CarRecallDB

2003 Toyota Tacoma recalls and problems

3 recalls and 360 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma.

3
recalls
360
owner complaints
30
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Toyota Tacoma recalls

Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire

NHTSA campaign 12V542000 · reported November 23, 2012 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 150,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following cold climate states with high road salt usage: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The spare tire in the subject vehicles is located underneath the rear of the vehicle and held by a spare tire carrier. A lift plate on the carrier is used to help raise, lower and retain the tire. During its manufacture, the lift plate may not have been sufficiently coated with anti-corrosion materials. If the plate is insufficiently coated and the vehicle is operated in cold climate regions where road salts are frequently used, road spray can reach the carrier assembly and corrode the lift plate.
The risk
Corrosion of the plate could cause it to break, which could result in detachment of the spare tire from the vehicle. Detachment of the spare tire could result in a road hazard which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Suspension: front, control arm, lower ball joint

NHTSA campaign 05V225000 · reported May 17, 2005 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 768,379 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
The risk
The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 03V189000 · reported May 19, 2003 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 123,360 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks, during side impact ncap test (I.e. Lincap test), a flange at the rear end of the double cab body deformed and interfered with the fuel inlet hose that connects the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank, resulting in damage to the fuel inlet hose.
The risk
This damage could result in fuel leakage, which could result in a fire if in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix
Dealers will install a fuel hose protector on the body flange. Owner notification began june 3, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 6, 2026 · Air bags

I was traveling on highway 12 at 60 mph when the seat belts exploded and cinched up tight to child safety lock mode. There was an odor of burning wires/electrical.

Feb 22, 2026 · Steering

I took my 2003 Toyota Tacoma and for a tire alignment and was told by an employee of the tire shop that my rack and pinion needed to be replaced and lower ball joints. I checked the VIN number and it said I have zero recalls, but there is a general recall on this make a model that I have what do I do? I also have the…

Jan 5, 2026 · Suspension

Invoice no. … Frame recall. I have a receipt stating…”J# 20TOZFRAM,;CS FRAM Inspection TECY(S):351 Warrenty inspected Frame, Frame failed, perforation, Replaced Frame at Dealer”. Except they did not replace the frame, I have a receipt stating they replaced the “ spare tire rack assembly. Now, my frame is so rusted it…

Nov 5, 2025 · Structure

While driving at both high speeds (highway) and local road speed limits, Toyota Tacoma's rear passenger side frame split completely in half. While performing maneuvers such as right turns, vehicle wobbled and I, driver, lost temporary control of vehicle. Upon further inspection, rear driver side frame also contains…

Sep 10, 2025 · Suspension

Prior to July, 2010, I received a letter from Toyota stating my Tacoma Frame was recalled. I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I set up an appointment with the Orleans Toyota dealer and set up an appointment. They gave me a loaner and had my truck for two weeks. I thought my frame had been replaced. All this time went by…

Tacoma model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0211242
2001 4396404
2002 3333263
2003 3360301
2004 3415273
2005 10707474
2006 11782667

Across all years, the 2006 Tacoma has the most complaints (782). All Toyota Tacoma years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma, the most recent reported on November 23, 2012 (Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Tacoma?
Owners have filed 360 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (181 complaints), followed by suspension (66).
How many 2003 Toyota Tacoma complaints mention a crash or fire?
30 of 360 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 21 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 6, 2026.