2003 Toyota Tacoma problems

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · WA

I was traveling on highway 12 at 60 mph when the seat belts exploded and cinched up tight to child safety lock mode. There was an odor of burning wires/electrical.

Filed Feb 22, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · CA

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 5, 2026 · Suspension · PA

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 5, 2025 · Body, Suspension · MI

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 10, 2025 · Suspension · PA

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 8, 2025 · Suspension · SC

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

Filed Feb 21, 2025 · Body · 260,000 miles · CO

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 1, 2024 · Body · 345,000 miles · NC

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 23, 2024 · Body · UT

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 Jun 30, 2024 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

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