Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed several times but failed to respond and went all the way to the floorboard. The contact's son intentionally hit a curb and downshifted in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and an unknown axle was leaking and causing the brake failure. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the gas tank was detaching from the vehicle due to the frame corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Frame rusted out causing gas tank to fall off truck while driving. Was sparking while trying to pull of to a safe spot on highway, tank was hanging on by the fuel line. Leaf spring also broke on truck do to rust. Cars were avoiding my truck on highway as sparks were coming from the gas tank shield scrapping the highway. Frame should have been replaced along with gas lines, and leaf springs during the recall in 2012 range. Toyota of York decided to just undercoat spray frame, prior to me purchasing truck from them. They never notified me (the consumer) of the recall that was current on truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While driving various low speeds and approaching a stop, the fuel tank detached from the vehicle and fell onto the ground. The contact temporarily re-attached the fuel tank to the vehicle and was able to drive home. Romano Toyota (6400 basile rowe, east syracuse, new york 13057, [phone]) was made aware of the failure and requested that a diagnostic test be performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure). The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal dragging noise coming from the vehicle. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was rusted and detached. Also, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact called don moore Toyota (4216 frederica st, owensboro, ky 42301, [phone]) and was informed to have the vehicle towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 129,000.
While driving at approximately 60 MPH vehicle caught on fire. The fire was discovered after about 45 minutes of driving, and it was between the cab and the bed of the vehicle. Owner contacted the manufacturer, and was told that they would look in to it.....
I received the ssc 90m - Tundra vehicles severe corrosion of the rear cross member phase 2 - crc application. My truck has a tonneau cover and a bed rug installed. When I called the dealership to schedule an appointment they informed me that the bed of the truck would have to be removed to complete the repairs. I told them that I did not have the means to remove the tonneau cover and the bed rug. They said that they could not perform the repair without these items removed and that they would not remove them for me. I then contacted Toyota customer experience center at [phone], extension [redacted] and discussed the situation with [redacted]. She claimed that the recall letter states that the truck must be presented in "factory condition" (I guess that means no bed rug or tonneau cover). I reread the letter and that is not stated anywhere in the letter. …
As I was traveling at a slow speed when I became aware of a loud grinding noise which had suddenly began as I turned onto a side street. I stopped vehicle immediately and got out to investigate what was causing the noise. I discovered that my fuel tank was dragging beneath the truck. The metal straps that held tank to frame had rusted thru causing tank to fall to road surface. All the connections to fuel tank were ripped from tank. Toyota is worried about the spare tire falling down do to rusted frame members but I feel they should be more worried about their fuel tanks falling off. If I had been traveling at highway speeds I hate to think of what consequences might have been.
My 2003 Toyota Tundra had a check engine light come on. Diagnostic codes pointed to the fuel filler tube and air pressure tests by my personal mechanic (not a Toyota dealership) proved that there was a crack in the fuel filler line. The mechanic states that they see this happening in many Toyota's they work on. They suggested mentioning this to Toyota directly, so when I go in for my other recall (severe corrosion of the rear cross-member) I am going to bring the original fuel filler tube that I had to replace for $300. I also see complaints being filed from other Tundra owners about this same issue happening to them.
I took my 2003 Toyota Tundra in to Toyota motors, guam because I had a check engine light. Toyota then sent a message to my vehicle service contract, warrantech automotive inc and they said that the fuel filler neck hose assembly was not covered. Reading information on the internet indicates that this is a common problem with the 2003 Toyota Tundra due to a "out of round" gas filler tube. There should be a recall on this part. Please assist consumers like myself for Toyota motors to investigate this defect with the 2003 Toyota Tundra. The word needs to get out.
Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Tundra. The contact began to smell gasoline inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The failure continued so the vehicle was taken back to the authorized dealer where a leak was found along the welding within the fuel tank. The fuel tank was replaced. The failure mileage was 52,754 and the current mileage was 54,754. Sm.
NHTSA investigations
Frame corrosion
This investigation was opened based on 20 reports of model year (my) 2000 and 2001 vehicles experiencing severe corrosion of the frame, resulting in either under-body mounted spare tire separation or rear brake failure.the failure report counts shown above are for my 2000 and 2001 vehicles only.by letter of November 16, 2009 Toyota has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (09v-444) of…
Fuel System complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2003 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2003 Toyota Tundra, 6% of the model year's 399 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Toyota Tundra fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2003 Toyota Tundra, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota Tundra fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.