2003 Toyota Tundra transmission problems

Filed Aug 16, 2024 · Brakes, Suspension · KS

The frame has failed by rusting through and continues to the brake line. It is available for inspection. The truck is no longer safe to drive due to the rust and brake issues. The truck frame could have failed in traffic causing harm to myself and other drivers. The problem has been confirmed by Yingling’s in Topeka, KS, Lewis Toyota in Topeka and Crown Toyota in Lawrence, KS. They have all done inspections of the truck frame. The problem first appeared when it was taken to Yinglings in 2018 to replace the muffler.

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 Aug 20, 2018 · Steering, Transmission · 111,035 miles · MN

Steering column shift bracket broke in 3 places when trying to shift from park to drive, making shifting impossible. See pictures from 2 of 3 fracture locations, 3rd fracture is at an attachment screw (not shown). This is cause by an punderdesigned part made of inferior cast aluminum. There are thousands of reports of this problem on tundras and other toyota models with same defective bracket. This dangerous defect must be recalled and fixed by toyota with a redesigned part.

Filed May 15, 2018 · Transmission · 154,000 miles · CT

Steering column shift bracket broke in 3 places when trying to shift from park to drive, making shifting impossible. See pictures from 2 of 3 fracture locations, 3rd fracture is at an attachment screw (not shown). This is cause by an underdesigned part made of inferior cast aluminum. There are thousands of reports of this problem on tundras and other toyota models with same defective bracket. This dangerous defect must be recalled and fixed by toyota with a redesigned part.

Filed Oct 8, 2016 · Transmission · 79,962 miles · OH

I am a retired toyota master diagnostic technician. As I was replacing my rear brake lines on my 2003 tundra-with 79,962 miles, I saw a fluid leak under rear of vehicle. Upon inspection I found the rear differential housing has rusted so badly that the gear oil is leaking through the housing. Unfortunately the only remedy is the replacement of the complete rear axle/differential assembly. The frame has already been replaced-under recall. The rear brake lines have rusted through which had to be replaced- at my expense. Also the power steering lines have also rusted through which also had to be replaced- at my expense. It is obvious that the material that was used is of very low quality causing very dangerous situations.ie; loss of vehicle control due to differential lock-up, loss of vehicle braking due to rapid fluid loss, loss of vehicle steering control due to rapid fluid loss. I am amazed that toyota motor co. Will not stand behind the product they sold-without being forced to. One quick look under a 2003 tundra is all it takes to see that low/poor quality hardware and materials were used. Without repair and/or replacement of above stated components someone will get injured-possibly fatally. My brakes failed as I was towing a trailer in heavy, city traffic. I was going 35mph when a vehicle pulled out in front of me and then proceeded to stop suddenly to make a left turn into a parking lot. I slammed on the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was lucky there was room to maneuver to the right so I was able to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me. I'm sure there have been those less fortunate. Please investigate these complaints as soon as possible. These components should last for the lifetime of the truck. A differential is not an item one expects to ever replace. Owners have been complaining about these failures for years. Thank you.sincerely,....

Filed Jan 15, 2016 · Transmission · NJ

Toyota had a recall of rusted out frames for 2003 toyota tundra trucks. Mine was replaced, but now the differential has rusted out and it requires an entire new rear axle. I filed a complaint with toyota corporate and was told since my vehicle is out of warranty they will not stand by their product and replace an obviously defective part. This defect could cause the rear end to lock up while driving and possible cause an accident with injuries.

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 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.

Filed Jul 22, 2015 · Transmission · 138,329 miles · OH

The rear differential housing of the truck is rusted through and leaking gear lube, if it goes unnoticed the rear differential could lock up causing the rear wheels to lock up and cause a crash. This a very common issue with the 2000-2003 tundras and is very unsafe, there is no reason the rear differential housing should rust through this quick, 30 year old trucks do have this issue but a whole lot of toyota trucks do, if you do a search on google for rusted through differentials its all toyota trucks, and its not just a differential cover its the entire housing, I would not be writing this if it had a cover I would have replaced it in an hour and called it a day. The frame of the truck was already replaced because it rusted through and now the differential housing is rusted through due to substandard materials used in its construction. This is a serious issue just like the frame that needs to be addressed.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tundra. The contact stated that the rear differential was leaking. The dealer stated that the rear end housing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.