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.
2003 Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 66 of 66, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the rear leaf spring fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the axle, power steering lines and oil pan was severely rusted. The corrosion was so severe that it caused a fracture on the power steering line. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. The dealer replaced the frame and advised the contact that the failure was caused by environmental factors. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. The current mileage was 118,000.
Frame rusted/ cracked would not pass state inspection. Truck was taken to toyota during the first recall and I was told it passed. Did not go back for subsequent recalls to have the frame sprayed. Called toyota when the truck failed inspection and was told that because I didn't have the frame sprayed there was nothing they would do for me. The exhaust system outlasted the frame. This is not acceptable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while turning at 10 MPH, the contact lost control of the steering wheel as the front driver's side dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where the front suspension lower ball joint was found to be separated, causing the front suspension to fail. The manufacturer advised the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 05v225000 (suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 175,640.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while attempting to enter a parking space, the front driver's side wheel collapsed to the ground. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the ball joint was split. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v225000 (suspension: ball joint) and was told by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 180,000. *tr updated 06/10/13
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.
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.
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.
Very loose steering wheel. Problem is the slip shaft in the steering column. Over time the lover shaft wears and the steering becomes loose and sloppy. Problem first shows up as looseness in the wheel and eventually turns into a clunk when driving over minor rough roads. From talking to mechanics and other tacoma owners this is a very common problem that toyota will not address. Problems include difficulty maintaining control over rough pavement. Wandering at all speeds. Major direction changes when breaking on all roads. Smooth or rough. Over all the truck is very difficult to drive. I've had the truck actually change lanes when I hit an unexpected rough patch of road at appox 30 MPH. There was nothing I could due because of the slop in the steering wheel. Please note that this truck is very well maintained and I have gone through the entire front suspension and steering trying to fix this problem with no luck. I'm now faced with spending even more money to replace a steering column.
2003 toyota tacoma recall notice for the front suspension lower ball joint. Consumer states that the parts failed to remedy the problem.
2003 toyota tacoma 4wd crew cab pickup I would like to relate a recent experience I had with my 2003 toyota pickup. I was driving the truck through a parking lot in largo, maryland on january 29, 2009. Suddenly there was a loud noise and the vehicle dropped down in the front end and I came to a stop. The front driver side wheel had dropped down into the wheel well. I had the vehicle towed by boswell auto service of waldorf, maryland near where I live. I was told by the mechanic that the castle nut on the driver side ball joint assembly had come off. I was told that this was an extraordinary event. The ball joint assembly separated and as a consequence front axle was broken as well. In reviewing my records I saw the recall for the lower ball joint for my toyota. I had this recall work completed at waldorf toyota on december 29, 2005. I brought this to the attention of the mechanic who fixed my truck. He told me I should make the dealership service department aware of this incident. In his opinion, this event should not happen if the ball joint castle nut is installed correctly. I took the information to waldorf toyota on february 3, 2009. I spoke with the service manager (michael pavan, 301‑843‑3700, [email protected]) and a man I believe was a mechanic or service supervisor. I showed them photographs and the broken ball joint assembly. They told me that the remnants of the cotter pin were still in so that they believe they had installed the castle nut correctly. I left the broken ball joint assembly with them. The service manager told me he would report it to his regional manager.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to control. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the front passenger side tire had turned in a 90 degree angle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the front passenger side lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 318,000 and failure mileage was 218,000. Updated 10/5/09 *cn updated 10/07/09.
In january 2006, I received a recall notice from toyota re: ball joints on our 2003 tacoma. I scheduled with the dealer and they were all replaced. Christmas day of 2007, I experienced a catastrophic failure of the ball joints on the right side. Both upper and lower separated while driving at about 30 MPH. And, the wheel pretty much separated from the vehicle. (vehicle stopped without injury). Vehicle was towed and all four ball joints needed to be replaced. Vehicle is a 2003 toyota tacoma with 74,0000 miles. Mileage on toyota-replaced ball joints could not have been more than about 20,000 miles when they failed.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. In february of 2007, the contact received recall notice # (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). The dealer stated that the part for the repair was on national back order and was unavailable. As of may 4, 2007, the part was still unavailable. The contact stated that the wait time for the recall repair is unacceptable. The current mileage is 38,300 and the failure mileage was unknown.
