2003 Toyota Tundra Structure Problems
Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the 2003 Toyota Tundra, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 113,466 miles. The words owners use most often: “spare tire” (14% of reports).
- 150structure complaints
- 113,466median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 37%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Spare tire: mentioned in 21 of 150 complaints (14%)
- Frame rust: mentioned in 19 of 150 complaints (13%)
- Cross member: mentioned in 11 of 150 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 108 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 150 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
Toyota Tundra structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tundra | 2 | 6% | — |
| 2025 Tundra | 7 | 5% | 1,300 |
| 2024 Tundra | 6 | 2% | — |
| 2023 Tundra | 9 | 2% | 57,000 |
| 2022 Tundra | 17 | 4% | 28,321 |
| 2021 Tundra | 2 | 8% | — |
| 2020 Tundra | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2019 Tundra | 4 | 5% | 2,000 |
| 2018 Tundra | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2017 Tundra | 2 | 3% | 4,800 |
| 2016 Tundra | 21 | 18% | 16,000 |
| 2015 Tundra | 3 | 6% | 25,000 |
| 2014 Tundra | 14 | 15% | 9,400 |
| 2013 Tundra | 7 | 8% | 11,450 |
| 2012 Tundra | 11 | 7% | 42,600 |
| 2011 Tundra | 11 | 8% | 75,000 |
| 2010 Tundra | 25 | 15% | 74,300 |
| 2009 Tundra | 1 | 3% | 38,794 |
| 2008 Tundra | 56 | 17% | 76,000 |
| 2007 Tundra | 61 | 16% | 76,000 |
| 2006 Tundra | 169 | 31% | 120,000 |
| 2005 Tundra | 91 | 24% | 126,635 |
| 2004 Tundra | 200 | 43% | 110,280 |
| 2003 Tundra | 150 | 38% | 113,466 |
| 2002 Tundra | 154 | 32% | 121,000 |
| 2001 Tundra | 171 | 41% | 111,320 |
| 2000 Tundra | 529 | 52% | 110,368 |
| 1999 Tundra | 1 | 100% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure:frame and members:underbody shields
Problem: Toyota 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, minnesota, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. Excessive corrosion of the rear cross member may cause the separation of the spare tire stowed under the truck bed which would present a road hazard that could cause a crash. Also, corrosion of the rear cross member could affect the rear brake lines and the proportioning valve resulting in diminished braking capability.
Risk: Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota is asking owners of the affected vehicles to remove the spare tire from under the vehicle until a remedy can be obtained. Dealers will inspect the rear cross member and related components, including the brake lines, and replace them if necessary. If the cross member does not need to be replaced, it will be sprayed with a corrosion protection compound. These services will be performed free of charge, however multiple visits to the dealer may be required. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about april 30, 2010. Owner may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2003 Toyota Tundras have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 150 owner complaints about structure for the 2003 Toyota Tundra (38% of the 399 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2003 Toyota Tundra structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do structure problems start?
The median reported mileage is 113,466 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about structure problems on the 2003 Toyota Tundra?
The most frequent phrase is “spare tire”, in 21 of 150 complaints, followed by “frame rust” (19).
Other 2003 Toyota Tundra problems
- Air Bags problems (86)
- Suspension problems (63)
See all 2003 Toyota Tundra problems or structure problems across all Tundra years.