general problems of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear subframe of the vehicle was corroded and the subframe had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 260,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the rear end frame on the driver's and passenger's side of the vehicle had been corroded. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the nhsta hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 345,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was extensive premature rust and corrosion associated with the frame of the vehicle. A mechanic indicated that the frame would need to be welded and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The VIN was included, but the contact was not notified of NHTSA campaign number: 12v542000 (tires). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 223,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 75 mph, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow down. The parking brake was engaged and the vehicle came to a stop. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where it was discovered that the brake fluid reservoir was empty. The contact dispensed the brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the entire frame and brake positioning valve exhibited excessive corrosion. The manufacturer issued a customer satisfaction program related to the frame, which expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated the frame was corroded. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated the frame would had to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000. Updated 11/21/cn.

After getting off the highway, as I was pulling away at the end of the exit ramp I noticed the spare tire had fallen from the truck and was in the middle of the road. I was able to quickly back up and load the spare onto the back of the truck. I noticed part of the carrier was rusted to the spare, but the middle of the carrier had rusted through. I had participated in Toyota's frame recall a little over a year ago and believe they should have seen how bad the situation was at that time, and done something to rectify the problem. I had just spent a half-hour driving home on the highway. I can't imagine the damage that could have been caused had the tire dropped at highway speeds during rush hour rather than at 10 mph!! in searching the internet, this is an all too common occurrence for older Tacomas. I don't understand why this isn't considered a safety issue and subject to recall.

Letter to the secretary from re complaint regarding the safety of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma the consumer stated while driving, another vehicle slid into his vehicle and he hit the passenger front tire of the other vehicle at 40 mph. The air bags failed to deploy. The consumer also stated the tires and front fender ratio had a design defect. The consumer was injured in the accident.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. While driving approximately 10 mph the contact felt a bump and noticed the spare tire detached from under the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed the chain which held the spare tire under the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure and current mileages were 85,036.

Gas tank fell off, till it was 2 to 3 inches off ground.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the it with a sprayed with a rust compound, however 3 months after the repair the contact stated that the compound would not dry. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. The current mileage was 30000 and the failure mileage was 29000.

Water is leaking into the passenger compartment. The dealership replaced a body seal pursuant to a TSB (they said), but problem is still occurring. I would like this repaired or for the vehicle to be replaced.

I purchased a 2003 Toyota Tacoma and found a water leak on my floor mat in the passenger side of the truck. Apparently this has been happening every time I take the truck to the car wash. It seems to be coming from under the dash; maybe the front window. I took my truck to Toyota but after a couple of attempts to find the leak with their water hose the leak could not be found. I have noticed there have been others complaining of the same problem.

While driving in the rain, the vehicle splashed water from the front tires over the hood onto the windshield, causing consumer to lose visibility. The consumer stated water should splash to the side of vehicle not over the hood of vehicle. Toyota was aware of the problem.

Passenger side air bag vibration when motor is running. Returned to local dealership due to loud rattle in dash board. Dealer inspected and reported that a majority of the clips holding the passenger side airbag in place were not there. Dealer ordered replacement clips and dashboard bolts and repair was made. In October 2003 rattle returned and a bolt appeared on the passenger floor board. Returned vehicle to dealership where inspection took place. Mechanic suggested that someone had hit the dashboard to loosen bolts, not the case, yet no attempt to repair or tighten equipment was made.