Problems with 2003 Toyota Tacoma 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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame prematurely rusted with extensive corrosion to the point that the spare tire carrier fractured. the dealer was notified of the failure. it was diagnosed that the entire frame of the vehicle needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no solution. the vin and failure mileage were not available.

Went to have my truck inspected and was told the frame has rust pretty much along the whole drivers side and it can't be inspected

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 under a 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.

I discovered that both sides of the frame are broken just ahead of the rear axle. the car repair shop where i took it said that i was lucky that the break didn't result in an accident. the vehicle has received exceptional care and maintenance and the body looks new. the vehicle is used for commuting to work and other "light duty". this appears to be a very poor quality frame and i have learned that toyota had a recall on it. regrettably they show little concern for the thousands of vehicles still on the road vulnerable to frame breakage. moreover, most people driving those vehicles have no idea that their vehicles could break apart at highway speed with potentially catastrophic results. just because a recall ends (often prior to when many who can only afford to buy used vehicles acquire them) doesn't mean that the safety issue has been fully resolved. this remains a serious safety issue that toyota is simply ignoring (they tell me it is no longer their responsibility!!!). i was fortunate to have noticed the breakage while performing routine maintenance on my vehicle. others may not be so fortunate.

This morning i took my low mileage (58,926) 2003 toyota tacoma to my mechanic for a couple of simple repairs. when road testing, he discovered extensive rust on the drivers side frame. during the spare tire carrier recall two years ago the toyota dealer slapped undercoating on it and said nothing. this dangerously extensive frame rust seems to be a widespread problem. why hasn't there been a recall? what does it take?

I'm trying to sell my tacoma. the frame is rusted. i took it to a toyota dealer when the frame recall was sent to me. they sprayed the frame with a corrosion resistant treatment. obviously, this hasn't solved the problem and i want a new frame. i have 134,000 miles on this truck. it's in great shape except for the frame. my mechanic said it's a safety factor because the spare tire brace is rusted; there are holes in the frame now. according to a letter from toyota usa president, they are allowing replacement frames up to 15 years.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while driving 35 mph, the rear shocks mounting bracket fractured and separated from the subframe. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. the contact was informed that there was excessive rust and corrosion to the subframe of the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 120,000. the vin was unavailable.

Extensive frame rust through

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. upon inspecting the vehicle, the frame experienced severe corrosion. the vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number 12v542000 (tires). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed something hanging under the vehicle. the contact had an independent mechanic diagnose the vehicle and found severe rust on the rear passenger side along with a fractured frame. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

The left door handle has broken from where you grip it when opening the door. the vehicle was stationery when this occurred. the back door does not close completely because the locking mechanism is not working properly. this is also on the left side. this vehicle is a four door pick up truck.

Frame rust. i was just informed that my 2003 tacoma has a serious frame rust problem and is now unsafe to drive. i contacted a toyota dealership and they stated that this case was closed and there was nothing they could do to help. my biggest concern was i had this same truck in the same dealership for a recall on the spare tire holder (rust problem) and they did not mention or check the frame to see if it was safe. my son was in a small front end collision and the entire frame bent and buckled. how could this vehcile be allowed on the roads.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. when the vehicle was taken for routine maintenance, the technician informed the contact that the frame of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 131,000.

Frame has rusted thru by the leaf spring and other places. toyota has a recall/campaing that covers the frame thru 2018. but they will not replaced frame because they said it was not undercoated during a specific time....they want $10,000 for new frame.. this is a known problem that should be fully recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. when the vehicle was taken to be serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires), the technician informed the contact that the frame was rusted and the recall repair was unable to be performed. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 204,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was being serviced for an unrelated reason, the authorized dealer observed that the frame was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was deemed inoperable and was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 203,000.

Both sides of my frame are rusted in front of the rear wheels . the left side has a large rusted crack where the leaf springs connect to the frame. the right side has a roasted whole large enough that i can put my hand inside. i contacted toyota corporate and they told me they were very sorry but all their campaigns were expired and they had to tell thousands of other people the same thing. vehicle is unsafe to drive and could cause me or someone else harm at any time. if toyota has talked to thousands of other people about the same problem, it seems to me they should be responsible for their faulty equipment . updated 11/19/15.*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the mechanic observed that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown.

I am looking for information regarding the toyota frame corrosion recall. i currently own a 2003 toyota tacoma that falls under this warranty and my frame is completely corroded and now deemed unsafe. toyota has told me that their recall has expired and therefore my frame is not covered even though we were initially told that the frame was under warranty for 15 years. at the initial time of recall we brought our truck to our local dealer (greentree)for a frame inspection and they advised me the frame was in good condition but there was no process in place yet to spray the frames ...now my frame is completely rotted through and toyota has advised me that there is nothing they can do about it. i would like some info on how this major safety recall can "expire" and want to explore my option for toyota to fix their issue and my truck thank you *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while attempting to rotate the tires, it was noticed that the frame was severely rusted in the rear driver and passenger side tires. in addition, there were holes on both sides. the vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed replacement. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 220,000. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted and separated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the subframe would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 218,000.

