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
Takata recall my 2003 toyota 4runner failed state inspection today for the first time ever due to extreme frame rust. The vehicle is totally unsafe to drive because of rusted out holes in the metal frame . Yes, if i drove over large pothole or involve in a collision, this vehicle would separate in pieces and not to mention what level of bodily harm you would sustain . Even though my odometer reads 255,000+ miles,…
ODI 11195276
Body
Our 2003 toyota 4runner has an unsafe frame from completely rusting through. The rear end of the vehicle, after being involved in a minor accident completely collapsed in on itself, bending the 1/4 inch steel support bracket. The frame shows the same type of rust throughout.
Crash reported
ODI 11204869
Body
EXCESSIVE RUSTING ON FRAME
ODI 11191241
Body
My 2003 toyota 4runner will no longer pass inspection and is no longer safe to drive as the frame is rotted beyond repair on the driver's side rear. While attempting to have new tires put on and am inspection done we noticed the severe rust/ holes and also a crack in the weld. The rest of the frame is pretty ugly as well, i did not look over the entire frame but i'm sure there are probably other areas that are very…
ODI 11186880
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
Body
I was warned by my toyota dealer that my 4runner may be unsafe to drive due to the amount of rust on the frame. The entire frame has rust spread out and it has a few really bad areas. I bought the vehicle used and i was told that there was a spot that was rusted through and needed a bracket to be welded over it. In the image attached you can what the general state the frame is in but it does not show the worst…
ODI 11181972
Body
I had some issues with my car and the mechanic put the car up on the lift and saw some holes created by corrosion into the frame of the truck. I understand that the toyota tacoma has the same frame and was recalled. Why is it that the same frame on a different vehicle and from the same manufacturer, toyota, isn't being recalled on teh 4runner? I insist that there be a recall and will hold all accountable.
ODI 11180196
Body · Suspension
The back of the truck frame has rusted through. Stationary. Front axle pics included as well. Rust, wear and tear. Not sure when it happened bc the dealership sold the vehicle to me like this. Rusted metal proves it happened awhile ago. Plus someone tried to weld it to cover up the problem. I've also put in a radiator and new muffler was completely rusted through.
ODI 11175030
Body
SEVERE FRAME RUST
ODI 11173906
Body · Suspension
Excessive frame rust has resulted in the frame almost completely disappearing, making the vehicle unsafe to drive and forced to be taken off the road. There is less than an inch of frame holding the rear right axle in place
ODI 11176417
Body · Suspension
I purchased this vehicle a week ago. It appears the dealer themselves never inspected the vehicle prior to my purchase. If they had, they would have know it was an unsafe vehicle to drive due to the amount of rust to the suspension, frame, and everything underneath. Just today, a toyota mechanic had told me that it is unserviceable. If i had owned this vehicle for years, that finding wouldn't be as painful to hear.…
ODI 11171004
Body · Suspension
FRAME BROKEN
ODI 11170925
Body
EXCESSIVE FRAME CORROSION
ODI 11192035
Body · Suspension
I was driving the vehicle and normal highway speed on the interstate. When i let off the accelerator, the vehicle lurched to one side, causing the vehicle to cross into the other lane. When i applied the accelerator again, the vehicle lurched in the other direction, requiring me to apply corrective action to maintain control. Upon inspection, the passenger side rear suspension link support had mostly separated from…
ODI 11166649
Body
Extreme rust on the undercarriage eating completely through the frame.
ODI 11289522
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
Currently the frame rust is very severe and is getting to the point that i am becoming hesisitant to have it out on the road. There are areas around suspension components and axles that are very rusted which could potentially lead to casualties if the mounts were to fail.
ODI 11161304
Body
Excessive frame dusting causing driving problems
ODI 11171037
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Frame is rotting apart. Several holes and cracks
ODI 11175957
Body
We were hearing a noise in the rear suspension (lh) when braking or accelerating. The car was not stable to drive. We lift the vehicle and found that the frame is rusted due to the manufactuer did not protect it at the factory. The rear left suspension bracket was almost dissapeared. The vehicle was dangerous to be driven. We had to reinforce the affected part to keep the vehicle in service, but the frame is rotten.…
ODI 11229658
Body · Unknown Or Other
FRAME RUSTING OUT
ODI 11156455
Body
Frame holding/securing radiator, skid plate is rotting away. Took too dealer/service dept.( kool toyota) and they took several pictures to add to the hundreds theyve already taken and submitted.
ODI 11154435
Body
I was driving my 4runner at about 20 miles per hour when it suddenly jerked to the right. I stopped and got out to see the frame had rotted apart and one of the suspension bar mounts had dropped. Luckily no one was hurt. I contacted toyota and they said there was nothing they could do for me.
ODI 11170964
Body · Service Brakes
The frame on my suv is very rusted and causing continuous problems. I've had to replace numerous parts underneath my car (sway bars, tie rods). Just the other night while driving home in a snow storm, i completely lost my brakes. Two of the main brake lines were completely corroded. A new frame would solve a lot of my problems. They've recalled tacomas and sequoias, wondering what the hold up is on the 4runner…
ODI 11152160