2003 Toyota Tacoma problems
The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation (model years 2005 through 2015) and third generation (in production since 2015) models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.
As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.
The name "Tacoma" was derived from the Coast Salish peoples' name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.
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Common 2003 Toyota Tacoma problems
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma is known for its durability and longevity, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of this model:
- Throttle body issues: Some drivers have reported problems with the throttle body, where the truck loses all throttle response when easing off the accelerator. This issue requires a new throttle body, which can cost over a thousand dollars before labor.
- Powertrain complaints: Although powertrain complaints are relatively rare, some incidents have been reported. These include sudden transmission jerks after hitting bumps and shift lever failures. However, major powertrain issues are not common in the 2003 Toyota Tacoma.
- Minor transmission issues: After crossing the 200,000-mile mark, some minor transmission issues may arise. These are not uncommon for vehicles of this age and mileage and can be addressed with regular maintenance.
- Dated entertainment technology: The 2003 Toyota Tacoma's entertainment technology is outdated, with entry-level options being a radio with four speakers or a radio/tape player with six. The S-Runner's CD player is the most advanced feature available.
- Basic safety technology: Safety features in the 2003 Toyota Tacoma are basic but adequate for the model year. The truck meets reasonable expectations for a 2003 pickup, but it does not exceed them.
In summary, the 2003 Toyota Tacoma has a few common problems, including premature frame rust, throttle body issues, and outdated entertainment technology. However, the vehicle is known for its durability, reliability, and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice for many drivers. Regular maintenance and inspections can help address these common issues and ensure the vehicle's longevity.
What problems do 2003 Toyota Tacoma have?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Paint And Trim. Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust. ...
- Body Hardware. ...
- Exhaust. ...
- Climate System. ...
- Drive System. ...
- Noises And Leaks. ...
- Brakes. ...
- Engine Electrical.
How many miles will a 2003 Toyota Tacoma last?
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size, light-duty pickup truck.
While other midsize pickup truck models taper off at 200,000 miles, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last up to 300,000. By prioritizing routine maintenance and vehicle care, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last a very long time.
Is the 2003 Tacoma V6 engine reliable?
Is the Toyota 3.4 a good engine? The Toyota 3.4L V6 engine is known to be one of the most reliable engines on the market. The engine code is 5VZ-FE and it can be found in the 1995-2004 Tacoma, 2000-2004 Tundra, 1995-1998 T-100, and the 1996-2002 4Runner in the United States.
What years to avoid when buying a Toyota Tacoma?
Therefore, we give you this list of Toyota Tacoma model years to avoid, not including the all-new 2024 Toyota Tacoma.
- 2002 Toyota Tacoma. Generally speaking, the first-generation Toyota Tacoma is nearly flawless. ...
- 2004 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2005 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2009 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
What is a common problem with Toyota Tacoma?
Premature Ball Joint Wear: Another highly reported Toyota Tacoma issue is the premature wear on the lower ball joints. This issue most commonly happens in the front suspension, making it more difficult to steer and reducing the cars ability to self-center.
How many miles will a 2003 Toyota Tacoma last?
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size, light-duty pickup truck.
While other midsize pickup truck models taper off at 200,000 miles, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last up to 300,000. By prioritizing routine maintenance and vehicle care, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last a very long time.
Is the 2003 Tacoma V6 engine reliable?
Is the Toyota 3.4 a good engine? The Toyota 3.4L V6 engine is known to be one of the most reliable engines on the market. The engine code is 5VZ-FE and it can be found in the 1995-2004 Tacoma, 2000-2004 Tundra, 1995-1998 T-100, and the 1996-2002 4Runner in the United States.
What year Tacoma is best?
Best Toyota Tacoma Trucks to Buy Used
- 2015 Toyota Tacoma. This model year scored a 5 out of 5 for reliability, a 4 on safety with the NHTSA, and an 8.4 out of 10 for its front, rear, and side-impact safety features. ...
- 2019 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2006 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2005 Toyota Tacoma. ...
- 2020 Toyota Tacoma.
