2003 Toyota Tundra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Toyota Tundra, 2% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When having an oil change dealer noticed a severe oil leak. The head gasket/ oil pan bolts, and upper oil pan were replaced at different times before oil leak was fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10044028, filed 2003-10, 2,900 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While exiting his home, he noticed that his vehicles hood was on fire and that there were dripping flames falling from the passenger side tire. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer and the contact did not notice any warnings prior to the failure. The fire was extinguished and there were no injuries. The current and failure mileage was 71000.”
NHTSA complaint #10281148, filed 2009-08, 71,000 miles“The contact stated the catalytic converter is spewing sulfur dioxide when the engine is running. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection, but could not be repaired because the dealer does not have an updated converter. The dealer could only use the same type of catalytic converter which they determined would have the same problem. The window regulator was replaced. Updated 02/07/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10147918, filed 2006-01, 9,000 miles“Frame and rear end banjo housing rotted to the point where gear oil from rear end leaked out onto the road. Had to have vehicle towed to garage to make temporary repairs. In addition, frame is disintegrated with pieces falling to the ground. Taken to an independent garage and was told to take truck to Toyota and both the rear end assembly and frame should be replaced. Garage, stewart's of georgetown, ma., states metal of frame has deteriorated to the point where you could poke holes in it with a screw driver. …”
NHTSA complaint #10425203, filed 2011-09Related service bulletins
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the…
- 10034284Feb 4, 2010Toyota: techstream ecu flash reprogramming procedure. Flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. Flash calibration updates for specific…
- 10015532Feb 9, 2005Abnormal squeal noise from the engine accessory drive belt area, usually during cold start-up. An improved 2uz-fe accessory drive belt has been developed to correct this condition.
- 10015560Feb 2, 2005Repair manual correction for the engine (5vz-fe). 00400-rm956-u1. *tt 00400-rm956-u1. *tt 00400-rm885-u1.
- 10016052Nov 23, 2004Diagnostics - engine (2uz-fe) repair manual correction on 2003 toyota tundra. 00400-rm956-u1.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 25 | 7% |
| 2023 | 48 | 12% |
| 2022 | 39 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 19 | 6% |
| 2007 | 31 | 8% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 4% |
| 2004 | 5 | 1% |
| 2003 | 8 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 44 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota Tundra
150 complaintsAir bags
86 complaintsSuspension
63 complaintsBrakes
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsWheels
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Tundra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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