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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.

5.0

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
92,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2003 Toyota 4Runner accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2003 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #2

Jun 102011

4Runner Sport V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have a 2003 toyota 4 runner and my VSC / trac & VSC OFF lights came on. I don't know what is wrong with it.

- fireman55, Newark, DE, US

problem #1

Dec 162010

4Runner SR5 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

The engine light, and VSC TRAC lights turned on, so I took the 4Runner to a Toyota Service Center. I was told that the problem was due to a bad catalytic converter. It's been over 4 weeks now and Toyota can't tell me when the part will come in. It's supposedly back ordered, but does it really take 4+ weeks to even make a new catalytic converter from scratch? Toyota won't even recommend a comparable aftermarket brand. I feel like they're waiting until this minor problem causes secondary and tertiary effects on my 4Runner so that I can spend more at their service center!

- glover.castro, Clarksburg, MD, US

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