Toyota Tundra 2003 — Reported problems

NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra to address severe corrosion on the rear frame cross-member section or rear brake lining proportion valve. Vehicle was apparently treated with CRC in 2010, but vehicle continued to rust severely in the specified recall zone, even after Toyota Safety Recall 90M had been completed on the vehicle. The CRC applied to the rear frame cross-member of the frame as specified did not inhibit further corrosion of the rear frame cross member, if anything it accelerated the corrosion. Thousands of 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras titled in the specified severe cold weather states still remain in use, and pose a threat to the overall safety of drivers. The Toyota 90M Safety recall did not adequately inhibit the corrosion of the rear frame section, rendering the vehicle unserviceable & unable to align, and leaving gas tanks, rear suspension, rear drive train, and spare tire parts susceptible to falling off of the vehicle and causing an accident- posing a risk of severe injury/death to road users. I am asking that the NHTSA please look into reissuing the NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 to have all 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras still registered for road use in severe cold weather states be inspected by a certified Toyota dealership for repairs, frame replacement, or vehicle buybacks to prevent unnecessary accidents due to a manufacturer defect that was never rectified properly.

Getting Airbag light on . Went to Modesto Toyota and they installed new clock spring strap in steering wheel. After installing the airbag light came back on . I again went back to dealer with same issue. They installed another clock spring in steering wheel. Drove about 1 mile , again airbag came on. Took it back to dealer a 3rd time same issue. They told me that the connector for the strap was too short. So now I am in limbo waiting for a replacement or something. Contacted dealer Modesto Toyota today 4/16/2026. No response as of yet. So I have still have the airbag light on.

NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra to address severe corrosion on the rear frame cross-member section or rear brake lining proportion valve. Vehicle was apparently treated with CRC in 2010, but vehicle continued to rust severely in the specified recall zone, even after Toyota Safety Recall 90M had been completed on the vehicle. The CRC applied to the rear frame cross-member of the frame as specified did not inhibit further corrosion of the rear frame cross member, if anything it accelerated the corrosion. Thousands of 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras titled in the specified severe cold weather states still remain in use, and pose a threat to the overall safety of drivers. The Toyota 90M Safety recall did not adequately inhibit the corrosion of the rear frame section, rendering the vehicle unserviceable & unable to align, and leaving gas tanks, rear suspension, rear drive train, and spare tire parts susceptible to falling off of the vehicle and causing an accident- posing a risk of severe injury/death to road users. I am asking that the NHTSA please look into reissuing the NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 to have all 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras still registered for road use in severe cold weather states be inspected by a certified Toyota dealership for repairs, frame replacement, or vehicle buybacks to prevent unnecessary accidents due to a manufacturer defect that was never rectified properly.

I own a 2003 Toyota Tundra (VIN: [XXX] ) that was subject to Toyota’s frame corrosion recall (Limited Service Campaign A0F). The vehicle was inspected by Toyota in January 2011 and confirmed to have no perforation. In March 2012, Toyota applied a corrosion-resistant compound as part of the recall remedy. Despite this, by May 2013, a structural component (spare tire carrier) failed due to severe rust and detached from the vehicle. This occurred shortly after Toyota performed the corrosion protection treatment. This raises concerns that the recall remedy was not effective in preventing continued structural deterioration. Frame corrosion can impact vehicle safety, especially if critical components weaken or detach. Toyota has declined any further review or assistance, stating the program has expired, despite evidence that the corrosion continued after their repair. I am submitting this complaint to request investigation into the long-term effectiveness of the corrosion protection remedy applied under this recall program. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The frame was undercoated incorrectly and is actively falling apart. Super unsafe to drive. Very clearly was not undercoated correctly as there is areas in the frame that have no signs of undercoating. This is putting the driver of the vehicle at risk as well as the other drivers on the road. This is a huge recall that was issued for this model of year truck. Very common. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as they refused to inspect it or even acknowledge the issue. There is no warning lamps on but it is visibly unsafe to drive

The frame was not professionally undercoated and is actively falling apart. Super unsafe to drive.

The frame is bad on driver and passenger side between the cab and bed. Auto body tech states there is no good metal to make the necessary repairs (welding new metal) to at this time. Inspection garage states it is a solid truck but will not pass inspection due to the frame’s condition. The vehicle has 106k miles on it with one surface area of rust. The vehicle has been well maintained and is mechanically in good condition. Toyota should have replaced the frames because they knew there was an issue. Can NHTSA help with a resolution?

