2003 Toyota 4Runner Unknown Or Other Problems
- 68
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 68 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- frame rusted · 12 records
- unsafe drive · 10 records
- frame rust · 8 records
- excessive rust · 6 records
- frame rusting · 5 records
- brake lines · 5 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 16 |
| 100–150k mi | 13 |
| 60–100k mi | 11 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
| 30–60k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Unknown Or Other
Took 2003 4runner to dealer for alignment. Was informed that frame has rusted to point of making car unsafe to drive. No other original components have rust.
ODI 11307982
Unknown Or Other
RUSTY FRAME
Crash reported
ODI 11296740
Unknown Or Other
FRAME RUSTING EXCESSIVLY
ODI 11307526
Unknown Or Other
The frame on my 2003 toyota 4runner has severe rust damage. I have always taken great care of this truck. Regular washing, cleaning, maintenance etc... I have tried to grind off the rust, use rust inhibiting products, and undercoating without any luck. The truck is in excellent condition, but the frame is rotting away right before my eyes. I'm afraid this $37000 truck will not make it to 75000 miles. I know toyota…
ODI 11251790
Unknown Or Other
Structure complaint. Frame , frame mounting points, and suspension mounting points. Heavy rust. Upon maintenance diagnostics for evap system the mechanics indicated significant serious corrosion problems with the forward and rearward sections of the frame. Significant and dangerous deterioration to mounting points for track bars, brake line brackets, and other suspension components. Structurally the frame is…
ODI 11258093
Service Brakes · Unknown Or Other
Extreme frame rust. Car is low mileage, well-kept, and outwardly in excellent condition. Recently suffered near-total brake failure. Towed it to shop for repair. Shop refused to repair brakes. They said frame was severely rusted. The rust had eaten away the point where the brake lines attached to the frame, and brake fuid was leaking from that juncture. They said if they removed the brake lines to replace them, they…
ODI 11219909
Suspension · Unknown Or Other
EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. MULTIPLE REPORTS OF THIS.
ODI 11217135
Unknown Or Other
Had this vehicle for 4 months. Low owner count, and 160k miles with good maintenance history. Noticed a slight sway at times on the road, suspected tires and/or alignment. After replacing and servicing it, it was discovered the frame is rotted out extremely bad from front to back. The passenger side frame rail is completely open on the bottom from corrosion, causing stability issues and now the vehicle is unsafe to…
ODI 11204513
Unknown Or Other
The frame of my vehicle is extremely rusted for it's age. Every component attached to the frame is overly rusted as well. It is spreading like a virus throughout the under body. I am becoming increasingly concerned about hauling, towing, or even driving my vehicle due to this rust. With only 172,000 miles, this should not be occurring. I have been keeping it in a garage for the past 5 years but as the 2nd owner it's…
ODI 11194431
Steering · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Structural rust to frame. Cracks and holes at welds and attachment points of suspension and steering. Frame is disintegrating under the truck, complete structural failure is imminent.
ODI 11191972
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
I took my 4runner to the dealership that is was purchased and was informed that it needs a new frame due to excessive rust/rot. I am being told that it is beyond repair and is a safety issue at this point.
ODI 11230500
Engine · Unknown Or Other
Takata recall. So i'm not understanding a problem with my toyota 4runner. As of yesterday there was a great amount of smoke coming from the area of the oil stick from my assumption the oil was getting on the cadillac converter. Or something that would hit something hot on the engine to cause it to smoke i'm trying to find out if there is a recall for that.
ODI 11180693
Unknown Or Other
Frame is rusting through where "front clip" joins side rails. Found during normal vehicle service. Vehicle deemed "safe" to use at present, but the frame will fail in the future. Vehicle was purchased new, one owner, garaged, approximately 125,000 miles, all street miles, never off-roaded.
ODI 11184603
Power Train · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Vehicle was maintained at a toyota dealership for over a decade before being informed that vehicle is unsafe to drive due to holes forming throughout the entire frame assembly from corrosion. Further research showes the frame of this vehicle resembles that of the toyota tacoma and tundra models which where recalled due to early and unsafe corrosion leading to components to detach from frame while vehicle is in…
ODI 11179964
Steering · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
The frame is rusted out and the rear suspension mounting brackets are starting to look like potato chips. Also noticed steering components are severally rusted.
ODI 11171318
Unknown Or Other
Frame is very rusted and i feel it may becoming unsafe to drive. I recently had a recall on my 2006 toyota tacoma due to rust and the frame was replaced. My 2003 toyota 4runner has more rust than the tacoma did and would expect that it should also be recalled as was the tacoma for the extensive rust.
ODI 11165410
Air Bags · Service Brakes · Unknown Or Other
Car was running perfectly. Brakes were services 6 months ago. Traveled from nc to fl for holiday. Started car maintenance light went on showed air bag indicator light with ear piercing buzzer. Went to drive car to toyota service department and had no brakes. They would work slightly but to dangerous to drive. Did not have brakes
ODI 11162641
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
I purchased my 2003 4runner brand new. The vehicle has 70,000 original miles. Never in an accident. The truck is garaged. Always maintained by toyota. Not a scratch on the truck. Interior looks brand new. However the frame has excessive rust. Found a few spots that will eventually needs to be addressed. Toyota needs to step up and fix the rust problems
ODI 11162620
Body · Steering · Unknown Or Other
I have had this vehicle for many years and i "know" it. I noticed that he steering wheel had a vibration albeit slight, this was something new as well as a noise i could hear under the car. I brought it home complained to my husband - he looked under the car & was appalled - the frame is so rusted he was able to stick his finger through the failing frame! I am afraid this vehicle will kill me! What if it decides to…
ODI 11161894
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Frame is rotting apart. Several holes and cracks
ODI 11175957
Body · Unknown Or Other
FRAME RUSTING OUT
ODI 11156455
Steering · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Extreme rust/rot throughout my 2003 4runner frame. The body, interior, powertrain are 8.5 out of 10 the frame is a 0 i live in new england and recently purchased the 03 4runner sr5 based off it looks. I drove the 4runner of about a month before the incident happened. I was driving on a typical new england road, fairly smooth with pot holes here and there going approximately 45 m.p.h.. Without any warning the 4runner…
ODI 11163081
Unknown Or Other
Excessive rust on the chassis. Abnormal noise noise. The metal could detach and cause accident. See pictures for details
ODI 11153417
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
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…
ODI 11151954
Suspension · Unknown Or Other
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.
ODI 11145132