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.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The contact took the vehicle to a private mechanic. The technician stated that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 48,000.
I bought the car new and other than a couple of fender benders caused to the rear of the vehicle, the car has been kept in excellent condition and garage kept both at home and at work. I noticed a hairline crack from the left (driver's side) on the top dash panel extending to the middle (top of the stereo). After researching online (several complaints both here as well as other websites), I called Toyota @ 1-800-331-4331 and opened case # 1211091043 after mentioning that the issue seemed to have been widespread and citing another case # by a forum member (1208280716). However, Toyota denied being aware of this issue and was unwilling to help citing an out-of-warranty condition. My concern of deployment of the airbag as a result didn't appear to concern them. I was given a contact name of the number customer relations manager at my dealership for possible help. I have also read that newer models use a different material (plastic) for the dash panel. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet but I believe the widespread nature of the defect calls for further investigation and possible recall.
Frame of vehicle is rotting out- not likely to pass inspection for very long. Similar issues to frames of Toyota Tacoma and Tundra frames that have been recalled. 4runner should be recalled as well. Just discussed condition of frame with local Toyota dealership today- recommended filing a complaint.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Aliso Viejo, CA, USA