Excessive rusting of frame on 2003 tundra, car was taken multiple times to dealership, issue was not fixed at all....I have contacted toyota but have gotten the run around. Please advise.
2003 Toyota Tundra body complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 150, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While driving unknown speeds. The vehicle began to sway. Additionally, the frame was rusted and chunks of the frame was detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and opened case number: 1710030430. No further assistance was offered. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 135,000. *bf consumer stated called toyota directly to inform them of issue of frame being cracked in several places. This was detected ny my mechanic who is certified and has his own repair facility. He indicated frame will not last another year. Toyota denied consumer any claim due to a re-call which the consumer was never notified. Vin is invalid updated 7/25/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed that the frame was rusted from the inside out and contained holes. The contact stated that the frame was undercoated for rust and corrosion on july 12, 2012. Heritage toyota in burlington, vermont discovered the severe frame rust and stated that the contact would have to pay for a new frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the frame was undercoated, which is what they were required to do. The manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was out of mileage warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. ...updated 10/23/17 *bf
Spare tire retainer failed due to rust and tire fell off while the vehicle was in motion
The frame is rusting apart will not pass state inspection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While driving 60 MPH, the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and found severe corrosion around the cross member. The contact called a local dealer and was informed of the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the recall had expired. The failure mileage was 89,200. Updated 06/21/17*lj
Truck has 98k miles. Brought in 2003 new. Took good care of it. Had a recall on frame corrosion and have it recoated in 2011. Took the truck in to mechanic for non frame related issue. The truck frame broke dead center (between the truck and the bed area) while on the lift (thankfully no one got hurt). I called toyota and they are telling me they took care of my truck with the re-coat. It is at owners expense to fix it. They are not admitting their recall was not effective in fixing the underlying issue. This is well know flaw in their design. Even the local dealership told me he had couple broke the same way while on their lift. I am totally disappointed with toyota. I brought the truck for toyota's reliability, but I was wrong. Having a truck frame broke less than 100k miles is like having someone died at age 25. Totally unacceptable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While driving 2 MPH and making a left turn, an abnormal noise was heard the vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper control arm was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. Updated 04/19/17 *lj
Driving and made a left turn when the right front wheel went flying and the truck started swirving in circles. And caused a major damage in which the dealer doesnt want to respond.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the frame was fractured. The vehicle was taken to a certified toyota mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact recognized multiple holes in the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to be serviced under an unknown recall, the technician informed that the vehicles frame was moderately corroded. The contact stated that the technician serviced the vehicle with an adhesive on top of the corroded frame. The contact stated that six years prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced under the federal safety agency campaign 09v444000 (structure) but thetechnician stated that the vehicle showed no signs of corrosion and the vehicle was not serviced under the recall. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the frame was severely corroded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,913.
In may 2016, I purchased a 2003 toyota tundra from a used car dealer. In october, as I was changing the oil, I noticed a rust hole in the front section of the frame and as I further inspected, there were rust holes and cracks in the front section of the frame. I checked the passenger side and found the same problem. I went to my local toyota dealer and they informed me that the recall had expired in 2012. I then contacted toyota headquarters and they reviewed my case and sent it to a case manager. The case manager contacted me 2 days later and said there was nothing they could do because it was a warranty issue and it had expired. This is troubling to comprehend because a co-worker of mine who owns a 2001 toyota truck had his frame replaced, no questions asked, in 2015. I find this extremely troubling because this is a safety issue that could lead to potentially injuring myself and my family if the frame were to further crack or split. Toyota states that they "want our customers to have a great ownership experience, so we are pleased to resolve litigation in a way that benefits them and demonstrates that we stand behind the quality and reliability of our vehicles." I find this hard to believe considering they are not willing to resolve my safety issues and concerns.
