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2003 Toyota Tundra suspension complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 63, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Toyota Tundra suspension problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Nov 14, 2021 · Engine, Steering · AK

The frame on my tundra has rusted out so bad that the engine mounts are rusted through, my truck only has 86k miles please help this is our daily driver to get to work and take the kids to school

Filed Oct 17, 2021 · Brakes, Steering · NM · crash

I was turning down a residential street and when I was getting up to speed. About 30 miles per hour. My truck jumped up a couple times like I hit a pit hole. I got out to inspect and see what I hit but the street was freshly paved 2 years before it was smooth as butter. I look at the truck and find out my passenger tire had fallen off. Upon further inspection I see my ball joints failed and try tire came off. It snapped the cv axle in half ripped and the brake line and abs module off and broke the frame bracket for the rack and pinon. As a result my insurance totaled my vehicle out.

Filed Mar 23, 2021 · Body, Suspension · HI

My tundra 2003 sr5 accesscab 4x4 trd. It has rusted so bad the last 5 yrs. It will no longer pass hawaii safety inspection. I have had the truck since about 2007. It has been a great running truck. Engine and transmission are in good shape. New brakes. But the rust has ruined the frame, tailgate and back of bed! Have not driven for a year!

Filed Mar 17, 2021 · Body, Suspension · 195,000 miles · VA

From 2001-2003 is a frame recall on these tundra's due to massive rust issue. I went into my local toyota dealership here in norfolk, va, and they gave me the run around saying I "missed the window" for this issue. Then I called corportate and they gave me a different reason, saying they "applied" anti-rust spray" in 2016. Which is not a thing. Clearly it did not work because there are massive holes in my frame. I would like them to own up and do my recall when so many other people I know have the exact same truck and got theirs done. I am active duty as well, and it frustrates me that they would treat a veteran like this. I brought up my spare tire latch being very rusted underneath, which there is also a re-call for. They said they could not do anything for me. 3 weeks later my spare tire flew off from my truck, thank goodness no one was injured.

Filed Oct 25, 2020 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · IL

The frame is prematurely severely rotten and crumbling. This is a massive safety issue and needs to be brought to every tundra owners attention. I have had it sprayed, but was only done for the back crossmember by toyota. The other half is ready for a catastrophe in due time. There may be others in my situation and no way is a frame supposed to crumble without sitting in constant salt. Please, please, please help the other owners and make them aware if they haven't yet. The frame will buckle while driving and cause harm to others on the road. Mine has pieces as big as 12 by 8 come off. The toyota dealership I have went to told me to keep an eye on it since the recall has lapsed.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Suspension · 140,000 miles · KY

Took it to the dealer to inspect the frame and they told me it was unsafe to drive. Recommended me not to drive it. As the frame was rust and had multiple rust perforations in the front half of the frame

Filed Jul 31, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 90,000 miles · MA

Frame is severely rotten

Filed Jul 7, 2020 · Body, Suspension · 130,000 miles · KS

My 2003 tundra frame is rusted and cracking. I believe this should be covered by the limited service campaign (lsc) a0f.

Filed May 6, 2020 · Brakes, Steering · 108,000 miles · OH

The whole chassis frame for my truck is significantly and dangerously rusted and it is breaking apart which is a safety issue for me, my family, and other drivers. This also has lead to my breaks lines failing due to rust which almost caused an accident due to me not been able to stop on a red light. There is significant rust damage to the chassis frame and in some parts of the chassis frame that were welded from factory have broken off. In other sections of the chassis frame pieces have started to fall off and there are holes through the chassis frame where there should not be holes. Parts that should be solid steel have holes through it. The rust is so bad on the chassis frame that it has rusted out the fuel lines as well just like it did the brake lines. Sections where the engine mounts go in the chassis are also heavily damage due to rust. The rust is so bad I have step through parts of the bed of the truck when standing on it. There are also holes on the bed of the truck where you can see through the ground due to the rust damage.

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Suspension, Wheels · 425,120 miles · MA

Two items here: first I went to change my tire with my spare and it was missing. The tire service company said the tire must have fallen off somewhere as the cable holding the spare tire was rusted off. 2nd, I had my tundra put up on a lift to see what the banging sound was. One of the shock's connections was rusted off and just hanging. He also stated that the whole frame and crankcase on the rear drive area looked like "bark on a tree" and could be very dangerous to drive in this condition

Filed Aug 13, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 100,000 miles · NY

Fram excessive rust . "recall" , yet toyota acknowledged , treated , then denied the recall replacement .kindly advise .

Filed Jun 21, 2019 · Airbags, Suspension · 143,000 miles · IN

Takara inflators and driving down a very busy street and had a driver flashing his lights at me. I pulled over to find out that my spare tire underneath my truck had fallen off and bounced into a building. I go back to get it and notice that it had rusted and fell off. I've been having ball joint issues and now my rack and pinion has started to leak because of rust. I've learned about a recall on my frame has been issued. I called toyota and they said my truck had been looked at and no problem was found. I've got the spare tire and the rusted bracket. I'm really scared to even drive it,and air bag they want to replace it but to scared to drive it

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Suspension, Transmission · 86,670 miles · AR

2003 toyota tundra front end making a severe grinding, squeaking, and knocking noise. The cv axle boots are destroyed and seems like the wheel bearings and hub is going out quickly as well. Also have transmission leakage and noise when turning. Vehicle only has 86,000 miles on it.

