2003 Toyota 4Runner Body Problems
- 173
- 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 173 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- frame rust · 26 records
- excessive rust · 13 records
- failure mileage · 13 records
- frame rusted · 13 records
- unsafe drive · 12 records
- excessive frame · 11 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 49 |
| 100–150k mi | 49 |
| 60–100k mi | 23 |
| 1–30k mi | 5 |
| 30–60k mi | 3 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body
The frame is rotting and cracking. It was bought brand new and has been used for short commutes. It is now unsafe for me and my kids.
ODI 11309113
Body
There is extensive rust damage on the frame towards where the transmission connects to the engine. In 1-2 years, my 4runner will need frame repairs, if not sooner.
ODI 11300756
Body
While my 2003 toyota 4runner was in a service appointment, i was notified that the frame has severely deteriorated due to corrosion and rust. I was able to inspect and document the corrosion with photographs. The vehicle will soon become unsafe to operate or drive.
ODI 11299739
Body
Took vehicle for new muffler. Advised not only muffler rusted through but the frame has extensive rust and deemed unsafe.
ODI 11297498
Body
The frame of the 2003 toyota 4runner became so rusted that when trying to put the car on the lift at a mechanic shop, the frame began to crumble and fall apart at the point where the lift contacted the frame. The entire frame has multiple points where the metal has rusted away and become very weak, compromising the structural integrity of the frame and potentially weakening areas where steering and suspension…
ODI 11292355
Body · Suspension
The frame is rusted away but the body is perfect. Purchased as is. Was not informed in writing about the bad frame
ODI 11287004
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle would not pass inspection because the frame was corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
ODI 11287091
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the front bumper and the frame were severely corroded with holes and the corrosion penetrated the radiator support, the rear passenger side trailing arm, and the interior frame of the front passenger door. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unable…
ODI 11265391
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, the independent mechanic informed the contact that the frame was rusted on the passenger side. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 171,000.
ODI 11257979
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While driving various speeds, the vehicle shook and vibrated. The vehicle was taken to heritage toyota owings mills ([redacted], owings mills, md) where it was discovered that the subframe had experienced severe rusting. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 153,000.
ODI 11268699
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the contact was performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, he found that the vehicle's frame was corroded with holes. The corrosion extended to the exhaust system that connected to the muffler. The fuel tank cover was also corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
ODI 11254289
Body
Went to inspect my 4 runner, was told i have major rot and rust on the frame they are unable to inspect, vehical is unsafe to have on the road. My suv is mint with low miles how can this be. I always take care of my vehicals.
ODI 11231940
Body
My frame is seriously rusted and needs replacement making my vehicle unsafe. There is rust in numerous locations. I just visited a repair shop and they told me that i would need to reinforce or replace the frame. The cost for reinforcing the frame is over 5000 dollars. The vehicle is in great shape other than the frame and i was hoping to drive it for at least a few more years. Your department has found similar…
ODI 11221860
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact took the vehicle to toyota wallingford (859 n colony rd, wallingford, ct 06492) where it was diagnosed that the frame was severely corroded and the vehicle was not safe to be driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 134,363.
ODI 11221675
Body
Rear axle badly rotted. Car has 66,000 miles on it. Requires replacement which is apparently an extremely expensive and sensitive process. The corrosion seems to be extraordinarily premature and due to substandard frame materials and treatment of same. Acton toyota had already welded in a frame bar 2-3 years ago. Called [redacted] (toyota motor manufacturing)spoke with a customer service rep (angie) and her…
ODI 11219658
Body
Rear axle badly rotted. Car has 66,000 miles on it. Requires replacement which is apparently an extremely expensive and sensitive process. The corrosion seems to be extraordinarily premature and due to substandard frame materials and treatment of same. Acton toyota had already welded in a frame bar 2-3 years ago. Called [redacted] (toyota motor manufacturing)spoke with a customer service rep (angie) and her…
ODI 11219477
Body
Our 4runner's frame is rusting away and toyota refuses to fix their mistake. The frame is similar to the tacoma that was recalled and repaired, so i contacted them and was informed that they weren't going to fix our 4runner that has the same issues. I was less than pleased with their response. This could've quite easily caused a severe accident. Luckily my mechanic caught it in time before that happened
ODI 11253818
Body
Excessive and premature corrosion has developed at various locations on the vehicle frame such that i am concerned about the structural integrity of the vehicle frame and it's impact on the operational safety when i'm driving this vehicle. It appears that the corrosion has originated on both the external frame surface welded seams and also from internal frame surfaces. I took proactive measures to have my frame…
ODI 11208273
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to repair the rear bearing. The technician diagnosed that the rear frame was rotted and had holes. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. The vin was not provided.
ODI 11207558
Body
Excessive frame rust causing vehicle to fail safety inspection.
ODI 11204175
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing a wheel alignment, it was noticed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to white river toyota [redacted], located at [redacted], white river junction, vt 05001) where it was confirmed that the frame was rusted and the vehicle would not pass the state inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was…
ODI 11254097
Body
The entire frame is rusted. The front section has rotted thru and the right section has rot thru more than half way pass the muffler area. Above the spare tire carrage is rotted and the tire carrage is siezed. I found this while jacking up the truck for an oil change and hear the frame crumble.
ODI 11204133
Body · Suspension
Excessive frame rot. 4runner should of been part of the tacoma recall and is absurd it was not in the first place. My whole passenger side frame rail is gone. I have had to constantly fix weld new metal to it.
ODI 11197131
Body
I own a 2003 toyota 4runner that i purchased new. The vehicle has ~129k miles and was garaged kept to 11/2015. It recently failed pa state inspection due to a rust hole in a frame rail. Since 11/2015, the vehicle is driven less than 5k miles a year. Prior to this event, i have never owned a vehicle that experienced a rust hole in the frame. I did some research and found that frame rust in 4th generation 4runners is…
ODI 11203966
Body
Significant frame rust has compromised the safety of the vehicle. Several holes have perforated through the frame and it has been deemed unsafe to drive due to frame rust. Toyota needs to replace these 4runner frames.
ODI 11196767