There was a recall for the frame rusting out prematurely. Toyota had the recall until 2012. I did not own the truck then and it did not get fixed. Now I have a rusted out frame. Toyota is claiming they are not able to fix the frame due to it being 14 years later. They would however be able to keep the recall open if it is a safety recall. I don't know how a rusted out frame wouldn't be anything other than safety. The truck has less than 80,000 miles. What automobile should have a rusted out frame with less than 100,000 miles?!

Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much

I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra with a Rusted out frame, I have called Toyota with no help from them as it was Sorry its your problem.. I need Help Toyota, this is my only transportation. I BOUGHT YOUR PRODUCT IN GOOD FAITH, Please stand behind your product.

Frame Corrosion: There was originally a customer service campaign for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra’s for frame corrosion that was extended under administration tracking code “BXD.” My vehicle was manufactured in Indiana and has major frame rust on the rear cross member portion of the frame. This extension has no expiration date and the vehicle has excessive damage to the frame. Please help authorize the replacement of this frame as the vehicle only has 150,000 miles and has a clean title. Any help would be appreciated.

I need to have rear shock replaced. They found that the bracket holder rusted thru . Shock was fine . The Rear frame corrosion and separation, spare tire frame corrosion is really bad. I have had this truck since 2004 . I absolutely love my truck. I am deeply saddened that all the care I took still didn’t prevent all this damage .

Well I finally paid off my 2003 Toyota Tundra and I wanted to really just get a really good tune up when I say really go I mean oil change spark plugs plug wires brakes tires everything , So as they go to check my tires and brake They said that the brakes on the front didn't even go to my truck the rotors everything and that is a really big issue so now I can't get my front brakes repaired because they don't understand why those parts are on my vehicle when they shouldnt be and I need to know what to do?

Frame rusted out causing gas tank to fall off truck while driving. Was sparking while trying to pull of to a safe spot on highway, tank was hanging on by the fuel line. Leaf spring also broke on truck do to rust. Cars were avoiding my truck on highway as sparks were coming from the gas tank shield scrapping the highway. Frame should have been replaced along with gas lines, and leaf springs during the recall in 2012 range. Toyota of York decided to just undercoat spray frame, prior to me purchasing truck from them. They never notified me (the consumer) of the recall that was current on truck.

The 2003 Toyota Tundra is known for severe frame rot due to improper rust protection, which led to a major safety recall. The excessive corrosion can cause rust holes to form in the frame, compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity. This can lead to frame cracking or even complete failure, making the truck extremely dangerous to drive. A weakened frame affects the vehicle’s ability to absorb impact in a crash, reduces stability, and can lead to suspension or steering failure. In extreme cases, parts like the fuel tank or spare tire can detach, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while in the process of selling the vehicle, the potential buyer inspected the subframe and informed the contact that the frame was severely rusted inside and outside. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected. The mechanic confirmed the failure and informed the contact that the six bolts holding the bed securely were severely rusted. The contact was provided an estimate for a partial external repair of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously sprayed a corrosion protective compound on the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure); however, the failure progressively worsened. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Frame cross member recall, I have called several toyota dealerships and all have denied me service to the recall

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.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while working underneath the vehicle, he became aware that the junction point on the frame rail of the front driver’s side was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rust was confirmed and pictures and documentation that the frame needed to be replaced were submitted to Toyota Chicago regional however, the subframe replacement was denied by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted who informed the contact to find another 2003 Toyota Tundra owner where they had remedied the frame rust failure free of charge. The contact stated that the other vehicle owner informed him that Toyota offered to replace the frame or buy back the vehicle. The contact stated he provided the information to Toyota with the other owner's information and VIN, however, the contact stated that Toyota had not offered to replace the frame or buy back the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced in 2013 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) at Toyota West (1500 Auto Mall Dr, Columbus, OH 43228) however, the rust failure occurred. The contact stated that the remedy was insufficient. The contact stated that a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

In October 2024, my truck's frame exhibited significant rust, a defect that aligns precisely with a previous recall on this model. The rust has spread to critical parts, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This directly threatens the safety of my son, who relies on this truck for transportation. The rust compromises the frame's integrity, risking structural failure and potential loss of vehicle control. This defect was not previously flagged by warning lamps or messages and was only recently discovered through visual inspection. This issue has been documented in the past and is consistent with a recall initiated a year ago. This recall specifically cited frame rust as a critical defect, and my vehicle is one of those affected models. Given the safety concerns, the severity of frame rust, and the recall history, the frame needs immediate replacement. This action is crucial to ensure my son's safety and prevent potentially life-threatening incidents on the road.

