2003 Toyota Tacoma Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 181about this part
- Share
- 50%of 360 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,604miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 181 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma, 50% of the 360 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,604 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The frame on my Tacoma has rotted beyond repair, over 6 gaping holes in the main frame near the suspension mounts. The rear leaf springs are bowed over as well! I was never notified of any recalls by Toyota. I contacted Toyota to have it looked at. They refused at 1st then aqccepted it at the whitby Toyota dealer. The results were that Toyota was willing to install an upgraded spare tire carrier & nothing more!”
NHTSA complaint #11076028, filed 2018-03, 130,000 miles“This truck is only 11 years old and the frame is rusted out. There is a hole about 12 inches long in the frame rail, on the right side, which caused my shock mount to break in the rear of the truck. I called Toyota and they won't do anything about it. I told them I would never buy another Toyota. This frame should last longer than 11 years.”
NHTSA complaint #10614645, filed 2014-07, 85,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10566106, filed 2014-02, 125,000 miles“We bought a 2003 Toyota Tacoma in 2015 and it apparently had a recall for the frame in 2014 but the previous owner did not get it fixed so we are now stuck with a truck we can't drive and we still owe 14 payments on it.I called Toyota and apparently the warranty just expired in april and we've never got a letter about any recalls or warrantys so were stuck with a piece of junk we can't drive.something needs to be done because we can't afford to have it fixed out of pocket.”
NHTSA complaint #11119802, filed 2018-08, 200,000 miles“This vehicle has serious rust in the frame, the structural composition of the frame is so bad that the vehicle is no longer safe to drive. In the photo that I attached you can see that the rear left leaf spring has protruded into the frame. I do not believe there is current recall program to replace the frame and I believe this is common issue that needs to be addressed. A 15 year old vehicle should not have structural issues under normal driving conditions and I believe I should be compensated.”
NHTSA complaint #11110020, filed 2018-07, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 15% |
| 2025 | 44 | 39% |
| 2024 | 9 | 6% |
| 2022 | 8 | 14% |
| 2021 | 6 | 7% |
| 2020 | 3 | 3% |
| 2019 | 12 | 5% |
| 2018 | 16 | 8% |
| 2017 | 27 | 11% |
| 2016 | 22 | 7% |
| 2015 | 15 | 15% |
| 2014 | 20 | 22% |
| 2013 | 11 | 9% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 21 | 11% |
| 2010 | 30 | 10% |
| 2009 | 54 | 10% |
| 2008 | 79 | 18% |
| 2007 | 109 | 20% |
| 2006 | 242 | 31% |
| 2005 | 260 | 37% |
| 2004 | 203 | 49% |
| 2003 | 181 | 50% |
| 2002 | 180 | 54% |
| 2001 | 228 | 58% |
| 2000 | 78 | 37% |
| 1999 | 102 | 41% |
| 1998 | 98 | 33% |
| 1997 | 46 | 35% |
| 1996 | 64 | 25% |
| 1995 | 29 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma
66 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsTires
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsEngine
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology