1. Toyota Tacoma
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Suspension

2003 Toyota Tacoma Suspension Problems

35
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Among these 35 stored complaint records:

  • 4 indicate a crash
  • 2 indicate injury
  • 0 indicate fire

What owners report

  • ball joint · 7 records
  • frame rusted · 6 records
  • independent mechanic · 6 records
  • unsafe drive · 5 records
  • leaf springs · 5 records
  • taken independent · 5 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi10
150–400k mi10
60–100k mi6
30–60k mi1
1–30k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • December 27, 2012 · 143,000 miles

    Body · Differential Unit · Suspension · Underbody Shields

    Toyota has recalled my truck due to a rusted out frame. The toyota dealership has elected to replace my frame with a new frame. This large procedure has left me insecure about the outcome. This truck is now 10 years old and as soon as the start wrenching on all the system components to disassemble and re assemble my truck i am afraid that they shorten the life of existing components due to added wear and tear. The…

    ODI 10490229

  • November 15, 2012 · 90,400 miles

    Engine And Engine Cooling · Suspension

    Purchased used vehicle from private seller. On the first day of use, after obtaining new title, tags, insurance coverage, the check engine light came on. The following day scheduled service w/ the local toyota dealer. Upon inspection was told that the truck needed a catalytic converter and there was a recall for the lower front ball joints that the dealer will replace for free. The dealer had to order the parts.…

    ODI 10485840

  • July 5, 2012 · 125,000 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    Frame rusted/ cracked would not pass state inspection. Truck was taken to toyota during the first recall and i was told it passed. Did not go back for subsequent recalls to have the frame sprayed. Called toyota when the truck failed inspection and was told that because i didn't have the frame sprayed there was nothing they would do for me. The exhaust system outlasted the frame. This is not acceptable. *tr

    ODI 10566106

  • January 12, 2011 · 88,841 miles

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Steering · Suspension · Underbody Shields

    I bought a 2003 toyota tacoma from a toyota dealer in december 2011 with 81,841 miles on it. Upon driving the vehicle from tennessee to oregon a leak in the oil pan appeared. I looked under the vehicle and to my surprise the whole undercarriage of the vehicle was extremely rusting. The leak was from the oil pan that was corrected badly. I was able to make it from there to my home in oregon having to add about one…

    ODI 10446727

  • December 25, 2010

    Suspension

    Tl*the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle veered to the right without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the struts failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    ODI 10682585

  • October 1, 2010

    Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    Frame recall for rust toyota did undercoat the frame and it did not dry for several years now all the undercoat is falling off and the frame is rusting worse than when it originally was worked on i took it back and was told as long as there are no holes they will not fix the rustproofing.

    ODI 10925577

  • January 29, 2009

    Mechanical · Suspension

    2003 toyota tacoma 4wd crew cab pickup i would like to relate a recent experience i had with my 2003 toyota pickup. I was driving the truck through a parking lot in largo, maryland on january 29, 2009. Suddenly there was a loud noise and the vehicle dropped down in the front end and i came to a stop. The front driver side wheel had dropped down into the wheel well. I had the vehicle towed by boswell auto service of…

    ODI 10257561

  • June 26, 2006 · 23,750 miles

    Suspension · Tires

    Dt: the contact stated a recall letter was received pertaining to the lower ball joints. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall on 12/27/05 where the ball joints were replaced and the vehicle was realigned. The vehicle began to shimmy after about three month later and it was taken to an independent repair shop. The front tires were balance which resulted in difficulty of steering due to the tires…

    ODI 10160817

  • October 1, 2004

    Steering · Suspension

    Very loose steering wheel. Problem is the slip shaft in the steering column. Over time the lover shaft wears and the steering becomes loose and sloppy. Problem first shows up as looseness in the wheel and eventually turns into a clunk when driving over minor rough roads. From talking to mechanics and other tacoma owners this is a very common problem that toyota will not address. Problems include difficulty…

    ODI 10273603

  • March 13, 1997 · 80,000 miles

    Steering · Suspension

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the axle, power steering lines and oil pan was severely rusted. The corrosion was so severe that it caused a fracture on the power steering line. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. The dealer replaced the frame and advised the contact that the failure was caused by environmental factors. The vehicle was repaired. The…

    ODI 10569016