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:
78,746 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.
Everything about my Toyota 4runner is in great condition except when I brought it in for an inspection I was devastated to find out that my car was no longer safe to drive due to the rust corrosion on the frame. Ever since I purchased this car at the dealership in 2003, I've always taken my car to Toyota dealer services for all maintenances and yet they have failed to tell me about this rust corrosion problem until now that due to the rust is eating through the main frame and will not even pass the inspection. For the safety please have it recall and get it done the right way as for Tundra and sequoia recall
Upon driving our 4runner, we noticed that the brakes were completely gone. We immediately turned around and parked the vehicle. We got it to the service facility and upon inspection the entire undercarriage has excessive rust causing the rear caliper O leak which destroyed the rear brakes. The technician advised us that the brake lines will need replaced and the motor mounts and frame are severely corroded. His opinion is close to be unsafe to drive.
Excessive frame rust, especially at rear area of vehicle. Body mounts disintegrating at rear. Other attachment mounts (for example rear anti-sway bar) are rusting severely. Rust noted 11/2/2018 when vehicle was in the air for service.
- Arlington, VA, USA
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My 2003 4runner has been suffering from extremely bad frame corrosion. During a recent inspection it became clear that the frame is at failure point. Large holes have developed on the passenger side main box rail (bottom and sides). Additionally, holes have developed on front frame rails, just inside fender wells (both sides). Vehicle is no longer safe to operate. Body is in excellent condition, absolutely no corrosion at all on the body. Engine/transmission/drivetrain are all in perfect working order. This frame issue needs attention from Toyota.
Frame is badly rusted. After a minor accident, the body shop stated they were unable to weld in a replacement crossmember due to excessive rust. I understand Toyota has recalled frames of similar vehicles but not 4runners.
Took the vehicle in to have work done on the struts and discovered that the entire frame underneath is completely rusted through and unsafe to drive. This appears to be a very common problem, but Toyota still refuses to replace the frames or address the issue in any way, despite having issued a recall for other vehicles with the exact same problem.
Frame and undercarriage rust. Rotted bolts affecting ability to have complete alignment performed. Failed wheel bearings causing loud rotational friction sounds while in motion. Rusted exhaust system causing failure and required replacement.
Frame has holes and cracks caused by excessive rust. One cross member is non functional. Has rusted through entirely. I called Toyota's customer care 800 number. Was told the 3 year 36,000 mile warranty has expired. I am the original owner and the vehicle has always been garage kept. The body is in perfect condition. It has only 104,000 miles. Collision repair shop looked at the frame yesterday and I was told it is a safety issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Forest Hills, NY, USA