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.
4.2
definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,000 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 stated while driving 40 mph uphill, a strong odor was noticed. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. The dealership was contacted, who determined the catalytic converter was producing the odor. The extended warranty covered the replacement. Also, the contact was alerted by an independent mechanic about the front brakes. The mechanic machined the front rotors and installed new pads. As a result of the brakes repair, the pedal was too low when depressed. The brakes were rechecked and the mechanic informed all the brake standards were correct. The contact assumed this was a manufacturer defect. The dealership had not been contacted yet for the brake problem.
- Sussex, NJ, USA
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- Sussex, NJ, USA