Frame rusted out causing gas tank to fall off truck while driving. Was sparking while trying to pull of to a safe spot on highway, tank was hanging on by the fuel line. Leaf spring also broke on truck do to rust. Cars were avoiding my truck on highway as sparks were coming from the gas tank shield scrapping the highway. Frame should have been replaced along with gas lines, and leaf springs during the recall in 2012 range. Toyota of York decided to just undercoat spray frame, prior to me purchasing truck from them. They never notified me (the consumer) of the recall that was current on truck.
2003 Toyota Tundra fuel system problems
23 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 74,500.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 74,500
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap5
- Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Toyota Tundra fuel system problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Frame corrosion
This investigation was opened based on 20 reports of model year (my) 2000 and 2001 vehicles experiencing severe corrosion of the frame, resulting in either under-body mounted spare tire separation or rear brake failure.the failure report counts shown above are for my 2000 and 2001 vehicles only.by letter of november 16, 2009 toyota has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (09v‑444) of approximately 110,000 model year (my) 2000 through 2003 tundra vehicles.the affected recalled vehicles were sold or are currently registered in the district of columbia and the states of ct, de, il, in, ky, ma, md, me, mi, mn, nh, nj, ny, oh, pa, ri, va, vt, wi, wv.toyota alleges high amounts of road salts are used in these areas and excessive corrosion of the rear cross-member (to which the spare tire is mounted) can occur and cause the spare tire to separate from the vehicle and can also lead to rear brake failure.toyota stated: toyota has tentatively concluded that the root cause is a combination of factors, including usage in areas where road salt is applied, inadequate vehicle maintenance (I.e., not following the recommendations in the owner's manual), the design of the rear cross-member, and manufacturing issues.the design of the rear cross-member is such that it is open on the top side and susceptible to accumulation of dirt, water and road salt.manufacturing issues of the rear cross-member related to the coating process also affect its corrosion resistance.toyota also states that owners of my 2000 through 2003 vehicles in states not covered by the recall will be notified on how to obtain the same inspection and repair as the recalled vehicles, free of charge.further toyota states: please note that while toyota has not determined a defect exists in 2004 through 2006 my tundra vehicles, toyota plans on initiating a field action in the near future to prevent future corrosion on those vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the affected region at no cost to the owner.by letter of january 8, 2010 toyota has notified the agency that it amended its defect information report for safety recall 09v‑444 to include the fuel tank mounting system (I.e., fuel tank support straps and fuel tank mounting cross-members) in the safety recall.toyota states: toyota has not decided that the fuel tank mounting system in those vehicles contains a safety-related defect within the meaning of federal motor vehicle safety law.rather, toyota is taking this action at odi's request and to avoid future disagreement with odi with respect to this issue.my 2007 and newer tundra vehicles are not included in any of toyota's actions as the rear cross-member in those vehicles have been redesigned so that it is open on the bottom.the actions taken by toyota are sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist in the subject vehicles.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE09049
What 2003 Toyota Tundra owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact's son intentionally hit a curb and downshifted in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and an unknown axle was leaking and causing the brake failure. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the gas tank was detaching from the vehicle due to the frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal dragging noise coming from the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was rusted and detached. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact called don moore toyota (4216 frederica st, owensboro, ky 42301, (270) 926-2500) and was informed to have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 129,000. *bf
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. While driving various low speeds and approaching a stop, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle and fell onto the ground. The contact temporarily re-attached the fuel tank to the vehicle and was able to drive home. Romano toyota (6400 basile rowe, east syracuse, new york 13057, (315) 445-1070) was made aware of the failure and requested that a diagnostic test be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v444000 (structure). The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
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.
I was driving down the road when the 'check engine' light came on. I took it to the dealer to see what the issue was and they stated it was a leak in the gas cap and that I didn't have cap tight enough. On the way home from the dealer the 'check engine' light came back on, so I took it back to the dealer. They stated that the fuel filler neck needed to be replaced and it's not covered under warranty.
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.
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.
Check engine light on. Code related to evaporation/fuel system. Checked the fuel cap, appears ok, reset light and returned on. Will replace fuel cap. Potentially fuel filler pipe as mentioned frequently on here.
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).
Questions about the 2003 Toyota Tundra fuel system
Does the 2003 Toyota Tundra have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Toyota Tundra, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Tundra fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 74,500 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Toyota Tundra fuel system?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota Tundra have the most fuel system problems?
The Toyota Tundra model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2022 (104 complaints), 2023 (75 complaints) and 2024 (49 complaints).
Other 2003 Toyota Tundra problems
Body 150Airbags 86Suspension 63Brakes 41Transmission 35Steering 22Acceleration 12Engine 12Seat belts 8Tires 8Wheels 7Electrical 6Lights 5Visibility 1
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