CarComplaints.com Notes: Although the 2003 model year is the "worst" model year for the 4Runner, it's not really bad at all -- mainly it's just that the other 4Runner model years are even better. Howver the 2003 model year has no major problems & no unexpected problems for a 17-year old vehicle. We award the 2003 4Runner our Seal of Awesome, since overall versus other comparable models of the same age, it's very reliable.
Initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.
3.6
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,000 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Model : 2003 Toyota 4 runner V8 issue : automatic acceleration while A/C on how to duplicate the issue : option 1] while the engine is running and the vehicle is in drive with brakes depressed turn the A/C "on", the vehicle would try to suddenly move forward. The tachometer also shows higher readings. Option 2] turn your A/C off drive for a while and then turn your A/C on, the moment you turn your A/C on the vehicle accelerates on its own for a while. This problem is magnified especially in summer and hotter climates and does not fail to occur in summer.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
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- Philadelphia, PA, USA