! *TR

    • Filed Dec 2010 · Also filed under Fuel System

      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. *TR

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 13.
  • Steering12
    4 involved a crash
    • Filed Feb 2026 · Also filed under Suspension

      I took my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and for a tire alignment and was told by an employee of the tire shop that my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and lower ball joints. I checked the VIN number and it said I have zero recalls, but there is a general recall on this make a model that I have what do I do? I also have the steering has a lot of play whenever I go for a bump in the road like the tires catch the road so I kind of swerve a little bit and I feel that it’s very unsafe to me and other drivers.

    • Filed May 2023 · Also filed under Suspension, Air Bags

      I was driving home on March 10 2023 well out of no where my Toyota Tacoma something on the front end suspension broke it looks to me the recal that Toyota fixed before I even got the truck well sent me into 3 trees head on 55mph no airbag deployed I didn't have a chance to try and stop the vehicle I thought I was going to die I know the road I was on isn't the best shape I need help

    • Filed Jun 2021 · Also filed under Suspension, Unknown or Other

      While driving, on the highway, the rear shock absorber support mount came loose, allowing the truck bed to come loose from the frame/chassis. Fortunately only the passenger side came loose, keeping the truck's bed attached to the rear of the truck I later found that this particular model has a problem with Frame rot which generated a Toyota bulletin. I bought the truck from Toyota, as a used truck in 2011, but received no notifications of this potentially hazardous vehicle. If the bed had come loose at highway speed, any vehicle following the 2003 Toyota Tacoma truck would have been severely damaged or potentially resulted in the death of the people in the cars following behind me and the truck. There was a Toyota bulletin issued previously which was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. The vehicle has been in Toyota shops regularly for inspections, maintenance and other repairs but the shop never mentioned anything about a "rusty" frame. Upon further research, I have found multiple Toyota Tacoma owners with similar issues with the frame. I believe Toyota knowingly manufactured and sold a defective product with serious potential safety issues. This vehicle either should be banned from the road for the safety of all drivers.

    • Filed Oct 2019 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

      WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE FRAME BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO FALL OUT AND WHEN IT DID IT BOUNCED UP AND KNOCKED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK CAUSING ME TO WRECK.AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THEM.

    • Filed Aug 2019 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

      POWER STEERING PUMP HAVING ISSUES I CAN FILL IT UP TO THE FULL LINE AND IT WILL GO DOWN TO HALF EMPTY EVERYTIME I'VE DONE IT THEREFORE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT, THE TRUCK BED HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED/CORROSION COMPLETELY THROUGH IT ON BOTH SIDES, THE SPARE TIRE MECHANISM IS RUSTED SO BADLY IT DOESN'T WORK AND HALF OF IT IS MISSING DUE TO RUST/CORROSION AN HAS FALLEN OFF, AND THE FRAME BROKE COMPLETELY IN HALF ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE TRUCK WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AN CAUSED THE DRIVE SHAFT TO HANG ON THE GROUND AND IT KNOCKED A HOLE IN THE GAS TANK BEFORE I COULD GET THE TRUCK STOPPED, ALSO THE SUSPENSION ON THE REAR OF THE TRUCK IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ON THE TOP UNDER THE BED JUST ATTACHED TO THE FRAME ON THE BOTTOM.

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 12.
  • Electrical System11
    1 involved a fire
    • Filed May 2019 · Also filed under Structure, Engine

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDDLETOWN TOYOTA LOCATED AT [address removed] [phone removed]. THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FRAME HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. *BF IN MARCH 2019 IGNITION FAILED TOWED IT HOME. WHEN TOW TRUCK PICKED IT UP WE SAW BROKEN FRAME. WESTBROOK TOYOTA REPAIRED SPARE TIRE CARRIER RECALL (2016). *JB

    • Filed Oct 2018 · Also filed under Structure, Electronic Stability Control (esc)

      WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2015 AND WAS NEVER INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS.WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE FRAME RECALL WHEN IT BROKE.IT ALSO HAS 5 OTHER RECALLS WHICH WE WERE NEVER INFORMED ON THOSE EITHER SO WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA THEY SAID THE FRAME RECALL AND THE FRAME WARRANTY HAD BOTH EXPIRED BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS OWNER DIDN'T MAKE GOOD ON THE RECALL LETTER HE RECEIVED BUT MAYBE HE NEVER RECEIVED ONE BECAUSE I KNOW WE NEVER DID ON ANY OF THE 6 RECALLS AND WE STILL HAVEN'T EVEN AFTER CALLING THEM.WE ARE STILL PAYING ALMOST $400 A MONTH AND STILL HAVE 13 PAYMENTS LEFT AND WE CANT EVEN DRIVE IT.I WOULD SAY IF TOYOTA NEVER SENT OUT THE LETTERS THEN THAT'S NOT OUR FAULT AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THE RECALLS AND FIX THEM INCLUDING THE FRAME REPLACEMENT WHICH IS THEIR FAULT DUE TO A MAUFACTUIRING MESS UP.

    • Filed Nov 2015 · Also filed under Exterior Lighting

      THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS PLUG BURNED UP I HAD TO REPLACE IT HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT WITH IN MONTHS AS DO TAIL LIGHTS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BULBS THREE TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.AND REPLACED TAIL LIGHT BULBS TWICE IN SIX MONTHS

    • Filed Aug 2015 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control

      WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I MOVED INTO THE LEFT LANE TO PASS ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR THE NOSE PITCHED FORWARD AND THE ENGINE FELT LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING ANY GAS. I WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR NEARLY ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR TO CONTINUE GETTING POWER TO THE ENGINE, BUT THE FIRST 2/3 OF THE PEDAL STROKE WERE COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE. A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A THROTTLE BODY ISSUE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE ON A NUMBER OF TACOMA FORUMS. THE COST TO REPLACE WILL BE $1400 DOLLARS NEW OR $400 DOLLARS USED. I AM SKEPTICAL TO PURCHASE A REFURBISHED PART DUE TO THE KNOWN ISSUE WITH IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 6 TIMES IN 3.5 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE AND SEEMS TO OCCUR IN COLDER WEATHER. TYPICALLY AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING THE CAR OFF FOR 30 SECONDS, THE ISSUE IS GONE. IT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY HAPPEN AGAIN, BUT YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN.

    • Filed Oct 2014

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CHIMING NOISE ACTIVATED IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,700.

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 11.
  • Fuel/Propulsion System8
    • Filed Jan 2018

      WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I EXPERIENCED AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION (APPROXIMATELY 3000 RPM). THE ENGINE WILL NO LONGER OUTPUT POWER THAT IS PROPORTIONAL TO THE AMOUNT I AM REQUESTING WITH THE GAS PEDAL. ONCE THE ISSUE OCCURS, THE MAXIMUM POWER OUTPUT IS ONLY 2000 RPM WITH THE GAS PEDAL FULLY PRESSED. THE ISSUE IS OCCASIONALLY RESOLVED BY SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND WAITING A FEW MOMENTS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WITH THE CODE PO120. THE CODE TRANSLATES TO A FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE $60 SENSOR INDIVIDUALLY, THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE $1,200 THROTTLE BODY THAT INCLUDES A NEW SENSOR.

    • Filed Aug 2016 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control, Engine

      I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF POWER SUCH AS FUEL PUSH THE THROTTLE DOWN A COUPLE OF TIMES IT PICK BACK UP HAPPENED TO MORE TIMES WITHIN 10 MI1NUTES IT DID NOT THROW A CODE BEEN CHECKING IT MAY RELATE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM BEEN READING ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM

    • Filed Apr 2014

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL WOULD LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC [name removed] WHERE THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

