2003 Toyota 4RUNNER
This year had more than double the complaints of 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 2 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 9 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 79 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 53 |
| 1993 | 52 |
| 1994 | 12 |
| 1995 | 47 |
| 1996 | 72 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 130 |
| 1999 | 220 |
| 2000 | 379 |
| 2001 | 154 |
| 2002 | 192 |
| 2003 | 527 |
| 2004 | 612 |
| 2005 | 409 |
| 2006 | 380 |
| 2007 | 154 |
| 2008 | 96 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 145 |
| 2011 | 163 |
| 2012 | 96 |
| 2013 | 36 |
| 2014 | 77 |
| 2015 | 86 |
| 2016 | 78 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2019 | 64 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 56 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
53% of complaints: structure — 278 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
OUR 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS AN UNSAFE FRAME FROM COMPLETELY RUSTING THROUGH. THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE, AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT COMPLETELY COLLAPSED IN ON ITSELF, BENDING THE 1/4 INCH STEEL SUPPORT BRACKET.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190430
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FREEWAY AND DURING THE REPAIR PROCESS I FOUND OUT THAT THE HITCH RECEIVER THAT WAS ORIGINAL INSTALLED (51909-35010) WAS SUPERSEDED TO AN 'IMPROVED' ONE (51909-35011).
NHTSA ODI report, 20130809
Toyota has had issues with their frames rusting out and the 4th generation 4Runner is not exempt from this issue. My 2003 is requiring extensive work to keep it on the road safely due to frame rust. A recall to replace frames should be in place.
NHTSA ODI report, 20241010
21% of complaints: suspension — 109 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and lower arm.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: service brakes — 65 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE ROTTED RUSTED FRAME WHILE DRIVING. ALMOST DIED!
NHTSA ODI report, 20190517
Also filed under STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND TO DECELERATION ATTEMPTS AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130412
6% of complaints: steering — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 23 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V6 ENGINES, THE FUEL PULSATION DAMPER, LOCATED ON THE FUEL RAIL, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSEMBLED, CAUSING A DIAPHRAGM IN THE PULSATION DAMPER TO BE D
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PULSATION DAMPER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 5, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE
Campaign 03V146000 — check if this car was fixed
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSIT
Remedy: THE REMEDY IS NOW AVAILABLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN EARLY APRIL 2011. THE REMEDY WILL INVOLVE MODIFICATION OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND REPLACEMENT OF ANY TOYOTA ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MAT
Campaign 11V113000 — check if this car was fixed
Frame corrosion
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FIVE FACTORY ALLOY WHEELS (MODEL 6934 AND 6936), WITH FACTORY LLAT, AND WITH PORT INSTALLED WR4, FOUR ALLOY WHEEL UPGRADE PROCESSED AT THE JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA PORT AND DISTRIBUTED BY SOUTHEAST TOYOTA...
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DIFFERENT STYLE LUG NUTS, A WARNING LABEL FOR THE SPARE RE/ALLOY WHEEL, AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM.
Campaign 02V339000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Toyota 4RUNNER — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (278 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (109 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (65 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V339000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V113000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.