2003 Toyota 4runner problems
Owners have filed 718 complaints about the 2003 Toyota 4runner with NHTSA. Structure accounts for 38.7% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of suspension at 15.2%.
Complaints718
Crashes22
Fires0
Injuries12
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Structure 38.7% · 278
Suspension 15.2% · 109
Unknown or other 13.5% · 97
Service brakes 6.1% · 44
Steering 4.5% · 32
Vehicle speed control 3.2% · 23
Power train 2.9% · 21
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.9% · 21
Severity
Of those complaints, 22 describe a crash and 12 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Toyota 4runner in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2004 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 117 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 128,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. While the contact was performing routine maintenance on the vehicle, he found that the vehicle's frame was corroded with holes. The corrosion extended to the exhaust system that connected to the muffler. The fuel tank cover was also corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Structure · reported at 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that there was rust on the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to sunrise Toyota (3984 sunrise hwy, oakdale, ny 11769, (631) 589-9000) where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and the frame hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000. The vin was invalid. Structure · reported at 200,000 miles
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. Structure · reported at 153,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…