2003 Toyota Toyota truck 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 Toyota truck problems
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma has been known for several common problems, primarily related to the frame, throttle body, and transmission.
One of the most common issues is premature frame rust, particularly in colder states where road salt is prevalent. This issue is more likely to occur in regions like the Midwest or New York State, and potential buyers are advised to check the undercarriage for any signs of rust.
Another problem reported by some owners is related to the throttle body. A few drivers have experienced issues 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.
Transmission problems have also been reported, with some owners experiencing jerky movements or sudden jolts. These issues can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid levels or worn-out components. In some cases, these problems can be resolved by replacing the transmission fluid or repairing or replacing the faulty components.
Powertrain complaints are relatively scarce for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma, but there have been a few reports of transmission jerking or shift lever failure. These issues are more likely to occur after the vehicle has been driven for a long time and has accumulated a high mileage.
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma's entertainment technology is also considered dated, with limited options available for buyers. The entry-level options include a radio with four speakers or a radio/tape player with six. The S-Runner's CD player is the most advanced option available for this model year.
Overall, the 2003 Toyota Tacoma is known for its longevity and reliability, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and consider them when evaluating the vehicle's condition and value.
How long can 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.
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.
Is there any recalls for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma?
2003 Toyota Tacoma Recalls
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.
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 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.
What is the best year for Toyota truck?
The best used Toyota Tacoma years to consider are 2013-2015 and 2018-2021, with fewer recalls and complaints and higher reliability ratings, according to J.D. Power and Car Complaints.
How long can 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.
Do Toyota trucks have transmission problems?
DETROIT (AP) — Toyota is recalling about 280,000 pickup trucks and SUVs in the U.S. to fix a transmission problem that can let the vehicles creep forward while in neutral. The recall covers certain Toyota Tundra pickups and Lexus LX 600 SUVs from the 2022 through 2024 model years.
2003 Toyota Toyota truck car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Toyota truck problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Traction control system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Toyota Toyota truck vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Toyota Toyota truck complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Toyota truck.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-14
- VIN: JTEZT14R230
- Components: TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
- Summary: AFTER I BOUGHT MY 4RUNNER I NOTICED LOSE OF POWER WHEN ENTERING BUSY STREETS OR ROADWAYS. I WOULD GO INTO AN INTERSECTION OR ROAD AND MY SUV WOULD BRAKE AND I COULD NOT SPEED UP , I HAD NO THROTTLE CONTROL FOR 3 OR 4 SECONDS THAT IS ALONG TIME WHEN YOU HAVE TRAFFIC BEHIND YOU. I AM GLAD I HAVE NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXITS. I TOOK IT TO DEALER BUT TELLS ME IT IS NORMAL. IT'S MORE LIKE SCARY THAN NORMAL.. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-20
- VIN: JTEZT14R230
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY 03 4 RUNNER STEERING WHEEL FLUTTERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE NEW AND DEALER HAS BALANCED THE TIRES EVERYTIME. I CAN STILL FEEL THE STEERING WHEEL FLUTTER/SHAKE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-01
- VIN: 5TENL42N13Z
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA REG CAB 2WD REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA. MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS EASILY STOLEN FROM MY VEHICLE. FOUR BOLTS AND IT'S FREE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND WHY THESE THEFTS ARE HAPPENING. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS WHY TOYOTA IS CHARGING ME OVER $1,000.00 TO REPLACE IT. AS OF THIS POSTING, I HAVE FOUND NO AFTERMARKET CAT CONVERTER MANUFACTURER THAT MEETS CA OBDII SPECIFICATIONS FOR THIS MODEL TRUCK. A LIFE-LONG TOYOTA CUSTOMER, NO MORE. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-29
- VIN: JTEBU14RX38
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I GET A SHIMMY (FLUTTER) IN MY STEERING WHEEL AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH, REGARDLESS OF ROAD CONDITIONS. I'VE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY FEEL IT, TRY TO FIX IT, CAN'T AND CALL IT "NORMAL" FOR A TOYOTA 4RUNNER. IT IS NOT NORMAL AND IT IS DANGEROUS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-08-28
- VIN: 5TEHN72N33Z
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-29
- VIN: 5TEGN92N22Z
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB NEW AFTER A FEW THOUSAND MILES NOTICED THAT UNDERNEATH THE FLOOR MAT WAS WET. TOYOTA HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM AND IS STILL UNSUCCESSFUL, BUT THEY STATE THE PROBLEM IS REPAIRED BECAUSE THERE LEAK TEST DOES NOT SHOW THE LEAK, HOWEVER WHEN IT RAINS IT GETS WET. I FILED FOR ARBITRATION AND RECENTLY LOST, BECAUSE THEY STATED 5 REPAIR ATTEMPTS WAS NOT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER EVEN THOUGH THE LAW SAYS 3 IS ENOUGH. I URGE ALL TOYOTA TRUCK OWNERS TO CHECK UNDER YOU FLOOR MATS AND LOOK TO SEE IF YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM IF SO FILE A COMPLAINT AND LET THEM KNOW SO THEY DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS FAULTY PRODUCT AS THEY ARE NOW DOING. THE INCIDENT DATE LISTED BELOW STATES TODAY'S DATE BUT I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER A YEAR NOW WITH LITTLE TO NO HELP FROM TOYOTA. *JB
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Toyota truck problems:
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.
2003 Toyota Tacoma Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
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 ...
2003 Toyota Tacoma Q&A: Common Problems & Solutions
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