1. Toyota Tacoma
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Underbody Shields

2003 Toyota Tacoma Underbody Shields Problems

25
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.

What owners report

  • failure mileage · 6 records
  • frame rusted · 4 records
  • spare tire · 4 records
  • mileage updated · 4 records
  • pass inspection · 4 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi10
150–400k mi5
60–100k mi4

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • January 3, 2019 · 210,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle frame was rusted. There were cracks around the sub frame and the vehicle had an unstable body. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 210,000.

    ODI 11206898

  • December 1, 2018 · 172,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. While inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact found a hole on the subframe. The contact stated that the front driver's side of the subframe was rusted and corroded and a 2 1/2 foot hole was present. The cause of the failure was not determined. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage…

    ODI 11173926

  • July 11, 2018

    Underbody Shields

    Rotted frame and never received voluntary notice about this and company is not supporting their voluntary notification explained that i never received it they told me it had expired by 23 days the vehicle is unsafe cannot drive it i only found out about the frame when it went to be inspected and failed . How did toyota get away with selling such an inferior and being allowed to be driven on our roads .i would like…

    ODI 11111635

  • March 9, 2015 · 150,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    2003 toyota tacoma, started to get my truck ready to go to work when i found a hole rusted through the frame right where leaf spring bolts to frame. Front of the leaf spring drivers side. Frame appears to also be cracked in area of rust. I contacted toyota and was told there was a recall for my frame and that the recall was now over and there was nothing they could do for me. I explained that i knew that there was a…

    ODI 10694080

  • January 31, 2015 · 118,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    I live in nc and i noticed the frame of my 2003 toyota tacoma is rusted so bad you can push your fingers through it in some spots! I contacted the local toyota dealership, they ran the vin number on it and told me it no recall is out on the frame. But i have seen on several websites where some 2003 toyota tacoma owners have received either a new frame or been offered by dealerships to purchase the truck back. My…

    ODI 10689748

  • August 27, 2014 · 94,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    Hello i bought a used 2003 toyota tacoma in ma a little over one year ago. Toyota has voluntarily recalled the vehicle due to frame failure. My truck was tested and the frame failed. Toyota says they will honor the recall and replace my frame for free. But, they have no frames. I am told that there is a delay for an undetermined amount of time, and have been warned that it may be many months or longer. How long does…

    ODI 10643552

  • May 1, 2014

    Underbody Shields

    Rusted frame. Will not pass inspection and very dangerous to drive. *tr

    ODI 10587771

  • March 31, 2014 · 118,500 miles

    Body · Underbody Shields

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being taken to a dealer for an oil change, the mechanic noticed that there was a rust hole that had rusted through the frame near the right rear passenger's side. The diagnosis was that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was…

    ODI 10619375

  • March 25, 2014 · 101,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    We purchased a used tacoma in march 2014. We inspected it very carefully for rust. None was noted. About 2 weeks later my son was changing the oil and noticed that rust was appearing around the holes near the sway bar. Now the holes are getting dangerously large. We probably won't be able to safely drive the truck in a few months. The frame rusts from the inside out so you can't see the problem until it's too late.…

    ODI 10621688

  • December 18, 2013 · 214,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame, spare tire carrier and oil pan shield were completely corroded. The contact mentioned that he was waiting for the parts to become available for the recall repair under nhtsa campaign number: 12v542000 (tires). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 214,000 and the current…

    ODI 10583270

  • September 2, 2013 · 130,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    Toyota has blatantly stated they put faulty frames on their 2003 tacomas and as a result of this, the frames would rust because of coating not being put on properly. Toyota even won a lawsuit from the company who made the frames. Now, toyota does not want to make good on the rusted frames on these tacomas. Our frame may not pass inspection due to the rust and if in the event, this frame causes harm to my family, a…

