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

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
114,019 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Toyota Tundra body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2003 Toyota Tundra Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

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problem #61

Dec 072019

Tundra

  • 124,000 miles

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

2003 Toyota Tundra showing severe signs of frame rust and corrosion damage rendering vehicle unsafe to operate on a public roadway. This vehicle in every other way gas been manufactured to perform for many more years excepting the foundation of the vehicle, the framework. Many, many of these vehicles are in use on american streets by individuals and families who are in dire risk and posing a life threatening risk to all other drivers on the road.

- Georgetown, KY, USA

problem #60

Nov 132019

Tundra

  • 118,000 miles
2003 Tundra subject to frame rust deterioration recall which ended this year 2019. This vehicle underwent this recall inspection at Toyota dealership. I was told "paint with rust inhibitor will solve problem". recent inspections X2 by frame mechanics (now a few years later) resulted in immediate recommendation to not drive due to danger of imminent frame collapse. This vehicle has only 118,000 miles and is otherwise in very good condition. I am sure many others are in same condition - not having frame replaced by manufacturer, or misled by manufacturer's service center. Many accidents likely will occur in future. Owners of these vehicles need to be warned of this danger.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #59

Dec 062018

Tundra

  • miles
The frame is rusted through to the point the truck cannot even be jacked up. It has been maintained and garage kept, it is not due to a lack of care for the vehicle.

- Millersville, PA, USA

problem #58

Oct 222019

Tundra

  • 250,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking differential fluid from the housing wall of the rear end of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the rear end housing needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to Continental Toyota (6701 South la grange road, hodgkins, il 60525, (708) 716-4497) where it was previously repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The contact was informed that due to the age of the vehicle, they could not repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and denied assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 250,000.

- Orland Park, IL, USA

problem #57

Oct 242019

Tundra

  • 221,230 miles
The entire frame is rusted - to my shock and I just failed inspection but the truck is gorgeous and runs great with all new tires. I'm currently low income and wonder how the frame recall was missed but the airbag was replaced. Please advise and thank you.

- Newport, VT, USA

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problem #56

Oct 012019

Tundra

  • miles
Frame is completely rusted through. Car has only 130K miles. Toyota denies culpability, frame is made of inferior material not able to withstand use.

- Millersville, PA, USA

problem #55

Sep 252019

Tundra

  • 264,400 miles

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

A recall letter was sent for 2003 Tundra for undercoating. Vehicle was taken to dealership and was there for three days. I was told nothing else was needed. I brought attention to dealership about frame recall. I was told my vehicle was not under that recall although the year and model was on the site. Second issue of concern, entire steering line replaced. There was a lack of power steering. Vehicle housed for three days at dealership. Fast forward today, 25 September was brought to my attention by service manager of large amount of frame rust and vehicle was not road worthy. Layers of rusted metal crumbled in manager's hand. As a consumer preventive maintenance repairs have been made. I have asked the dealership for help to resolve ongoing concerns. I am a female retired veteran pleading for help. I love my vehicle performance is the reason the mileage is 260,000 (+). your attention to this concern would greatly be appreciated.

- North Charleston, SC, USA

problem #54

Jul 072015

Tundra

  • 100,000 miles
Fram excessive rust. "recall", yet Toyota acknowledged, treated, then denied the recall replacement.kindly advise.

- Gilgo Beach, NY, USA

problem #53

Jun 092019

Tundra

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While driving, the trailer hitch became detached. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the hitch dropped low to the ground and was bent. The contact used the trailer jack to lift up the trailer and straighten the hitch to the receiver in order to drive home. The contact stated that the trailer hitch was bolted to the reinforcement bumper, which was corroded. The contact was concerned the passengers in the vehicle would not be protected in the event of a crash. The contact removed the trailer from his vehicle and placed it in the back of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to new country Toyota of saratoga springs (located at 3002 NY-50 building # 1, saratoga springs, NY 12866, (518) 584-7272) where it was determined that the reinforcement bumper was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The recall only included the frame and all the crossmembers; therefore, the dealer could not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1906120378. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

- Ballston Spa, NY, USA

problem #52

Jun 032019

Tundra

  • 110,000 miles
Frame recall inferior steel used on the frame has led to premature failure and rot. Toyota applied a sealant to the frame to address the rust issue. The sealant was also an inferior product and did not adhere to the frame. Because Toyota considered the recall closed there was no warning to indicate a hazard could exist. A recall will not show up on car fax if the manufacturer deems the recall is complete. Toyota's position that road salt is the cause of the premature frame rot ignores these facts.

