MYRModel Year Report

2003 Toyota 4 Runner

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:52:48.694Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Toyota 4 Runner Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2003 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
2003: 168 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199452
1995125
199689
1997122
1998120
1999110
2000104
200131
200232
2003168
200466
200515

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 20%

20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 34 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER V6 LIMITED - LARGE AMOUNTS OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. EXHAUST FUMES ARE EXPERIENCED REGARDLESS OF ADJUSTMENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, INCLUDING WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING AND RECIRCULATION ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031210

THIS IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM. WHENEVER WE HAVE THE REAR WINDOW DOWN, THERE IS A TERRIBLE ODOR THAT PERMEATES THE AUTOMOBILE. IT MAKES ME NAUSEA AND GIVES ME TERRIBLE HEADACHES. THE DEALER SAID WE SHOULD OPEN ONE OF THE SIDE WINDOWS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031102

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 12%

12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER SUFFERING THROUGH MONTHS OF ILLNESS CAUSED BY A NOXIOUS SMELL, WE HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT OUR V8 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER EMITS OXIDES OF SULFUR (SO2, HS2, ETC.) ON THE MATTER OF SULFUR DIOXIDE ALONE, WE FOUND THAT...

NHTSA ODI report, 20031125

SEATS 6%

6% of complaints: seats — 10 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4%

4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 4%

4% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 168

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seats issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 2002 ▲ 1994

WORST YEARS

◆ 1995 ◆ 1997 ● 1998

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:exhaust system, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.