    • Filed Dec 2013 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control

      WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC THE THROTTLE STUCK AT ABOVE NORMAL IDLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE TRAFFIC BUT THE IDLE WOULD NOT COME BACK TO NORMAL CURB IDLE. WHAT MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME IS THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED AND THEY CAN ONLY GET THE PART FROM THE DEALER. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE NOT BEEN SO GOOD. I HOPE TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND GOING TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION. *TR

    • Filed May 2013

      COVER FOR GAS TANK TOTALLY ROTTED OUT AND TANK IS EXPOSED. THIS VEHICLE HAS RECALL 9355 - EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE. NOT SURE WHY THIS ISN'T ALSO COVERED. LOOKS UNSAFE TO ME. *TR

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 8.
  • Wheels6
    1 involved a crash
    • Filed Feb 2026 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Engine

      Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much

    • Filed Sep 2016 · Also filed under Air Bags, Structure

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 MPH AND EXITING A RAMP, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE SWAYED TO THE LEFT, THEN BACK TO THE RIGHT, AND TURNED 360 DEGREES. THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE BOBBLED, FLIPPED OVER, CRASHED INTO TREES, AND LANDED ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND PARKED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

    • Filed Apr 2016 · Also filed under Structure

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INDEPENDENTLY PERFORMING REPAIRS ON THE VEHICLE, CORROSION WAS NOTICED ON THE SUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO INITIALLY STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD BEEN SPRAYED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSION AGENT [name removed] VOLUNTARY RECALL BUT THEN STATED THAT THE VOLUNTARY RECALL WAS NEVER PERFORMED. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER STATED THAT DUE TO THE CORROSION, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) COULD NOT BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

    • Filed Sep 2013

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED AS THE SPARE TIRE BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V542000 (TIRES) AND STATED THAT THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

    • Filed Jul 2005

      IN THE MONTH OF JUNE I TOOK MY TRUCK INTO A REPUTABLE SERVICE CENTER FOR OUR STATES REQUIRED STATE SAFTY INSPECTION. DURING THIS INSPECTION THE TIRES MUST BE REMOVED FOR THE BRAKE INSPECTION. WHILE THE INSPECTER WAS PLACING THE TIRES BACK ONTO THE TRUCK, TWO OF THE WHEEL STUDS BROKE ON THE FRONT HUB. HE BROUGHT THEM IN TO SHOW ME THE PROBLEM AND STATED THAT THIS HAPPENS ON ALMOST EVERY 2000 - 2003 TOYOTA PICKUP THEY WORK ON. HE EVEN SHOWED ME THAT THE STUD WASN'T CROSS THREADED AND REMOVED THE STUD FROM THE LUG NUT USING A PAIR OF PLIERS. THE STUD CAME RIGHT OUT WITH LITTLE PRESSURE. THE STUDS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW STUDS FROM A LOCALE AUTO PARTS STORE. THE OLD STUDS WERE THROWN IN THE TRASH.

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 6.
  • Engine6
    • Filed Feb 2026 · Also filed under Wheels, Service Brakes

      Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much

    • Filed May 2019 · Also filed under Electrical System, Structure

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MIDDLETOWN TOYOTA LOCATED AT [address removed] [phone removed]. THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING STATED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS CRACKED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FRAME HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. *BF IN MARCH 2019 IGNITION FAILED TOWED IT HOME. WHEN TOW TRUCK PICKED IT UP WE SAW BROKEN FRAME. WESTBROOK TOYOTA REPAIRED SPARE TIRE CARRIER RECALL (2016). *JB

    • Filed Feb 2018 · Also filed under Air Bags

      TAKATA RECALL: AIRBAG "WARNING" LIGHT ON DASHBOARD IS ON AND HAS BEEN SINCE BEFORE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK , ACCORDING TO THE SELLER. NOT SURE IF AIRBAG WOULD EVEN OPERATE (DOUBTFUL). ALSO, THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT IS ON, SCANS KEEP SAYING IT IS AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM. VACUUM CANISTER, WIRING, OXYGEN SENSOR WERE REPLACED AND LIGHT WENT OFF TEMPORARILY, THEN STAYS ON EVEN THOUGH TRUCK RUNS FINE. DATE GIVEN BELOW IS DATE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK, ONGOING PROBLEMS