Purchased a 2003 toyota tundra july 2016. Frame was undercoated by toyota and did not seem to be any issues at the time of purchase. After a few months of ownership, I have been conducting some of my own maintenance under the vehicle. While under, I noticed large areas had the crc treatment chipping and pealing off. I called my local toyota dealer (priority toyota chesapeake, va) the service manager said the corrosion protection has expired and there was nothing further they could do. While attempting to grease my propeller shaft, I was on my creaper trying to pull myself under the vehicle. I grabbed part of the frame, in front of the leaf spring perch. While grabbing this section of frame and pulling myself under the truck, the frame crumbled in to my hand. There were a lot of rust flakes, large and small, I collected as much of the rust and flakes as I could and stored them in a zip lock bag. The size of the deterioration was about 7" long and perforated about 9/16" near the bottom of the c channel. I am very concerned about the integrity of the frame on this vehicle particularly in regards to braking system, frame cross members and suspension components. I called toyota customer service soon after to report what happened. I told them my VIN and other information. They said they would call back in 1 business day. I received a call from toyota today 10/27/16 and a representative told me that toyota is no longer supporting my vehicle for any campaigns. I asked the representative for further literature regarding the frame corrosion programs for tundras, however, toyota will not let me have this information. At this point toyota will do nothing to help or provide assistance in repairing their poorly designed vehicle. Please do not buy toyotas because in the future there will be failures and toyota will not stand behind their products. Plain and simple.
In june of 2012 I took my tundra to have the frame campaign performed, in january of 2013 I contacted toyota stating the frame / corrosion recall was not performed properly and I felt the frame needed to be replaced as there was a lot of rust. They contacted the dealer I took it back and they reinspected the frame and I was told it was no rust found. A few months after this I would be driving and I would hit a bump and end up in the next lane. I took it to work and put the vehicle on a lift and found the steering rack mount cracked at the frame. I welded it back together. About a month ago the same thing the frame where the rack mounts cracked in another spot so this time I need to take l angle steel and weld in place. On 3/4/ 2016 I decided I was going to go back and undercoat my frame correctly. At this time I have found holes in my frame exactly where the points of the frame that the recall falls under. Toyota has stated they are not going to offer any assistance
I was driving down the road and lost my spare tire the cross member rotted off the truck I had toyota under coat the truck in 2012 I hope no one got hurt or killed from the tire falling off
My vehicle has sustantial frame rust which affects the safe operation and the resale/trade-in value. Toyota refuses to offer any remedy because the frame replacement program ended in 2012. My vehicles frame passed a frame inspection in 2011 by a local dealer. I took them at their word. I dont feel that the frame on a 12 year old vehicle should havae such a short service life. This is a hardship for hundereds of tundra owners who have otherwise good vehicles that are now potentially un-safe and utterly worthless. The dealer did offer to patch the frame in one area but it is corroded in several areas. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as toyotas actions did not go far enough.
Bad frame rust bad suspension rust bad differential rust bad spare tire rust.if rust condition gets worse the possibility of suspension failure is very real.some of these models need to be recalled or bought back before there is injury or death.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the frame was rusted. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While the vehicle was being repaired according to the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v444000 (structure), the technician discovered that there was corrosion on the rear cross member. The vehicle was repaired; however, the remedy failed to repair the failure. While driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and the rear driver side tire detached. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Vehicle was towed to toyota dealer due to gear shift selector would no longer work. Issue was found to be transmission cable rusted thru and broke. During a successful repair of above issue; a frame inspection was performed. I was notified by the local toyota service manager rust had compromised the frame putting a few holes in the right front frame rail. The service people took pictures and submitted a package to the regional contacts with "a recommendation to replace my vehicle's frame." again, the local toyota dealership repair technicians and mgmt. Are recommending the frame be replaced under a extended warranty issue. At this point in the process toyota has denied remediation and or corrective work on their part !! This is a tundra truck which has had all factory recalls performed; and in other aspects is in excellent mechanical and running shape with just under 70k mi. I have called toyota corporate customer service on 8/7, case # 1508070842 and am waiting for feedback. I am creating this safety complaint as I don't believe toyota will do anything, yet I want to be positive on the matter. I expect toyota to either replace the frame, remediate and repair, or offer to purchase it back towardsthe purchase of a new one.
