MYRModel Year Report

2003 Toyota 4 Runner

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Toyota 4 Runner
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:37:26.483Z

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
168
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

46% of complaints

Complaints per year

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 2003: 168 complaints 2003 168 2004: 66 complaints 2005: 15 complaints
1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1995 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 1999 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2003 168 2004: 66 complaints 2004 2005: 15 complaints 2005
1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 125 complaints 1995 1996: 89 complaints 1996 1997: 122 complaints 1997 1998: 120 complaints 1998 1999: 110 complaints 1999 2000: 104 complaints 2000 2001: 31 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002 2003: 168 complaints 2003 168 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

46% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and catalytic convertor.

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, 2003-12-10

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, 2003-11-25

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, 2003-11-02

Power train

11% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing driveline and automatic transmission.

Seats

10% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing recliner and mid/rear assembly.

Visibility

8% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and sun/moon roof assembly.

Service brakes

5% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 168 complaints filed for this model year.

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Toyota 4 Runner — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 78 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 17 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

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, accounting for 46% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.