2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 10 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2003: 10 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 4 |
| 1988 | 10 |
| 1989 | 3 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 11 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 20 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 12 |
| 1997 | 17 |
| 1998 | 16 |
| 1999 | 23 |
| 2000 | 25 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 10 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 3 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
3 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
As I was driving, the vehicle's ABS, vsc trac, vsc off, and brake light all came on at the same time, with an audible buzzer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-26
During normal driving and braking conditions, the anti-lock brake system activates, extending braking distance.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-14
Structure
2 of 10 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
Excessive underbody rusting. I have a tundra whose underbody was changed upon recall by Toyota. Car is garaged or left in driveway. Every mechanic comments on excessive rusting including prestige Toyota but they maintain it's satisfactory.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-07
From the Toyota invoice: "Customer states the back of the center console facing the rear seats gets very, very hot...almost burning fingers." And this statement is correct.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-21
Air bags
2 of 10 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a left turn, a second vehicle crashed into the front of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-04-13
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked the side/ curtain airbags deployed. The contact sustained minor injuries. There had been no prior accident. The vehicle was driven to the dealership, but no defect was determined.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-03
Steering
1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser. The contact stated that while traveling 30 MPH and attempting a left turn, the steering wheel turned but the wheels did not respond.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-29
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-12-01Air bags16V065000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V065000 · Air bags
FAQ
- Is the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.