My dad bought this tundra new in 2003. The frame started rusting in a couple of years and in 2011 he received a recall letter from toyota stating that he needed to take the truck in and have the frame inspected. He took it to hickory toyota to have the dealer evaluate it. Because the frame was heavily rusted my dad assumed the frame would be replaced. However, the service manager at the dealership stated that the frame was structurally fine and intact and did not need replacement. My dad gave me the truck in 2012 and I took it to my mechanic to have brakes replaced. My mechanic commented on the excessive rust and told me I should take it to a dealer to be inspected. I told him my dad had taken it and supposedly everything was ok. Skip ahead to june of this year and I had the tundra in again for a regular state inspection. As soon as my mechanic put my truck up on the lift, the frame bent in the middle on both sides and holes were torn in the frame. I contacted both toyota and the dealer that did the inspection in 2011 and was told that the extended warranty period for the recall on these frames had expired and they were going to do nothing. I feel that the toyota dealer that told us we didn't need a new frame in 2011 before the recall expired was trying to save both himself and toyota money by not replacing the frame when it needed it. I believe the dealer and toyota still bear responsibility for replacing the frame.
2003 Toyota Tundra body complaints
Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 150, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle being serviced, the contact was informed that the frame was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 173,566.
As I was traveling at a slow speed when I became aware of a loud grinding noise which had suddenly began as I turned onto a side street. I stopped vehicle immediately and got out to investigate what was causing the noise. I discovered that my fuel tank was dragging beneath the truck. The metal straps that held tank to frame had rusted thru causing tank to fall to road surface. All the connections to fuel tank were ripped from tank. Toyota is worried about the spare tire falling down do to rusted frame members but I feel they should be more worried about their fuel tanks falling off. If I had been traveling at highway speeds I hate to think of what consequences might have been.
Frame rust through.toyota claims rust hole is not in the correct location on the truck.says there is nothing they can do.
Rear differential housing rotted out dumping oil all over road.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that there were holes corroded throughout the frame. There was a manufacturer's recall that had expired for the frame failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
2003 toyota tundra. Consumer writes in regards to frame rust recall notice. *smd the consumer stated last year, there was a recall on the frame. She took the truck to the dealer, and they replaced the entire frame. Shortly after, she heard a popping noise coming from the truck. At first, she didn't think much of it, but as time went on, it became worse. The consumer took it back to the dealer, where an inspection revealed the right rear leaf spring was broke. The consumer requested to see the leaf spring, which turned out to be rusted, which caused it to break. The consumer believed the leaf spring should have been included in the check, when the frame was replaced. The consumer also discovered the left rear leaf spring needed to be replaced, as well.
Upon inspection there is total rust of the frame and bolts on the suspension. Unusual tire wear. I have read about some recalls but this is an exceptional low miles vehicle (less then 50,000) and it is found to be in unsound condition and current value should be at least $18,000.
Frame has several rust perforation holes. Toyota refuses to repair. Vehicle bought used in march of 2013.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The vehicle was included and repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). After the repairs while the contact was driving approximately 45 MPH, he noticed that the front driver's side of the vehicle was unbalanced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician advised that the rings around the strut had become corroded, causing the spring to detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later discovered that the fuel filter bracket, rear differential seals and the front rack were also corroded. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact noticed damage to the frame. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired under a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields). In conjunction to the remedy repair the brake calipers were a required replacement which was not mentioned in the recall; however, they were replaced at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified and offered to reimbursement for the parts and partial labor cost. The failure mileage was 154,000. Updated 06/18/13*lj the consumer stated after being refunded for the repairs of the calipers, on 1/31/13, rust was found on the new frame. Updated 06/24/2013
