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
I took my car for an oil change on 5/29/18 and they came back and told me my frame was unsafe to drive on. We took it to another shop and put it up on the lift and the frame is about to crack in half from the amount of rust. My car is garaged and barely driven during the snow. I realize it is 15 years old, but the two individuals that looked at it stated that the holes and rust found on the frame should not be that…
ODI 11099975
Body
Extensive frame rot on both sides right after the engine. The rest of the frame is ok with "normal" surface rust. Tried to treat rust but it has gotten worse in
ODI 11098637
Body · Service Brakes · Suspension
Recently bought my 4runner, took it to the dealer to be inspected, only for them to tell me that the frame was compromised due to rust damage. Toyota has agreed to replace frames on tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's, but not 4runners, even though they are all the same frames.
ODI 11098103
Body
Excessive rusting of frame while rest of vehicle remains intact.
ODI 11096856
Body
I took my vehile to ispection the frame has rust perforetion the vehicle is unsafe. That the dealers makers infection also differential housing is rusted badly/scaling.
ODI 11132386
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the independent mechanic noticed corrosion on the rear frame. The vehicle was not repaired. Toyota of la crosse (800 3rd st s, la crosse, wi 54601, [redacted]) was contacted and informed the contact that they were aware of the failure and to bring the vehicle in for a second diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made…
ODI 11256670
Body
Large rust holes in the passenger side of the frame
ODI 11192089
Body
My 4runner has been a very reliable vehicle, yet has extensive frame rust. The vehicle did not pass new hampshire state vehicle safety inspection in march of 2018 as a result of the frame deterioration. I have been unable to use the vehicle since then, and feel that toyota should address the issue with a recall as they have already done on the tacoma, tundra and sequoia. I have heard many similar reports on the…
ODI 11186097
Body
Vehicle frame has multiple holes due to rust, unsafe to drive and not repairable
ODI 11082179
Body
My 2003 toyota 4runner sport has experienced extreme, and dangerous, levels of rust on the frame cross bars, despite being washed regularly. The rust appears to be originating from inside the supports, and i was advised by a toyota dealer mechanic that the rust could potentially lead to complete frame failure in the very near future. At this point, sizable areas have rusted through entirely. I have brought this to…
ODI 11121514
Body
Front cross member rusted into on one side and rusted bad on the other. Plus, frame has several holes in it.
ODI 11078354
Body · Suspension
My vehicle although in perfect visual condition has excessive rust on the frame. I have been told it should not be driven as it could be hazardous. The car is in great shape with no rust on any other part of the car aside from the frame flaking away
ODI 11121313
Body
Frame is rusting and deforming uniformly on both sides of the vehicle just behind the front wheels and engine, in front of the transfer case.
ODI 11053618
Body
There is extensive corrosion on the right hand side of the car frame. It's of greatly safety concern and it seems that the problem is consistent with other 4runner type of frames. Our mechanic seen a few related issues in the last year or so.
ODI 11052322
Body · Service Brakes · Suspension
The vehicle feels like it's bottoming out going over the slightest little bump when in motion and the rotors were making a horrible sound going down the highway even after the brakes had been checked. Spent $400+ on new brakes & rotors only to find out that the frame is completely rusted out and the mechanic advised us not to drive it at all. It was too dangerous and would cause a bad wreck when it finally did drop…
ODI 11055270
Body
Vehicle frame is rotted/perforated,unsafe as per toyota dealership.
ODI 11045923
Body
The vehicle has excessive frame rust, covering 100% of lower frame, bumper to bumper. It has at least 2 holes, and is weak in several areas of frame. It failed inspection due to this. Only 133k miles on vehicle. Well maintained. Finally, tailgate door is significantly rusted above window, but at least this isn't a safety problem.
ODI 11043704
Body
We have owned our 2003 4runner in our family since new. It has always been incredibly well taken care of, weekly washes etc.. Now at 106,000 miles our frame has significantly more rust than expected of a car of this age and condition. We are very concerned that toyota has addressed many corrosion incidents within tacoma frames and not addressed the frames in the 4runner especially based on the condition of our frame…
ODI 11152387
Body
Excessive and heavy rust/flaking of the frame components pointed out by my mechanic while performing a minor repair to a heat shield under the vehicle. Vehicle has been garage kept since new and there is no rust on the body. I reported this to toyota customer experience and received a case number 1710131927, but they advise there are currently no active campaigns which cover my vehicle. Others had suggested i notify…
ODI 11040600
Body
FRAME IS ROTTING AWAY AND NEEDS REPLACED.
ODI 11031409
Body
Rusted frame , looking very dangerous and not safe
ODI 11170971
Body · Unknown Or Other
Frame is badly rusted. After a minor accident, the body shop stated they were unable to weld in a replacement crossmember due to excessive rust. I understand toyota has recalled frames of similar vehicles but not 4runners.
ODI 11123776
Body · Suspension
My 2003 4runner sr5 looks great and its v8 engine hums like it is new but the frame rails are totally rotten and i have been advised not to drive it at all as it is too dangerous to drive. So its value should be about 5-,6000 and now it is totally junk and has only scrap value. Toyota usa recalled the sequoia, the tundra and the tacoma from the time period, approximately 2003-2007 maybe more year models, but did not…
ODI 11019283
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed that the frame of the vehicle near the trailing arm brackets was rotted with holes and slight corrosion. A dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 196,000.
ODI 11011149
Body
Frame rust, severe extensive rust to frame, vehicle is unsafe to drive, toyota has recalls for tundra and tacoma, need to add 4runner to recall list. Vehicle has not been involved in accident, frame rot was pointed out while having vehicle serviced. The frame needs to be replaced.
ODI 11003891