I received a recall letter for my 2003 toyota tacoma to replace the front suspension lower ball joint ssc 50j a few months ago. I have contacted the dealer many times and each time I call they tell me the parts are in back order in the mean time I am driving on this vehicle with my baby and my 6 year old son in the truck I feel something needs to happen asap I need to get my parts replaced the treason I am taking immediate action right now because for the past days there has been noise coming from the front and also it has been very jumpy and I was told that is the lower ball joint. This is the only vehicle we have and I am very upset with toyota how they are giving me the run around . I am afraid to drive my kids in it but I have no choice since it is our only vehicle please help me. I have mentioned to them to lend me a loaner and I also get the run around I will to take care of this before I put my family in danger.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact received a follow up notice for the suspension, lower ball joints. However, he never received a previous notice. The contact's vehicle was involved in a crash while driving 40 MPH and was unable to gain control of the steering wheel. The air bags did not deploy, the contact's head shattered the windshield, and also sustainede bruising to the face. The contact stated that he made several attempts to call toyota, and was told by the representative that he was the only person that hr ever reach and was not allowed to speak with a supervisor. Toyota sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle after the crash ,and he advised the contact that the reason that the air bag didn't deploy was due to the location of the impact. While unable to gain control of the steering wheel the contact's vehicle crashed into a guard rail. The contact was very concerned that the related recall was identical to the failure that occurred while his family member drove the vehicle. The contact was dissatisfied that the toyota representative failed to mention the recall that was effective a year prior which caused a collision while inspecting the vehicle. The current mileage was 76,000 and the failure mileage was 39,500.
2003 toyota tacoma would not steer safely. Upon inspection mechanic determined the vehicle needed new tires due to the vehicle being out of alignment. Consumer was not notified of a recall regarding the brakes. *kb the toyota dealer refused to replace the right and left ball joint useless the consumer paid for the repairs.
Dt: the contact stated a recall letter was received pertaining to the lower ball joints. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall on 12/27/05 where the ball joints were replaced and the vehicle was realigned. The vehicle began to shimmy after about three month later and it was taken to an independent repair shop. The front tires were balance which resulted in difficulty of steering due to the tires becoming worn. The contact expressed that the worn tires were a direct result of the improper alignment performed by the dealer on 12/27/05. After 3 days, the vehicle was taken back to the independent repair shop for tire rotation because the difficulty in steering had worsened. The rotation fixed the problem for awhile however after a couple of months the steering worsened. On 6/26/06, the vehicle was taken to another independent tire dealer for realignment. The contact can provide specifications for the realignment of the tires before the alignment, after the alignment and the specified ranged.
Dt*: the contact stated there were no previous problems with the front suspension prior to receiving recall notification. There was a the federal safety agency recall campaign id # 05v225000 concerning the lower ball joints, the dealer performed the recall remedy. Afterwards, the vehicle drifted from side to side while driving various speeds. Although the vehicle was inspected by the dealer, the service department was unable to duplicate the problem with the front suspension.
2003 toyota tacoma double cab lower ball joint recall work was performed. Vehicle later began to make a grinding & clunking noise from the front end and the vehicle started to lurch forward. *ts *jb ***no answer required***
Info copy ltr fwd to toyota regarding front suspension lower ball joint recall, customer dissatisfied w/quality of current toyota vehicles. *ts **reference 10140998*** the consumer stated the vehicle continued to have front end problem after being fixed. The vehicle was difficult to steer which made it hard to keep it on the road. The vehicle sometimes had delayed action, it took a little time to respond to turning the steering wheel.
Info copy ltr fwd to toyota regarding front suspension lower ball joint recall, customer dissatisfied w/quality of current toyota vehicles. *ts **reference 10140998*** the consumer was involved in an accident. When the consumer attempted to turn the steering wheel it kept going, the consumer over steered to try and the vehicle to turn, however the vehicle went too far in the opposite direction, crossed the center line, hit a culvert went airborne and hit a dirt ditch. The insurance company totaled the vehicle.
The front tire treads on the original tires of the vehicle wore out within 10,000 miles. An independent mechanic determined the shocks was the cause of the problem. The vehicle was also taken to the dealer which found no problem with the shocks. Please provide further details.
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