I noticed a small hole underneath the passenger side of the frame just in front of the leaf spring and now the hole has grown to the size of a quarter. There is also quite alot of rust underneath the truck as well as the spare tire holder. I live in california and this truck was purchased from a toyota dealership in pennsylvania. Thanks for your cooperation. Sincerely,[xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2003 Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 66, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Frame is rusting.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic, where she was informed that the driver?s and passenger?s side rear subframe and rear leaf spring were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to berlin city toyota of portland located at 191 riverside st, portland, me 04103 (207) 618-6528, and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.*dt 8/14/2020 edit by [xxx]: I would also like to add that the tacoma was brought into the seashore tacoma dealership in new jersey back in 2013 for a different recall and the frame recall was never addressed or brought up to me while my tacoma was there. I would also like to note that in 2016 while I was stationed in alaska, I received a post card about the extended warranty. I promptly called the number and was advised that the warranty did not pertain to my tacoma. Otherwise, I would have put it on the ferry to juneau for the inspection. Lastly, I have owned this tacoma since 2009. It as been stationed with me for 4 york in fl, 4 york in nj, 4 york in sites, ak and 2 years in me. It also previously lived between in ky and fl prior to me. Had I been asked the right questions about the origin of the tacoma then I'm sure they would have told me the truck was eligible for the extended warranty. *dt information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'
I purchased my 2003 tacoma second hand back in 2015 which serves as my primary vehicle to this day. After returning from a year long deployment overseas, I had a few friends over on 4jun of which one was admiring my truck until he looks underneath and notices all the frame rust. He advises that there is a recall on it and I should contact my toyota dealer to get it serviced. Feeling distraught, I go online and lookup recalls for my car which LED me to the "frame rust" safety issue on a many toyota models to include my own. The advisement suggests safety concerns with the frame rusting through due to factory negligence in sufficiently coating with anti-corrosion materials. Further research in other forums state other toyota owners describing it as frame rust altogether and not just on the spare tire plate. Issues described include the issue causing the leaf spring to snap and the frame itself rusting through. Inspection of my truck proves true to all accounts described. I contacted servco toyota in honolulu, hi the very next day and spoke to a nice lady. I explained how I became the owner of the vehicle since 2015 and was never made aware of this recall. She checked my VIN to confirm that I was affected by it, however the recall has expired as of 2018 so there is nothing they can do. She gave me the 1-800 number to toyota which LED me nowhere and kept diverting me back to servco toyota instead of their main office..... What frustrates me the most is that toyota provided me no notice or warning about this recall. So how can I react to something I was never made aware of. Safety recalls should never have expiration dates as it remains a safety issue until its properly remedied.
Was driving down the road and the frame broke completely in half on the drivers side an caused the drive shaft to fall out and when it did it bounced up and knocked a hole in the gas tank causing me to wreck.and the bed of the truck has huge holes rusted through them.
Power steering pump having issues I can fill it up to the full line and it will go down to half empty everytime I've done it therefore steering is very tight and difficult, the truck bed has huge holes rusted/corrosion completely through it on both sides, the spare tire mechanism is rusted so badly it doesn't work and half of it is missing due to rust/corrosion an has fallen off, and the frame broke completely in half on the driver side of the truck while I was driving it an caused the drive shaft to hang on the ground and it knocked a hole in the gas tank before I could get the truck stopped, also the suspension on the rear of the truck is not attached to the frame on the top under the bed just attached to the frame on the bottom.
Brought truck into body shop in june 2019 to have work done. They told me the frame on the truck was severely rusted in several places. They said it may be unsafe to drive. In 2016 (about 2.5 yrs ago) I brought the truck into the local toyota dealer to have frame inspected under a recall notice. At that time they told me that the frame was ok. In addition the truck was at the dealer in 2018 for another recall for leaf springs. At this time they replaced leaf springs but did not report any problems with frame rust. The original body shop and my local car repair shop told me that the severity of the rust damage on the truck indicated that this has been going on a long time and were surprised that it had passed toyota dealer frame inspection. I called toyota national line and they told me that for frame replacements for my truck the program ended in january 31 2019. Subsequently I tried to work with the local dealer and they have also told me that national toyota will not help. Clearly the severity of the problem (see attached photos) indicates that the rust damage was happening over a long period of time and toyota was negligent in reporting this to me. Toyota should take responsibility for repairing/replacing the frame since clearly the problem has existed long before the january 31 2019 date and I have followed up on all the recall notices for this truck.