Took 2003 toyota tundra in for frame rust corrosion program 09v-444000. Was told frame and other components had extensive rust and multiple 10mm holes by lead service technician at local toyota dealership. Service manager explained that my 2003 toyota tundra frame was extensively rusted and unsafe to be on the road and they wanted to take my truck immediately and provide a rental car due to safety concerns. Asked for a plan of action of the scope of work to be performed (corrosion compound verses frame replacement) before giving possession of vehicle. Photos of 2003 toyota tundra frame, rear cross members, spare tire carrier, rear brake lines & fuel tank mounting system were taken and sent to lead service tech three states away in texas. Was informed extensive frame rust exists on all components (frame, rear cross members, spare tire carrier, rear brake lines & fuel tank mounting system) but it is not covered because vehicle is no longer registered in wisconsin. Purchased this 2003 toyota certified vehicle in wisconsin in april of 2010 and no information was given to me at regarding the federal safety agency investigation or any rust inspections that were performed. Toyota corporation refuses to repair, replace or add corrosion resistant compound to any severely affected rusted components. Significant rust issues exist on this vehicle and still toyota corporation refuses to provide any documentation of their inspections. Toyota corporation will not put in writing that the frame, rear cross members, spare tire carrier, rear brake lines & fuel tank mounting system is safe or road worthy. Deadline for all rust repairs is december 31, 2012. Toyota corporation is stalling consumers to keep from doing any repairs and leaving unsafe rusted 2003 toyota tundra's on the highways. Please initiate a new the federal safety agency investigation regarding this matter for the safety of consumers.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated there was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The contact stated that the parts continued to remain on a massive back order for over a year. The dealer was uncertain when the parts would become available. The contact had concern of the safety deffect mentioned in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The contact had not experienced failure at this time.
My toyota had a frame recall for rusting which they fixed. Now I'm being told my gas tank is rusting and needs to be replaced. Toyota will fix it for 1500. 00 dollars I believe this is a safety problem and is a toyota problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for state inspection and the contact was told there was severe rust on the frame. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number:09v444000(structure: frame and members: underbody shields) and spoke with the manufacturer but was told that the recall had expired. The failure and the current mileages were 47,000. Updated 08/28/12
Received the recall notice, brought vehicle to local dealer which stated there was no corrosion, dealer did not spray under carriage. Family member also owns this truck and stated that his was sprayed and then subsequently eroded and replaced. I will be calling the dealer tomorrow for reevaluation as the fuel filler may be eroded or cracked.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact noticed a rusted hole in the rear frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the frame would have to be replaced. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members:underbody shields) but was advised by the manufacturer that the location of the hole was not part of the frame and it was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the frame had been previously treated with a corrosion compound under the recall campaign. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the entire frame exhibited rust and corrosion, which caused extensive damage to the rear differential casing. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields). The part was ordered and the contact was advised that it would be available within six to eight weeks. The contact expressed that the recall remedy should include the replacement of the rear differential casing. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Toyota had a re-call for excessive corrosion on the 03 tundra. I have been taking the truck in for inspections for 3 years & was told everything was ok. This year toyota said they had an ok to undercoat the frames. While my truck was in for the work it was discovered that the rear differntial had rusted through & was leaking oil. Even though this componenet is on the underside of the truck just like the frame that was covered the repairs were not covered under the recall. It was obvious that the issue was caused by corrosion. Total cost of the repair was $2000 for the rear differntial casing to be replaced. Why was this not covered under the recall if the componenet is part of the uderside of the vehicle?
Tl* the contact owns 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that while having the oil changed by an independent mechanic, he was informed that the rear end needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was notified, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 92,375 and the current mileage was 92,575. Updated 03/05/12*lj toyota informed the consumer, the rear frame was not covered under current frame corrosion recall. Updated 03/07/12
I received the ssc 90m - tundra vehicles severe corrosion of the rear cross member phase 2 - crc application. My truck has a tonneau cover and a bed rug installed. When I called the dealership to schedule an appointment they informed me that the bed of the truck would have to be removed to complete the repairs. I told them that I did not have the means to remove the tonneau cover and the bed rug. They said that they could not perform the repair without these items removed and that they would not remove them for me. I then contacted toyota customer experience center at 800‑331‑4331, extension [xxx] and discussed the situation with [xxx]. She claimed that the recall letter states that the truck must be presented in "factory condition" (I guess that means no bed rug or tonneau cover). I reread the letter and that is not stated anywhere in the letter. I called her back and she was unable to assist me nor would she elevate my issue to the management level. This recall work must be done, and again, I have no means to remove these items. I'm sure that I'm not the only tundra owner experiencing this issue. This truck will be unsafe to drive if the recall work is not done. Please help. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
2003 toyota tundra with low mileage and well-maintained but excessive frame rust that will eventually become unstable.