I took my 2003 tundra to a transmission repair shop, independent, to have the rear differential evaluated due to crunching sound which occurred when taking off from a stop and leaking of fluid due to corrosion on housing. The shop called me that day two hours later and informed me that my frame was completely rusted out near the front of the vehicle on both sides making it unsafe to drive and not worth proceeding in any repairs of the rear differential at this point. They contacted the nearest dealership which told them that the frame perforation recall, the federal safety agency # 09v444 had expired 7/31/2015 six days prior. I was instructed to call toyota, which I did. The lady informed me that the recall was still ongoing. I took the tundra to that same dealership for them to inspect the frame. The next day they call me and inform me that I need to contact toyota again myself. This is a toyota garage telling me this. Tonight I get on toyota's website and find two recalls in regards to the frame perforation. According to the toy website both status' of recalls offer remedies available and this site is updated 8/7/2015. I can see that my nearest dealer isn't going to be very helpful. My truck has 112,000. I'm the 2nd owner and have been diligent with maintenance. I do no off roading and use if to transport my motorcycle to races hundreds of miles from home.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer where the vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The technician stated that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the rear of the frame was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the entire frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign id numbers: 14v350000 (air bags), 09v444000 (structure) and 05v225000 (suspension). The contact was waiting for several months for the recall part to become available and the dealer was not able to determine when the recall repair would be performed. The manufacturer notified of the issue. The contact did not experience a failure.
Traveling on hwy 11. 4 cars ahead suddenly stop. I had 3 choices: hit the car in front of me. Go into on coming traffic, or head off the side of the road into the bayou. Missed the opportunity of the bayou, hit a parked semi tractor trailer. Nothing happened to the tractor trailor. My toyota got severely crunched on the right passenger side. My air bags never went off. I was going 30 miles per hour, and nothing deployed. Now I understand it is a good thing the airbags didn't go off.
Toyota applied a corrosion resistant compound to the rear cross-member assemblies and to the adjacent areas of the frame. This coating has completely peeled off, rendering the exposed corroded metal back to it's original recalled state. This recall occurred in january of 2012, the problem was supposedly fixed by toyota. All of the coating is gone, and, no longer protecting the exposed and corroded metal.
On may 14 2010 I took my 2003 toyota tundra in for a recall regarding "excessive corrosion of the rear cross member". Reference: the federal safety agency campaign number 09v444000, november 18, 2009 & toyota safety recall no. Ssc9090m. My truck was inspected and subsequently was sprayed with corrosion protection compound. However, the spare tire mounting bracket was not sprayed nor was the differential with the required corrosion protection compound. Reference the federal safety agency campaign number 09v444000 which states "dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components, including the brake lines and replace them if necessary" or "will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound". On january 8, 2014 at 103,793 miles, I was forced to replace the entire differential at a cost of $4,657.67 due to the differential rusting completely through to the point it would no longer retain oil. More recently, o/a september 15, 2014 at approximately 105,500 miles I was driving at 30 MPH when the mounting bracket that retains the spare tire in place rusted through and the spare tire fell off of my truck and ended up on the side of the road approximately 1/4 mile away. Fortunately, there was no one driving behind me and no other damage or injuries occurred. In both of the above issues at the time of each incident contacted toyota customer service and was told that they could not assist me in either matter. I would like to submit this complaint in the hopes that it may help others in similar situations and I also would like to know if there is means or process I can follow to possible obtain restitution from toyota. I have all necessary documentation to support my claims as outlined above. Thanking you in advance for your consideration in this matter.
Within a year of toyota inspecting frame and spraying .I lost spare tire with out knowing .approximately 3/14 a mechanic saw holes in frame .towed to toyota dealership and they looked at it and reported it to company.I got a call saying there was no frame recall and I would have to complain to toyota my self. I did and filed a complaint.a woman named jay called me and said there was no current recall on 2003 tundras and mine was recalled just for spraying the frame.I shared my opinion of the situation and thought they would reconsider there decision. I have heard nothing and my truck sits in my driveway.
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