- Fitzwilliam, NH, USA

problem #51

Jun 032019

Tundra

  • 100,000 miles

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

A few years ago I bought a used Toyota Tundra with 70K miles on it thinking I was getting a reliable vehicle with lots of life left on it. What I got was the most unreliable expensive piece of crap I have ever owned. It even nearly ruined our honeymoon. We took the truck on a road trip to see the southwest and kick off our marriage. It was very exciting thanks to Toyota. At the grand canyon we had the pleasure of hunting down the last overpriced bottle of power steering fluid. Rather than relaxing at the South rim I had to figure out how to limp the truck to the nearest shop. That was over $1200 out of our budget. The next obstacle was even more exciting. We discovered the back tires where ready to fall off and the front wheels had developed some issue also. So we limped the truck to elk city Oklahoma in the midst of tornado warnings. We even got to spend the night in a run down motel 6. I think they rented rooms by the hour. That was another $1400 over our budget for a two day stay in scenic elk city. At least we got a free loaner from the folks at smith family Nissan. It's more than Toyota has done for us. I had to drive up to keene to just get pushed right out the door politely. They could have at least saved me the trip by simply returning my email. We got the same treatment from Toyota Corp. And for a souvenir we are left with a very expensive piece of scrap metal in the driveway. It appears as though Toyota cheeped out on the steel for the frame. Cheap chinese steel. The solution was to spray some cheap crap on the frame and cover up the problem. It won't be long before it breaks in half just sitting in the driveway. Thanks Toyota for all the help and the great customer service. You sure know how to take care of customers. Thanks to Toyota's patch job the frame issues did not appear in a car fax report.

- Fitzwilliam, NH, USA

problem #50

May 152019

Tundra

  • 190,783 miles
I had a safety recall for corrosion and had it repaired at the dealership in July, 2015. Recently I returned to the dealership for an exhaust leak. When they put it on the rack they noted several areas on the frame which had rusted all the way through. The mechanic informed me the truck was unsafe to drive and the frame needed to be replaced. I contacted Toyota and was told my VIN was not part of any recall and therefor Toyota would not replace the frame. I believe the same inferior steel was used on my frame as was on the recalled Toyota. I live in Virginia which while we don't experience the large amounts of snow here, we are still considered a northern state per Toyota. The truck has never been in an accident and was used as a daily driver and now will be a total loss.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

problem #49

Apr 012019

Tundra 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While driving 65 mph, the contact heard an abnormal dragging noise coming from the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was rusted and detached. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact called don moore Toyota (4216 frederica St, owensboro, ky 42301, (270) 926-2500) and was informed to have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 129,000.

- Owensboro, KY, USA

problem #48

Apr 022019

Tundra

  • 275,000 miles
Takata recall, I was involved in a collision with my Toyota Tundra when a Nissan Altima failed to stop for a stop sign. At witch point my air bags did not go off. The truck is totaled and so was the Nissan! I was driving East on quincy ave. And the Nissan was driving South on B St. When she failed to stop at the stop sign.

- Abita Springs, LA, USA

problem #47

Feb 242015

Tundra

  • 170,689 miles
The frame by the driver side front wheel is almost broken in half...it has a 2 foot long section missing...other steering component affected stablizer bar almost rusted in half..bracket and bushing almost nonexistent...this is my daily driver for me, my wife and my 10 year old daughter...I fear for their safety should it completely let loose...I drive very slow...I am 59 years old...plz help me get a new framefrom Toyota...thanx

- Zanesville, OH, USA

problem #46

Jan 182019

Tundra

  • miles
My complaint is with Toyota motor company and their admission but yet no resolution to a known problem. My story of this Toyota truck begins with my son owning this Tundra for about 5-7 years then selling me, his father the same Tundra. Before buying said truck I was assured it was of god structural integrity, due to an inspection at a Toyota dealership. Upon inspection they did find that the frame had visible rust and proceeded to treat it with anti-corrosion. Forward to three weeks ago a local inspection was to be done in which I was told that it would not pass due to frame problems as it was not safe to drive. Toyota engineers know that the frames are going to rust because no exterior application of any anti-corrosion is going to prevent any corrosion within a tubular boxed frame. I was refused any solution from Toyota, who have previously admitted that these particular trucks all have the same issue. How can you help with getting Toyota to resolve this completely instead of passing the little guy aside?

- Pa Furnace, PA, USA

problem #45

Dec 172018

Tundra

  • miles
Rear cross member that holds on spare tire is completely rusted. Toyota refuses to replace because the recall has expired.

- Elkins, WV, USA

problem #44

Nov 252018

Tundra

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While the contact was servicing his vehicle, he looked underneath and noticed that the sway bar was rusted along with the entire frame. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #43

Oct 262018

Tundra

  • 0 miles
Frame corrosion was not properly addressed during 2012 recall. As a result the frame has corroded in multiple areas and the brakes just failed due to brake line corrosion. Toyota is refusing any additional claims for damages. However they should have done more to address the frame corrosion during the 2012 recall.

- North Kingstown, RI, USA

problem #42

Sep 212018

Tundra

  • 152,000 miles
After mechanic recently inspected under side, it was found that the frame had significant rust and rot. Frame is not expect to maintain structure for very long.

- Asheville, NC, USA

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