repaired · 2021 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2003 Toyota TundraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 399 owner complaints about the 2003 Toyota Tundra, most often about the structure. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-883 the manufacturer reports only 63% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 30, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Toyota Tundra has problems
399 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
150Structure4 crash/fire/injury
86Air bags9 crash/fire/injury
63Suspension7 crash/fire/injury
35Power train
22Steering
22Service brakes, hydraulic
18Service brakes
16Fuel system, gasoline
12Vehicle speed control
5815 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 150 | 4 |
| Air bags | 86 | 9 |
| Suspension | 63 | 7 |
| Power train | 35 | 0 |
| Steering | 22 | 3 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 22 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 3 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 16 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 7 |
| 15 other systems | 58 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
2003 Toyota Tundra recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. 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…
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Frame and members: underbody shields
Risk. SEPARATION OF THE SPARE TIRE AND DIMINISHED BRAKE CAPACITY COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Air bags: on-off switch assembly
Risk. THIS STANDARD ESTABLISHES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER LOCATION AND STRENGTH FOR THE EFFECTIVE SECURING OF CHILD…
no report yet
Control arm: lower ball joint
Risk. THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
111kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 106 structure complaints. 36% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles38under 100k miles68100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Tundra year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tundra median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Toyota Tundra safety ratings
2003 Toyota Tundra Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Toyota Tundra, and the recalls they led to.
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 18V-032
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- FRAME CORROSIONLed to recall 09V-444
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-700
In owners' words
What Tundra owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Own a 2003 Tundra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.