2003 Toyota Tundra: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2003 Toyota Tundra
On the 2003 Toyota Tundra, the failure owners report most often is other body or interior problem, and the reports cluster around 112,500 miles. The earliest to appear is other powertrain problem, reported by a median of 25,000 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 2003.
High risk for a 2003 — 189th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. 524 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 50 named failure modes on the 2003 Toyota Tundra, and the three most-reported carry 31% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.
Other body or interior problem leads with 69 reports, about 1.1 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 80k to 152,500 miles.
Rust or structural corrosion follows with 61 reports, usually reported between 76k to 147,500 miles.
Differential or transfer case failure follows with 35 reports, usually reported between 80k to 170,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into body (136), suspension (54) and drivetrain (43).
At what mileage it happens
351 of the reports on the 2003 Toyota Tundra came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 104,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 24% by 50,000 miles, 47% by 100,000 miles and 79% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 21 filed above the top of the chart.
The busiest stretch is between 110,000 and 120,000 miles, which alone holds 9% of the dated reports.
17% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.
In the order they tend to show up: other powertrain problem around 25k, other speed control problem around 30k, other brake problem around 40k and control arm, ball joint or bushing failure around 95k.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 50. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 21 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 33 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 10 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.02, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, rust or structural corrosion at $500–$6,000, differential or transfer case failure at $900–$4,200 and fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure at $250–$1,800. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
13% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other body or interior problem | body | 69 | 49 | 80k | 113k | 152k | 1.1 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 61 | 38 | 76k | 101k | 147k | 1.0 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Differential or transfer case failure | drivetrain | 35 | 32 | 80k | 108k | 170k | 0.5 | $900–$4,200 | High |
| Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure | fuel | 33 | 25 | 55k | 111k | 129k | 0.5 | $250–$1,800 | Moderate |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 31 | 22 | 66k | 95k | 142k | 0.5 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Airbag inflator rupture | airbag | 21 | 9 | 30k | 156k | 275k | 0.3 | $0–$0 | Critical |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 21 | 14 | 93k | 116k | 130k | 0.3 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 15 | 11 | 32k | 40k | 77k | 0.2 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 13 | 13 | 108k | 120k | 143k | 0.2 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Steering column or shaft failure | steering | 10 | 8 | 111k | 118k | 132k | 0.2 | $600–$2,500 | Critical |
| Other speed control problem | adas | 10 | 8 | 20k | 30k | 83k | 0.2 | $250–$2,000 | Critical |
| Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault | airbag | 9 | 6 | — | 97k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,600 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 9 | 9 | 10k | 25k | 80k | 0.1 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 9 | 6 | — | 38k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Premature brake pad or rotor wear | brakes | 8 | 7 | — | 3k | — | 0.1 | $300–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Brake line, hose or caliper failure | brakes | 7 | 1 | — | 80k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,600 | Critical |
| Other engine problem | engine | 7 | 4 | — | 9k | — | 0.1 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 7 | 6 | — | 57k | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| CV axle or driveshaft failure | drivetrain | 6 | 3 | — | 87k | — | 0.1 | $450–$2,200 | High |
| Parking brake failure | brakes | 5 | 5 | — | 79k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,300 | Moderate |
| Other steering problem | steering | 5 | 3 | — | 108k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 4 | 4 | — | 168k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| ABS module or sensor failure | brakes | 4 | 3 | — | 178k | — | 0.1 | $500–$2,400 | High |
| Seat belt or retractor failure | airbag | 4 | 3 | — | 203k | — | 0.1 | $200–$900 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 4 | 2 | — | 160k | — | 0.1 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 4 | 2 | — | 107k | — | 0.1 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 3 | 1 | — | 17k | — | 0.0 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Engine sensor failure | electrical | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $180–$900 | Moderate |
| Tire blowout or tread separation | wheels | 3 | 3 | — | 31k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,500 | Critical |
| Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 215k | — | 0.0 | $1,200–$4,500 | Critical |
| Oil leak | engine | 2 | 2 | — | 111k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,200 | Moderate |
| Wheel bearing or hub failure | drivetrain | 2 | 2 | — | 133k | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Cruise control failure | adas | 2 | 2 | — | 7k | — | 0.0 | $200–$1,400 | High |
| Window regulator or power window failure | body | 2 | 2 | — | 9k | — | 0.0 | $250–$900 | Moderate |
| Tail light, brake light or signal failure | lighting | 2 | 2 | — | 83k | — | 0.0 | $100–$900 | Moderate |
