2003 Toyota 4Runner Exhaust System Problems
- 25
- 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 25 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 2 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- rotten smell · 7 records
- exhaust fumes · 5 records
- rear window · 5 records
- windows closed · 4 records
- window down · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 1–30k mi | 16 |
| 100–150k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Exhaust System
2003 toyota 4runner sport ed, 6 cyl.- at 100,400 miles, both my catalytic converters went out. Also the check engine light goes on which disengages the vehicle skid control, so i hear. Repairs are costly. Can't smog car on the first time car ever needs to get smogged. Seems like a recall issue to me? *tr
ODI 10308607
Exhaust System
Toyota 4-runner 2003 six cylinder. Excessive sulfur dioxide odor. No events leading up to failure. Sporadic. Dealerships gave me a hard time, wanted $150.00 to run test even though toyota headquarters informed me that the dealer should just replace parts, so i never have had it fixed but i am concerned. I changed gas stations numerous times and still receive the odor. Odor comes and goes and can be strong at times…
ODI 10313782
Exhaust System
I own a 2003 toyota 4runner and have been experiencing a sulfur/rotten egg smell since i got it. It is intermittent and seems to occur most frequently upon acceleration. There have been times while driving that i get very dizzy. After researching i found there a quite a few complaints about this very problem. It seems along with the sulfur dioxide there is carbon monoxide inside the cabin, regardless if the windows…
ODI 10257614
Exhaust System
Foul smelling exhaust - ammonia smell - very strong on accelerations uphill or freeway on ramps. *jb
ODI 10155849
Exhaust System
I bought a 2003 4-ruuner sport edition withthe v-8 in august, 2003. Ever since i bought the 4-runner, there has been a strong rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust. It happens during acceleration or highway driving. The dealership inspected my 4-runner and said there was no problem. I then had the service writer ride with me to prove the rotten egg smell. I am afraid the exhaust gases getting into the car could…
ODI 10051490
Exhaust System
2003 toyota 4runner v6 limited - large amounts of exhaust fumes in the cabin. Exhaust fumes are experienced regardless of adjustments to environmental controls, including when the air conditioner is running and recirculation on. Exhaust fumes appear to be from the 4runner. All occupants become nauseous and experience significant eye irritation. I have significant concerns for the safety and health of my family,…
3 injuries
ODI 10049497
Exhaust System
2003 v8 4 runner emits rotten egg smell, primarily during quick acceleration. Was told by dealer to use higher grade of gasoline. Have tried higher grades of gas in the past and this does not always help. Toyota does not see this as a vehicle problem. *la
ODI 10045370
Exhaust System
We have owned the '03 4-runner for a couple of months and we have consistently experienced a "rotten egg, sulfur / ammonia type smell that has yet to subside. We have tried using exxon, sunoco, and shell 89-93 octane and the smell still persists. It is more apparent with the rear window down, but definitely exists with all windows up. The smell is choking and causes great difficulty to breath. It seems to be caused…
ODI 10038849
Exhaust System
We purchased a 2003 toyota 4runner in march 2003 of this year from power toyota cerritos. From the first week of driving to the current date, the exhaust emits a sulfur odor during regular as well as hard acceleration. The odor is especially noticeable when the rear window is rolled down. Currently we have over 5,000 miles on the vehicle and have confronted the tustin toyota dealership where we have had it serviced…
ODI 10038813
Exhaust System
I have a 2003 toyota 4runner and have had a strong sulfur smell inside the vehicle when accelerating to higher speeds. This smell is extremely irritating and this problem appears to be happening more frequently. Toyota reps say its the gas, but my 2001 toyota sienna has never done this, even though the same gas is purchased from the same source. Judging by all the similar complaints i've read toyota has a problem…
ODI 10037161
Exhaust System
Terrible sulfur smell on acceleration of 2003 4runner 6 cylinder sport. Most noticeable when the rear window is down. Complained to dealer twice. Told it was the gas i was using twice. Tried numerous different brands of gas with no improvement. I don't believe any of this. There must be something wrong with the catalytic converter or another exhaust component. Wondering if the exhaust smell could contain carbon…
ODI 10036656
Exhaust System
Exhaust entering passenger cabin whether windows are closed or not. Sustained, overpowering sulfur odor when this occurs. *ph
ODI 10038771
Exhaust System · Hubcap/Cover
Consumer states while driving at any speed, there was a strong smell of chemical fumes in the passenger compartment. The dealer had inspected vehicle, and was unable to duplicate or correct the problem. *ak the dealer duplicated the problem and said that it was not acceptable. The right front wheel center had faded. *scc *jb
ODI 10032026
Exhaust System
Foul fumes enter cabin upon acceleration. This occurs with high octane gas or without high octane gas. Only use 93 octane, but due to several other complaints tried lower octane and strong odor continued. These fumes enter cabin with all windows closed, air ventilation on recirculation and with air conditiong/heat off. Makes breathing very difficult and become light headed or headache. This is not just a "smell" but…
ODI 10036793
Exhaust System
Consumer noticed strong chemical gas coming from the exhaust tail and absorb by the rear window gate. Dealer stated well don't open that window. *ak
ODI 10026855
Exhaust System
This is a continual problem. Whenever we have the rear window down, there is a terrible odor that permeates the automobile. It makes me nausea and gives me terrible headaches. The dealer said we should open one of the side windows. I put a date, because the site would not accept this unless i did. *la
1 injury
ODI 10045287
Exhaust System
Rotten egg smell from exhaust when hatch back window down for interior air circulation. Believe the cause is length and positioning of exhaust pipe. *jb
ODI 10021208
Exhaust System
I occasionally have sulfur smelling fumes from the exhaust in the vehicle even when the windows are closed. The dealership told me to switch brands of gasoline. I am less concerned about the smell than the idea that exhaust fumes are entering the car with the windows closed. *nlm
ODI 10017124
Exhaust System
Rotten-egg like smell coming from the exhaust. Told by my dealership to try different gas because of sulfate content in the gas currently using is too high. I have been to 4 different gas stations, it is starting to get a little ridiculous.*ak
ODI 10037285
Exhaust System
There is a strong sulfur smell inside our 2003 toyota 4 runner sport edition when we drive. It is hard to breathe at times. Our concern is that it is dangerous to our health. Are we also getting carbon monoxide? Toyota dealer told us there is no fix other than to try different gasoline. We have two other vehicles on the same gas with absolutely no smell. We are at a loss as to what to do. Suggestions? Toyota gave us…
ODI 10020594
Exhaust System
This vehicle fills the cabin constantly with a "sulfur" or rotten egg smell. I have changed gas brands multiple times. *la
ODI 10049308
Emission Control · Exhaust System
Toxic sulfur/rotten egg smell in cabin of automobile
ODI 10011039
Exhaust System
2003 4runner se v8: during accleration, i have exhaust gases entering the passenger compartment. Toyota confirmed that the v8 is mostly affected due to the larger displacement engine. Also, per toyota, the exhasut gases are entering from a vent located on the left rear of the vehicle. However, toyota insists that this problem is due to the fuel. I have taken this to arbitration and was denied, even thought toyota…
ODI 10038899
Exhaust System
While driving exhaust fumes entered the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the problem. *ak
ODI 10051719
Exhaust System
The vehicle was distributing excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide gas from the exhaust pipe . The gas was coming through the air vents and making the occupants sick. *nlm
ODI 10017800