    • Filed Aug 2016 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control, Fuel/Propulsion System

      I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY EXPERIENCE LOSS OF POWER SUCH AS FUEL PUSH THE THROTTLE DOWN A COUPLE OF TIMES IT PICK BACK UP HAPPENED TO MORE TIMES WITHIN 10 MI1NUTES IT DID NOT THROW A CODE BEEN CHECKING IT MAY RELATE TO A THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM BEEN READING ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE THROTTLE BODY DO NOT WANT THIS TO HAPPEN IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM

    • Filed Jun 2016 · Also filed under Vehicle Speed Control

      I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA ON HIGHWAY 156 DOWNHILL TO HOLLISTER, CA I WAS GOING APPROX 65 MPH AND IT JUST JERKED BACK AND LOST POWER I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO 40MPH NO HIGHER , THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS NOT TURNED ON AND IT SEEMS I AM GETTING NO KIND OF DIAGNOSTIC ERROR OF WHAT COULD BE WRONG.

    • Showing the 5 most recent of 6.
  • Seats5
    • Filed Mar 2021 · Also filed under Unknown or Other

      ONCE YOU FASTEN THE SEAT BELT, IT TIGHTENS WITH ANY MOVENT AND RESTRAINS THE BODY TO THE POINT THAT DISABLES MOVEMENT OR EVEN BREATHING. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.

    • Filed Aug 2015

      THE METAL BAR INSIDE THE SEAT HEADREST IS COMING THROUGH THE CLOTH. THERE IS NO PADDING BETWEEN THE METAL BAR AND YOUR HEAD. IN A CRASH YOU WOULD HIT THE METAL BAR INSIDE THE HEADREST WITH YOUR HEAD. OTHER PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME PROBLEM.

    • Filed Sep 2013

      FOAM IN HEAD RESTRAINTS HAVE DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE THE STEEL BAR IS ONLY COVERED BY THE FABRIC OF THE HEAD RESTRAINT. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD. IF A PERSON IN A CAR ACCIDENT WAS TO HAVE THEIR HEAD HIT THE HEAD RESTRAINT, SERIOUS INJURY WOULD OCCUR BECAUSE OF THE EXPOSED STEEL BAR. *TR

    • Filed May 2012

      THE FOAM INSIDE THE DRIVER'S HEAD REST HAS DETERIORATED SO A STEEL BAR IS COVERED BY ONLY FABRIC AND NO FOAM. IT CREATES A HAZARD BECAUSE IN CASE OF A REAR END CRASH, THE DRIVER'S HEAD WILL IMPACT A STEEL BAR INSTEAD OF A FOAM PAD. I CONTACTED TOYOTA. THEY CONSIDER IT OUT OF WARRANTY AND WANT ALMOST $500 FOR A NEW HEAD RESTRAINT. THIS IS LIKE SAYING THE SEATBELTS OR AIRBAGS DON'T HAVE TO WORK FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. *JS

    • Filed Feb 2004

      THE FRONT SEATS ON MY 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4X4 XTRACAB ROCK ON THEIR TRACKS WHEN I DRIVE ON ROUGH SURFACES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY NEAREST DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD APPLY A SHIM IN ORDER TO SOLVE THE NOISE PROBLEM. HOWEVER THE SHIMS WERE ALREADY INSTALLED DURING MANUFACTURING, SO THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.*AK

  • Hydraulic5
    • Filed Feb 2012 · Also filed under Steering, Suspension, Service Brakes, Structure

