Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for service under a the federal safety agency 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.
2003 Toyota Tacoma body complaints
Page 6 of 7: complaints 131 to 160 of 181, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a toyota 2003 tacoma the frame is gone rotted so unsafe was told I should not have it on the road!! I cant afford the welding and the guy said he does not want the responsibility it could last 6 months or more he would have to keep checking it! I took it to several toyota dealers they said they could not equally swap any vehicle but yet told me it is unsafe to drive I called california my case was declined I had a mechanic say not to drive this anytime the frame will split in half so close to it I can't work because I need a truck for my job my boss is giving me time but is fed up so who knows will I have a job next week? I lost side job that was paying for my taxes due to no truck.toyotas have has so many issues on this they had the buy back people were still getting money the years they told us were not mine the buy back stopped in 2011 we know someone got 17,0000 back ! On her old 99 hers was nothing like mine!!!!! There was a rust undercoating we never got the letter !!!!!!!!!!!! As a christian after telling them that I now got a letter that says the spare tire lift plate yup rusted but I can't drive it to them cant use the spare tire rusted out rim I am ready to have a nervous breakdown I have tried everything I was turned down from my case in california headquarters called again today I will hear back in a day no one can believe this I am ready to call the news my wife was supposed to today but had me fill this out why who knows I think at this point it needs to go public monday night on facebook toyota USA my wife put up a story and pics as people wrote they kept removing the post !!!!!! They did not want those pics out there saw a complaint on a 2006 about the same issue what happened to toyota? I refuse to drive a deathtrap my grandson went with me in that truck on saturdays .[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated the frame was corroded. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the frame would had to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000. Updated 11/21/13
My 2003 toyota with currently 77,197 miles was recalled multiple times for frame inspections for excessive rust and corrosion with the first time resulting in toyota applying a corrosion-resistant treatment back on 6/25/2010. Unfortunately after inspecting my frame and undercarriage recently I noticed the corrosion and rust getting worse. I had my frame inspected at my dealership back in june of 2013 with the dealer stating the frame was in good condition. I currently restrict my driving to around town because I fear for myself and my families safety.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was rusted and dropped five inches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
I own a 2003 toyota tacoma. The entire frame, front bumper, and undercarriage is completely rusted from the front bumper to the rear. In september of 2010 , the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that there was surface rust on the vehicle. As a repair, the dealer applied an anti-rust coating onto the frame to prevent further damage (cosmetic cover up). I was told by my mechanic when I went to get a recent oil change on 07/25/13 the repair did not prevent the frame from becoming completely rusted and he stated that it was not safe because even the seams were shoeing signs of possible failure. Brought vehicle back to dealership and after inspection was told that frame is safe by toyota standards the vehicle was not repaired. The original mileage when brought in for initial recall was 24794, but and the current mileage is 29,820
A toyota tacoma pickup was taken to my mechanic for routine maintenance and frame rust was noted. I called toyota and took the car to a local toyota dealership. They replied they could do nothing as the cost of repairing the frame was not worth the value of the car. They instructed me to call toyota directly and have been told I am on my own. There are 96,000 miles on the car and this was the first time rust was noted. We never received any notifications that there were problems as I am not the original owner. I am stuck with a valueless car with no help from the parent company.
This is a follow from a recent call with the toyota customer experience center (may 2, 2013). I called to get a status update on the claim referenced in case # [xxx] and was informed the claim was denied because the invoice from the dealer stated the spare tire was stolen. I never received notification that the claim was denied although the customer service agent suggested a letter has been mailed. I was instructed to return to the deal and get the ?stolen? Comments removed from the invoice. The original invoice suggested the spare tire was stolen because the service department and parts person at the dealer suggested the cable would not break and the conclusion was the cable must have been cut and the tire stolen. This was in august of 2012 prior to the recall notification. There is no evidence to support that the tire was stolen. I returned to the dealer and attached is an updated invoice with ?stolen? Removed. To say I am frustrated by the response from toyota is an understatement. The facts are the spare tire and assembly were missing. The dealer concluded they must have been stolen and wrote that on the original invoice. It is obvious from the recall that the cable broke and the tire and assembly were lost as a result of the this malfunction. Again denied.
During a recent safety inspection severe frame corrosion was found. The garage said that toyota had a frame recall. When I spoke with toyota america they said it had expired because I had not answered the recall notices. Wich inever recieved. I explained that I was the original owner at the same adress as the time of the purchase. They reviewed it again and the next day said they sent the required notification 5 times. But could not tell to what address they were sent .the final answer was I was no longer covered.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the entire frame, front bumper, and undercarriage were completely rusted from the front bumper to the rear. Two years prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that there was surface rust on the vehicle. As a repair, the dealer applied an anti-rust coating onto the frame to prevent further damage. The repair did not prevent the frame from becoming completely rusted. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told that the frame was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 100,000.
