2003 Toyota Tundra Owner Complaints

NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra to address severe corrosion on the rear frame cross-member section or rear brake lining proportion valve. Vehicle was apparently treated with CRC in 2010, but vehicle continued to rust severely in the specified recall zone, even after Toyota Safety Recall 90M had been completed on the vehicle. The CRC applied to the rear frame cross-member of the frame as specified did not inhibit further corrosion of the rear frame cross member, if anything it accelerated the corrosion. Thousands of 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras titled in the specified severe cold weather states still remain in use, and pose a threat to the overall safety of drivers. The Toyota 90M Safety recall did not adequately inhibit the corrosion of the rear frame section, rendering the vehicle unserviceable & unable to align, and leaving gas tanks, rear suspension, rear drive train, and spare tire parts susceptible to falling off of the vehicle and causing an accident- posing a risk of severe injury/death to road users. I am asking that the NHTSA please look into reissuing the NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 to have all 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras still registered for road use in severe cold weather states be inspected by a certified Toyota dealership for repairs, frame replacement, or vehicle buybacks to prevent unnecessary accidents due to a manufacturer defect that was never rectified properly.

NHTSA ID

11734951

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

Getting Airbag light on . Went to Modesto Toyota and they installed new clock spring strap in steering wheel. After installing the airbag light came back on . I again went back to dealer with same issue. They installed another clock spring in steering wheel. Drove about 1 mile , again airbag came on. Took it back to dealer a 3rd time same issue. They told me that the connector for the strap was too short. So now I am in limbo waiting for a replacement or something. Contacted dealer Modesto Toyota today 4/16/2026. No response as of yet. So I have still have the airbag light on.

NHTSA ID

11731670

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra to address severe corrosion on the rear frame cross-member section or rear brake lining proportion valve. Vehicle was apparently treated with CRC in 2010, but vehicle continued to rust severely in the specified recall zone, even after Toyota Safety Recall 90M had been completed on the vehicle. The CRC applied to the rear frame cross-member of the frame as specified did not inhibit further corrosion of the rear frame cross member, if anything it accelerated the corrosion. Thousands of 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras titled in the specified severe cold weather states still remain in use, and pose a threat to the overall safety of drivers. The Toyota 90M Safety recall did not adequately inhibit the corrosion of the rear frame section, rendering the vehicle unserviceable & unable to align, and leaving gas tanks, rear suspension, rear drive train, and spare tire parts susceptible to falling off of the vehicle and causing an accident- posing a risk of severe injury/death to road users. I am asking that the NHTSA please look into reissuing the NHTSA Campaign 09V444000 to have all 2000-2003 Toyota Tundras still registered for road use in severe cold weather states be inspected by a certified Toyota dealership for repairs, frame replacement, or vehicle buybacks to prevent unnecessary accidents due to a manufacturer defect that was never rectified properly.

NHTSA ID

11730991

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

I own a 2003 Toyota Tundra (VIN: [XXX] ) that was subject to Toyota’s frame corrosion recall (Limited Service Campaign A0F). The vehicle was inspected by Toyota in January 2011 and confirmed to have no perforation. In March 2012, Toyota applied a corrosion-resistant compound as part of the recall remedy. Despite this, by May 2013, a structural component (spare tire carrier) failed due to severe rust and detached from the vehicle. This occurred shortly after Toyota performed the corrosion protection treatment. This raises concerns that the recall remedy was not effective in preventing continued structural deterioration. Frame corrosion can impact vehicle safety, especially if critical components weaken or detach. Toyota has declined any further review or assistance, stating the program has expired, despite evidence that the corrosion continued after their repair. I am submitting this complaint to request investigation into the long-term effectiveness of the corrosion protection remedy applied under this recall program. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728333

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

The frame was undercoated incorrectly and is actively falling apart. Super unsafe to drive. Very clearly was not undercoated correctly as there is areas in the frame that have no signs of undercoating. This is putting the driver of the vehicle at risk as well as the other drivers on the road. This is a huge recall that was issued for this model of year truck. Very common. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as they refused to inspect it or even acknowledge the issue. There is no warning lamps on but it is visibly unsafe to drive

NHTSA ID

11721706

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The frame was not professionally undercoated and is actively falling apart. Super unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11721589

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

The frame is bad on driver and passenger side between the cab and bed. Auto body tech states there is no good metal to make the necessary repairs (welding new metal) to at this time. Inspection garage states it is a solid truck but will not pass inspection due to the frame’s condition. The vehicle has 106k miles on it with one surface area of rust. The vehicle has been well maintained and is mechanically in good condition. Toyota should have replaced the frames because they knew there was an issue. Can NHTSA help with a resolution?