Bought the truck used, frame rusted, from cold weather state, heard lots of trucks did this, rust so bad afraid to drive it,everything else on truck good, from what I understand it's had 5 recalls, not one done by former owner, internet web site said frames were not coated right, factory defect, want toyota to fix issue as it's their fault this has happened, it's dangerous to drive.
Frame is rotten and broken, shocks ripped off of frame. Unsafe to drive and still need to use daily.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving 35-40 MPH, the front suspension exploded. The front passenger side tire flew underneath the vehicle and the brake line snapped. The vehicle moved onto the side of the road. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,661.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the rear frame was rusted and the passenger side wheel bearing detached. The hub for the wheel bearing was loose and deteriorated. The contact stated that the vehicle continued to rust and was taken to an independent mechanic who refused to service the vehicle because they did not have the correct certified parts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving various speeds, a popping noise was present from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the rear driver's side spring hanger was rusted and detached from the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 146,000 *bf.. Consumer stated while searching that toyota was aware that the frame was susceptable to corrision and there was a recall/ reeplacement program but has expired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While the vehicle was coasting into a fuel station, the front passenger side ball joint detached from the tire independently and without an impact. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later towed to toyota of whittier (located at 14577 e, whittier blvd, whittier, ca 90605, (562) 222-5386). The dealer diagnosed that the ball joint became loose and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v225000 (suspension) in 2005. The manufacturer provided case number: 1902250627. The contact stated that the recall repair failed. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.
The rear brake lines that connect over the rear axle rusted into and caused the brake fluid to leak from the braking system. When the truck was taken into a local service center for repair to the brakes the service center representative informed me that they could not repair the brake lines because the frame was rusted so severely that if put on a lift the frame would fall apart and the truck would break in half. The service center determined also the truck was not safe to drive. Service records at the dealership are on file where the truck was taken to the dealership for inspection of the frame and reported the truck did not have a rust issue as described in the letters I received and heeded the warning to have the truck inspected.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently serviced by a mechanic who indicated that the vehicle would not pass inspection due to extensive rust and corrosion of the frame. The vehicle was not included in any recalls for the frame. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. *tt consumer contacted the dealer on 12/17/18 representative stated notifcation was mailed w/o a response. Consumer stated no notification was sent, representative stated she would get back to the consumer on 12/18/18 but never did.
While traveling at about 40 MPH, right front passenger wheel suddenly and unexpectedly broke off at the ball joints. The tire folded under the chassis and the truck skidded to a stop in the road shoulder.
Frame corrosion, took tacoma in for inspection while still under warranty, frame failed inspection but toyota denied claim due to outside influences.
We bought our 2003 tacoma brand new from the dealer in 2003, expecting this to be a 30-year investment. We have kept up all maintenance on this truck with our mechanic. He checked it last year and found no issues with the frame other than some normal rust. Last week we took it to him because the check engine indicator was on, and he discovered that our frame was completely rusted through with holes in the driver's side. He deemed it completely unsafe to drive and recommended that it be towed to the dealer because the frame was near the point of breaking in half. We never received any notices from toyota. We performed all recalls they issued. After an online search, we discovered the extent of this frame rot problem over many toyota trucks. When we called toyota corporate, they dismissed us and told us that we were out of luck receiving any help or compensation for this defect because we had missed deadlines on a class action suit and also that there was an extended warranty issued only for some tacomas in certain cold weather states. We were never notified of any of this information and have lived at this same address with the same contact information since the time of purchase. We went to the dealership where we purchased it and they also completely dismissed us, telling us that it was out of their hands and we could try to contact corporate to join all the other truck owners with this frame rot problem and try to see if they might help us. This truck has only 37,479 miles. As much as I'm devastated that we are now out many thousands of dollars because of toyota's unscrupulous policies, I'm more angry that they knowingly have put millions of lives in jeopardy by covering up this dangerous problem. How many more vehicles are currently on the roads every day with the risk of ripping in half and killing innocent people? This problem must be fixed please!