When I took the vehicle to the dealer to address a recall related to the spare tire support, they told me the vehicle frame was not safe and they would not work on the vehicle. There are numerous perforations in the frame due to excessive rust. I addressed with toyota corporate and the factory representative validated the problem and acknowledged that it has been a problem on these vehicles but that toyota and "the government" did not deem it necessary to put a recall on the problem. Meanwhile, they will not address the issue and indicated it is the customer.s responsibility for repair. The truck (normal blue book value approx $7-8k) is now unsafe to drive due to a faulty frame.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the entire frame rusted. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall related to the structure; however, the recall expired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 6/17/13
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 60,000.
My truck was part of the frame recall and I had the frame replaced in 2010, since then I have had to pay to replace other rusted parts that were not "part of the recall". First the spare tire mount rusted off and the tire fell out from under the truck while driving. Next the entire exhaust needed to be replaced as it too had rusted out. Last year to pass inspection I needed to pay $1600.00 for a catalytic converter. This year I cannot pass inspection as the check engine light is on and despite 2 attempts to find the problem (and $200.00 later) the light remains on. The suspicion is the gas tank is rusted "at the top" and will cost me $1800.00 to replace. I just received a "preliminary" recall for the spare tire mount, I imagine I will receive a recall notice in a few years for the gas tank as well. Ridiculous that only some parts were recalled...and ridiculous that I have to pay to replace the others... Not to mention the inconvenience.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was made aware that the under carriage was extremely rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall expired. The contact stated that the manufacturer informed her that the letter was sent to the wrong mailing address and had become expired. The manufacturer refused to cover the recall repair expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the mechanic stated the frame was severely rusted and was perforated. The mechanic advised that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage and current mileage was 96,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was severely rusted, exhibiting aa large hole. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they advised him that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The current mileage was approximately 84,000. ...updated 06-19-13
My 2003 toyota tacoma with 105k miles was found during an inspection to have a rusted frame toyota has admitted to the defect and refuses to correct I own and bought new a 2003 toyota tacoma from rockingham toyota in salem, nh. I was just informed by my mechanic on 12/5/2012 that my truck would not pass mass state inspection due to a trouble code (check engine light) and most importantly that my frame was completely rusted through and that my toyota truck was unsafe to drive. I personally verified this by crawling under my toyota truck and poking my fingers through the frame. My toyota tacoma is ready to fold in half due to the extent of frame rust. After contacting toyota in california (phone 800 331 4331) and discussing the safety issue with the assigned case manager [xxx], I was told that there was nothing that could be done to rectify this unsafe condition. I also contacted rockingham toyota in salem, nh. And they would take no responsibility for this unsafe condition. They mentioned that the safety recall "program" had expired. Toyota corporate claims that I received seven recall notices regarding rusted frame issues. I never received any recall or notice from toyota regarding the frame issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Toyota has recalled my truck due to a rusted out frame. The toyota dealership has elected to replace my frame with a new frame. This large procedure has left me insecure about the outcome. This truck is now 10 years old and as soon as the start wrenching on all the system components to disassemble and re assemble my truck I am afraid that they shorten the life of existing components due to added wear and tear. The dealer will need to remove and reinstall brake lines and gas lines that have been set in place and have extensive corrosion this will lead to premature failure and unsafe operation. Most mechanic know that a rusted and set bolt that has not been moved for 10 years has a 50% chance of removal. In order to remove such a "stuck" bolt they will need to apply heat and impact and may weaken the existing parts, steel, and bolts to lower levels out of tolerance that the vehicle as designed originally. Additionally, this service is completed in a location with out the controls, quality assurance and testing that is in place in a factory where new vehicles are built. There is uncertainty that this vehicle will be assembled, tested, and inspected according the manufacturer's guidelines for a factory produced vehicle. This leads to uncertainty that the vehicle will not operate within the intended manufactures guidelines for safety, roll over protection, and crash performance. I propose that a total frame recall and replacement (or any large integral part that will impacted the vehicle operation) on any vehicle shall not be allowed given the uncertainty described. *tr the consumer stated there appeared to be an oil leak coming from the front differential boot that was not apparent prior to the frame replacement procedure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was serviced in 2010 for the same failure where the dealer applied a solution to the frame to prevent it from rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 140,000. Updated 07/02/13*lj updated 12/24/13
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the failure was a manufacturing defect and offered no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance either. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 85,000.
After getting off the highway, as I was pulling away at the end of the exit ramp I noticed the spare tire had fallen from the truck and was in the middle of the road. I was able to quickly back up and load the spare onto the back of the truck. I noticed part of the carrier was rusted to the spare, but the middle of the carrier had rusted through. I had participated in toyota's frame recall a little over a year ago and believe they should have seen how bad the situation was at that time, and done something to rectify the problem. I had just spent a half-hour driving home on the highway. I can't imagine the damage that could have been caused had the tire dropped at highway speeds during rush hour rather than at 10 MPH!! In searching the internet, this is an all too common occurrence for older tacomas. I don't understand why this isn't considered a safety issue and subject to recall.
