2003 Toyota Tundra problems
Owners have filed 524 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Tundra with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 29% of them — the clear leader, ahead of air bags at 16.4%.
Complaints524
Crashes40
Fires3
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Structure 29.0% · 152
Air bags 16.4% · 86
Suspension 12.2% · 64
Power train 7.3% · 38
Unknown or other 6.1% · 32
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.6% · 24
Steering 4.4% · 23
Service brakes 3.4% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 40 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the Toyota Tundra in this data, 2003 sits 9th by complaint volume. 2000 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 30 in the last three years against 37 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 105,000 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 Toyota Tundra has serious frame rot. The paint on the frame has bubbled up as the rust has proliferated leaving the entire frame in a compromised state. The rear axle and leaf springs are completely coated in rust. Driver's side rear drum brake locked up due to corrosion, which required replacing a tire and brake shoes. Vehicle has been dealer serviced since day one, with the exception of oil changes. Structure
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra li. The driver noticed a couple years ago that the frame was beginning to rust. The driver also stated that he spray painted the frame. He contacted the dealer and they said it was not a recall yet. The failure mileage was 30,000. The current mileage was 95,000. The driver also stated that backing plate that holds the rear brake assembly in place was rusted as well. Structure · reported at 30,000 miles
My 2003 Toyota Tundra with only 73000+ miles on it has significant rusting in the truck bed. The truck is not used for commercial purposes and is only used for periodically carrying normal household items. There is also signs of significant rusting underneath the truck. Since Toyota had a recall with certain tacoma's for a similar condition, I am very concerned of the safety of this truck. Structure
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…