      I BOUGHT A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA FROM A TOYOTA DEALER IN DECEMBER 2011 WITH 81,841 MILES ON IT. UPON DRIVING THE VEHICLE FROM TENNESSEE TO OREGON A LEAK IN THE OIL PAN APPEARED. I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND TO MY SURPRISE THE WHOLE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY RUSTING. THE LEAK WAS FROM THE OIL PAN THAT WAS CORRECTED BADLY. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT FROM THERE TO MY HOME IN OREGON HAVING TO ADD ABOUT ONE QUART OF OIL. THE DISTANCE WAS ABOUT 700 MILES. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND HE INFORMED ME THAT I HAD MAJOR RUST PROBLEMS UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE GAS TANK SHIELD IS GONE DUE TO RUST. THE FRONT END SUSPENSION WAS SO RUSTY THEY COULDN,T GET SOME OF THE BOLTS OUT. THEY HAD TO REMOVE SOME OF THE FRONT END SUSPENSION TO REPLACE THE OIL PAN. BOTH FRONT BACKING PLATES FOR THE ROTORS WHERE RUSTED AWAY. NO ALIGNMENT COULD BE DONE BECAUSE OF THE RUST. I HAD THE FRONT END REPLACE WITH GOOD USED PARTS AND WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO ALIGN THE VEHICLE THE FRONT TIE ROD BROKE DUE TO RUST. THE WHOLE FRAME ASSEMBLY IS VERY RUSTY. I FIND OUT NOW THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF FRAME WHICH I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT FROM A TOYOTA DEALER IN TENNESSEE IN DECEMBER OF 2011. THEY NEVER SAID A WORD TO ME ABOUT THE RUST PROBLEM. THEY DID A OIL CHANGE AND THEY ALSO REPLACED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE SO THEY HAD TO BE AWARE OF THE RUST PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE A FIND OUT CAME FROM NEW YORK ORIGINALLY. THEY SAY THEY WILL HELP OUT WITH REPAIR COSTS SO FAR BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FRAME RUST. THIS DEALERSHIP WITHHELD VITAL INFORMATION FROM ME. TOYOTA OF AMERICA SAYS THE FRAME RECALL WAS VOLUNTARY AND HAS EXPIRED. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TAKEN CARE OF. *TR

    • Filed Sep 2006 · Also filed under Suspension, Service Brakes

      2003 TOYOTA TACOMA WOULD NOT STEER SAFELY. UPON INSPECTION MECHANIC DETERMINED THE VEHICLE NEEDED NEW TIRES DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. CONSUMER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF A RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKES. *KB THE TOYOTA DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE RIGHT AND LEFT BALL JOINT USELESS THE CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIRS. *NM

    • Filed Mar 2005 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control, Equipment

      THE CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT BRAKES WEAR PREMATURELY. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB BRAKE CALIPERS WERE REPLACED; ROTORS RESURFACED; AND STEERING KNUCKLE WERE ALL REPLACED, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CUSTOMER ALSO STATED THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS NOISY. A/C COMPRESSOR AND COMPRESSOR CLUTCH WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. BUT NOT PROBLEM WAS FOUND BY THE DEALER. *TT

    • Filed Mar 2005 · Also filed under Service Brakes

      WHILE BRAKING 70 MPH BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE STALLED , AND THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. *AK

    • Filed Mar 2004 · Also filed under Service Brakes

      CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BRAKE PROBLEM. WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THERE IS VIBRATION IF CONSUMER'S FOOT IS ON BRAKE PEDAL, AND VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. DRIVER MUST PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN A SECOND OR THIRD TIME TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. *AK

  • Seat Belts4
    • Filed Feb 2021 · Also filed under Suspension, Structure

      I NOTICED A SMALL HOLE UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME JUST IN FRONT OF THE LEAF SPRING AND NOW THE HOLE HAS GROWN TO THE SIZE OF A QUARTER. THERE IS ALSO QUITE ALOT OF RUST UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK AS WELL AS THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER. I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND THIS TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN PENNSYLVANIA. THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION. SINCERELY,[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