2003 Toyota Tacoma car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Tacoma problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Tacoma vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2003 Toyota Tacoma
The NHTSA has received 363 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Tacoma. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2003 Toyota Tacoma vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- VIN: 5TEHN72N93Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TEGN92N73Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TEGN92N73Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-01
- VIN: 5TENL42N43Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-07
- VIN: 5TEWN72N13Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: This truck was sprayed for frame rust at Kern Toyota Winchester, Va 10/07/2010 a problem Toyota was very aware of and tried to put a band-aid on a known issue that would rust out and not pass inspection or worse yet cause a terrible accident or cause harm to driver/passengers or other drivers. We have had another vehicle in the family by Toyota that they replaced the entire frame and now they state that is not true. However, we had a rental for over a month while they did replace entire frame for same issue. Now our above truck that is in wonderful shape nothing else wrong but frame that is rusted did not pass inspection requiring parts that need welded. So we have a good truck that only thing wrong is the issue Toyota knew they used faulty equipment/parts for.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-14
- VIN: 5TEGN92N03Z
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle to safety. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V225000 (Suspension). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle remained and was diagnosed that the rear frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was included in an unknown warranty extension; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 310,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-21
- VIN: 5TESM92N13Z
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
- VIN: 5TENM92N23Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: We bought the truck used from a dealer about 10 -12 years ago. We've always taken good care of it, and kept it in a garage. It always passed inspection with no problems, and there is nothing wrong with the truck, except at the last inspection about 2 weeks ago the mechanic said the frame has completed rusted through and the truck is not safe to drive. We can't get it fixed. I called Toyota and they said since it was no longer under warranty, too bad. They did "open a case" for us and I'm supposed to hear back from them next week, but I don't have much hope that they will do anything. The truck only has about 90,000 miles on it, despite being 20 years old. It is in good shape in every other way.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TEGN92N53Z
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TESN92N03Z
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-29
- VIN: 5TEWN72N33Z
- Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-03
- VIN: 5TEGN92NX3Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: frame. We did have the frame checked a few times since we were made aware of the issue with rusted frames. Terrible noise. Technician says frame is being held to cap by two inches of rusted frame on both side just above rear wheel. Our repair person says of there was a recall, he can fix it. It thought there was a recall. He said otherwise the truck looks perfect. We are original owers. have kept truck in perfect condition. This is our second toyota truck and fourth toyota car. I can't imagine you would not authorize/pay for frame replacement, new/used. we are crushed. please advise if you can authorize/pay for repair/replacement. Our repair person advised we should not drive for fear of truck splitting in half.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-10-12
- VIN: 5TEPM62N13Z
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the entire subframe of the vehicle was rusted due to severe corrosion. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the subframe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that there was an opportunity to have the frame of the vehicle coated but that make the corrosion worse. The contact feels as though the vehicle is unsafe to drive.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
- VIN: 5TEGM92N63Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5TEVL52N73Z
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-06
- VIN: 5TEWN72N23Z
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-10
- VIN: 5TEGN92N03Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while changing the oil, he noticed that the undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted which resulted in the sub-frame being compromised. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-07
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 (1530 COURTLAND RD NE, ROANOKE, VA 24012) 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.
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-03
- VIN: 5TEWM72N53Z
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND WAS NEVER ADDRESSED TO BE FIXED
STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-10
- VIN: 5TEWN72N13Z
- Components: STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: 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 (250 E. CYPRESS AVE, REDDING, CA 96002, (530) 250-3207) THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED HIM 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.
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-12
- VIN: 5TENM92N93Z
- Components: SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-10
- VIN: 5TEWN72N13Z
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-11-30
- VIN: 5TEWN72N73Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN I WENT TO THE GARAGE FOR THE YEARLY INSPECTION, I WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE FRAME ON MY TACOMA WAS RUSTED SEVERELY WITH MAJOR HOLES AND COULD NOT BE INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRAME FOR SUCH ISSUES AND THAT I SHOULD CALL THE DEALER WHO SOLD THE TRUCK. BEING AS THE DEALER WAS NO LONGER OPEN (RETIRED), I WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK TO HIM. II CALLED THE TOYOTA COMPANY, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER IN EFFECT AND THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. I ASKED WHY I WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THIS RECALL AS I WAS THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, I WAS TOLD THAT "EVERYONE THAT OWNED ONE SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A NOTICE." I WROTE A LETTER TO THE TOYOTA COMPANY IN JANUARY 2020 AND DID NOT RECEIVE A REPLY.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-07
- VIN: 5TEWN72N43Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,208.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-08
- VIN: 5TEWN72N43Z
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRAME IS RUSTING.
