2003 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Discussions

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

Still Alive But NOW Finished

Written by: thewease on Sep 03, 2009 06:19 AM

Toolman, To complete my story, i did get my check from Toyota - dropped the truck off in exchange - and received $12,375...i think morethan 1.5x KBB. Anyway, since i am in syracuse, NY, where vehicles take a beating, i went on autotrader and found a 2003 tacoma (extended cab) with 55K on it. The truck had never been north of NC. Man, it looked brand new underneath. ... Read More...

Frame Swapped

Written by: Sambone5769 on Mar 10, 2009 05:58 AM

Gentlemen - I have not written in a while because I wanted to really get a feel for things, but I have been driving my '01 Tacoma with the new frame, etc. for three weeks now. No complaints. Handles better than when I bought it in 2003 and I have done my best to beat the hell out of it too to put Toyota's work to the test. Buyback wasn't an option for me, as with most of you I'm ... Read More...

Operation Preserve Tacoma

Written by: bearcatter on Feb 04, 2009 02:06 PM

I read my journal recently where in 2005 I launched "Operation Preserve Tacoma. That whole notion is laughable now. In 2005 my 2003 Tacoma was a daily driver commuter vehicle racking up 50,000 miles/year. I wrote that "this is the best pick-up I'll ever own" so I better take steps to "preserve" it. So I bought a car to use as a commuter vehicle and this Tacoma became ... Read More...

Re: Crazy to put new frames in old trucks [jokerman17]

Written by: tcincy on Jan 31, 2009 01:00 PM

You were right to hold off on the body shop work. If it's that bad they will cover it, if it's not covered now it will be. the "frame being changed in 01" sounds kind of fishy. so if it was, it shows the old one was bad and Toyota should replace it too. My case: My Tacoma was a 1999. I took it in for inspection in August, 2008. I was told the program covered 1995-2000 Tacomas. ... Read More...

Long, Long Post - Letter to NHTSA

Written by: bearcatter on Jan 23, 2009 01:28 PM

The following is a letter that I've sent the NHTSA. I've pulled out all the stops trying to get someone to do something about our Tacomas. I've contacted the bostonchannel, 60 minutes, the Mass AG, my congressmen. It's a long read. I go into detail on what the problem is and why logistically, I feel Toyota won't be able to adequately perform their proposed fixes ... Read More...

Toyota Tacoma Prices Paid and Buying Experience

About to Buy

Written by: skinsfan44 on Sep 24, 2008 07:38 AM

I just totaled my 2003 Taco (171k miles), so I am i the market for a new '08 or '09. I live in NJ, and plan to buy within the next week or so. I will be looking for a 4wd, 6cyl, access cab with the SR5 package. Color is important, with Pyrite Mica being my first choice and Black being the second. Couple of Questions: 1. Would it make sense to wait until after 09/30 to see what ... Read More...

Toyota Tacoma 2004 and Earlier Frame Problem

Re: 1993 & 2003 Tacomas [stacie2]

Written by: daleyplanit on Sep 23, 2008 07:02 AM

Boy do I have advice! Toyota should be doing this for free. They looked at mine for free - and this could be a courtesy safety check as far as what they want to call it. in the event the frame fails, toyota will pull your inspection, you should not be driving in this case but being that it's a 2003 they wont let you keep the car on the lot, or get a loaner while the company drags ... Read More...

Re: 1993 & 2003 Tacomas

Written by: stacie2 on Sep 23, 2008 06:37 AM

Thanks for all the great info! I did just speak to Toyota Customer Service @ 1-800-331-4331 (after speaking to the local dealership) about having my 2003 looked at and they said that the fee would be my responsibility becasue that year is not covered - at least I did get a case number. Any suggestions as to my next step? I also have a 1993 that is in very good shape except ... Read More...

2003 Tacoma

Written by: luke57 on Aug 22, 2008 10:41 AM

My 2003 Tacoma is rusting out as well. I've tried cleaning it up and spraying the anti-rust paint to keep it under control, but to no avail. I called the dealership where I bought it in July 2003, and they told me I could have a rust inspection done by them but that Toyota was only offering buybacks and repairs to Tacomas up to 2001 ! Why then is it being reported they cover ... Read More...

Re: when will we know if it failed? [schukanuoslady]

Written by: annjot on Aug 04, 2008 08:43 PM

We just bought it in July 08. We live in Alabama. The people we bought it through had it 18 months here and before that it was owned by a friend of theirs in Ohio and Maryland before that(found that out via carfax after the fact). The dealership that inspected it has our address and registration information and said they would let us know if it failed or not via letter ... Read More...