Print this page

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:
99,193 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.

2003 Toyota 4Runner body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 1 of 13)

problem #244

Apr 012017

4Runner 6-cyl

  • miles

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

There is major corrosion on the chassis, brake-power steering-transmission lines, and all metal brackets on the frame and engine. The corrosion is so bad there is holes on the chassis. Known issue, many complaints, Toyota Corp. says to keep calling back maybe something will be done in the future. Unable to upload photos!

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #243

Oct 202023

4Runner

  • miles
Severe frame rust, there was a recall for tacomas but 4Runners have the issue just as bad

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #242

Sep 202022

4Runner

  • miles
Extensive rust through out frame, resulting in holes in structural members. Leaving frame in a weak and vulnerable state.

- Pomona, CA, USA

problem #241

Oct 012020

4Runner

  • miles

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

I purchased this 2003 Toyota 4Runner in 2018 under what I assumed was prime condition, for a vehicle that spent the majority of its life in Nebraska/Kansas before I moved to Texas in 2021. At 87,400 miles at the time of purchase, the vehicle had no visible damage to the exterior besides a few paint chips, some minor hail damage and scratches, and some easily fixed surface rust in the paint on the tailgate. The previous owner had driven it leisurely and had kept the miles low after 15 years. The car has had some mechanical issues, but nothing out of the ordinary outside of some regular maintenance over the first few years. Being close to 100,000 miles, the timing belt and pump was replaced around 98,000 miles. Other issues have been fixed periodically, please reference the attached files. After joining a Toyota 4Runner 4th Generation Facebook group and seeing a post about another's issues with rust damage in October 2020, I decided to take a look at my own frame. I then inspected my own vehicle, and found significant frame rot damage. It is extensive, with significant rust to the frame, with large holes and soft patches that question the integrity of the frame and the safety of the vehicle on the road. Every time I hit a small bump or pothole, I fear the frame will crack and I will lose control as others have. I have not sought out professional repairs due to the extensive cost, and am awaiting the outcome of a current class action lawsuit by the Bell Legal Group. The 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009) is built on the exact same frame as the Toyota Tacoma of that era, yet while the Tacoma was recalled for frame rot, the 4Runner was not included, which I believe to be a gross oversight in previous legal proceedings. The 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner is a reliable vehicle, but poses significant frame rot issues much earlier than should be expected.

- Austin Texas, TX, USA

problem #240

Nov 282022

4Runner

  • miles
Vehicle frame has rusted through and has holes affecting structural condition.

- Spring, TX, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #239

Aug 102022

4Runner

  • miles
Excessive frame rust causing difficulty to keep vehicle on the road. No warning lamps, I noticed the rust starting years ago, now the rust is so bad that the frame is rusted through causing difficulty steering and loud crunch noises. I contacted Toyota Consumer Affairs explaining the rust concern and asked if I needed to take the vehicle to a dealership for inspection, they said it wasn-??t necessary (sounds like they don-??t want to admit the existence of a possible manufacturing defect). The vehicle is available for inspection. I feel like I would be doing a disservice to society if I continue to drive this vehicle on public roads due to the danger of injuring a pedestrian or another motorist.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #238

Jun 232022

4Runner

  • miles

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

So much rust has developed the frame is literally giving out. Toyota admitted to a rust issue- it-??s now a safety issue with this generation of 4Runner. They did a recall on the same frame for Tacoma but not 4Runner.

- Urbana , OH, USA

problem #237

May 102022

4Runner

  • miles
The frame of the car has been rusting at a significant rate in the last 4 years. Mechanic identified major rust issues that would make the vehicle not safe in case of an accident.

- El Cerrito, CA, USA

problem #236

Feb 072022

4Runner

  • miles
I have two 2003 Toyotas, a tundra and 4runner. The 4Runners frame is rusting out everywhere including the welds. My mechanic said it was getting to the point that it-??s dangerous to drive and if it was in a wreck the frame would likely fail under the stress. My tundra frame from the same year is immaculate. I believe the are similar frames. This is obviously a defect in the production based on my readings and is very common. The investigation was opened in 2018 and its now 2022, when will this get addressed!

