1. Toyota 4Runner
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Power Train

2003 Toyota 4Runner Power Train Problems

9
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.

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi3
150–400k mi1
60–100k mi1
1–30k mi1
30–60k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • January 24, 2019 · 176,654 miles

    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

  • November 16, 2016 · 150,000 miles

    Body · Power Train

    There is excessive rust on the underbody of my 2003 4runner. It has just 165,000 miles and the frame is extremely rusted. Being only 15 years old i find this to be very sad and unreasonable. The car should be able to last 20-30 years and 300,000 miles. The car has been regularly washed and driven in pennsylvania, illinois, ohio, new york. If there was additional treatment required for the frame it should have been…

    ODI 11054749

  • 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

  • June 24, 2013 · 125,000 miles

    Body · Power Train · Steering

    Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The steering wheel became hard to turn and the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the steering wheel system, which failed due to severe corrosion that expanded to the transmission lines and the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…

    ODI 10523046

  • February 24, 2012 · 59,000 miles

    Power Train · Suspension

    I have had this vehicle since new, and only travel back and forth to work approx 30 miles a day..(now has 59,000 miles).vehicle has been regularly serviced at a local toyota dealer...vehicle never used for towing or never been off-road, and maintained like a baby...all of a sudden dealer told me my front axle cv joints are leaking and needs replacing including the rear shocks? This is fully loaded 2003 toyota…

    ODI 10449346

  • September 17, 2011

    Power Train · Vehicle Speed Control

    Vehicle has a low gear sound which began when vehicle was relatively new as i travelled down slight grades. I never complained because that was the only time it seemed abnormal and there are only a very places in my town where the hill was steep enough to cause it. Plus i assumed it was related to the trac braking system and might be normal. Last weekend on a 5 hour trip each way the problem began to manifest itself…

    ODI 10427130

  • August 5, 2010

    Electrical System · Fuel/Propulsion System · Power Train

    My 2003 toyota had emissions issues in that all four oxygen sensors would fail quickly. It took me two years and lots of money later to determine that the cause of this is because transmission fluid is wicking its way through the transmission solenoid harness all the way to the ecu and once there because of the way the ecu is mounted gets into all of the other wiring harnesses of just about every other sensor. I…

    ODI 10823454

  • January 7, 2009 · 85,000 miles

    Power Train

    From a completely stopped position, letting off the gas and allowing the truck to idle forward results in a klunk noise whether you accelerate or not. As i have read, it is a problem within the drivetrain. I took the truck to toyota to have it looked at. They say it is because the rear needs to be lubed with every oil change and was completely dry. They lubed it up and said the problem should improve with time. The…

    ODI 10255797

  • December 1, 2004 · 12,000 miles

    Electrical System · Power Train · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Vehicle Speed Control

    The vehicle would rev itself up to a high rpm, from a stopped position when i stepped on the gas the vehicle would go in reverse. The dealership eventually replaced the transmission only after the manager borrowed it overnight and experienced it himself, but i have noticed the problem beginning again. Another problem is the radiator leaking and needed to be replaced (i was told it had the wrong kind of antifreeze;…

    ODI 10387248