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 634 newfield st, middletown, ct 06457 (860) 347-7294. 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

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while driving at various speeds attempting to make a turn, a clicking noise emitted from under the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the body mounts were corroded and needed replacement. the contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired previously under a manufacturer recall for corrosive preventive maintenance. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the nhtsa campaign number was unknown. the approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame of the vehicle was rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 70,000. the vin was not available.

2003 tacoma frame is eating itself away due to rust corrosion. toyota's "limited service campaign" ended in 2011, but does nothing to deal with these dangerous vehicles still on the road. recall!

2003 toyota tacoma, started to get my truck ready to go to work when i found a hole rusted through the frame right where leaf spring bolts to frame. front of the leaf spring drivers side. frame appears to also be cracked in area of rust. i contacted toyota and was told there was a recall for my frame and that the recall was now over and there was nothing they could do for me. i explained that i knew that there was a recall on many of the tacoma frames and i had watched my mail for a recall notice but never received one for my truck. there response was that it was sent and nothing could be done. after talking to toyota i looked on the internet and could find nothing about a recall for my year, i also searched my vin on this site and no frame recall was issued for my vin involving the frame. i am now stuck with a truck i can't drive and have no way to get to work without getting a ride. i have also had problems with clutch wear, sticking parking brake, and electrical problems with the windshield wipers. i also found other stories about people not being contacted for there frames with the same response from toyota, sorry you missed it your out of luck. *tr

I live in nc and i noticed the frame of my 2003 toyota tacoma is rusted so bad you can push your fingers through it in some spots! i contacted the local toyota dealership, they ran the vin number on it and told me it no recall is out on the frame. but i have seen on several websites where some 2003 toyota tacoma owners have received either a new frame or been offered by dealerships to purchase the truck back. my question is, this is differently a safety hazard, and for toyota to go by the vin numbers or state in which you live in. and not that it is in "fact" still a toyota tacoma 2003 truck with frame rot, i feel is a "discriminating" or a "discrimination" act on there part. *tr

So in december i took my tacoma to the dealership for a regular frame inspection after learning upon the issue. the truck is in almost perfect condition, spotless inside and out. the frame failed inspection, and i was unable to drive the vehicle home. first off, a service rep at the dealership tried to send me off to a friend of his who could "patch" up the frame so that it would pass inspection (great idea, right?). toyota has provided me with a rental, but the only rental they would give me is a corolla. i live in the mountains, and bought the truck so that i would be able to handle the rough winter weather. i have already had to call out of work as a result of being unable to drive through the snow. i am looking at a date of mid march at the earliest (most likely longer) until i am able to have my truck back, depleting the whole purpose of me having a truck. i have tried getting toyota to buy the truck back. i love my truck, and i plan on continuing to drive toyota due to the well-known reliability of these vehicles. i understand that this is a sort of bad luck incident, but considering that rust spreads, i already know that i am going to have to put more money into the vehicle to combat the rust corrosion that has already begun due to a faulty frame. this is obviously already occurring, considering that it is not just the frame that is corroded, but also the brake lines. i am not looking in any way to cheat toyota, i am just attempting to have a safe vehicle to drive, and i worry that since this corrosion has already started, replacing the frame is only putting off the issue until it becomes noticeable on the rest of the vehicle. if anyone has been able to successfully have toyota buy back a 2001-2004 model tacoma, i would love to know how they accomplished this.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires) however, the mechanic stated that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the frame being corroded. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Frame rust cracked suburban toyota has impounded the truck stated unsafe to drive. *tr

Hello i bought a used 2003 toyota tacoma in ma a little over one year ago. toyota has voluntarily recalled the vehicle due to frame failure. my truck was tested and the frame failed. toyota says they will honor the recall and replace my frame for free. but, they have no frames. i am told that there is a delay for an undetermined amount of time, and have been warned that it may be many months or longer. how long does toyota have to honor this recall legally before i have some other consumer option, such as vehicle replacement? i feel deceived, since this truck has barely been driven, cost $16,000, and is now useless and sitting in the repair shop indefinitely, with no estimated repair date. toyota headquarters and the dealer say they "have no further information". how long should i wait indefinitely? do i have any consumer protection in this case? thank you. *tr

I received a frame recall for our 2005 tacoma but not our 2003 tacoma. i checked with the local toyota dealership and they told me that the recalls for the 2003 have passed but they will replace the frame if i pay $2,900 out of pocket and they will cover the rest. i bought the truck used 18 months ago and did not receive a recall notice. i checked with the previous owner who advised that he did not receive one. i am suspect that this information is wrong and will be checking into it with toyota. the frame is broken at the point where the rear leaf spring rotted to the point of a disconnect from the frame. carbone toyota inspected it and advised me to have it replaced. *tr

This truck is only 11 years old and the frame is rusted out. there is a hole about 12 inches long in the frame rail, on the right side, which caused my shock mount to break in the rear of the truck. i called toyota and they won't do anything about it. i told them i would never buy another toyota. this frame should last longer than 11 years. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact felt movement and heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver side axle. an independent mechanic discovered excessive corrosion on the sub frame and stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 125,000. updated 12/30/14*lj updated 05/27/2015 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the frame had rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage and the current mileage was 40,000.

