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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.

1.1

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
167,063 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

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2003 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #6

Jan 122023

4Runner

  • 165,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the tire retailer for tire replacement, the technician informed him that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the passenger's side front and rear subframes were severely corroded, as well as the cross member. The mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

- Granger, IN, USA

problem #5

May 082018

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 255,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle's frame was corroded. While driving, the rear driver's side was pulling to the side. The contact was a certified mechanic and noticed that the trailing arm that held the rear differential bracket separated from the frame and was completely detached. The contact welded the bracket back to the frame. He called corwin Toyota of fargo (222 40th St S, fargo, nd 58103, (701) 282-8425) and was informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under warranty and there were no recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 255,000.

- Kindred, SD, USA

problem #4

Jun 012018

4Runner

  • 156,000 miles
Substantial corrosion of the frame, technician advised owner not to drive the vehicle.

- Detroit Lakes, MN, USA

problem #3

May 092015

4Runner

  • 187,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for unknown repairs, the technician found excessive rust on the rear frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.

- Lexington, MA, USA

problem #2

Oct 312014

4Runner

  • 110,380 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having maintenance performed on the vehicle, the technician found that there was a hole on the subframe near the rear passenger side wheel. The technician added that the frame had corroded from the inside out and stated that the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. As a result, the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to assist with the replacement of the frame. The approximate failure mileage was 110,380.

- Worcester, MA, USA

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problem #1

Jun 012011

4Runner 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 129,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted, causing the transmission to hang very low. As a result, the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the transmission was re-attached. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 129,000...updated 09/19/11 also, the steering intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. Updated 10/28/11

- Hillsboro, NJ, USA

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