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.
Four wheel drive will not shift, took it to my mechanic he told me that the Actuator is bad and the transfer case needs to be replaced. He also told me that there is a recall but when I called a Toyota rep. they said no. I plan on purchasing another Toyota in the future but if I cannot get help with this one, which I have thoroughly enjoyed, I will have to think about buying another or continuing to refer others.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Four wheel drive will not shift, took it to my mechanic he told me that the Actuator is bad and the transfer case needs to be replaced. He also told me that there is a recall but when I called a Toyota rep. they said no. I plan on purchasing another Toyota in the future but if I cannot get help with this one, which I have thoroughly enjoyed, I will have to think about buying another or continuing to refer others.
- Nora M., Reading, PA, US