In may 2014 while having my vehicle serviced by a mechanic he brought to my attention a serious and ongoing issue with the frame of my 2003 toyota tacoma. i am experiencing a serious material defect in the frame of this vehicle. the problem i am experiencing is not normal. i am referring to a complete breakdown of the frame. i contacted toyota in may 2014 to file a formal complaint. toyota informed me that my vehicle was recalled for a defective frame but the recall had expired. i informed toyota that i did not receive a recall from them and requested them to make good on the recall and replace my frame. they again refused my request. on may 22, 2014 i took my tacoma to motor world toyota for a frame inspection. the inspection found perforation on the left rear frame by the leaf spring. the inspection also stated due to frame perforation the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the mechanic that examined our truck stated that they were replacing frames on a large amount of toyota vehicles due to the frame defect. the service manager said he would report his findings to toyota and contact us. a few days later the manager contacted us only to inform us again corporate toyota again refused to replace the frame. in april of this year i again contact corporate toyota(case#1503280111) by phone and email to request them to honor the recall for the defective frame only to be refused again. i am asking for any assistance you can offer us. it is critical to our family for toyota to honor the recall on the frame our truck. my husband uses the vehicle to travel to frequent medical appointments. he has been treated since april 2012 for metastatic malignant melanoma. we have been preoccupied with radiation, chemo, 3 surgeries and frequent appointments for cat scans, pet scans etc. we desperately need this vehicle for continued transportation to his medical appointments. *tr

Vehicle has gone through 2 recalls, frame and spare tire holder. back bumper is corroding. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension) and stated that an independent mechanic before the notification of the recall sprayed the undercarriage. the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would not be honored due to the coating of the undercarriage. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the entire frame was rusted and corroded and may fracture. a lift plate inspection was performed and it was diagnosed that the frame was covered with undercoating and the lift plate was unable to be repaired due to the rust. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 75,880.

Rusted frame. will not pass inspection and very dangerous to drive. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 94,650. the vin was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected by a private mechanic, it was found that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while the vehicle was being taken to a dealer for an oil change, the mechanic noticed that there was a rust hole that had rusted through the frame near the right rear passenger's side. the diagnosis was that the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the approximate failure mileage was 118,500. updated 10/22/14*lj

We purchased a used tacoma in march 2014. we inspected it very carefully for rust. none was noted. about 2 weeks later my son was changing the oil and noticed that rust was appearing around the holes near the sway bar. now the holes are getting dangerously large. we probably won't be able to safely drive the truck in a few months. the frame rusts from the inside out so you can't see the problem until it's too late. we have talked to toyota and they are not willing to help because they have no record of it being sprayed even though i have evidence it was at a toyota dealer several times that they don't have. toyota received a settlement from [xxx] for supplying the defective frames but they aren't willing to fix their defective frames. some one who doesn't spend much time underneath their truck is going to have a frame break while they're speeding down the highway and get hurt. we are going to be out a lot of money because of this defective frame. please hold toyota accountable before someone gets hurt. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was advised that the under carriage was extremely rusted. the mechanic stated that the entire frame needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the frame, spare tire carrier and oil pan shield were completely corroded. the contact mentioned that he was waiting for the parts to become available for the recall repair under nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires). the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 214,000 and the current mileage was 218,000. updated 6/10/14*cn

I noticed the rear skid plate is hanging on by only one side about to fall off due to rust on hardware/plate when driving in the highway plate wobbles up and down. it seems like it will fall while driving and cause a possible accident, or injury. *tr

The frame on my tacoma has rotted beyond repair, over 6" gaping holes in the main frame near the suspension mounts. the rear leaf springs are bowed over as well! i was never notified of any recalls by toyota. i contacted toyota to have it looked at. they refused at 1st then aqccepted it at the whitby toyota dealer. the results were that toyota was willing to install an upgraded spare tire carrier & nothing more!

There was a recall on my truck for potential frame corrosion. i never received notification of this issue from toyota and didn't know about the problem until my mechanic warned me about frame rot. i brought my truck to a local toyota dealer and they confirmed that there was damage but informed me that i had missed the opportunity deadline for the repair. i have contacted their us corporate office and been given the same reply. they claim to have sent me the recall notice but i maintain that i never received any notification. i am wondering if i have any recourse in this matter.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service under a nhtsa campaign i.d. 12v542000 (tires) however, the dealer could not remedy the recall due to excessive rust on the frame. the dealer advised that there was a previous recall for an undercoating spray to prevent frame rust. the contact stated that the vehicle received the treatment but it still did not prevent the frame rust, which the dealer stated would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 106,000.