2003 Toyota Tacoma recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE
- Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
- Consequence: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
- Manufacturer: AJ MOTORSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: 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 323-838-2988.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.
- Consequence: THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE FUEL INLET HOSE.
- Consequence: THIS DAMAGE COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Negative 2003 Toyota Tacoma car reviews
Positive 2003 Toyota Tacoma car reviews
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Your truck sounds amazing! I'm only 20 years old and I'm not sure if I got a great deal on it, but I absolutely love it for what I use it for. The price I paid for it was $21,500, but unfortunately, I had to add an extra $1,500 from an insurance settlement that didn't end well. The truck handles incredibly well, and the pick-up is very impressive, especially considering it's a 4 Cyl. The legroom is fantastic, you can even sleep in it! I've done it once, and although the seat wasn't too comfortable, it did the job. Everyone who gets in it loves it and wants it! All my friends want to test drive it because of the couple of specs I've added to it.
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I gave up a Chevrolet to drive this and I only regret not doing it sooner. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It's a 4 cylinder that has similar performance to a V-6 Mustang. Don't believe me? Go race one! The ride is very solid and it has no squeaks or rattles. Although I paid a higher price for it than other trucks of the same size, option for option it really cost about the same. Toyota only builds what it needs, so you will not find a
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I really like my new truck, but it feels a bit crowded and the interior design is quite plain. However, these two minor issues don't bother me too much. What really bugs me the most is the fact that I can't have a manual transmission in my two-wheeler. Despite this, it's still pretty fun to drive!
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Hi there! I'm so sorry to hear about your accident, but I'm glad to hear that you're in the process of buying another Toyota! It's amazing that your first one lasted so long, with 430,000 miles on it! You must have taken great care of it by changing the oil every 3,000 miles. And getting 25MPG is really impressive! As a fellow single female, I'm inspired by your dedication to your vehicle. Thanks for sharing your story with me!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share some feedback on my truck, which has about 2500 miles on it now. I've noticed a few things that could be improved. For example, the steering wheel is blocking the clock, which can be a bit inconvenient. Additionally, the truck sometimes takes two tries to start, which is a bit surprising for a new vehicle. I've also noticed a few rattles in the interior, such as the cover for the passenger side airbag on the dashboard. I haven't been able to locate the other rattle yet. Finally, the clutch pedal has started to squeak every time I press it down. I just wanted to bring these issues to your attention in case there's anything that can be done to address them. Thanks for your help!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Tacoma problems:
Fellas, I recently purchased this 2003 Tacoma 4x4 with 240k miles ...
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2003 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Toyota Tacoma? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Toyota Tacoma.
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Aug 2, 2023 ... If you do need a truck, then a Tacoma is a great daily driver, despite slightly below average gas mileage. The reliability will likely outweigh ...
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Jan 11, 2023 ... Kelley Blue Book users give the 2003 Tacoma a 95% recommendation, with drivers praising the truck's long-lasting transmission and safe structure ...
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Oct 19, 2008 ... Exhaust tends to have minor issues. Mostly gaskets and o2s going bad and cat converters get tired. Rear drum brakes have a problem with the pot ...
Other years of Toyota Tacoma
Are you having problems with your 2003 Toyota Tacoma?
Zachariah Hamill 2024-02-10
I have owned three Toyotas, including a 1995 Tacoma that provided me with nearly 300K miles of reliable service. While I have some concerns about the quality of my current Tacoma, I am confident in Toyota's commitment to excellence and trust that they will continue to produce high-quality vehicles. Although my 03 Tacoma has some issues with fuel mileage, power, comfort, noise level, interior design, and shifting into reverse, I am confident that Toyota will address these concerns in future models. While the cup holders are not very useful, I am confident that Toyota will continue to innovate and improve their designs.