2003 Toyota Tacoma engine problems

Filed May 14, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 250,000 miles · CT

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).

Filed Feb 23, 2018 · Airbags, Engine · 175,000 miles · OH

Takata recall: airbag "warning" light on dashboard is on and has been since before I purchased the truck , according to the seller. Not sure if airbag would even operate (doubtful). Also, the "check engine" light is on, scans keep saying it is an emissions problem. Vacuum canister, wiring, oxygen sensor were replaced and light went off temporarily, then stays on even though truck runs fine. Date given below is date I purchased the truck, ongoing problems

Filed Aug 20, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 200,000 miles · FL

I was driving down the highway experience loss of power such as fuel push the throttle down a couple of times it pick back up happened to more times within 10 mi1nutes it did not throw a code been checking it may relate to a throttle body problem been reading about problems with the throttle body do not want this to happen in heavy traffic or pulling out in front of traffic please let me know what or how to take care of this problem

Filed Jun 3, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 246 miles · CA

I was driving my vehicle 2003 toyota tacoma on highway 156 downhill to hollister, ca I was going approx 65 MPH and it just jerked back and lost power I was only able to go 40mph no higher , the engine light has not turned on and it seems I am getting no kind of diagnostic error of what could be wrong.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 236,500 miles · SC

Car stumbles/hesitates intermittently at various speeds. Have spent time/money trouble shooting the problem/making repairs with no affect on problem. Problem appears to be drive by wire throttle body toyota part # 22030-62020 (toyota data per VIN shows this part should not be on my car). Toyota has a program to replace throttle body if found to be defective (for a limited time) except problem cannot be duplicated in the shop and it does not cause any codes. On-line research indicated problem is with the throttle position sensor (tsp) or the accelerator pedal position sensor (apps) on the throttle body failing. Research indicates toyota is aware of this problem as they will replace part free if proven defective and apparently has redesigned their throttle body. Issue is, most of the time the dealer cannot reproduce the problem in the shop and since it does not cause a code they will not honor the warranty program because they will not be reimbursed without proving the part is defective. The problem with this throttle body has been identified in vehicles with as little as 30000 miles to over 250000 miles per on-line research. While riding with me the dealer's technician has seen and felt the stumble/hesitation (RPM drops about 150 to 250 RPM when traveling at a constant speed for no reason) but has never been able to duplicate it in the shop or identify the cause. This stumbling/hesitation occurs everytime the car has been driven for longer than 20-30 minutes since the 1st occurrence. Twice it has stumble while making a left turn at an intersection causing me to almost get hit by an on coming vehicle. This throttle body is a non-serviceable part and cannot be repaired, per the dealer it is required to be replaced as a unit. This part needs to be recalled and toyota required to replace it at no cost now instead of only when it fails before someone is killed.

Filed Nov 23, 2012 · Engine, Suspension · 90,400 miles · NJ

Purchased used vehicle from private seller. On the first day of use, after obtaining new title, tags, insurance coverage, the check engine light came on. The following day scheduled service w/ the local toyota dealer. Upon inspection was told that the truck needed a catalytic converter and there was a recall for the lower front ball joints that the dealer will replace for free. The dealer had to order the parts. After receiving the parts and upon start of the repairs, I received a phone informing me that the frame was rusted and the vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive. I was given an 800 phone number to call and deal directly with toyota corporate office. I am patiently awaiting for a response.

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Engine · TX

Well, I have owned my toyota tacoma 03' since it was new and was aware of some unusual patterns of increased engine revving for years. I told my mechanic specifically about the issue and he really didn't believe it was acting that way. The first time I experienced this phenomenon was when I left the vehicle idling while I went into a gas station convenience store and was alerted of the idling to be higher than when I went in the store. I was startled because it was revving on its own, higher and higher until it leveled off at a bit higher than normal and finally to average idling. It was creepy. This happened on several occasions mostly when I would leave the car idling. Only 1 incident occurred while at a stop light I was idling in park and it began to idle higher but not as I should notice absolutely something was wrong. When I shifted from park to drive the revving increased and I shuttled ahead towards the vehicle in front of my truck without pressing the gas and as I was about to hit the vehicle ahead of mine the engine slowed again. I was extremely terrified at that moment. Nothing strange occurred that day after that. I questioned if I had pressed the gas or if maybe something, somehow, I might have over looked, but I decided that there was definitely a strange sticking going on in the engine. I also considered if it was the gas peddle perhaps, but I ruled that out as, it would rev mostly on idles on its own.

Filed Jan 14, 2010 · Engine · WI

Leaky water pump discovered upon routine change of timing belt on 2003 toyota tacoma 2wd prerunner. Discovered complete lack of gasket and woefully inadequate amount of sealant apparently applied at factory. (no more than 1/8" wide after compression between water pump housing and engine block) engine continually used a small amount of coolant/antifreeze and over time had built up a substantial volume of sludge/crusty coolant around water pump housing and timing belt (crankshaft) pulley. Although absent in this instance, this build-up has the potential to break loose and fall between the timing belt and pulley and ultimately cause timing belt breakage. Replaced belt and water pump. Re-manufactured water pump is equipped with a gasket.

Filed Apr 1, 2009 · Engine · 92,000 miles · TX

I was driving my 2003 tacoma when the battery and oil lights came on and the truck became undriveable. When the lights went off I was able to drive again. I had truck towed to mechanic and found out that crankshaft bolt was broken/sheared off. Had truck towed to dealership for confirmation - they confirmed. Had insurance adjuster look at it to determine if related to any accidents - no relation. Called toyota corp and they said that bolt should not break unless under extreme torque of defect. Mechanic, dealership and insurance adjuster all said the same. The bolt is made out of case-hardened steel. I have not had any major work done to the truck that would involve the crankshaft bolt!! Dealership is quoting cost of approx $4000 for short block repair. If bolt is/was defective I should not have to pay for any of the repairs that should fall on toyota whether or not the truck is out of warranty. I need this fixed!

Filed Oct 1, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NH

My engine light on my 2003 toyota tacoma keeps coming on. I sent $1000 to replace the oxygen sensor and then the evap connector assembly. The engine light is still on. The repair shop told me they've replaced many of these on toyotas.