    • Filed Feb 2014

      SEAT BELTS WON'T RETRACT. *TR

    • Filed Feb 2014

      SEAT BELTS WON'T RETRACT. *TR

    • Filed Feb 2013

      TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS WERE FAILING AND WOULD NOT RESTRAIN THROUGH THE HOLDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

  • Parking Brake4
    • Filed Dec 2010

      I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THE PARKING BRAKE REMAINS ON AND THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT WORK. I WILL TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HOPEFULLY FIX THE PROBLEM BUT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THE FAULTY PARKING BRAKE. THIS IS SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF TOYOTA TO FIX. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME FAULTY ITEM. ONE FAULTY PARKING BRAKE IS ONE TOO MANY. ALL VEHICLES SHOULD BE EQUIPMENT WITH A FUNCTIONING PARKING BRAKE. *TR

    • Filed Feb 2010

      I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4 WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK WITH 26,560 MILES. THERE IS A CONTINUOUS FAILURE IN THE PARKING BRAKE (PREVIOUSLY CALLED EMERGENCY BRAKE). APPARENTLY, THE PARKING BRAKE DESIGN IS SUCH THAT IT "FREEZES UP" GIVING AN INDICATION ON THE DASH WITH THE "BRAKE LIGHT" ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE IS NOT ENGAGED AND THEREBY GIVES A FALSE READING THAT THE BRAKE IS ENGAGED. HOWEVER, AS A REAL PROBLEM OCCURS THE DRIVERS ARE LULLED INTO A FALSE SECURITY THAT THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT A WARNING BRAKE LIGHT IS LIT. WHEN A REAL PROBLEM OCCURS WITH THE BRAKES, INCLUDING THE ORDINARY BRAKE SYSTEM, THERE CAN BE A MORE SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM SUCH AS CAUSING THE REAR BRAKE SHOES TO LOCK ONTO THE REAR DRUMS. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON THIS PROBLEM AT HTTP://WWW.EHOW.COM/WAY_5649717_TACOMA-EMERGENCY-BRAKE-PROBLEMS.HTML TOYOTA HAS RECALLED THEIR 2005 AND 2006 TACOMA TRUCKS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT NOT ANY EARLIER MODELS. THE DEALERS INDICATE THAT IT CAN BE REPAIRED AT A COST OF $442.12. SINCE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CAN INVOLVE SAFETY AND BECAUSE TOYOTA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THE PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME AND INDEED HAS RECALLED CERTAIN MODEL YEARS FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM I BELIEVE A RECALL FOR ALL TACOMA TRUCKS SHOULD BE MADE WITH THE COMPANY FIXING THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. THUS FAR THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN INJURY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

    • Filed Dec 2006

      2003 TOYOTA TACOMA PARKING BRAKE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.*MR WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS RELEASED, THE BRAKE DID NOT COMPLETELY DISENGAGE AND COULD BE HEARD DRAGGING UNTIL IT KICKED OFF. OCCASIONALLY IT REFUSED TO RELEASE AND REQUIRED RE-APPLICATION BEFORE FINALLY RELEASING. WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED, IT DID NOT ALWAYS HOLD THE VEHICLE EVEN ON A MODEST SLOPE SUCH AS THE CONSUMERS DRIVEWAY. *JB *NM

    • Filed Oct 2006

      DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S PARKING BRAKE CABLE SNAPPED. ALSO, THE PIN FROZE CAUSING THE CABLE TO SNAP WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. THE SERVICE DEALER DETERMINED THE PINS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE NEW PINS WOULD CONTINUE TO FREEZE AGAIN AND WOULD CONTINUOUSLY NEED TO BE REPLACED.

