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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.

2.0

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,056 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #9

May 102022

4Runner

  • miles

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

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 #8

Apr 012017

4Runner

  • miles
The rust and corrosion underneath the vehicle continually gets worse year after year. The main components of vehicle relating to the engine, powertrain and suspension underneath vehicle are corroded; holes exist in the frame of the truck through out. The frame of truck is rotted due to not being sealed properly during the manufacturing process. Due to the rust and corrosion on the frame of truck, it is impossible to get work done on exhaust and muffler areas. I will send pictures for your reference. This makes driving a safety concern for myself and my son. At this time, I am unable to purchase a new car and do not have money to replace/fix the frame of truck. Inevitably, this problem will get worse and may cause a safety concern for myself and others on the road. I called Toyota on 4/12/22 and was told that there is not a recall for this issue and that any repairs would have to be paid by me. I then proceeded to call the number given to me by the representative to call 800-331-4331 for the Toyota Corporate office. I spoke to Blake who gave me the same answer, there was not a recall on this vehicle for rust/corrosion on the frame of vehicle. At this time, Toyota charges $150 just to check car and unfortunately, I don't have those funds to pay such a fee. I asked Blake if there was a way, Toyota can check without charging a fee and his answer was no. Currently, there is not any warning lights on, but with increased time and pressure of exhaust pipe and muffler will create more problems. I cannot have the exhaust system fixed until the frame of truck is replaced. My car was checked by an independent shop.

- New Windsor, NY, USA

problem #7

Aug 012018

4Runner

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while having routine maintenance performed, she was informed that there was excessive rust and holes on the subframe. Additionally, the calipers were sticking and the oil pan was rusted. The contact completed the repairs. The vehicle was taken to ramey Toyota (135 frazier dr, princeton, wv 24740, (877) 825-2186) and diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The subframe was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 55,000.

- Cool Ridge, WV, USA

problem #6

Aug 112019

4Runner

  • 217,500 miles

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

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. The contact mentioned that the head gasket needed to be removed and re-installed in order to start the vehicle. Also, while driving various speeds, the rear of the vehicle swayed uncontrollably to the left and right. The vehicle was taken to big O tires (2245 state St, new albany, in 47150, 812-949-0736) where it was diagnosed that the passenger side control arm was fractured and the driver's side control arm could fracture at any moment. The vehicle was towed to mccormick motor sports (1041 S 6th St, louisville, ky 40203, (502) 584-1981) where the contact was informed that the head gasket was causing cylinder three to misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,500.

- New Albany, IN, USA

problem #5

Feb 162019

4Runner

  • 185,000 miles
"takata recall". so I'm not understanding a problem with my Toyota 4runner. As of yesterday there was a great amount of smoke coming from the area of the oil stick from my assumption the oil was getting on the Cadillac converter. Or something that would hit something hot on the engine to cause it to smoke I'm trying to find out if there is a recall for that.

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #4

Nov 242016

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 155,000 miles
I was driving down the highway after getting off the interstate when my vehicle began to overheat. I luckily noticed and pulled over before incurring more damage and warping the engine head. I have heard multiple times that these 4.0 V6's Toyota made have head gasket problems. After getting it towed back to the mechanic on thanksgiving, I was told I had a blown/leaking headgasket. I have never drove this vehicle over 3K rpms and find it ridiculous it would fail under such good condition.

- Joplin, MO, USA

problem #3

Aug 172016

4Runner 6-cyl

  • miles

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

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

- Plympton, MA, USA

problem #2

Jun 102011

4Runner

  • 90,000 miles
The engine, vsc trac and vsc warning indicators illuminated continuously on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The engine 02 sensors were found to be defective. The manufacture will not replace or replace since there are no advisories on the part. There is a high risk the engine may under perform which may cause lack of control and a potential accident while driving. Leading to injury.

- Plantation, FL, USA

problem #1

Aug 112010

4Runner

  • miles
TL-the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving various speeds the engine, vsc trac and vsc warning indicators illuminated continuously on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer five times and twice to an independent mechanic. The engine 02 sensors had been replaced even times. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.

- Temecula, CA, USA

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