NHTSA ID

11718123

Incident

Dec 15, 2025

There was a recall for the frame rusting out prematurely. Toyota had the recall until 2012. I did not own the truck then and it did not get fixed. Now I have a rusted out frame. Toyota is claiming they are not able to fix the frame due to it being 14 years later. They would however be able to keep the recall open if it is a safety recall. I don't know how a rusted out frame wouldn't be anything other than safety. The truck has less than 80,000 miles. What automobile should have a rusted out frame with less than 100,000 miles?!

NHTSA ID

11715509

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

I have a 2003 Toyota Tundra with a Rusted out frame, I have called Toyota with no help from them as it was Sorry its your problem.. I need Help Toyota, this is my only transportation. I BOUGHT YOUR PRODUCT IN GOOD FAITH, Please stand behind your product.

NHTSA ID

11694137

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Frame Corrosion: There was originally a customer service campaign for 2000-2003 Toyota Tundra’s for frame corrosion that was extended under administration tracking code “BXD.” My vehicle was manufactured in Indiana and has major frame rust on the rear cross member portion of the frame. This extension has no expiration date and the vehicle has excessive damage to the frame. Please help authorize the replacement of this frame as the vehicle only has 150,000 miles and has a clean title. Any help would be appreciated.

NHTSA ID

11690034

Incident

Sep 26, 2025

I need to have rear shock replaced. They found that the bracket holder rusted thru . Shock was fine . The Rear frame corrosion and separation, spare tire frame corrosion is really bad. I have had this truck since 2004 . I absolutely love my truck. I am deeply saddened that all the care I took still didn’t prevent all this damage .

NHTSA ID

11687870

Incident

May 24, 2025

Well I finally paid off my 2003 Toyota Tundra and I wanted to really just get a really good tune up when I say really go I mean oil change spark plugs plug wires brakes tires everything , So as they go to check my tires and brake They said that the brakes on the front didn't even go to my truck the rotors everything and that is a really big issue so now I can't get my front brakes repaired because they don't understand why those parts are on my vehicle when they shouldnt be and I need to know what to do?

NHTSA ID

11667167

Incident

Jun 12, 2025

Frame rusted out causing gas tank to fall off truck while driving. Was sparking while trying to pull of to a safe spot on highway, tank was hanging on by the fuel line. Leaf spring also broke on truck do to rust. Cars were avoiding my truck on highway as sparks were coming from the gas tank shield scrapping the highway. Frame should have been replaced along with gas lines, and leaf springs during the recall in 2012 range. Toyota of York decided to just undercoat spray frame, prior to me purchasing truck from them. They never notified me (the consumer) of the recall that was current on truck.

NHTSA ID

11662394

Incident

May 15, 2025

The 2003 Toyota Tundra is known for severe frame rot due to improper rust protection, which led to a major safety recall. The excessive corrosion can cause rust holes to form in the frame, compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity. This can lead to frame cracking or even complete failure, making the truck extremely dangerous to drive. A weakened frame affects the vehicle’s ability to absorb impact in a crash, reduces stability, and can lead to suspension or steering failure. In extreme cases, parts like the fuel tank or spare tire can detach, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

NHTSA ID

11648060

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while in the process of selling the vehicle, the potential buyer inspected the subframe and informed the contact that the frame was severely rusted inside and outside. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected. The mechanic confirmed the failure and informed the contact that the six bolts holding the bed securely were severely rusted. The contact was provided an estimate for a partial external repair of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the dealer had previously sprayed a corrosion protective compound on the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure); however, the failure progressively worsened. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11646668

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

Mileage

119,000 mi

Frame cross member recall, I have called several toyota dealerships and all have denied me service to the recall

NHTSA ID

11643124

Incident

Feb 17, 2025

The frame has failed by rusting through and continues to the brake line. It is available for inspection. The truck is no longer safe to drive due to the rust and brake issues. The truck frame could have failed in traffic causing harm to myself and other drivers. The problem has been confirmed by Yingling’s in Topeka, KS, Lewis Toyota in Topeka and Crown Toyota in Lawrence, KS. They have all done inspections of the truck frame. The problem first appeared when it was taken to Yinglings in 2018 to replace the muffler.

