2003 Toyota Tacoma recalls and problems
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma has 3 safety recalls and 360 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota Tacoma vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Toyota Tacoma recalls
Recall 12V-542: Tires
Problem: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
Risk: Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 05V-225: Suspension
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 03V-189: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On certain pickup trucks, during side impact ncap test (I.e. Lincap test), a flange at the rear end of the double cab body deformed and interfered with the fuel inlet hose that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the fuel inlet hose.
Risk: This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source.
Fix: Dealers will install a fuel hose protector on the body flange. Owner notification began june 3, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2003 Toyota Tacoma problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 187 | |
| Suspension | 68 | |
| Air Bags | 28 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 27 | |
| Unknown or Other | 26 | |
| Tires | 22 | |
| Power Train | 18 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 13 | |
| Steering | 12 | |
| Electrical System | 11 | |
| Service Brakes | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 114
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 29
- Structure › Frame and Members — 22
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint — 9
- Air Bags › Frontal — 6
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Tires › Sidewall — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 110,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Toyota Tacoma complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma: 12V-542 (tires), 05V-225 (suspension), 03V-189 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Tacoma?
Owners report structure problems most often (187 reports), followed by suspension (68). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 110,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.