1. Toyota 4Runner
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Unknown Or Other

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

BandRecords
150–400k mi16
100–150k mi13
60–100k mi11
1–30k mi1
30–60k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • November 1, 2018 · 79,000 miles

    Unknown Or Other

    My 2003 toyota 4runner only has 79,000 miles on it and the frame has prematurely rusted with large holes throughout. The coupling between the steering shaft and the rack and pinion is completely rotted. The steering shaft was almost completely rusted through causing faulty steering. My mechanic has deemed the car unsafe to drive.

    ODI 11165873

  • October 22, 2018 · 230,000 miles

    Unknown Or Other

    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…

    ODI 11150005

  • October 18, 2018

    Unknown Or Other

    The frame on my 2003 4runner is completely rusted beyond what is reasonable and safe. I purchased the 4runner new and now i have been told by several auto repair shops the frame is not safe to drive. Some shops refuse to put the 4runner on a lift in fear the frame will break. This is a serious issue and i fear for the safety of my family. I feel this rust issue is the fault of toyota to not prep the frame to resist…

    ODI 11205191

  • October 18, 2018

    Unknown Or Other

    The frame on my 2003 4runner is completely rusted beyond what is reasonable and safe. I purchased the 4runner new and now i have been told by several auto repair shops the frame is not safe to drive. Some shops refuse to put the 4runner on a lift in fear the frame will break. This is a serious issue and i fear for the safety of my family. I feel this rust issue is the fault of toyota to not prep the frame to resist…

    ODI 11205190

  • October 18, 2018

    Unknown Or Other

    The frame on my 2003 4runner is completely rusted beyond what is reasonable and safe. I purchased the 4runner new and now i have been told by several auto repair shops the frame is not safe to drive. Some shops refuse to put the 4runner on a lift in fear the frame will break. This is a serious issue and i fear for the safety of my family. I feel this rust issue is the fault of toyota to not prep the frame to resist…

    ODI 11205188

  • October 11, 2018

    Unknown Or Other

    Excessive frame rust preventing it from passing inspection

    ODI 11191252

  • October 7, 2018 · 174,000 miles

    Unknown Or Other

    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…

    ODI 11138887

  • September 2, 2018 · 210,000 miles

    Structure · Unknown Or Other

    Frame rusted recall : i am the original owner of this 4runner and i am told that i cannot pass inspection because the frame is rusted out. There are a number of areas of the frame that has holes rusted out and i feel the saftey of the vehicle is very much jeopardised now and toyota should recall the frame or give a credit towards a new toyota 4 runner. I would be interested in that. I can upload pictures of my frame…

    ODI 11163683

  • September 1, 2018 · 180,000 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    Frame is getting large rust holes throughout entire frame.

    ODI 11253923

  • September 1, 2018 · 135,000 miles

    Unknown Or Other

    My 2003 toyota 4runner is suffering from widespread underside rust. Including but not limited to the frame, radiator support, suspension components, brake lines and tow hitch.

    ODI 11253801

  • June 3, 2018 · 147,000 miles

    Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    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. *ln *dl

    ODI 11121974

  • May 18, 2018

    Unknown Or Other

    Rust all over the frame. There are many parts where it has ate through the frame in welds.

    ODI 11097110

  • March 23, 2018 · 111,354 miles

    Suspension · Unknown Or Other · Wheels

    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.

    ODI 11121543

  • October 21, 2017

    Unknown Or Other

    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…

    ODI 11035383

  • August 15, 2017 · 99,000 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    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.

    ODI 11123776

  • June 20, 2017

    Unknown Or Other

    THE FRAME IT'S RUSTED

    ODI 11020104

  • March 5, 2017

    Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    Excessive amount of frame rust for a car that has been garage stored in mild vancouver bc climate. Frame is exact same as toyota tacoma which have known frame rust and frame rot, but not covered under the frame recall from toyota

    ODI 11192012

  • November 18, 2016 · 82,000 miles

    Unknown Or Other

    FRAME RUSTING OUT

    ODI 10926850

  • October 20, 2016

    Unknown Or Other

    Took the truck for inspection it won't pass frame is rotted beyond fixing!!

    ODI 10945360

  • October 1, 2016

    Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    Frame and suspension attached to the frame corroded early. The attachments for the rear shocks are almost corroded through.

    ODI 10910905

  • August 12, 2016

    Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    My 2003 toyota 4 runner has massive frame rot. I fixed what i could, but still fighting with the problem. I know toyota recalled their pick up trucks because of frame issues, they should do the same for their 4 runners.

    ODI 10895516

  • July 14, 2016 · 184,000 miles

    Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other

    Noticed the right front wheel making awful sound. I had my mechanic to take a look. It is the wheel bearings going out, but then proceeded to tell me that the rust is so bad underneath that all the hose lines will have to be replaced. Brake lines leaking, transmission line leaking. All will have to be replaced. The rust is eating away underneath the car like cancer. No stopping it. The sway bars are rusting into as…

    ODI 10892286

  • June 1, 2016 · 130,009 miles

    Power Train · Unknown Or Other

    Extensive frame rust through and rear differential/axle rust the frame rust is in an area that connects the rear axle to the vehicle.

    ODI 10884116

  • May 31, 2016

    Unknown Or Other

    Informed toyota of hollywood, florida , two years ago , of my dashboard replacement letter and they still have not replaced my cracked dashboard.

    ODI 11104920

  • April 8, 2016 · 180,000 miles

    Unknown Or Other

    I purchased my 4runner new. It currently has 189,500 miles. Even though i keep my car inside my garage, the dashboard is cracked and sticky. I see many other complaints like this one. Toyota needs to fix this problem.

    ODI 10854373