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 front cross member has developed a hole, and another is starting on rear of the frame. No rust anywhere on car except frame. Car was garaged or parked on pavement always, never on grass or dirt. *tr
ODI 10626245
Body
Heavy frame rust....i have heard of other toyota suvs and pu's with frame rust that were recalled due to the frame rusting through. This vehicle's life started out in wny, and has been in virginia the last 3- 4 years. If toyota is recalling the tacomas and sequoias then the 4runner should be included. I know i am not the only one with this issue. Thank you *tr
ODI 10599147
Body
SEVERE RUSTING OF FRAME
ODI 11165673
Body · Service Brakes · Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection when they detected that the rear differential, rear lower control arm and frame were severely corroded. One of the two rear lower control arms had become slightly detached from the vehicle. In addition, the emergency brake also exhibited corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The…
ODI 10548693
Body · Power Train · Steering
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The steering wheel became hard to turn and the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the steering wheel system, which failed due to severe corrosion that expanded to the transmission lines and the frame. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
ODI 10523046
Body
My 4runner got rear ended on the freeway and during the repair process i found out that the hitch receiver that was original installed (51909-35010) was superseded to an 'improved' one (51909-35011). However, when i installed my bicycle carrier, i realized that the universal foot was standing one inch out of the hitch receiver causing it to virulently shake and bounce around. When inspecting the new hitch receiver…
Crash reported
ODI 10534407
Body · Unknown Or Other
I purchased my toyota new in 2003 and have had it serviced by the same dealer as per schedule. I have 300469 miles but have rusting frame even though i wash under frame on a regular basis. I have been told by the mechanics at the dealer that is just thw nature of the make. I plan on keeping my car because it runs very well with little or no problems witb exception of rust. The tacoma of the same year was…
ODI 10850405
Body
I bought the car new and other than a couple of fender benders caused to the rear of the vehicle, the car has been kept in excellent condition and garage kept both at home and at work. I noticed a hairline crack from the left (driver's side) on the top dash panel extending to the middle (top of the stereo). After researching online (several complaints both here as well as other websites), i called toyota @…
ODI 10483934
Body
Frame of vehicle is rotting out- not likely to pass inspection for very long. Similar issues to frames of toyota tacoma and tundra frames that have been recalled. 4runner should be recalled as well. Just discussed condition of frame with local toyota dealership today- recommended filing a complaint. *tr
ODI 10469727
Body
EXTENSIVE PREMATURE FRAME RUST
ODI 10851145
Body
BADLY RUSTED FRAME
ODI 10939499
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing an oil change by an independent mechanic, the technician noticed that the front and rear sections of the frame were corroded through. The technician declared the vehicle unsafe to drive. The vehicle was later taken to toyota of kingsport (2525 e stone dr, kingsport, tn 37660, [redacted]) where the technician performed a visual inspection…
ODI 11243930
Body
This vehicle has a rotted frame which is perforated in at least 3 places
ODI 10372766
Body · Unknown Or Other
Premature corrosion of frame vsc light on atrac system permanently disengaged
ODI 11145277
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that the dash board was severely cracked and the problem had worsened over the passenger side where the air bag was located. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
ODI 10607544
Body
We purchased the vehicle in 2008 for $14,000 from a local toyota dealer, with 84,000 miles on it. The transmission lines rusted out shortly after that, the steering rack has been replaced twice, and now the gas tank has fallen down, and there is nothing left to attach a new support to. An automobile that should have a value of $6,000 + is now worthless, and we cannot even drive it safely. This was a chronic problem…
ODI 10611347
Body · Unknown Or Other
EXCESS FRAME RUSTING, HOLES IN FRAME
ODI 11012901
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The contact took the vehicle to a private mechanic. The technician stated that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 48,000.
ODI 10501205
Body
My frame is rusting from the inside out. There's a hole in my frame right about where the driver sits. I'm including a picture of the frame damage and documents from toyota indicating the frame rust and damage (highlighted in red) from when they inspected it. Not sure when this started happening, because i bought the 4runner in 2018. The inspection from toyota on 12/15/2017 is the only thing i can find documenting…
ODI 11192606
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle had excessive rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000
ODI 10787092
Body
Extensive and severe frame/chassis rust and corrosion throughout . This is a well-know problem with both 4runner and tacomas
ODI 10884876
Body
Chassis/frame on 4th generation 4runners have a severe rust problem. Many are documented & discussed at http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs. Similar trucks in toyota's product line qualified for frame replacement but the 4runner was ignored. The rest of the truck is 100% rust free except for the frame. Recently had a body shop look at the frame - was described as "too rusty to weld onto" when discussing…
ODI 11006593
Body
The frames on 2003-2008 4runners rust very badly and have deemed hundreds of otherwise good vehicles unusable. Note that just the frame components are rusting through while the bodywork remains intact.. Toyota recalled and replaced frames on several similar vehicles in their lineup but did not offer the same to 4runner owners. Hopefully this changes.
ODI 11111257