2003 Toyota TundraUNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION

399 federal complaints (524 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 120 service bulletins · 9 Canadian recalls
See all 28 model years of the Toyota Tundra →
Engine
3.4L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 18 hwy
Federal complaints
399
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Body & structure
152
Air bags
86
Suspension
64
Brakes
42
Power train
38
Other
33
Steering
23
Fuel system
23
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 21 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 15 complaints4 years old: 11 complaints5 years old: 13 complaints56 years old: 18 complaints7 years old: 20 complaints8 years old: 19 complaints9 years old: 14 complaints10 years old: 23 complaints1011 years old: 31 complaints12 years old: 37 complaints13 years old: 18 complaints14 years old: 26 complaints15 years old: 23 complaints1516 years old: 26 complaints17 years old: 13 complaints18 years old: 9 complaints19 years old: 8 complaints20+ years old: 22 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 395 of 399 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 25 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 27 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 25 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 28 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 23 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 40 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 29 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 24 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 19 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 8 complaints200,000+ miles: 15 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 263 of 399 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Body & structure

152 complaint records4 crash reports
"MY 2003 TUNDRA FRAME IS RUSTED AND CRACKING. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LSC) A0F...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Air bags

86 complaint records9 crash reports
"TAKATA RECALL-DATE FOR "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?" IS APPROX. DATE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED (ACCORDING TO STICKER ON DRIVER'S DOOR)..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Suspension