- Johnson City, TN, USA

problem #235

Mar 012016

4Runner

  • miles
Frame has major rust holes towards the front inside next to the catalytic converters. Hoping to get them repaired before frame failure. The frame design is similar to the 2005 to 2015 Tacomas, which experienced similar issues with rust damage causing frame integrity issues. Toyota had a program to replaced those frames, but not for the 4Runners. The issue seems to be caused by certain factory openings in the frame that allow road salt to enter into the frame cavity, and cause the inside to rust. Being next to the catalytic converter, the heat accelerates the rust. On my 4Runner, the issue has gotten worse in the last 2 years. I cannot understand why Toyota covered all other trucks/suvs that use this similar frame but ignored the 4Runner.

- Aldie, VA, USA

problem #234

Mar 242022

4Runner

  • miles

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

The frame on my 4Runner is rusting through in multiple locations. The rear of the frame has already failed and a trailer I was pulling dragged on the road heavily as it failed. Definitely at risk of caving in long before the engine or transmitoo fails.

- Twin Mountain, NH, USA

problem #233

Feb 042021

4Runner

  • miles
The frame on my vehicle is rusting prematurely. It's doing this on many other 4Runners and other Toyota trucks.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

problem #232

Nov 022021

4Runner

  • miles
The frame of the vehicle is rusted to the point my fist can fit through a hole in the frame.

- Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA

problem #231

Oct 122021

4Runner

  • miles
The frame on the vehicle is rusting out. If not repaired, serious injury could occur if the frame breaks. A compromised frame could cause serious injury if an accident occurs. The driver side main frame has a gaping hole on the inside and another hole forming underneath that is in close proximity to the larger hole. The entire back cross bar member supporting the bumper is rusting out as well as the front cross bar member. The vehicle was inspected in July 2020 and the dealership said the frame was OK and had plenty of life left in it. After getting a muffler installed at a local independent shop in October 2021, the hole grabbed the attention of the technician. After inspecting, rusty flakes kept falling away.

- Kingsport, TN, USA

problem #230

Oct 032021

4Runner

  • miles
Extreme frame rust. The vehicle has extreme frame rust and Toyota should be held accountable for poor quality frame material. I have heard tons of stories of other peoples steering components snapping due to rust and frame damage.

- Antelope, CA, USA

problem #229

Apr 152021

4Runner

  • miles
I own a 2003 Toyota 4Runner with very low mileage for its age. It has been garage kept for most of its life. I was experiencing difficulty steering, and when I took the car to a mechanic, it was determined that the frame was prematurely rusted and rotted to a dangerous level putting my life at risk while driving it.

- Bonita Springs, FL, USA

problem #228

Aug 202021

4Runner

  • miles
The frame is rusted very bad and it-??s a major safety issue for this type of vehicle I don-??t know when it-??s going to fall apart. I am sure I am not the only one to have this problem.

- Atco, NJ, USA

problem #227

Sep 182021

4Runner

  • miles
Vehicle frame and suspension components are completely rusting out. Having issues with the corroded steering column lower shaft not allowing the vehicle to turn properly.

- Litchfield , NH, USA

problem #226

Jun 292021

4Runner

  • miles
At the end of June 2021, while driving I experienced a loud clunk and grinding noise, with reduced control of steering and brakes on my 4Runner. I took the 4Runner to a Goodyear Automotive Service Center on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan, who told me that the vehicle was not driveable due to severe rust damage of the frame that resulted in a broken sway bar. I thought I should take it to the closest Toyota dealership in Troy, Michigan for advice and they responded that the vehicle was beyond repair and that a new frame would cost around $20,000. I could not leave my car there, and risked driving it home, where it has been parked ever since.

- Alanson, MI, USA

problem #225

Dec 182020

4Runner

  • miles
The frame of my 4runner is so so rusted that my mechanic put his finger through a piece of the frame it is so unsafe for Mr and my grand children and EVERYONE ELSE on the road that it literally makes me sick. It'd the only vehicle I have so I have NO CHOICE but to drive it. It terrifying. It is available to inspect at anytime. I just bought this vehicle less than a year ago from a dealership and it so sad that they wld sell it to anyone knowing the frame was rusted its criminal in my opinion. It Is for sure a safety hazard to everyone. I hope that this investigation proves to help get all of these 4runners OFF THE ROAD. So that a preventable tragedy doesn't happen.

- Cottonwood, AZ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?