I was driving down the road goimg about 35 MPH heard a loud noise. Lost all control of the steering wheel and my tire had broken off from the ball joint. The place fixing it said the other side is about to break as well. This is very dangerous and I could have been killed.
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!
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact took the vehicle to the krause toyota of brinigsville, padealer dealer for inspection, but it did not pass because the rear end near the spring shackle for the suspension was severely rusted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that, as of 2012, they were no longer responsible for the repair. The manufacturer opened case number: 1706010045. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of severe corrosion to the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the subframe exhibited excessive rust and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact received case numbers: 1075172502 and 1705192164. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. Updated 06/29/17*lj updated 08/03/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently turned left and crashed into an embankment. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front suspension ball joint fractured and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed. The contact sustained minor injuries that required medical attention. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that she had not received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v225000 (suspension). The failure mileage was unknown.
The frame on my 2003 tacoma is rusting badly! The truck only has about 98k and im the second owner. I purchased the truck on 9/3/2011. The truck in getting to the point of being unsafe to drive. The mounting points for the leaf springs are almost completely rusted away. I have never received any type of notification from toyota regarding the frame recall. I've had it looked at by my local toyota dealer and they are telling me I don't qualify for assistance because no corrosion treatment has applied. The problem with that is, I was never notified! If I had been, then they would replace the frame free of charge. I've received at least three letters from toyota for the spare tire holder rust issue, so they do know I own the truck and how to contact me. I've lived at the same location for 14 years! From what I've read, the corrosion treatment they allegedly offered didn't help anyway. I don't understand why some people were notified and other were not. There are plenty of people just like me driving these unsafe trucks. I have to wonder how many of those people are clueless about the danger they are putting them selves into, not to mention their families. At any moment you could loose total control...after the truck collapse in half after you hit a bump while driving on the highway. Im sure if someone looked hard enough they could find examples of these unsafe tacomas causing serious and possibly fatal accidents. They already know its a problem. How else could they have won a lawsuit against the vender that supplied them with these frames. They sued, and won because these frames are defective. That settlement should have been contingent upon the ongoing inspections and repairs for everyone affected.
Frame recall for rust toyota did undercoat the frame and it did not dry for several years now all the undercoat is falling off and the frame is rusting worse than when it originally was worked on I took it back and was told as long as there are no holes they will not fix the rustproofing.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving at 60 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle veered to the passenger side while the contact was steering the vehicle straight. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the shock absorber was not attached to the truck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.
I purchased this 2003 toyota tacoma 4 dr a few months ago I've been a toyota owner for more than 6 yrs as my previous trk was also a tacoma the body on this trk was spotless, no rust anywhere, the frame had surface rust but it didn't look too bad the trk needed tires & a bulb for safety. I felt like I had gotten lucky to get a nice dependable trk on the road. Within a month I noticed the trk was riding rougher. It seemed to be getting worse everyday. Tacoma doesn't have good suspension in the 1st place as I had to do it twice on my last trk. The trk had snow build up from the cold winter we were having, so I took it to the car wash to clean it up before putting `it in the shop. While washing it I noticed some scale rust came off under the drivers floor, I pulled it into the shop over the hoist & while setting the lift arms I noticed a substantial hole in my frame. I lifted the trk to find a piece of the frame starting at the lt front sway bar mount had rotted around the welded seam & disintegrated. The hole was15" long & another 8" hole on the rt rear in frt of the spring shackle. Toyota says they will replace the spare tire hanger under warranty but the frame is my issue as I did not have the frame inspected back in 2010 to extend the warr. Until 2017. I did not own the trk until 2014. Toyota is trying to hide behind a technicality that does not apply to the new owner. I feel toyota should be held responsible for the excessive rust issue as they are well aware of the problem. They have had to re-call over 160.000 units because of the fact they failed to use adequate rust protection in the 1st place. This trk & many other toyota trks on the road are a potential death trap. The world needs to be informed of toyota not backing their warr. & trying to keep the hush hush on their recall for rust perforation. Toyota created the problem, toyota needs to fix the problem.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle veered to the right without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the struts failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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