Filed Mar 8, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 170,689 miles · OH

The frame by the driver side front wheel is almost broken in half...it has a 2 foot long section missing...other steering component affected stablizer bar almost rusted in half..bracket and bushing almost nonexistent...this is my daily driver for me,my wife and my 10 year old daughter...I fear for their safety should it completely let loose...I drive very slow...I am 59 years old...plz help me get a new framefrom toyota...thanx

Filed Jan 9, 2019 · Suspension · 119,000 miles · FL

There were 2 issues with the frame on the 2003 toyota tundra that were addressed on my son's truck when they were issued. Now, the frame is extremely rusted and possibly a hazard to drive. The truck was taken to a local dealer who did not even look at the frame but, pulled up information from toyota and told us that there was nothing they could do. I do not understand as I see others online to this day getting frames replaced. I called toyota corporate who claims that is not possible as the frame is no longer available. This is really a poor way to treat customers that pay very heavily for these trucks and expect them to last. The vehicle was purchased originally in ny and eventually pa which are the cold weather states that were involved. The coating placed on the truck did nothing as far as we can tell as there is nothing that shows it was ever there. I have additional documents, videos, etc that I was unable to upload.

Filed Dec 17, 2018 · Body, Suspension · WV

Rear cross member that holds on spare tire is completely rusted. Toyota refuses to replace because the recall has expired.

Filed Oct 27, 2018 · Body, Brakes · RI

Frame corrosion was not properly addressed during 2012 recall. As a result the frame has corroded in multiple areas and the brakes just failed due to brake line corrosion. Toyota is refusing any additional claims for damages. However they should have done more to address the frame corrosion during the 2012 recall.

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Suspension · 133,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the front driver's side ball joint was faulty, rusted, and could no longer support the front driver's side of the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2018 · Suspension · 190,012 miles · VA

Vehicle failed state inspection due to excessive rust of the frame.

Filed Apr 4, 2018 · Body, Suspension · MA

2003 toyota tundra. Consumer writes in regards to rust holes near front sway bar and left rear at shock mount. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle was inspected for rust holes multiple time none were found, but the vehicle was previously treated for frame rusting.

Filed Dec 20, 2017 · Body, Steering · 108,000 miles · VA

Entire frame has severe rust despite anti-rust/corrosion inhibitor applied in 2010-2012. Small holes are now present in frame and the vehicle only has 108k miles. Recently, the power steering rack and pinion had to be replaced, as it rusted out. The technician noticed rust on other suspension components, indicating that rust had made the system weak and brittle. Copious amounts of corrosion inhibitor has now made it almost impossible to obtain a correct alignment. The rusted frame will soon, if not already, diminish the vehicle's safety. Toyota instituted a frame recall circa 2010 for just this issue. Somehow this VIN was omitted. The corrosion inhibitor has proved ineffective. I am requesting that the federal safety agency demand toyota institute another recall for the excluded vins. These omitted tundras, in their current poor frame condition, present a hazard to drivers and other motorists and must be repaired.

Filed Jul 5, 2017 · Steering, Suspension · 120,000 miles · MD

Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). I had the frame inspection recall performed in 2012 and was told the frame is ok so they coated the frame with under coating. A few months later I was driving to work and hit a joint on the highway and ended up in the next lane. As I am in the business I put the vehicle in the air that evening and found the steering rack mount was detached from the frame due to rust. I then spoke to toyota customer service and explained the situation and I was told to bring the vehicle back in and they would look at it. I was told again the frame is ok.. I did explain to the dealer that I had to wld a steel plate to the frame so the vehicle would be safe to drive. They still said the frame is ok and they would re spray the frame as a gesture for the inconvenience. I have made numerous calls and emails to toyota since then because june of 2016 I found rust holes in the frame in 2 different spots.. There is a recall to replace the frame if there are perforations in the frame during the inspection. However I have been told several times they will not assist me any further on this situation. Thank you [xxx] [xxx]

Filed Feb 23, 2017 · Body, Suspension · 74,000 miles · RI

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

Filed Feb 6, 2017 · Body, Suspension · 130,000 miles · CA · crash

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.

Filed Dec 27, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 48,913 miles · MD

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.

Filed Oct 27, 2016 · Body, Brakes · VA

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.

Filed Apr 6, 2016 · Body, Suspension · 262,000 miles · MD

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

Filed Nov 13, 2015 · Body, Suspension · 170,000 miles · IA

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.

Filed Aug 20, 2015 · Body, Suspension · WV

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2015 · Body, Suspension · 112,932 miles · WV

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.

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