Driving at highway speed, the spare tire/wheel assembly (mounted beneath the vehicle) fell without warning to the roadway below. The tire/wheel ended up in the middle of the driving lane, causing numerous vehicles following behind me to swerve to avoid it. I pulled over to confirm the wheel was from my vehicle, and this was verified. I then turned around to pick up the wheel and remove it from the highway. I found the bracket still in place in the center of the wheel, however it was severely corroded and had no structural strength left. There was no sign of the chain or cable that held the wheel and bracket to the underside of the truck. This vehicle had recently been to a toyota dealer earlier in the year for an inspection of the frame (corrosion recall), as well as for replacement of gas tank straps (which were replaced due to corrosion issues). It had been determined that no action was needed with regards to frame corrosion. The gas tank straps were replaced. There was no comment from the toyota dealer on any potential issues with the spare tire mounting system.
Frame and rear end banjo housing rotted to the point where gear oil from rear end leaked out onto the road. Had to have vehicle towed to garage to make temporary repairs. In addition, frame is disintegrated with pieces falling to the ground. Taken to an independent garage and was told to take truck to toyota and both the rear end assembly and frame should be replaced. Garage, stewart's of georgetown, ma., states metal of frame has deteriorated to the point where you could poke holes in it with a screw driver. Frame examined on august 6, 2011 after pieces of frame found under the truck after labor day weekend. Truck has 40,700 miles on the odometer and used to deliver and pick up supplies for property owned. The consumer to date, he has been unable to locate a usable rear end assembly. The consumer believe the failure was directly related to the use of reprocessed metal in the manufacturing, together with the failure to properly treat exposed metal parts with corrosion resistant compounds. The consumer stated after the vehicle was returned to him. The check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where it was necessary to replace the oxygen sensor that had been previously replaced in august 2007. Updated ivoq 12/01/11
1990 toyota 4 runner, 2003 toyota tundra, 1999 toyota sienna. Consumer states rust and corrosion issues with all three vehicles *tgw the consumer stated the tailgate holders on the passenger and driver's side broke due to severe rust. The driver's side tailgate fell onto the top bumper and caused dents in the metal.
2003 toyota tundra with excessive frame rust including all rustable components with any connection to the frame. 2011 maine state inspection failed due to rusted emergency brake. The emergency brake had been repaired two years prior for same reason (june 2009).
Tl*the contact owns 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated they took the vehicle to the dealer for the federal safety agency recall campaign id number: 09v444000 (structure: frame and members: underbody shields) repair to be performed. The dealer moved a hammer along the frame and ruled there was no damage to the frame. The contact stated the test was not adequate since the dealer only scraped a hammer along the edge of the frame. The contact spoke with the manufacturer was advised that was the proper procedure. The contact was concerned that the test was not sufficient as well as the vehicle being a safety risk. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 160,000.
Tl*the contact owns 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the emergency brake rusted and snapped off of the frame. The brake was welded to middle of the cross frame right under the drivers seat. When the contact took the vehicle to the dealer, they were told that it could not be repaired, because they do not make the part to replace it. The manufacturer had an engineer look at the vehicle as well and they also said that there was nothing they could do. The contact stated that the piece that was connected to the cable holding the spare tire also rusted and broke off. The contact had to carry the spare tire in the back of the truck. The contact feels that this is the same is the recall campaign 09v444000 for the structure, which deals with the under body shields rusting. The manufacturer stated that his year, make and model was not included and cant be repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileages were 120,000.
2003 tundra has excessive rust on frame. Deal offers no remedy.
I have a 2003 tundra access cab 4wd truck. Took it to the toyota dealership for the rust recall inspection and to investigate oil leaking from the rear differential housing. Dealership said that the frame was fine but the cross members and tank supports need coating. They also advised that the rear differential housing was rusted to the point that oil is leaking and would have to be replaced. They said that toyota is not responsible for the replacement of the rear axle housing. The vehicle has 108k miles. I can not believe that with all the known rust issues that toyota will not stand behind this problem.
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