NHTSA ID

11608880

Incident

Aug 15, 2018

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while working underneath the vehicle, he became aware that the junction point on the frame rail of the front driver’s side was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the rust was confirmed and pictures and documentation that the frame needed to be replaced were submitted to Toyota Chicago regional however, the subframe replacement was denied by the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted who informed the contact to find another 2003 Toyota Tundra owner where they had remedied the frame rust failure free of charge. The contact stated that the other vehicle owner informed him that Toyota offered to replace the frame or buy back the vehicle. The contact stated he provided the information to Toyota with the other owner's information and VIN, however, the contact stated that Toyota had not offered to replace the frame or buy back the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced in 2013 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V444000 (Structure) at Toyota West (1500 Auto Mall Dr, Columbus, OH 43228) however, the rust failure occurred. The contact stated that the remedy was insufficient. The contact stated that a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11588676

Incident

Dec 23, 2019

Mileage

200,000 mi

In October 2024, my truck's frame exhibited significant rust, a defect that aligns precisely with a previous recall on this model. The rust has spread to critical parts, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This directly threatens the safety of my son, who relies on this truck for transportation. The rust compromises the frame's integrity, risking structural failure and potential loss of vehicle control. This defect was not previously flagged by warning lamps or messages and was only recently discovered through visual inspection. This issue has been documented in the past and is consistent with a recall initiated a year ago. This recall specifically cited frame rust as a critical defect, and my vehicle is one of those affected models. Given the safety concerns, the severity of frame rust, and the recall history, the frame needs immediate replacement. This action is crucial to ensure my son's safety and prevent potentially life-threatening incidents on the road.

NHTSA ID

11586230

Incident

Apr 30, 2024

On 4/19/2024 I arrived for an appointment at Corwin Toyota of Bellvue, Nebraska for inspection of my vehicles known recall of the frame due to excessive rust and potential failure due to a faulty manufacturing process. My vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Tundra SR5, Access Cab. Upon arrival, the service representative, and later corroborated by his manager, refused to inspect my vehicle stating "work had already been done on my frame". That is not true. I am the original owner of said vehicle and had it inspected in approximately 2010 after being informed of the recall, likely at a dealership in Denver Colorado where i was residing at the time. At that time was informed vehicle frame did not have excessive rust and NO work was done. The vehicle was purchased in Colorado Springs from Corwin Toyota (same dealership franchise company?), in 2003. Since then, the vehicle has lived in Nebraska and Iowa for most of its existence where salt is used on roads extensively in the winter. I was informed by the service representative at the dealership they will not look at it as they show it has already had repairs done to the frame as I stated. This is false. No work has been done on my vehicles frame at any point and is now experiencing significant frame rust. At some point, maybe at inspection in 2010, maybe later, that some work had been done making the frame ineligible for future inspection or repair or replacement. I am sure Toyota and its agents, Toyota dealerships, are highly motivated to exclude as many vehicles associated with this frame recall as possible. I am certain I am not the only one experiencing this fraud on the consumer. Please investigate whom allegedly did work on my frame, when, and what specifically. I expect the ability to have my frame legitimately inspected and actual repairs or replacement of effected part(s) as resolution. I will be contacting the manufacturer but expect the same run around without your direct involvement. Thank you in advance.

NHTSA ID

11584231

Incident

Apr 19, 2024

rear leaf spring mount separated from the frame due to complete rust -through of the frame. felt a "thump" during normal acceleration.

NHTSA ID

11537555

Incident

Aug 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that an unknown recall for structure corrosion was completed on the vehicle in February 2012 at a local dealer. The contact stated on June 2022, he noticed that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID

11513996

Incident

Feb 1, 2012

Mileage

145,000 mi

I just bought the Toyota I was told that he had brought this Toyota to a dealership and it was sent to har some sealant sprayed on frame to prevent anymore rust. The whole frame and the spare tire holder thing is total rusting out and the motor mounts are even rusting out is there a recall on his veichle if not there should be

NHTSA ID

11510235

Incident

Feb 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacturer stated that the part was discontinued. The failure mileage was 235,680.

NHTSA ID

11509714

Incident

Feb 8, 2023

Mileage

235,680 mi

Both rider and driver seat belt become unlatched randomly. I have no expectation these will remained secure if involved in an accident

NHTSA ID

11509267

Incident

Feb 24, 2023