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.
Excessive corrosion on frame. The skid plate has fallen off the vehicle due to rotten contact points on the frame. Secondary frame elements have fallen off the vehicle in transit dues to corroded welds. Multiple mechanics have told me this is a well known and common problem with these vehicles.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there was frame corrosion on the underside of the radiator. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that there were no open recalls for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. Consumer stated two main support areas is severe corrosion just like the recalled Tacoma's.
Rear of the frame is rusted out there is a big hole in the side of the frame. I just bought this vehicle an I looked at it before I bought it an looked at the frame just figured maybe the rest of the frame would be fine but it was not.
Rear driver side control arm broke off at the frame after striking pothole at highway speed. After the failure the vehicle was very hard to control and almost led to a rollover. The vehicle was unable to be driven and had to be towed. Toyota recalled Tundra's, Tacoma's, and sequoia's for frame replacement so it is a known problem. Will Toyota be held liable for accidents resulting from premature frame failure" by recalling the other models they obviously acknowledged it was a problem and 4runners share the same platform as the Tacoma so why were they not included"
We recently purchased a 2003 Toyota 4runner limited. Great vehicle with the exception of the frame rusting and having weak spots. We have done some research and this seems to be a common issue with the third and fourth generations. These are built on a truck frame and the Toyota sequoias, Tundra and Tacoma's have been recalled for this issue.
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.
Vehicle frame is severely rusted and rotted to the point where there are holes in the frame itself making it extremely unsafe to drive. Other Toyota trucks around the same year have been recalled with similar frame issues, does not make any sense why Toyota has not recalled the 2003 4runner frames yet. Vehicle is over 205,000 miles and would probably run another 200K if not for the frame which makes this car almost undrive-able. Frame to be replaced asap.
Frame is almost completely rusted out even thought the rest of the car is in good shape. I am afraid to let my son even drive the car. I read about the girl that died from the axle coming loose and part of the frame that holds the axle is in horrible shape. Toyota should be required to add these vehicles to the frame recall...
The rust on the frame of this vehicle is unlike anything I've seen in comparison to it's age. I work on vehicles frequently and have not seen anything like this in a modern age vehicle, and vehicles that are over 40 years old that I own or work on don't have rust that is remotely this bad. Upon further investigation, I found the entire weld line of the frame rails to be corroded through in an approximately 28" section. With further investigation, the entire bottom section of that rail was rusted out to be extremely thin and separated at the seam, entirely compromising the integrity of the frame rail. 2 of the body mounts are also rusted out as well as some of the suspension mount components. The vehicle is at risk for having the spring and strut assembly or the control arm assembly detaching from the frame under normal operation conditions. This is an incredible safety risk as it could result in the vehicle losing all steering control. Luckily it was found before an accident occurred.
I was ready to give 4runner to my daughter and ask Toyota dealer to inspect and give me run down of what needs to be replaced after 150000 miles. One of the line item says frame need patches. Upon a closer look, there is a rust on specific sides of the frame. The rust is located very specific in the joint. The rust has penetrated deep into the steel around half inch and needs to be replaced. I believe this is manufacturing defect which if not repaired will cause severe damage even in non collision accident because just the weight of the car and driving in rough terrain will cut the body in the middle into 2 sections
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was corroded causing both rear control arms to detach while driving. The contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed there were several spots covered with a black tape and painted over to conceal the rust and holes. The contact stated that the rear tire move forward and backward causing the tires to damage the bumper and the plastic trim panel. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called aaa and informed them of the failure and was informed to contact NHTSA. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The vehicle frame has multiple perforations greater than 10mm. One such perforation has created a crack on the frame just in front of the right rear lower control arm mount. If this vehicle were to hit a bad enough bump or pot hole, there exists a possibility the frame could snap and allow the control arm to become free and the vehicle would lose control
I took my 2003 Toyota 4runner into my local mechanic to do my annual state safety inspection and the mechanic informed me the frame was too rusted to pass inspection. Furthermore, he said that the rust was so severe it had separated the suspension from the frame. He told me it was the worst frame rust he had ever seen and that the cars frame looked like it was 20 years older then it was. It was totally rusted through in several spots. I called Toyota to see if they would work with me to fix this issue and they offered no help. All the other cars built on this frame have been recalled, I'm not sure why this one hasn't been.
Vehicle is rusting away. From the inside. Very evident when the Toyota specialist who works on the 4runner has to service it and work on it. They have taken pictures and are supplying us with them. They are a North Carolina safety inspector and concerned about the vehicle in a crash. The vehicle's steering is affected and overall ability to control the vehicle along with the frame holding the vehicle parts in place. We have a 2003 Toyota 4runner that doesn't have issues like this one. It has some rust but nothing like this. Started noticing it in 2016 after it had repairs done where you could see the inside of the bottom and frame parts. *this 4runner was built on the Tacoma chassis that was recalled. This 4 runner needs to be fixed for it to be safe. My son drives this vehicle. Well, he did. I can't let him now. He has no vehicle. The pictures are disturbing! all of our cars are older and never have we had an issue like this. The 2003 4runners are affected.
I have a 2003 Toyota 4runner, that the frame is severely rusting. It has been garage kept and/or carport kept the entire duration of owning the vehicle. It was bought new and only one owner. When you turn right it makes a scratching sound.. from other complaints, I can see this is a common issue associated with the rusted frame.
My 2003 Toyota 4runner started making a thump and scratching sound when driving as the road dips, turns, and when hitting any type or size of speed bumps and pot holes. After a closer inspection, the entire passenger side of the frame is rusted through. Tire discounter staff identified the rust issue. The body of the car is laying on the frame and the shock is hitting the body of the vehicle. Tire discounter staff state, 'you are one pot hole away from this frame breaking in half.' 'the car is not safe to drive.' The vehicle is rusted so bad that it looks to be 100 years old. The car is not drivable due to the rusted through frame.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bountiful, UT, USA