2003 Toyota Tundra

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• Rusted frame and rear crossmember 2000–2003 Walk away if found

  What to check: Look over the frame and the rear crossmember for rust, and ask whether the crossmember or frame was replaced under the recall.

  Rust can drop the spare tire and damage the rear brake lines. Toyota recalled 2000–2003 trucks in 2009 to inspect and replace or treat the crossmember.

  Sources ^11,12

• Timing belt with no proof it was changed All years

  What to check: Look for a replacement label on the timing cover or engine, and ask for the receipt.

  Eight members across two forum threads tell buyers to check the timing belt. The 4.7L is an interference engine, so a broken belt can ruin it. One owner changes it every 100,000 miles, another about every 80,000.

  Sources ^13,14

• Lower ball joints All years

  What to check: Ask whether the lower ball joint recall was done, and have the ball joints checked.

  Three members across two forum threads name the lower ball joints. One says they separate, and another points to Toyota's recall.

  Sources ^13,14

• Cracked exhaust manifolds All years

  What to check: Look for cracks or leaks at the exhaust manifolds.

  Three owners across two forum threads name cracked or leaking exhaust manifolds.

  Sources ^13,14

• Warped front brakes All years

  What to check: Brake firmly from speed and feel for a shudder.

  Three members across two forum threads name the front brakes. One says they warp, and one owner has had recurring front brake trouble and new calipers under a Toyota service bulletin.

  Sources ^13,14

• Automatic failing in fourth gear 2000–2005

  What to check: Drive it in fourth gear at highway speed, and ask how hard it has towed.

  Three members across two forum threads name fourth gear or overdrive. One says trucks through 2005 have a fourth-gear part that can fail under hard use or towing, often by 150,000 miles. Another says the overdrive failed before 100,000 miles on some 2001s.

  Sources ^13,14

Rare catches

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

• Good find T3 Special Edition Trim

  A 2003 edition, all 2WD in the US³

  650 sold in the US³

  Why it is a good find: Tundra Headquarters calls it a rare sight on the road and one of the more interesting, possibly collectible, movie tie-in trucks.¹⁵

Recalls

• 05V225000 2002–2004

  Scratched front lower ball joints can wear, loosen and separate, risking loss of steering. They are replaced.^16,17,18

• 05V254000 2003–2005

  A passenger airbag switch was fitted without child seat anchors, against the federal standard. The switch is removed.^17,18,19

• 09V444000 2000–2003

  Rust in the rear crossmember can drop the spare tire and damage the rear brake lines. Parts are replaced or treated.^{11,20,21,16,17}

• 15V286000 2003–2006

  The passenger front airbag inflator can rupture in a crash. The airbag is replaced.^17,18,19,22

• 15V285000 2003–2006

  The passenger front airbag inflator can build too much pressure and rupture. The airbag is replaced.^17,18,19,22

• 18V883000 2003–2005

  The passenger airbag inflator can explode. The inflator or airbag is replaced.^17,18,19

• 19V741000 2003–2006

  A replacement passenger airbag inflator can explode. The inflator or airbag is replaced.^17,18,19,22

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

• Sought after: The 4.7L V8 at high miles All years

  Three owners of V8 trucks in two forum threads speak well of them. One calls a 2002 rock solid from 110,000 to 205,000 miles, one calls a 2006 reliable at about 140,000, and one calls theirs a great reliable truck past 200,000.^13,23,14

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.