  • Equipment4
    • Filed Feb 2009 · Also filed under Suspension

      2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 4WD CREW CAB PICKUP I WOULD LIKE TO RELATE A RECENT EXPERIENCE I HAD WITH MY 2003 TOYOTA PICKUP. I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK THROUGH A PARKING LOT IN LARGO, MARYLAND ON JANUARY 29, 2009. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN IN THE FRONT END AND I CAME TO A STOP. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HAD DROPPED DOWN INTO THE WHEEL WELL. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BY BOSWELL AUTO SERVICE OF WALDORF, MARYLAND NEAR WHERE I LIVE. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE CASTLE NUT ON THE DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY HAD COME OFF. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENT. THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY SEPARATED AND AS A CONSEQUENCE FRONT AXLE WAS BROKEN AS WELL. IN REVIEWING MY RECORDS I SAW THE RECALL FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINT FOR MY TOYOTA. I HAD THIS RECALL WORK COMPLETED AT WALDORF TOYOTA ON DECEMBER 29, 2005. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE MECHANIC WHO FIXED MY TRUCK. HE TOLD ME I SHOULD MAKE THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT AWARE OF THIS INCIDENT. IN HIS OPINION, THIS EVENT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IF THE BALL JOINT CASTLE NUT IS INSTALLED CORRECTLY. I TOOK THE INFORMATION TO WALDORF TOYOTA ON FEBRUARY 3, 2009. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ([name removed], [phone removed], [email removed]) AND A MAN I BELIEVE WAS A MECHANIC [name removed] SUPERVISOR. I SHOWED THEM PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE BROKEN BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REMNANTS OF THE COTTER PIN WERE STILL IN SO THAT THEY BELIEVE THEY HAD INSTALLED THE CASTLE NUT CORRECTLY. I LEFT THE BROKEN BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY WITH THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME HE WOULD REPORT IT TO HIS REGIONAL MANAGER. *TR

    • Filed Mar 2005 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle Speed Control

      THE CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT BRAKES WEAR PREMATURELY. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB BRAKE CALIPERS WERE REPLACED; ROTORS RESURFACED; AND STEERING KNUCKLE WERE ALL REPLACED, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. CUSTOMER ALSO STATED THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR IS NOISY. A/C COMPRESSOR AND COMPRESSOR CLUTCH WERE REPLACED. IN ADDITION THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. BUT NOT PROBLEM WAS FOUND BY THE DEALER. *TT

    • Filed Aug 2003

      PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA ON JUNE 4, 2003, AND PAID CASH IN FULL. THE AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) IN THE TRUCK WENT OUT. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO COVINGTON PIKE THREE SEPARATE TIMES FOR REPAIRS, AND EACH TIME THEY FAILED TO REPAIR THE A/C. I INFORMED THE MANAGER ON DUTY THAT I WOULD BE GOING OUT OF TOWN FOR THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND AND WOULD NEED A LOANER TRUCK. I WAS TOLD BY THE MANAGER THAT HE COULD NOT HELP ME IN ANY WAY. I HAVE RECENTLY BEGAN NEW EMPLOYMENT AND, HAVING TO LEAVE WORK DUE TO THE INCOMPETENCE OF COVINGTON PIKE TOYOTA HAS LEFT A BAD IMPRESSION WITH MY NEW EMPLOYER. *AK

    • Filed Jun 2003

      WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WATER IS ON FLOORBOARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK

  • Exterior Lighting2
    • Filed Nov 2015 · Also filed under Electrical System

      THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS PLUG BURNED UP I HAD TO REPLACE IT HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT WITH IN MONTHS AS DO TAIL LIGHTS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH BULBS THREE TIMES IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.AND REPLACED TAIL LIGHT BULBS TWICE IN SIX MONTHS

    • Filed Jul 2010

      SINCE ALL NEW VEHICLES AND PRIOR WERE STANDARDIZING PLASTIC HEADLIGHTS WHY IS IT THAT THE CLOUDING/HAZY HEADLIGHT IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE OR A REPLACEMENT ISSUE? YOU CAN USE THE RESTORATION KITS BUT AFTER SO MANY APPLICATIONS IT WILL NOT WORK ANYMORE. MY VEHICLE HAS STARTED WITH THE CLOUDING/HAZING AND I HAVE BEEN USING KITS BUT THE SYMPTOM STILL COMES BACK. WILL THIS BE ADDRESSED? *TR