    ODI 10573578

  • August 10, 2013 · 163,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    I have a toyota 2003 tacoma the frame is gone rotted so unsafe was told i should not have it on the road!! I cant afford the welding and the guy said he does not want the responsibility it could last 6 months or more he would have to keep checking it! I took it to several toyota dealers they said they could not equally swap any vehicle but yet told me it is unsafe to drive i called california my case was declined i…

    ODI 10552002

  • July 5, 2013 · 95,000 miles

    Suspension · Underbody Shields

    A toyota tacoma pickup was taken to my mechanic for routine maintenance and frame rust was noted. I called toyota and took the car to a local toyota dealership. They replied they could do nothing as the cost of repairing the frame was not worth the value of the car. They instructed me to call toyota directly and have been told i am on my own. There are 96,000 miles on the car and this was the first time rust was…

    ODI 10525347

  • June 29, 2013 · 189,560 miles

    Underbody Shields

    During a recent safety inspection severe frame corrosion was found. The garage said that toyota had a frame recall. When i spoke with toyota america they said it had expired because i had not answered the recall notices. Wich inever recieved. I explained that i was the original owner at the same adress as the time of the purchase. They reviewed it again and the next day said they sent the required notification 5…

    ODI 10523102

  • June 26, 2013 · 144,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    When i took the vehicle to the dealer to address a recall related to the spare tire support, they told me the vehicle frame was not safe and they would not work on the vehicle. There are numerous perforations in the frame due to excessive rust. I addressed with toyota corporate and the factory representative validated the problem and acknowledged that it has been a problem on these vehicles but that toyota and "the…

    ODI 10522100

  • January 16, 2013 · 124,000 miles

    Fuel/Propulsion System · Underbody Shields

    My truck was part of the frame recall and i had the frame replaced in 2010, since then i have had to pay to replace other rusted parts that were not "part of the recall". First the spare tire mount rusted off and the tire fell out from under the truck while driving. Next the entire exhaust needed to be replaced as it too had rusted out. Last year to pass inspection i needed to pay $1600.00 for a catalytic converter.…

    ODI 10504256

  • 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

  • December 4, 2012

    Underbody Shields

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was serviced in 2010 for the same failure where the dealer applied a solution to the frame to prevent it from rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 140,000. Updated 07/02/13*lj…

    ODI 10487531

  • November 27, 2012 · 105,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    My 2003 toyota tacoma with 105k miles was found during an inspection to have a rusted frame toyota has admitted to the defect and refuses to correct i own and bought new a 2003 toyota tacoma from rockingham toyota in salem, nh. I was just informed by my mechanic on 12/5/2012 that my truck would not pass mass state inspection due to a trouble code (check engine light) and most importantly that my frame was completely…

    ODI 10490276

  • 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

  • June 8, 2011 · 96,000 miles

    Underbody Shields

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota tacoma. The contact stated that the entire frame rusted. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall related to the structure; however, the recall expired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 6/17/13 *cn

    ODI 10511233

  • 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

  • September 12, 2010

    Power Train · Underbody Shields

    2003 toyota tacoma. Consumer is having a number of issues with the vehicle. Front drive shaft broke due to rust, frame rusting, and transmission cooler was leaking. *kb

    ODI 10375769

  • September 9, 2010

    Underbody Shields

    I own a 2003 toyota tacoma. The entire frame, front bumper, and undercarriage is completely rusted from the front bumper to the rear. In september of 2010 , the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that there was surface rust on the vehicle. As a repair, the dealer applied an anti-rust coating onto the frame to prevent further damage (cosmetic cover up). I was told by my mechanic when i went to…

    ODI 10526211

  • September 1, 2009

    Tires · Underbody Shields

    2003 toyota tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame rust recall notice issues. *smd the consumer stated the mechanic discovered the frame on the front driver's side near the spring hanger was rusted. In september 2009, the vehicle was inspected and no rust was found. In january 2009, the spare tire carrier was replaced. *jb

    ODI 10714820