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.
There is extensive corrosion on the right hand side of the car frame. It's of greatly safety concern and it seems that the problem is consistent with other 4runner type of frames. Our mechanic seen a few related issues in the last year or so.
The vehicle has excessive frame rust, covering 100% of lower frame, bumper to bumper. It has at least 2 holes, and is weak in several areas of frame. It failed inspection due to this. Only 133K miles on vehicle. Well maintained. Finally, tailgate door is significantly rusted above window, but at least this isn't a safety problem.
Excessive and heavy rust/flaking of the frame components pointed out by my mechanic while performing a minor repair to a heat shield under the vehicle. Vehicle has been garage kept since new and there is no rust on the body. I reported this to Toyota customer experience and received a case number 1710131927, but they advise there are currently no active campaigns which cover my vehicle. Others had suggested I notify the NHTSA.
Vehicle has a cracked dashboard from one side to the other, could spread and affect air bags, Toyota dealership in North miami beach stated there is a recall but have not corrected in three years, I have checked with them three times
- El Portal, FL, USA
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Frame is rusted almost completely in two where back axle ties to the frame. Also various other areas of the frame are rusting as well. Took to several mechanics and each said it is a mfg issue and should have been recalled due to severe safety issues. Putting a young driver, or anyone for that matter, into a car to drive that has serious frame rust issues which could lead to a wreck and serious injury is inexcusable and Toyota needs to get this taken care of immediately with a recall. We bought vehicle in 2016, however it was rusted far before then based on rust evidence present.
While changing the brakes and roters, it was noticed that the frame where the gas tank straps attach, is completely rusted and rotted through. Several areas on the frame are rotted through. The mechanic stuck his finger right through my frame. Also, there is body rust all around the back window, causing water to get into the back door, causing the 3rd brake light to not work, and causing the latch to lock and keep the hatch closed is seized due to rust.
My 2003 4runner SR5 looks great and its V8 engine hums like it is new but the frame rails are totally rotten and I have been advised not to drive it at all as it is too dangerous to drive. So its value should be about 5-,6000 and now it is totally junk and has only scrap value. Toyota usa recalled the sequoia, the Tundra and the Tacoma from the time period, approximately 2003-2007 maybe more year models, but did not recall the 4runner because there were too many sold and it would have cost too much money. The frame and frame rail rot on the 4runner from that time period is well documented and many complaints have been filed with the nhta yet Toyota has seen fit not to recall the 4runner!!. what a disgrace!! the most important fact is the 4runners, past and present, sit on the exact same frame as the Tacoma. The Tacoma was recalled for the frame rot but the 4runner were not. Could you please provide the reasoning for not recalling the 4runner for frame rot while the Tacoma with the exact same frame from the exact same factory was not/has not been recalled?
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed that the frame of the vehicle near the trailing arm brackets was rotted with holes and slight corrosion. A dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 196,000.
My 2003 Toyota 4 runner has significant frame rust that the Toyota dealer identified during routine service and noted that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. They refused to fix the problem, saying it could not be fixed (beyond repair), but that I should no longer drive the vehicle as it is now unsafe to be on the road.
Chassis/frame on 4th generation 4runners have a severe rust problem. Many are documented & discussed at www.Toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-T4rs. similar trucks in Toyota's product line qualified for frame replacement but the 4runner was ignored. The rest of the truck is 100% rust free except for the frame. Recently had a body shop look at the frame - was described as "too rusty to weld onto" when discussing patches. Below I am asked for a date when this event happened. I am putting todays date, 2003 because logically the truck has been rusting since it was built.
Frame rust, severe extensive rust to frame, vehicle is unsafe to drive, Toyota has recalls for Tundra and Tacoma, need to add 4runner to recall list. Vehicle has not been involved in accident, frame rot was pointed out while having vehicle serviced. The frame needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The vehicle was taken to the atlantic Toyota dealer located at 145 albany ave, amityville, New York, 11701, for a check up when the dealer diagnosed that the front frame was rusted. The dealer stated that the failure was as a result of salt on the road, and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty, but did not offer additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 125,660.
I bought the 2003 Toyota 4 runner in August 2015. At the time of purchase, there had already been a repair to the exhaust system. In January of 2016, a brake caliper malfunctioned and I took it in for repair. At that time, I was informed there were rot holes in the frame that needed to be repaired. They showed me pictures of the rust holes and I about fell over. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had the holes repaired. When I took the car for inspection in August 2016, there were more rot holes and it couldn't be inspected. I had those holes repaired, and the repair guy said it was dangerous to keep driving this vehicle. He said it is rusting from the inside out. I was so mad because I just bought it less than a year ago, and am now facing losing thousands of dollars due to this faulty frame. I got the oil changed recently and the comment on the multipoint inspection is that the frame is rusting. When I parked the car today, I had the wheel turned, and I saw another rot hole in the frame by the wheel that I will have to get repaired. This is a terrible safety hazard, the frame could rust through while I'm diving it. I can't just go out and get another car while losing thousands on this one which is what will happen if I have to trade it in. Something needs to be done here.yes it is a 2003, and I would expect some rust on an older vehicle, but this is ridiculous. I do have repair bills, but I can't scan them in.
Frame rusted throughout to the point that mechanics and body shop employees have advised us not to drive vehicle or sell it. We were told it needs a new frame and is beyond repair. We purchased 11/29/16. Previous owner spray undercarriage black to hide rust. Only 151K miles!
Today, I drove my 2003 4runner limited that has 135409 miles with the entire frame was deemed "unsafe" by Toyota dealership today. This was after I took my 4runner for front brakes and the mechanic told remove my kids car seats from the back seat and told me to bring to this Toyota attention. The 2003 4runner frame is unsafe and I should not drive until they repair / replace frame.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Farmers, NY, USA