2003 Toyota Tacoma
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 177 |
| 1996 | 253 |
| 1997 | 131 |
| 1998 | 300 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 210 |
| 2001 | 396 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 359 |
| 2004 | 414 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 540 |
| 2008 | 445 |
| 2009 | 518 |
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 183 |
| 2012 | 294 |
| 2013 | 124 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2015 | 100 |
| 2016 | 323 |
| 2017 | 237 |
| 2018 | 199 |
| 2019 | 209 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 76 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 138 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
32% of complaints: structure — 114 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
POWER STEERING PUMP HAVING ISSUES I CAN FILL IT UP TO THE FULL LINE AND IT WILL GO DOWN TO HALF EMPTY EVERYTIME I'VE DONE IT THEREFORE STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT, THE TRUCK BED HAS HUGE HOLES RUSTED/CORROSION COMPLETELY THROUGH IT ON BOTH...
NHTSA ODI report, 20190831
PICK-UP ROLL OVER AT 30MPH DUE TO UNKNOWN REASON. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030723
13% of complaints: suspension — 48 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOIMG ABOUT 35 MPH HEARD A LOUD NOISE. LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND MY TIRE HAD BROKEN OFF FROM THE BALL JOINT. THE PLACE FIXING IT SAID THE OTHER SIDE IS ABOUT TO BREAK AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180503
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driverâs side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle to safety.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230914
8% of complaints: structure — 29 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 22 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
COMING TO A STOP APPROX 2 MPH THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED VERY LOUDLY AND THE TRUCK SHOW FORWARD. THE BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE TRUCK. I SWERVED TO AVOID THE CAMPSITE WE WERE AT AND HIT A TREE VERY HARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130730
6% of complaints: structure — 22 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, DURING SIDE IMPACT NCAP TEST (I.E. LINCAP TEST), A FLANGE AT THE REAR END OF THE DOUBLE CAB BODY DEFORMED AND INTERFERED WITH THE FUEL INLET HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE FUEL FILLE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL HOSE PROTECTOR ON THE BODY FLANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NO
Campaign 03V189000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 05V225000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 RE
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.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2004 Tacoma light trucks manufactured from August 28, 2000, through August 27, 2004, and originally sold, or currently registered, in the following
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, dealers will inspect the vehicle and replace the spare tire carrier lift plate as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in February 2013. Owners may contact their To
Campaign 12V542000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Toyota Tacoma — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (114 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (48 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V189000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V225000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V542000 (tires) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota Tacoma is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Tacoma?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Tacoma have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.