2003 Toyota Tundra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 399 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Toyota Tundra, 1% of the 399 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 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.
“Last week I purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra limited 4x4 from a used car dealer. After getting the vehicle home (8.5 hours away), I noticed the left side cargo light (exterior next to the 3rd brake light) was burned out. When I removed the lens to determine the light number needed for replacement, I found the housing to be melted. Upon inspection, the bulb was the recommended bulb by the manufacturer. My concern is that this is a manufacturer defect that could cause a fire in the vehicle. I can provide photos of the housing and the bulb if required.”
NHTSA complaint #10184411, filed 2007-03, 39,875 miles“The vehicle's third brake light assembly has melted holes all the way through the internal plastic structure above the both cargo lamp bulbs. After investigating this problem on the internet it is apparently very common problem. There are also previous complaints filed with the u.s. Department of transportation, addressing the same issue. My concern is of fire and/or failure of the third brake light. This is a safety problem that Toyota has not addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10469684, filed 2012-08, 125,550 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. When the vehicle was preparing to undergo a state inspection, the contact was informed that the brake and back up lights on top of the cabin would not illuminate. While replacing the light bulbs, the contact noticed that the light fixtures on both sides were melted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000. Updated 11/2/18”
NHTSA complaint #11131146, filed 2018-09, 109,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 4% |
| 2024 | 34 | 10% |
| 2023 | 20 | 5% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 8% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% |
| 2018 | 4 | 4% |
| 2017 | 17 | 22% |
| 2016 | 15 | 13% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 1% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsTires
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Tundra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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