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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.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
193,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replace brake master cylinder (1 reports)
2003 Toyota 4Runner brakes problems

brakes problem

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2003 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #2

Mar 222021

4Runner Sport 6-4.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 252,000 miles

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

I was driving on the freeway in rush hour traffic when the cars in front of me began to stop. I tried to stop and the brake peddle went all the way to the floor and I was not able to stop in time. I hit the car in front of me which then hit the car in front of them, ultimately pushing him into a truck. The master cylinder brake system failed. Two cars were totaled and mine is pretty damaged as well. I am reading about many other complaints just like mine.

Why has Toyota not recalled one of the MOST important safety features on a vehicle? This was an extremely scary situation and could have been fatal. What will it take to get Toyota to recall this severe issue to the brake system? I am looking into filing a class action lawsuit against Toyota. Please do something about this issue.

- Jodi G., Sandy, US

problem #1

Mar 112017

4Runner Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles

While driving at approximately 30 mph on a city street, with my little girl in the vehicle, brakes failed and loud cabin alarm sounded and ABS, VSC and TRAC dash lights came on. We were close to home so we got it there into the garage by applying the emergency brake and using the shifter in order to stop and avoid crashing. Had vehicle towed to dealership twice as they said they fixed it after only having it 30 minutes and said the accumulator pump was blocked up. Came home, drove it twice and the one week later all the bells and whistles go off again. Had it towed once again and now being told that it will cost us $4000 to fix. Very odd, Toyota goes from a thirty-minute charge and fix to a three-day process because they have to order part and cost us $4000. Supposedly the ABS pump brake master cylinder is bad and has to be replaced. I have read 1000s of posts and threads in blogs from Toyota owners with similar issue, and some that caused accidents. I had just come off the highway, so this could have caused a serious accident just minutes earlier. This seems to be a very common occurrence and Toyota is very aware of the situation but no recall. THIS situation Merits an investigation by TOYOTA and a recall should be awarded before human life is lost in an accident. They should also find a better less expensive fix. Generations of my family have put our faith into Toyota vehicles and to be screwed like this is just not fair. The economy bailed car dealerships out when they were going under and they can't do the right thing taking ownership of this known issue. Will analyze my options when buying another TOYOTA.

- ajbroncos, Fishers, US

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