64 complaint records7 crash reports
"MY 2003 TUNDRA FRAME IS RUSTED AND CRACKING. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN (LSC) A0F...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA21002
opened Sep 2021
OPENAir BagsDesiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L.
EA15001
opened Feb 2015
OPENAir BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 22V945
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE14016
opened Jun 2014
closed Mar 2015Air BagsAir Bag Inflator Rupture - led to recall 15V226000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the...
PE09049
opened Oct 2009
closed Jan 2010TiresFRAME CORROSION - led to recall 09V444000
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 20 REPORTS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES EXPERIENCING SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FRAME, RESULTING IN EITHER UNDER-BODY MOUNTED SPARE TIRE SEPARATION OR REAR BRAKE FAILURE.THE FAILURE REPORT COUNTS SHOWN ABOVE...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
19V741000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012...Normally free
18V883000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles.Normally free
15V286000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra...Normally free
15V285000Air BagsToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004...Normally free
09V444000StructureTOYOTA IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2000-2003 TUNDRA VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN,...Normally free
05V254000Air BagsCERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
05V225000SuspensionON 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2019523
2019-10-17
Airbag37,591Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2018699
2018-12-12
Airbag5,369On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag.
2016103
2016-03-02
Airbag400,124On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2015269
2015-06-17
Airbag366,860On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2015197
2015-05-13
Airbag4,407On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014224
2014-06-12
Airbag107,339On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2013113
2013-04-11
Airbag75,000On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment.
2009329
2009-11-17
Structure9,722On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, excessive corrosion of the rear cross member may cause separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed.
2005151
2005-05-18
Suspension14,341On certain vehicles, a manufacturing issue with the front lower ball joint could result in premature wear. If the vehicle is operated for an extended period of time in this condition, the ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe 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 compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe 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 compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe 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 compounds.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis 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 Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
Product
Jan 2024
Air BagsDP: The subject vehicles are equipped with a front passenger airbag. A part inside the airbag could explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at vehicle occupants. This could cause serious INJURY or DEATH. ? Added Dealer Procedures for Do No Drive Advisory ?
Recall
Jan 2024
EquipmentFAQ: Customer Frequently Asked Questions
Support Division
Jan 2024
Air BagsDP: The subject vehicles are equipped with a front passenger airbag. A part inside the airbag could explode, shooting sharp metal fragments at vehicle occupants. This could cause serious INJURY or DEATH. ? Added Dealer Procedures for Do No Drive Advisory ?
Update
Jan 2024
EquipmentFAQ: Customer Frequently Asked Questions
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
22TE04 - Takata
Jul 2022
Air BagsCSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
Takata CSP Cover
Jul 2022
Air BagsCSP: Takata CSP Coverage Job Aid - published 7.28.2022
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
T-SB-0014-22
Mar 2022
Parking BrakeTSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
TiresPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
T-TT-0636-20
Dec 2020
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0063-20
Jun 2020
WheelsTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded.
T-SB-0391-08 Obs
Jun 2020
SuspensionTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.
T-SB-0304-17 Obs
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 07, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0032-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
T-SB-0032-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, PG006-01, PG004-97, T-SB-0144-08, and T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0008-20
Jan 2020
EquipmentTSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak?
T-SB-0134-16-Rev
Jul 2019
EngineTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ?
TSR-SC-032819
Mar 2019
EquipmentTechnician Certification Requirements.
PG004-97-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
PG006-01-Obsolet
Aug 2018
EquipmentTechnical Service Bulletin: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 31, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 31, 2018 Rev2: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. January 11, 2018 Rev1: ? The Supersession Notice has been updated. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0057-18
Jul 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0043-14. ? Applicability has been updated to include 2017 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles. Service Bulletin No.
Toyota PRO18-03_
Jun 2018
EquipmentMis-Built For frames that are suspected to have been mis-built, dealers should: 1. Contact the Parts Technical Support Group (PTSG) at prasupport@toyota.com with information on the condition and status of repair. a. Include the original part order reference number. 2.
ZH6, ZH7, ZH8, Z
May 2018
StructureDealer Daily Message: Frame Programs. Extension of Warranty Coverage for Frame Corrosion/Frame Replacement. Frame Ordering/Repair/Administration Updates Mis-Built. For frames that are suspected to have been mis-built, dealers should: 1.
T-SB-0304-17_Rev
Jan 2018
EquipmentTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. PG021-88, PG015-89, PG0015-90, PG002-91, PG002-93, PG005-97, PG007-01, PG007-07, and T-SB-0144-08. Service Bulletin Nos.
T-SB-0229-12_Rev
Nov 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.
T-SB-0144-08_Obs
Nov 2017
EquipmentTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE November 21, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0304-17.
T-SB-0134-16_Rev
Oct 2017
EquipmentTSB: REVISION NOTICE October 30, 2017 Rev1: * Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13.
T-SB-0304-17
Oct 2017
StructureTSB: Vehicle replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Toyota, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
T-SB-0218-17_Rev
Jul 2017
Air BagsTSB: REVISION NOTICE July 20, 2017 Rev1: Applicability has been updated to exclude 2007 ? 2017 model year Avanza vehicles. Some hazardous material treatment and handling regulations at the state and local level define the pre-disposal deployment of airbag and pre-tensioner...
TSB018217
Jan 2017
Electrical SystemTSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
T-SB-0012-13 Rev
Nov 2016
Electrical SystemTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16.
T-SB-0134-16
Sep 2016
EngineTSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins.
Safety Recall an
Jul 2016
EquipmentUpdate on Technician Certification Requirements.
9SM_TECH 2/16
Feb 2016
EquipmentTHIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31, 2012.
9SM_DEALER 2/16
Feb 2016
StructureTHIS CAMPAIGN EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 31, 2012.
9SM_Dealer Lette
Feb 2016
EquipmentThis Campaign Expired on December 31, 2012.
9SM_Technical In
Feb 2016
EquipmentThis Campaign Expired on December 31, 2012.
T-TT-0362-15
Sep 2015
EngineTT: THE VEHICLE MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START OR HAVE AN ABNORMALLY LOW OR ROUGH IDLE AFTER THE BATTERY HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED OR POWER TO THE ENGINE ECM HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED.
T-TT-0086-11
Aug 2015
Electrical SystemTechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
T-SB-0043-14 Rev
Jul 2015
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
T-SB-0083-13 Rev
May 2015
EquipmentTSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts.

Showing 60 of 120 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  2. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Tundra →