  • Latches/Locks/Linkages2
    • Filed Jan 2007

      POWER LOCKS - BEGINNING IN 2006, THE DRIVER SIDE/REAR POWER LOCK IN MY 2003 TOYOTA CAMRY SE BEGAN TO FAIL. THE FAILURE BEGINS WITH INTERMITTENT FUNCTIONING OF THE LOCKS - THE DOORS WILL LOCK/UNLOCK UNPREDICTABLY. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR A COUPLE OF REASONS - CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND THE RISK OF THEFT FROM A CAR THAT FAILED TO LOCK. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE PART WAS COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. (I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD). *NM

    • Filed Sep 2003

      DOORS DO NOT ALWAYS CLOSE WITH SAFETY LATCH UPON ENTERING OR EXITING. "NORMAL" SWING IS APPLIED TO CLOSE THE DOOR. HAVE FOUND DOOR COMPLETELY ABLE TO BE OPENED, EVEN THOUGH I HAD LOCKED VEHICLE WITH REMOTE.*AK

  • Electronic Stability Control (esc)1
    • Filed Oct 2018 · Also filed under Electrical System, Structure

      WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK IN 2015 AND WAS NEVER INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS.WE FOUND OUT ABOUT THE FRAME RECALL WHEN IT BROKE.IT ALSO HAS 5 OTHER RECALLS WHICH WE WERE NEVER INFORMED ON THOSE EITHER SO WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA THEY SAID THE FRAME RECALL AND THE FRAME WARRANTY HAD BOTH EXPIRED BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS OWNER DIDN'T MAKE GOOD ON THE RECALL LETTER HE RECEIVED BUT MAYBE HE NEVER RECEIVED ONE BECAUSE I KNOW WE NEVER DID ON ANY OF THE 6 RECALLS AND WE STILL HAVEN'T EVEN AFTER CALLING THEM.WE ARE STILL PAYING ALMOST $400 A MONTH AND STILL HAVE 13 PAYMENTS LEFT AND WE CANT EVEN DRIVE IT.I WOULD SAY IF TOYOTA NEVER SENT OUT THE LETTERS THEN THAT'S NOT OUR FAULT AND THEY SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON THE RECALLS AND FIX THEM INCLUDING THE FRAME REPLACEMENT WHICH IS THEIR FAULT DUE TO A MAUFACTUIRING MESS UP.

  • Electric1
    • Filed Sep 2006 · Also filed under Service Brakes, Electrical System

      I PURCHASED A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON IN THE WINTER. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE THE FIRST TIME THE LIGHT STAYS ON UNTIL THE TRUCK WARMS UP; THEN GOES OUT. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO TOYOTA AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. NOW THE LIGHT IS PERIODICALLY COMING UP AND STAYING ON A COUPLE OF MINUTES IN THE WARM WEATHER. I AGAIN TOOK IT TO TOYOTA AND THEY AGAIN COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. *JB

  • Other1
    • Filed Jun 2006 · Also filed under Fuel System

      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

  • Electronic Stability Control1
    • Filed Feb 2003

      2003 TOYOTA MR2 SPYDER - COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BOTH STEERING AND BRAKING CONTROL, WITHOUT WARNING OR UNUSUAL CAUSE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 25 MPH. TOYOTA DEALER EXAMINED VEHICLE AND STATES THAT VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND MEETS DESIGN INTENT. TOYOTA DEALER STATES THAT PROBLEM CAN NOT BE REPAIRED AND RECOMMENDS SNOW TIRES. SNOW TIRES THAT MEET TOYOTA SPECS ARE NOT COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE.*JB

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings from government crash tests. Ratings differ by cab style and 2WD/4WD, so check the row that matches the truck. Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings.

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Toyota Tacoma Double CabNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
Toyota Tacoma Extended CabNot ratedNot ratedNot rated 2/5 stars
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