Tl* the contact owns 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for routine maintenance. While at the dealer, the contact inquired about an unknown frame recall. The contact was informed that the recall did not apply to his vehicle. The manufacturer was then notifed and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under a prior voluntary campaign for the frame, but the campaign expired. The failure and current mileages were 68,000.
Was driving and entering a freeway onramp when the door swung wide open after the latch failure. Had to secure a replacement (used) and found several others with the same problem. It obviously appears to be a common problem due to the latch being constructed from plastic. To me this constitutes a saftey issue.
I bought a 2003 toyota tacoma from a toyota dealer in december 2011 with 81,841 miles on it. Upon driving the vehicle from tennessee to oregon a leak in the oil pan appeared. I looked under the vehicle and to my surprise the whole undercarriage of the vehicle was extremely rusting. The leak was from the oil pan that was corrected badly. I was able to make it from there to my home in oregon having to add about one quart of oil. The distance was about 700 miles. I took it to my local toyota dealer and he informed me that I had major rust problems under the vehicle. The gas tank shield is gone due to rust. The front end suspension was so rusty they couldn,t get some of the bolts out. They had to remove some of the front end suspension to replace the oil pan. Both front backing plates for the rotors where rusted away. No alignment could be done because of the rust. I had the front end replace with good used parts and when they attempted to align the vehicle the front tie rod broke due to rust. The whole frame assembly is very rusty. I find out now that there was a voluntary recall of frame which I did not know about. This vehicle was bought from a toyota dealer in tennessee in december of 2011. They never said a word to me about the rust problem. They did a oil change and they also replaced the emergency brake cable so they had to be aware of the rust problem. The vehicle a find out came from new york originally. They say they will help out with repair costs so far but what about the frame rust. This dealership withheld vital information from me. Toyota of america says the frame recall was voluntary and has expired. I feel this is a safety problem that needs taken care of.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact took the vehicle to an authorized dealer for an inspection and the dealer stated that the frame would need to be replaced due to corrosion. The dealer would not assist the contact with any repairs outside of the failure. The manufacturer was notified, but agreed with the dealer's decision. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileages were 116,000.
Letter to the secretary from re complaint regarding the safety of the 2003 toyota tacoma *tgw the consumer stated while driving, another vehicle slid into his vehicle and he hit the passenger front tire of the other vehicle at 40 MPH. The air bags failed to deploy. The consumer also stated the tires and front fender ratio had a design defect. The consumer was injured in the accident. *jb..updated 01/31/12..updated 11/19/13
Rust perforation on 1998 to 2004 toyota tacoma frames and undercarriages, the dealer stated was due to improperly manufactured frames. Toyota customer care told me that the voluntary frame recall on my 2003 tacoma for frame rust expired in march of 2011 and they would not do anything to correct the problem. The frames of certain year toyota tacoma are defective and were not properly made and are subject to rapid rust perforation. Toyota should be required to correct the problem. Their voluntary program should be made mandatory.
2003 toyota tacoma was recalled in april 2010 for frame replacement. The truck failed and the "entire" frame was replaced. July 18, 2011, while driving this truck the spare tire falls out from beneath the vehicle. Thankfully I was on a side road going about 35 MPH and the other vehicles on the road were able to avoid any impact. The next day I took the plate that was " holding" the spare tire to the toyota service center that replaced the frame. Despite the fact that the plate looked like it could have been a piece from the titanic, I was told that this particular part was not part of the tacoma recall. I asked if they had to remove this part while replacing the frame, which they acknowledged they did, and then I asked why they would put a worn piece back on... The response was "it probably didn't look that bad a year ago"....!!! I called the toyota 800 phone number and opened a case. As a result, I have learned that this part was recalled on the 2003 tundra, but not the tacoma... Toyota will however reimburse me the cost $233 if I wish to have the piece replaced. I am disgusted and shocked at the fact that something like this could happen. Thankfully no one was injured...however I could not get this very same truck inspected in the state of massachusetts in april of this year until I replaced the catalytic converter ($1600)...yet it is okay to put safety inspection sticker on a vehicle that is a hazard to others due to a spare tire projectile that could occur at any moment. This is insanity to me. I also have a 1994 toyota which would not pass due to rust on the exterior "bumper"... Exterior rust was considered a hazard.. And I had to replace the entire bumper "or remove it" before it would pass. Perhaps the "inspection" requirements should be enhanced to include true life threatening problems... I have never had anyone harm themselves on my rusty bumper....but I nearly took out 4 vehicles with my faulty spare tire mount..
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving approximately 10 MPH the contact felt a bump and noticed the spare tire detached from under the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed the chain which held the spare tire under the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 85,036.
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