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 · Suspension
The frame is completely rusted out making the vehicle unsafe, undriveable and unfixable with only 60,000 miles. We cannot find a frame or anyone to fix it.
ODI 11166669
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Everything about my toyota 4runner is in great condition except when i brought it in for an inspection i was devastated to find out that my car was no longer safe to drive due to the rust corrosion on the frame. Ever since i purchased this car at the dealership in 2003, i've always taken my car to toyota dealer services for all maintenances and yet they have failed to tell me about this rust corrosion problem until…
ODI 11151954
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was in the process of a state inspection, it was discovered that the subframe was severely rusted and corroded. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (bairel toyota, 19045 perry hwy, mars, pa 16046) were notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 107,000.…
ODI 11150148
Body · Suspension
Frame is showing excessive rust. Remainder of the vehicle is in excellent shape. Engine runs great, but the frame is now in a dangerous state. Gas tank support is completely gone.
ODI 11144067
Body · Suspension · Wheels
My entire vehicle is rusted out completely and is not in driveable condition.
ODI 11140747
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the front passenger side frame, front driver side lower support, and radiator bar contained rust. The vehicle was taken to toyota of naperville (located at [redacted], naperville, il 60540, [redacted]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 184,000.
ODI 11218044
Body
Frame has significant rusting issues. Failing connectors, heavy rust scaling of frame with one area at 3/4 failure of box frame.
ODI 11133567
Body
This vehicle failed state safety inspection at an independent auto repair center due to excessive frame rust. Then had vehicle inspected by a local toyota dealer who indicated "needs new frame - all rotted - there's no where to weld." the body of this vehicle is in great shape but has become a safety hazard due to frame rust. This rusting issue seems very similar to that of the tacoma. Toyota acknowledges the frame…
ODI 11203167
Body
My 2003 4runner has a ton of rust and the frame is rusting badly. I do not feel this vehicle is safe to drive.
ODI 11130062
Body · Suspension
The frame of my 2003 toyota 4runner v8 demonstrates excessive and concerning rust damage. The body is in extremely good condition and has almost zero rust, a stark contrast against the frame. The frame has rust damage heavily on the lower radiator support, a 8" long spot on the bottom of the frame directly behind the transmission crossmember on the passenger side, and by the driver's side rear lower trailing arm…
ODI 11124488
Body
Recall: structure of truck. I have 2003 toyota 4 runner that is rusting real bad. The structure frame is loosing a lot of rust . I have even have at least 3 wholes in my passenger side frame under my truck. I see many other people are having this issue. I would like to see someone look into to see why this is happening and take action because i feel this will become a serous safety issue to people who are having…
ODI 11124432
Body · Unknown Or Other
Frame is getting large rust holes throughout entire frame.
ODI 11253923
Body
The frame of my vehicle is suffering from extreme and premature corrosion and rusting. There is signifiant rotting due to rust and corrosion on parts of the frame. Although no incident has yet to occur, i fear an unsafe incident could occur while driving due to the corrosion and rust of the vehicle's frame.
ODI 11122080
Body
While driving to work on august 22, 2018 my power steering suddenly gave out while turning making the vehicle difficult to maneuver. Luckily, i was on city streets and only doing 30 mph. The next day i took the car to the mechanic to have that fixed along with an oil change and other normal maintenance. The mechanic called me and informed me that he found that my frame has significant corrosion to the point that the…
ODI 11122319
Body
03 4runner has excessive frame rust near rear wheel area and front radiator mount.
ODI 11121344
Body
Frame rust thru.documented by the dealer. Nourse in chillicothe,ohio
ODI 11170143
Body
Vehicle has excessive rust and holes in the frame, while only having about 100,000 miles.
ODI 11163938
Body · Suspension
2003 4runner with excessive rust of the frame and undercarriage. Potential failure of frame and frame components due to rust could cause serious injury. Dealer submitted photos to toyota.
ODI 11115382
Body
I took my 2003 4runner in for its routine oil change and the technician informed me my car was unsafe to drive do to excessive rust and corrosion on the frame. My vehicle is in perfect visual condition. I believe this is a major safety concern.
ODI 11122182
Body
My 4 runner failed va safety inspection due to "frame rusted through" see attached photo
ODI 11113120
Body
The passenger side frame rail has rusted so badly that it has split and cracked. Absolutely crazy that the 4runners weren't included in the pervious frame recall with the tacoma's.
ODI 11131733
Body
The frame on the 2003 toyota 4runner has an excessive amount of frame rust. Others have reported this issue and it is believed to be a design flaw by toyota. Due to the excessive amount of rust, there is a major safety concern.
ODI 11121278
Body
Vehicle frame has excessive rust, broke apart at frame joint. Vehicle unsafe to drive 156k.
ODI 11104317
Body
We had just bought the vehicle when the rear end began swaying from side to side and we took it to the mechanic at toyota and was told that the whole frame was rusted out and was to dangerous to drive but they could not help us. The same frame was on the other 3 makes and was recalled and that ours needs to be recalled. They all know it needs to be recalled and i wish they would just do it because it just sits out…
ODI 11191171
Body
Excessive frame rust in multiple spots on frame on both sides and on crossmember. This is a well documented problem for this generation of 4runner and needs to be addressed. My vehicle has been garage kept since new i am the original owner of the vehicle.
ODI 11193789