Accelerator Pedal Sensor problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma

After driving for approximately 2 hours, on three separate occasions, the vehicle would intermittently lose significant power. It felt as though I had taken my foot off the throttle. After my own investigation, I learned that Toyota has a history of this problem, particularly with their 2003/2004 model Tacoma's. Evidently, their accelerator pedal position sensor (part of their throttle by wire design) fails. This created a few serious safety situations for me when the throttle failed to respond when needed. After reporting this to the dealer, they inspected the vehicle and did determine the apps was at fault. Numerous accounts of this happening with other owner's is readily available via the various bulletin boards on the web. Compounding the issue, is the fact that this sensor cannot be replaced without replacing the entire throttle body assembly at a cost of $1000 or so. Toyota initially responded that they've never heard of this issue yet others have reported to them prior to me which indicates either they have a very poor process for logging issues or are trying to avoid another recall.

Faulty apps (accelerator pedal position sensor). Vehicle is designed with a combination of mechanical and drive by wire throttle body. When accelerating from a stopped position accelerator pedal is depressed with no response to engine or vehicle movement. This poses a safety threat if driver is in a life or death situation and cannot move vehicle out of harms way.