On 4/19/2024 I arrived for an appointment at Corwin Toyota of Bellvue, Nebraska for inspection of my vehicles known recall of the frame due to excessive rust and potential failure due to a faulty manufacturing process. My vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Tundra SR5, Access Cab. Upon arrival, the service representative, and later corroborated by his manager, refused to inspect my vehicle stating "work had already been done on my frame". That is not true. I am the original owner of said vehicle and had it inspected in approximately 2010 after being informed of the recall, likely at a dealership in Denver Colorado where i was residing at the time. At that time was informed vehicle frame did not have excessive rust and NO work was done. The vehicle was purchased in Colorado Springs from Corwin Toyota (same dealership franchise company?), in 2003. Since then, the vehicle has lived in Nebraska and Iowa for most of its existence where salt is used on roads extensively in the winter. I was informed by the service representative at the dealership they will not look at it as they show it has already had repairs done to the frame as I stated. This is false. No work has been done on my vehicles frame at any point and is now experiencing significant frame rust. At some point, maybe at inspection in 2010, maybe later, that some work had been done making the frame ineligible for future inspection or repair or replacement. I am sure Toyota and its agents, Toyota dealerships, are highly motivated to exclude as many vehicles associated with this frame recall as possible. I am certain I am not the only one experiencing this fraud on the consumer. Please investigate whom allegedly did work on my frame, when, and what specifically. I expect the ability to have my frame legitimately inspected and actual repairs or replacement of effected part(s) as resolution. I will be contacting the manufacturer but expect the same run around without your direct involvement. Thank you in advance.

rear leaf spring mount separated from the frame due to complete rust -through of the frame. felt a "thump" during normal acceleration.

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that an unknown recall for structure corrosion was completed on the vehicle in February 2012 at a local dealer. The contact stated on June 2022, he noticed that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

I just bought the Toyota I was told that he had brought this Toyota to a dealership and it was sent to har some sealant sprayed on frame to prevent anymore rust. The whole frame and the spare tire holder thing is total rusting out and the motor mounts are even rusting out is there a recall on his veichle if not there should be

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the part was discontinued. The failure mileage was 235,680.

Both rider and driver seat belt become unlatched randomly. I have no expectation these will remained secure if involved in an accident

Frame is rusted and unsafe to be driven. I loved this truck but now what good is it?

The frame on this truck is completely rusted. There are several holes and cracks in the frame. You can pull chunks of the rusted frame off with your fingers. It is unsafe to drive and is a hazard to other drivers There are many photos online of this model of truck that have broken in half when the frame has failed. There are stories of people who are driving this vehicle and it breaks in half while on the highway causing injury. I took it to our local mechanic in June who said this truck is unsafe. I contacted the Iowa Attorney General's office and made a complaint. They put me in contact with Toyota's corporate office who referred me to their Brand Experience Center. They said it had to be evaluated by a Toyota dealer. I took it to the original dealer who sold this vehicle - Wilson Toyota in Ames Iowa- on September 27, 2022. Their service center says the frame needs replaced. They said they would not pay for any repairs. They said this truck had two safety recalls to replace the frame but they said they expired in 2012. I spoke to Toyota's Brand Experience Center again on the 27th and was told that my truck did not have any rust on it when it was taken in for the recall. Nothing was done to this vehicle when it was taken in for the recall repairs. There are many posts on Toyota forums that describe the same thing happening to other owners of this truck. - They are unaware of this condition of their truck frames until they bring it in to a reputable mechanic. The attached photos of this truck show the upper body is in good shape. But the frame is falling apart.

