general problems of the 2003 Toyota Tundra

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.

Hello, I am having a really strange problem with my 2003 Tundra, the rear axle is actually rusted out and leaking gear lube! I live in a snow area and drove the truck for a couple months before noticing the oil on ground after snow melted, now it is too late as the rear axle is now making a noise and cannot be driven until I replace the entire axle housing! you cannot hear it in the cab unless windows are down! I have taken exceptional care of this truck and all my cars, washing and waxing frequently even in winter. The truck has been back for rust inspections and frame coating but nothing for the axle! I have actually spoken with a number of other Toyota owners that are also experiencing the same with their Tundra! actually this could cause a serious accident if the bearings seize from no lubrication and cause the truck to lock in the rear! I really can't believe Toyota would not stand behind this error! I really cannot afford the 4-5 thousand repair on the truck! I have had many new Toyota cars and trucks starting in 1984 with an all wheel tercel followed by 5 tacomas, every 2 or 3 years, a previa, a sienna and in 2009 a camry hybrid. I was going to sell it to my son and buy another Tundra but I am not so sure now. I feel Toyota should cover this structural defect. I have never seen any other car or truck that actually rusted through the axle housing! also the floor of the bed in the Tundra where the cross braces are welded to are rusted through as well, this started within 2 years of ownership! I have read on the internet about all the other Tundra owners having the same issue! I have been a big supporter of Toyota but maybe that is coming to an end!.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while shifting from park to reverse, the shift lever fractured and detached from the vehicle. The vehicle remained in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the shift assembly, lever sub assembly, tilt lever and the shift lever. The failure was reported to the manufacturer, who refused to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 125,426. The current mileage was 125,540.

Noticed oily substance on driveway, took truck to mechanic and he informed me the rear axle housing had rusted through! I was shocked at the news and dumbfounded to find out this is a common problem with Tundra's and tacoma's and there is no recourse except to pay upwards of $2000 to have it fixed. I have never heard of any newer vehicle having the axle rust through at only 104,000 miles. This is low miles for a 2003 and the truck has been taken care of too.

Took 2003 Toyota Tundra in for frame rust corrosion program 09v-444000. Was told frame and other components had extensive rust and multiple 10mm holes by lead service technician at local Toyota dealership. Service manager explained that my 2003 Toyota Tundra frame was extensively rusted and unsafe to be on the road and they wanted to take my truck immediately and provide a rental car due to safety concerns. Asked for a plan of action of the scope of work to be performed (corrosion compound verses frame replacement) before giving possession of vehicle. Photos of 2003 Toyota Tundra frame, rear cross members, spare tire carrier, rear brake lines & fuel tank mounting system were taken and sent to lead service tech three states away in texas. Was informed extensive frame rust exists on all components (frame, rear cross members, spare tire carrier, rear brake lines & fuel tank mounting system) but it is not covered because vehicle is no longer registered in wisconsin. Purchased this 2003 Toyota certified vehicle in wisconsin in April of 2010 and no information was given to me at regarding the NHTSA investigation or any rust inspections that were performed. Toyota corporation refuses to repair, replace or add corrosion resistant compound to any severely affected rusted components. Significant rust issues exist on this vehicle and still Toyota corporation refuses to provide any documentation of their inspections. Toyota corporation will not put in writing that the frame, rear cross members, spare tire carrier, rear brake lines & fuel tank mounting system is safe or road worthy. Deadline for all rust repairs is December 31, 2012. Toyota corporation is stalling consumers to keep from doing any repairs and leaving unsafe rusted 2003 Toyota Tundra's on the highways. Please initiate a new NHTSA investigation regarding this matter for the safety of consumers.

For the third time since I have owned the vehicle where the shift control goes into the steering column, where it connects has broken. This is a piece of metal that has again snapped making it unable to shift the car. What happens if I was in drive and could not shift into park? I have had this fixed twice before, once when I was stuck on the road and once towed to Toyota.

Toyota had a re-call for excessive corrosion on the 03 Tundra. I have been taking the truck in for inspections for 3 years & was told everything was ok. This year Toyota said they had an ok to undercoat the frames. While my truck was in for the work it was discovered that the rear differntial had rusted through & was leaking oil. Even though this componenet is on the underside of the truck just like the frame that was covered the repairs were not covered under the recall. It was obvious that the issue was caused by corrosion. Total cost of the repair was $2000 for the rear differntial casing to be replaced. Why was this not covered under the recall if the componenet is part of the uderside of the vehicle?.