2003 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems

Filed Sep 23, 2016 · Transmission · 212,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While driving approximately 40 MPH over a bump and depressing the brake pedal, the transmission jerked suddenly. The failure occurred every day for the past month. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 212,000.

Filed Aug 26, 2015 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While the vehicle was at a stop light attempting to shift into another gear, the shift lever failed to change gears. The contact stated that the ignition was turned off and back on in order for the vehicle to shift. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the center force clutch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

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 Dec 27, 2012 · Body, Suspension · 143,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2011 · Transmission · VT

I am concerned about the rear axle housing on my 2003 toyota tacoma. The metal on the reward side of the ring gear housing is very thin and will rust out and begin to leak. I have personally seen gear oil leaking through pinholes in the rear axle on two other toyota trucks. The thin metal and lack of anti-corrosion treatment on the axle housing creates several significant hazards. 1. Eventual failure of the mechanical components if leak is not detected. If the failure occurs while in motion this can cause an accident if it is a severe failure that locks up the rear wheels. 2. Structural integrity of the rear axle housing. The metal is weakened due to the corrosion and can possible cause the housing to bend or break. Again causing an accident. 3. Pollution. The leaking gear oil through the rusted axle housing causes pollution of ground water and other environmental concerns.

Filed Sep 6, 2011 · Transmission · 106,235 miles · NY

Rust out of the differential cover. All of the oil in the differential leaked out. No parts are available from toyota. The complete differential must be replaced at a cost of over $ 1,000.00. This is a major problem as per many toyota forums on the net. Toyota will not stand by this repair and will not admit to any problem about rust.

Filed Aug 1, 2011 · Acceleration, Transmission · 125,000 miles · NM

Vehicle loses power unexpectedly and is inconsistent. Has happened before to me and many, many times by others with the same vehicle. A poorly designed/engineered accelerator pedal position sensor appears to be the issue. Toyota has been notified by me multiple times but refuses to acknowledge this serious flaw in their vehicle. Most recently, I was nearly rear ended when on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly lost power. Fortunately the driver behind me was conscious and was able to make an emergency maneuver to the other lane. Someone will die from these problems! This has been well documented by many at http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13283&highlight=apps+fix I ask that the nthsa please investigate and do something about this. It appears many of us, including myself, have submitted complaints on this issue and nothing has been done. One may argue that this is an 8 year old vehicle so no reason to investigate. This issue has been brought to your's and toyota's attention since 2005. It needs to be investigated! Please.

Filed Jan 12, 2011 · Body, Transmission · NY

2003 toyota tacoma. Consumer is having a number of issues with the vehicle. Front drive shaft broke due to rust, frame rusting, and transmission cooler was leaking.

Filed Jun 12, 2010 · Transmission · 146,000 miles · MD

On june 11,2010 I was changing the anti freeze in my 2003 toyota tacoma.the vehicle was in park and running to warm engine to open thermostat to get more coolant from the lower block . Well I decide to boost the engine speed by manually moving the throttle .to my surprise my truck lurched back before coming to a stop I check the shifter it was still in park .but a further exam the vehicle stuck in reverse and will not go into any forward gear. I m' going to check to see if the linkage needs adjustment everybody I talk with said it was not suppose to move unless the brake was applied first.

Filed Feb 19, 2010 · Transmission · 29,000 miles · OH

The clutch on my 2003 toyota tacoma became jammed while trying to shift in the middle of an intersection. The bushing where the clutch pivots dislodged and jammed the clutch so it was unable to be depressed. A car was coming straight into the side of my vehicle when I stomped on the clutch as hard as I could, breaking the bushing and letting the clutch depress. If I had not acted quickly it could have been a fatal accident. This was on a highway intersection. I took it in to toyota and they did not tell me the bushing had broke and was missing they just put grease on it so it would stop squeaking. I just found out this year at toyota that the bushing had exploded and fallen out and now the warranty has expired. I am more concerned about someone else being stuck in a situation and not being able to get their vehicle in gear.