| Other lighting problem | lighting | 2 | 1 | — | 109k | — | 0.0 | $120–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Head gasket failure | engine | 1 | 1 | — | 3k | — | 0.0 | $1,400–$4,000 | Critical |
| Water pump failure | cooling | 1 | 1 | — | 80k | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,200 | High |
| Radiator or coolant leak | cooling | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,900 | High |
| Manual clutch or hydraulics failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 55k | — | 0.0 | $900–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 149k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,400 | High |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 79k | — | 0.0 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$3,000 | High |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Instrument cluster or gauge failure | infotainment | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $350–$1,400 | Moderate |
| Strut, shock or spring failure | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 16k | — | 0.0 | $500–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Alignment fault and uneven tire wear | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 19k | — | 0.0 | $150–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin | emissions | 1 | 1 | — | 32k | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | High |
| Other seat belt problem | airbag | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $200–$900 | High |
| Other driver assistance problem | adas | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,800 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 76 | 33 | 102k | 118k | 150k | 1.2 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2003 Toyota Tundra draws about 8.2 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 86th percentile of complaint rates among 2003 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 64,031 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2003 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other body or interior problem
I have a 2003 toyota tundra access cab. I recently was putting my 5 year-old daughter into their back seat and she put her hand up to stabilize herself and the entire front passenger side safety belt harness and casing which is supposed to be permanently attached to the frame came complete off of the frame. There was no undue stress put on the harness or casing and no pressure was applied. There is now a hole where the bolt was once permanently attached to the frame. I called my local dealership for the sake of convenience and made an appointment for 12-12-08 at 8:30 am. They said it would take about an hour. I took it in and the service guy was very kert and said that it would take a minimum of 3 hours and cost $104.00. Finding this unacceptable, I told him I did not feel I should pay to have a basic part of the car's safety looked at. I can understand if it is a diagnostic test. But it is a safety belt! My other safety belt on the drivers side creeks which makes me wonder if there is something wrong with that one as well. I am glad I did not find out the passenger side safety belt was defective during the course of an accident…
We own a 2003 toyota tundra with 56,000 miles on it. Upon recent state inspection our mechanic said that the frame of this truck is so badly rusted that it probably wouldn't pass inspection next year. We called toyota headquarters and were told that they are recording this information but there is a 36,000 mile, 3 year warranty on toyotas and that they could do nothing more for us. *tr
Rust or structural corrosion
I purchased a brand new 2003 toyota tundra pickup truck, , from a local dealer on december 2, 2002. On 9/9/05, I discovered various sections of the frame and brackets that attach to the frame had excessive corrosion. The vehicle at this time had 37,488 miles on the odometer. Today the mileage is 47,569 miles and the rust condition is getting worse. I brought this condition to the service advisor at this dealership and he concurred that the vehicle had excessive corrosion. I contacted toyota customer service and spoke with a rep who gave me case number 200509090921. Both the local dealership and toyota motor corp. Refused to repair the excessive corrosion. Due to this condition, this will continue to develop and subsequently the truck will have frame rot ,causing an unsafe condition to operate. In 2005, two independent autobody shops inspected my truck and gave me estimates to repair the rust. *tr
I own a 2003 toyota tundra that has severe frame rust. Big pieces of metal are flaking off, sooner or later some component attachment point will fail. The rest of the underneath, and truck as a whole, is rust free. I religiously wash the underside of the truck. There is a defect with these frames. *tr
Differential or transfer case failure
2003 toyota tundra, (4WD) VIN 5tbbt44143s36074 there is a very obvious vibration and humming noise coming from the front transfer case / differential. This causes a slight reduction ins speed and / or resistance to acceleration. The problem is most noticeable between 30 ~ 40 MPH in colder weather, but is present at all speeds and weather conditions. The problem has been present since purchasing the vehicle as new, and is becoming progressively worse. Toyota recognizes and acknowledges that there is a defect with some of the 2003 thunders and squish (documented in service report for this vehicle). It was describe to me by two toyota service managers and a toyota technical assistance representative as resulting from the fit / mesh tolerance of some gears in the front gear case being too tight. Toyota has fixed the problem (re-design) in current production vehicles (starting some time during the 2003 model year production schedule), but has to date refused to repair the defect for all owners presenting this problem to authorized toyota dealers / service centers. Some dealers / service centers have repaired the defects at random.*ak I…
