general problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma

The problem that exists is on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma. It will all of a sudden lose power and have no throttle response, almost as if it was hitting an engine governor. The rpms usually drop anywhere from 200-500 and then comes back up. The power would slowly come back after keeping my foot on the throttle. It consistently does it after accelerating out of an intersection (usually around 25 mph or while cruising (around both 45 mph or 75 mph) on the highway. This drop of power or lack thereof is a huge safety issue, especially when pulling into an intersection or needing quick acceleration to avoid an accident. I have read about many others with the same issues with their late model Tacomas. The parts to fix the issue are very costly and the problem seems to be widespread. [xxx] request research. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle loses power unexpectedly and is inconsistent. Has happened before to me and many, many times by others with the same vehicle. A poorly designed/engineered accelerator pedal position sensor appears to be the issue. Toyota has been notified by me multiple times but refuses to acknowledge this serious flaw in their vehicle. Most recently, I was nearly rear ended when on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly lost power. Fortunately the driver behind me was conscious and was able to make an emergency maneuver to the other lane. . Read more...

The check engine light came on as the car decelerated. I had to depress the gas peddle to the floor to accelerate the vehicle. Took it to the dealer and they told me the choke was sticking and I needed to have an upper engine cleaning. 10000 miles later the same thing happened. Now I need a new throttle body.

Toyota Tacoma, 2003 acceleration drops to 25% inadvertently. This is a well documented issue on several of the Toyota Tacoma bulletin boards yet Toyota has done nothing to remedy this highly dangerous situation. The accelerator pedal position sensor fails and drops the acceleration to 25% without warning. This happened to me while doing 75 on the highway and I was nearly rear ended by a semi truck! I have complained to Toyota with no response. This is well documented and needs to be addressed!.

My engine light on my 2003 Toyota Tacoma keeps coming on. I sent $1000 to replace the oxygen sensor and then the evap connector assembly. The engine light is still on. The repair shop told me they've replaced many of these on Toyotas.

My 2003 Toyota Tacoma v6 sr5 double cab 4x4 has a condition where the throttle cuts out while accelerating. This is a very dangerous situation when pulling into traffic or while driving in traffic.

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.

Intermittent check engine light and rough idle - 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2. 7l auto, double cab, 55k miles check engine light came on. Took vehicle to local chain shop who diagnosed error code po511 - idle air control valve (iacv). Toyota parts department prices this part at $226 and service manager indicated $249 for labor (not including tax). Vehicle currently has 55k miles on it and "engine" should be covered by 6 yr/60k mile powertrain warranty. Took vehicle to dealer (to have other recalls corrected) who indicated a $90 fee was required just to diagnose check engine light. Toyota customer service indicated the iacv was only covered to 3yr/36k and that I should pay dealer fee and seek "factory assistance" for any costs to repair. I contend that this type of a part - not serviceable/maintainable by the customer, should be guaranteed against failure for more than ~50k miles and repair should be covered by manufacturer.