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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,788 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.
While having an oil and filter change performed by midas auto service experts on my 2003 Toyota 4 runner, the owner of the shop found the entire frame is rotted with rust to the point where there are holes where the frame is welded. He was able to push his finger through the rusted frame of the car. He stated the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to structural rot of the frame.
My 4runner was classified unsafe to drive by a safety inspector because of advanced degradation of the frame due to extensive rust. It is not able to be repaired.
Takata recall. Car is a hazard to drive. Rust has consumed the frame to the point that major parts are at risk of separating from the frame and falling from it.
- Jupiter, FL, USA
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Vehicle had frame perforations from corrosion and completely corroded gas tank straps (both straps). Both of these represent safety hazards and had to be repaired to pass state inspection. The frame corrosion problem with the 2003 4runner and similar vehicles is well known and needs to be addressed by Toyota. Since Toyota has known about this for some time and not acted on it there needs to be intervention from the NHTSA to address the issue.
While vehicle was at the repair shop (vehicle was stationary) ongoing a service maintenance, the technician noticed a huge rot hole going along the passenger frame and another rust hole on the bottom radiator support.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine repair, the technician diagnosed that the subframe underneath the front part of the vehicle was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,834.
This 2003 Toyota 4runner has 135,000 miles on the odometer and the frame and exhaust system including catalytic converter are completely rusted out and the vehicle is now unsafe to drive. Some frame components have completely rusted and broken off from the frame I.e. tow hooks, exhaust and engine mounts. The frame is only held on to the body by the shock absorbers. The vehicle can no longer be driven safely. The cost to repair this damage would be prohibitive and I believe that this issue needs to be addressed by Toyota. I purchased this vehicle in good faith and trusted that Toyota quality would last. Please advise any possible recourse. Thank you
Noticed the right front wheel making awful sound. I had my mechanic to take a look. It is the wheel bearings going out, but then proceeded to tell me that the rust is so bad underneath that all the hose lines will have to be replaced. Brake lines leaking, transmission line leaking. All will have to be replaced. The rust is eating away underneath the car like cancer. No stopping it. The sway bars are rusting into as well. Our mechanic will let us know how much it will cost to repair the lines...but is it worth spending the money on"?" this is our 7th Toyota that we have owned, always taken excellent care of vehicle, and I have never experience such a rusty mess. Love my 4runner but really don't know what to do with it!
Frame has significant rust and has developed a hole up near the front of the car. I've had the rust sandblasted off and the frame re-coated, but should the frame fail, it could result in a real safety problem. Driver seat belt does not retract properly, which could result in the seatbelt not being snug enough to prevent injury in the event of an accident
Have rust on my frame. Have hole near my cat converter that Toyota found during inspection which failed because of the hole. They recommended I take somewhere else to patch to save money. Seems dangerous that frame is rusting to the point that it caused a hole.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced for annual routine maintenance, the dealer observed that the frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 235,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While at an independent mechanic for repairs, the mechanic diagnosed that the entire subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Southbridge, MA, USA