I'm the owner of a 2003 toyota tundra (limited slip differential) sr5 4x4. In apr I brought my truck into the universal toyota dealer here in san antonio tx to replace a missing clamp and for a rumbling noise coming from underneath the truck. The first mechanic said he couldn't hear the noise, and again I brought the truck back in jun as the noise was getting worse. The lead mechanic then heard it and said that the noise is coming from the differential and that he has another tundra doing the same thing. I asked that he call the toyota tech line to inquire/report this. He notified me the next day that the toyota tech person said that this is a normal sound and not to worry about it. However I do have some safety concerns as I don't believe this to be a "normal" indication of what a differential should sound like. *jb
Recalls on the 2003 model year
NHTSA has issued 10 recall campaigns covering the 2003 Toyota Tundra, affecting an estimated 260,490 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module, air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module and air bags. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
928,220 vehicles 2019-10-17- Defect
- Toyota 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 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may…
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
168,993 vehicles 2018-12-12- Defect
- Toyota 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. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.
- Consequence
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone…
AIR BAGS
1,069,055 vehicles 2015-05-13- Defect
- Toyota 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 vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota…
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29…
AIR BAGS
1,973,468 vehicles 2015-05-13- Defect
- Toyota 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 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect…
- Consequence
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
110,000 vehicles 2009-11-18- Defect
- 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…
- Consequence
- Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
42,540 vehicles 2009-05-11- Defect
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- Consequence
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3,593 vehicles 2006-07-17- Defect
- Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- Consequence
- Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on july 31, 2006. Owners may contact aj motorsport at 626-618-2026.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
61,944 vehicles 2006-03-23- Defect
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- Consequence
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY
156,111 vehicles 2005-06-02- Defect
- Certain pickup trucks fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' these vehicles have a manual air bag on-off switch to disable the front passenger air bag and do not have a child restraint lower anchorage system in the front passenger seat. This specification does not meet the standard requirements.
- Consequence
- This standard establishes requirements for child restraint anchorage systems to ensure their proper location and strength for the effective securing of child restraints, to reduce the likelihood of the anchorage systems' failure, and to increase the likelihood that child restraints are properly secured and thus more fully achieve their potential effectiveness in motor vehicles.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the manual air bag on-off switch, replace the owner's manual, and affix a new sun visor air bag warning label. The recall began in early january 2007. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
768,379 vehicles 2005-05-17- Defect
- 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.
- Consequence
- The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2003 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2003 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2003 — 189th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The comparison is always within the same model year, so an older car is never penalised for having had longer to break.
Across the 27 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2014 comes out best at 63 and 2026 worst at 79, with 2003 itself at 67.
If the model year is negotiable, 2014 and 2021 score lower than 2003 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2003–2008 generation specifically, 2004 is the strongest year at 64 and 2007 the weakest at 72.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2003-2008 generation, 2004 Toyota Tundra scores best at 64 and 2007 Toyota Tundra worst at 72.
Where to spend the inspection money
The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other powertrain problem from about 10k, other speed control problem from about 20k, airbag inflator rupture from about 30k and other brake problem from about 32k.
On a 2003 Toyota Tundra with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other powertrain problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.
None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.
The limits of complaint data
524 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 524 reports, 351 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 67% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Tundra?
The most-reported failures are other body or interior problem (69 reports, median 112,500 miles), rust or structural corrosion (61 reports, median 102,500 miles) and differential or transfer case failure (35 reports, median 107,500 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Tundra problems start?
Other powertrain problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 25,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 10,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 104,000 miles.
Is the 2003 Toyota Tundra reliable?
It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 189th riskiest of the 330 2003 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2003 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Toyota Tundra is best?
Within the 2003–2008 generation, 2004 scores best at 64 out of 100 and 2007 worst at 72. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed