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.
My 2003 4runner was in the shop for rear shocks because the frame is rusting out. A few weeks later the front shocks had to be replaced due to the frame rusting out. I noticed the drivers door jam is rusting as well! I have my two Grandsons in the car and I have to make sure this is a safe car for them as well as myself! My mechanic said I will have to address this problem very soon! I can't afford to fix this rust issue on my own. I understand it's quite expensive if Toyota recalled other 4runner and trucks with the same frames - why don't they do the right thing and recall ALL involved?
So here you have and KNOW TOYOTA TONS of 2003 and 2004 4 Runners has the same RUST issues as your Tacoma and Tundra 2004 to 2007 trucks that you fixed but don't want to help US 4 runner owners out on giving the same respect?? There should be a lawsuit against TOYOTA and if anyone can help me out on if there is, who do I need to contact, and if there isn't, how do we start the process?
My 2003 4Runner has been very well taken care with only 158,000 miles on it but with so much rust its falling apart from the underneath. This issues NEEDS TO BE FIX BY TOYOTA and fixed NOW!! No excuse.
I can't even list EVERYTHING because it's the WHOLE FRAME. EVERY single inch of the FRAME.
I will be taking pictures tomorrow once I climb back under there because the service shop says its not safe to put it on a lift.
Toyota dealer told us vehicle was a hazard to occupants and others and my wife and children could have been killed. Unsafe to drive and must be parked. Numerous frame perforations.
Due to the excessive frame rot along with all the other parts that rotted as well. I had to replace the following so far and still not done to make this safe:
-Replaced the cooler lines- rotted and leaking
-Replace portion of frame due to Rot.
-Replace Brake calipers 2nd time all around. rotted and seized. Not to mention replace the dust shields due to rotted away, rotors and pads all around.
-Replace Power steering line- rotted and leaking
-Replaced radiator. rusted out due to cooler lines rusting
-Replaced differential wheels locked up due to excessive runs
Working on replacing the following-
-Front Cross member - Completely rotted away under radiator.
-All pulleys of the engine. No mater what you do they are chirp even after the belt was changed
-Short on VSC traction. stays on. dealer cleared and stills goes on. somewhere a bad sensor.
- upper and lower control arm bushings rotted and rusted
- sway bar links in back
Only God knows what else. Its a good thing that my brother-in-law only charges me for parts!
All this because of a rusted frame and cheap steel!!
- Larry S.,
West Babylon, NY, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
My 2003 4runner was in the shop for rear shocks because the frame is rusting out. A few weeks later the front shocks had to be replaced due to the frame rusting out. I noticed the drivers door jam is rusting as well! I have my two Grandsons in the car and I have to make sure this is a safe car for them as well as myself! My mechanic said I will have to address this problem very soon! I can't afford to fix this rust issue on my own. I understand it's quite expensive if Toyota recalled other 4runner and trucks with the same frames - why don't they do the right thing and recall ALL involved?
Thank You, Flipper
- Flipper K., CINCINNATI, US