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 · Engine · Suspension
This 2003 toyota 4runner has 135,000 miles on the odometer and the frame and exhaust system including catalytic converter are completely rusted out and the vehicle is now unsafe to drive. Some frame components have completely rusted and broken off from the frame i.e. Tow hooks, exhaust and engine mounts. The frame is only held on to the body by the shock absorbers. The vehicle can no longer be driven safely. The…
ODI 10896701
Body
Have rust on my frame. Have hole near my cat converter that toyota found during inspection which failed because of the hole. They recommended i take somewhere else to patch to save money. Seems dangerous that frame is rusting to the point that it caused a hole.
ODI 10885274
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Noticed the right front wheel making awful sound. I had my mechanic to take a look. It is the wheel bearings going out, but then proceeded to tell me that the rust is so bad underneath that all the hose lines will have to be replaced. Brake lines leaking, transmission line leaking. All will have to be replaced. The rust is eating away underneath the car like cancer. No stopping it. The sway bars are rusting into as…
ODI 10892286
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was being serviced for annual routine maintenance, the dealer observed that the frame was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 235,000.
ODI 10884070
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to mount airy toyota (508 n andy griffith pkwy, mount airy, nc 27030, [redacted]), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that the extended warranty expired on may 31, 2017 and provided case number: 1808210330. The failure…
ODI 11123450
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While at an independent mechanic for repairs, the mechanic diagnosed that the entire subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
ODI 10850841
Body
Had a mechanic look at it and pointed out a few holes in the frame of the vehicle.
ODI 11131615
Body
Failed state inspection 1/25/16 due to rusted and perforated frame. It passed the inspection 1/26/15 just before selling vehicle to us. We have put less than 7000 miles on it since purchase on 1/28/15.
ODI 10823520
Body
Scheduled vehicle for regular inspection. Toyota rep advised substantial rot on frame, rear passenger side. Did not pass inspection. Rep advised that no current remedies/recalls in place. Rep suggested to trade it in. 153000 miles, engine/transmission excellent condition. Frame washed and treated w/ rust prevention 2x a year. Unacceptable structural problem, given the circumstances with no remedy from toyota.
ODI 10819648
Body
4runner frame rust. Multiple techs have told me my frame should have been included with an existing toyota recall but was not.
ODI 11172567
Body
My 2003 4runner has serious frame rust issues with less than 150,000 miles. The piece of the frame that supports the radiator and a/c condenser has rusted completely through and the radiator is unsupported on the driver's side. I have not experienced this problem with my old 1996 4runner which had 100,000 more miles on it.
ODI 10820320
Body · Lower Arm
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While backing out of the driveway, the lower control arm failed and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and an inspector sent by the manufacturer examined the damage. The inspector determined that the subframe bracket, which holds the lower control, had rusted and caused the lower control arm to fail. The inspector recommended that the entire…
ODI 10821201
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4unner. While driving over a pothole at approximately 25 mph, a loud bang emitted outside of the vehicle. The vehicle wandered out of the lane independently and became difficult to steer. The failure occurred when encountering uneven road surfaces and potholes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the entire frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was…
ODI 10821400
Body · Steering · Suspension
While driving on the highway the passenger rear side of my toyota 4runner began to move up and down and wobble making the car wander all over the road. We immediately went to the local toyota dealer, carver toyota of columbus in taylorsville, in. Inspecting the car on the passenger rear side we found that the rear suspension had pulled away from the frame where the frame had completely rusted leaving a big hunk out…
ODI 10822927
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced, but it was discovered that there was extensive corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000. .....updated 12/08/15 *bf *js
ODI 10780676
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. In addition, there were three large holes in the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
ODI 10767355
Body
FRAME RUST - CAR IS BASICALLY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
ODI 10914441
Body
My vehicle has severe frame rust and rot. Part of frame at the front of the car has holes in it and is not safe to drive. This vehicle has been well maintained. It was driven primarily in maryland and virginia.
ODI 10761027
Body
Brought the vehicle in for a suspension check and the mechanic found the passanger rear frame completely rotted.
ODI 10744781
Body
Heavily rusted areas on the frame on my 2003 toyota 4runner. Vehicle is garage kept and routinely maintained.
ODI 10820137
Body
RUST HOLES IN FRAME AT 140,000 MILES.
ODI 11063942
Body · Suspension · Wheels
FRAME AND UNDER PARTS ARE RUSTED
ODI 10949524
Body
My mechanic showed me that my 4runner has severe frame rust. The mechanic stated that it cannot be repaired. The mechanic is warning that the vehicle will not pass it's next safety inspection. The 4runner was purchased and kept in virginia. *tr
ODI 10659103
Body · Seat Belts
Frame has significant rust and has developed a hole up near the front of the car. I've had the rust sandblasted off and the frame re-coated, but should the frame fail, it could result in a real safety problem. Driver seat belt does not retract properly, which could result in the seatbelt not being snug enough to prevent injury in the event of an accident
ODI 10888641
Body
Vehicle has a cracked dashboard from one side to the other, could spread and affect air bags, toyota dealership in north miami beach stated there is a recall but have not corrected in three years, i have checked with them three times
ODI 11035433