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.
I have a 2003 4runner with severe frame rust through making the vehicle a hazard to drive and to others on the road. This is clearly consistent with Toyota's other recalls.
I have a 2003 Toyota 4runner sport 4.7 with severe frame rust issues. I am concerned that the frame will fail soon. Toyota should be responsible for recalling these vehicles like the Tacoma's and Tundra that used the same frames! what gives Toyota?
Vehicle has 100 000 miles. Heavy rust is observed since 2018 on the main frame near the front end. Holes and openings on the frame are rusted out and large amount of metal is falling. Same problems as reported on Tacoma. I am concerned about safety and structural strength of the vehicle in case of impact.
Vehicle is currently stationary at dealer getting scheduled maintenance. The technician called me back to the shop to show me what he found with the vehicle on the lift. Excessive rust & corrosion on the frame rails to the point where the vehicle will soon be unsafe to drive. He also informed me that if the vehicle experienced a side impact, the damage & possible injuries to occupants would be much worse due to the diminished integrity of the frame. I am currently looking into my options such as welding frame reinforcement but I believe that Toyota should replace the frames on these models as they did with the Tacoma, sequoias, & Tundra which have the exact same frames & experience the exact same rust & corrosion problem.
I found out in late 2018 or early 2019 that the frame was rusted through. After looking closer the rusted out area is 2 foot long by 3 inch wide. There was no incident but concerned for the safety while drive G it.
The frame is rusting from the inside out. My 4runner was bought brand new and has been babied and used for short commute I have read about numerous other 4runner owners with the same problem. The rusted car frame is unsafe for driving. I'm told the frame is rusting from the inside out. My vehicle has been babied and is in exceptional condition except for the frame. The is no rust on the body or other places... just the frame that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. The car should have a lot of life left in it as the engine and other components are in excellent shape. I should not have to sell it for parts. I'm told that Toyota has replaced some frames and they do this on a case by case basis. Apparently the 4runner is on the same frame as a couple of their trcks (Tundra, etc.) the truck frames are also rusting and going bad. Toyota should replace the bad frames. I live in the southern part of Virginia. I do not live in the rust belt. We get very little snow and ice. The frames have a factory defect. Any frame, when used in the capacity as we have used our 4runner should never go bad as this one has. The frame is a serious car safety issue. From reading the internet, this is a major problem for Toyota as there are many many other Toyota owners who have complained about the same problem as mine (bad rusted frames that make their vehicles undriveable). Please have Toyota replace the frames. If they are unwilling to do this, then at least give a general trade-in allowance to purchase another Toyota vehicle.. I never would have bought my 4$unner if I new this was a problem with them.
There is extensive rust damage on the frame towards where the transmission connects to the engine. In 1-2 years, my 4runner will need frame repairs, if not sooner.
While my 2003 Toyota 4runner was in a service appointment, I was notified that the frame has severely deteriorated due to corrosion and rust. I was able to inspect and document the corrosion with photographs. The vehicle will soon become unsafe to operate or drive.
The frame of the 2003 Toyota 4runner became so rusted that when trying to put the car on the lift at a mechanic shop, the frame began to crumble and fall apart at the point where the lift contacted the frame. The entire frame has multiple points where the metal has rusted away and become very weak, compromising the structural integrity of the frame and potentially weakening areas where steering and suspension components attach to the frame.
Excessive frame and undercarriage rust. I have owned several other cars over 30-40+ years and this 03 4runner has the worst rust. Instead of simple surface rust, this rust has affected frame welds, suspension mounting points, tow and lift points. Rusting pace is extremely fast moving. There appears to be only a simple layer of thin paint, with no undercoating anywhere. This 4runner was serviced regularly, motor is running great, body and interior are in great condition. This was a gift from grandpa to grandson, but I am concerned of safety and at this point recommending only local, under 35mph travel only. Probably scrap the car soon as not much to do but replace frame. Very disappointed with misled condition, outside/inside/motor perfect, but frame rotting away. My family and friends have purchased Toyota with little incident, but I won't buy or recommended knowing they have a life of ~10yrs.
Frame is completely corroded. We live in the midwest (cincinnati area) so nowhere near the ocean. The 4runner has been maticulously maintained. We have researched this issue and found these models' frames were not properly coated before sold...hence the rust. Our local Toyota dealership deemed it unsafe to drive. The video speaks for itself....we are hoping there is a recall on this as this is extremely dangerous. Video link taken by Toyota: isre.us/6qtrkd
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle would not pass inspection because the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
During a visit to a body shop to have my fuel door fixed, I found out that the frame of my vehicle has significantly deteriorated due to rust. There are holes in the frame, welds that have rusted completely through, and one of the transmission mounts is gone. I was told by the body shop who reviewed the frame, a second body shop that I consulted for a second opinion, and my local Toyota dealership that my vehicle is not safe to drive and should no longer be driven. One body shop said that they normally sees this type of rust on vehicles that are 30-40 years old! they also said that the entire frame and all rusted parts will need to be replaced and would cost between $12,000 and $15,000 depending on the parts that need to be replaced. My truck only has about 122,000 miles on it, and the body, paint, and interior are immaculate! fortunately, having my 4runner looked at prevented a potential accident. I know that there are several class action lawsuits concerning frames that have rusted out on the Tundra, Tacoma, and the sequoia vehicles for which Toyota is performing repairs and replacements. The 4runner should also be included because there are numerous complaints for this same problem.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, severe rusting and corrosion was discovered on the subframe of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 165,000.
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shook and vibrated. The vehicle was taken to heritage Toyota owings mills (9801 reisterstown rd, owings mills, md) where it was discovered that the subframe had experienced severe rusting. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 153,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Meredith, NH, USA