I just bought a 2003 toyota tundra 4wd v8 in Feb 2022 totally unaware of any recalls or frame rust or anything even closely related! After 6 months of owing this vehicle I had the wheel bearings replaced n mechanic told me my frame has so much damage due to rust n corrosion that it is eating through parts of my frame, he mentioned that toyota did recalls etc on this n I immediately called Toyota and told them along with doing research on this matter, I was told everything expired etc n nothing can be done! Well previous owner had took it in 2012 to have rust proofing done underneath n entire frame, that was just 10 years ago! Well toyota ways recall was done, apparently the remedy didnt work or my frame wouldn't look this bad 10 years later !so I believe that is a defective remedy and since I bought the vehicle knowing nothing, and do to the safety issues related too this as serious injury and or death can occur, I believe that they should replace my frame as they admitted to using inferior metal to build these and therefore leading too all these issues! Using inferior metal should make the part (frame) a defective part as well! Bottom line is iam driving a vehicle that can cause me n my family along with everyone on the road serious injury or death! They tried to fix the problem with rust proofing n by doing that in 2012 there is no way my frame should be in this.condition , therefore I should be entitled to a new remedy related to recall since the remedy the used was insufficient n defective regardless I'd it expired or anything! I also have alot of pictures of frame n the amount of rust n corrosion! Can you please let know a way too send these pictures to you from my phone! Thank you

My mechanic says the frame on our 2003 Toyota Tundra is rusted to the point that the pickup is unsafe to drive and is about to break in half. I have contacted two local Toyota dealers with no response. This vehicle had a recall to fix the issue but it appears the was a time frame placed on when Toyota would repair the frame. This truck is unsafe to drive and it makes me wonder how many of these vehicles are still on the road endangering the public

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact's son intentionally hit a curb and downshifted in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and an unknown axle was leaking and causing the brake failure. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the gas tank was detaching from the vehicle due to the frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2 wheel drive The frame is rotted With only a 140000 miles on itAnd the manufacturer won't help me anymore so I don't know what to do with this vehicle now.

I purchased my 2003 Toyota Tundra limited V8 about 7 months ago. Unbeknownst to me there had once been a recall because of the frame rusting out prematurely. So after further investigation I found my frame is dangerously rusted to the point of extreme safety concerns. I have been in contact with Toyotas head corders and was told there's nothing they can do because apparently I missed the recall time. But I bought the truck after the recall was time was over. In either case Toyota should absolutely be responsible for this no matter the time frame because of there admittance that these truck frames were rotting out prematurely. Please help before there is a crash, Fire and Fatality

The truck frame has failed due to rust. Dealer only inspected but did not clear the warranty recall because of liability. They refused to do the recall. The truck seems unsafe to drive but they said there is nothing they can do. I don't feel safe driving it or selling it to endanger someone else. The dealer confirmed the truck frame is rusted beyond repair. I was not aware how bad the frame was rusted until the dealer showed me.

The frame on my tundra has rusted out so bad that the engine mounts are rusted through, my truck only has 86k miles please help this is our daily driver to get to work and take the kids to school

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while the vehicle was being emissions tested, he was informed that the sway bars and the rear cross members were corroded. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the location of the corrosion was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to several independent mechanics who declined to service the vehicle due to the damage of the corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Frame is rotten. Recently purchased truck from a private party. Did not notice frame rust at time of purchase. It is bad. Can fit more than a marble through the hole in picture. Read up on it online. Common problem. Upon going underneath truck all frame is decaying. It appears it may have previously been sealed. Which may have cracked away and trapped moisture in just making problems worse. On top of that one thread I read stated guy took his truck to dealer and they told him by law they could not let him leave due to rust issue. Mine is an 2003 Toyota Tundra sr5 access cab 2wd terminator edition. Please help. I was also able to look up on Toyota website under owners and found a shop stated not safe to drive or even lift in November of 2020. And since then truck has only had about 700 miles put on. 120 miles was from guy driving it to me to sell to me. I’m now worried if I drive this in it’s current state that at any time it could break and cause an accident.

I was turning down a residential street and when I was getting up to speed. About 30 miles per hour. My truck jumped up a couple times like I hit a pit hole. I got out to inspect and see what I hit but the street was freshly paved 2 years before it was smooth as butter. I look at the truck and find out my passenger tire had fallen off. Upon further inspection I see my ball joints failed and try tire came off. It snapped the cv axle in half ripped and the brake line and abs module off and broke the frame bracket for the rack and pinon. As a result my insurance totaled my vehicle out.

The frame haas already been repaired, at the suggestion of my inspection mechanic. The whole frame is dangerously rusted. Now he says, “get rid of it—it’s dangerous to drive!” Another problem, the air bag fault light won’t stay off! Parts in the steering column have been replaced, to no avail! Toyota did that work. No one knows if my air bag will work or not!

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while having the vehicle repaired under an unknown recall, he was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 118,485.