2003 Toyota Tundra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Toyota Tundra: 7 recalls, 399 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #05V225000 · 2005 · 768,379 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #05V254000 · 2005 · 156,111 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #09V444000 · 2009 · 110,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Separation of the spare tire and diminished brake capacity could increase the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V285000 · 2015 · 1,973,468 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which May produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V286000 · 2015 · 1,069,055 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 corolla, Pontiac vibe, and Toyota tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of georgia, alabama, louisiana, mississippi and…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
Airbags Vehicle recall #18V883000 · 2018 · 168,993 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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…
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #19V741000 · 2019 · 928,220 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: 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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (150): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (125).
- Airbags (86): the most common themes are warning light on (8), deploys unexpectedly / inflator (8), fails to deploy (6).
- Suspension (63): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (40), steering problems (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (35): the most common themes are leaks (12), hard / delayed shifting (11).
The 2003 Toyota Tundra has 399 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 28 Tundra model years for complaints (1.6× the average Tundra year). Complaints peaked in 2015 (45 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (482 complaints, 3 recalls), 2004 (466 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Toyota Tundra.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Toyota Tundra, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Toyota Tundra problems?
Owners have filed 399 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (150), airbags (86), suspension (63).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota Tundra get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Toyota Tundra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.