2003 Toyota 4RUNNER

527 complaints on file, page 1 of 27.

1. Filed Jan 16, 2026Failure Jan 1, 2026Worden, ILBody

   Severe frame rust. 2 large holes on the inside of the frame just back from the front wheels and 2 large holes at the ends of the rear crossmember.

   NHTSA complaint 11711459
2. Filed Oct 29, 2025Failure Oct 27, 2025306,000 milesLoomis, CASpeedometer/odometer

   Odometer Fraud. The contact investigated a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner. The contact stated that during the investigation, he discovered a fraudulent scheme of approximately 15 vehicles with odometer fraud. The contact stated that the suspects targeted Facebook Marketplace victims by spraying oil on the engine prior to test-driving the vehicle, and when the vehicle began smoking, the suspects would ask for a discount for the vehicle. The contact added that after the vehicle was purchased, the odometer was rolled back and the vehicle was resold. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 150,000, and at the time of the vehicle being sold, it was discovered that the mileage was 306,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11696425
3. Filed Sep 19, 2025Failure Sep 19, 2025Roseland, NJUnknown or other

   While my mechanic was servicing a small exhaust leak on my vehicle he noticed that the chassis/frame of the vehicle was heavily corroded. He told me that he believe it was no longer safe to drive and that I contact Toyota. I had a local Toyota service center also look at it and they confirmed that the chassis/frame was heavily corroded and unsafe to drive.

   NHTSA complaint 11688509
4. Filed May 21, 2025Failure May 20, 2025Lawrenceville, GAElectronic lock/latch actuator

   My vehicle: 2003 4Runner SR5 2WD VIN: [XXX] Issue: Front driver's side door will not open. Electronic locks are operating, but the door release is not functioning. Safety Concern: What if I was in a situation where I did need to get out of the vehicle immediately? Such as a high-water incident, fire, etc. Especially for a person [XXX], as myself, this would be a big issue. When attempting to exit the car after pulling into the driveway, I could not open the driver's door. The locks would release, but the door latch would not. I had to crawl over the console to get out through the passenger side. This was not easy as I had back fusion surgery and 8 disc replaced, fused. I had to open the sunroof to help with get over and out. After I did get out, I tried the key in the driver's door, it would actuate the door locks on all doors, but the driver's side door latch would still not release. I even disconnected the battery and reconnected. No help. And after knowing more, it was not an electrical issue, but mechanical failure. I now have it at the repair shop after talking with Toyota Service manage who admitted it was a poor design as the repair for this is to destroy the door panel to get to the actuator to attempt to release the door latch. The estimate for this work is 1,150.00. I am beyond frustration, and especially when I see there is no recall for this issue. There are penty of conversations on this same issue on 4Runner forums as well as all over YouTube. Thank you for looking into this. You can reach me at: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11662305
5. Filed Oct 10, 2024Failure Jan 1, 2024Kansas City, MOBody

   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 complaint 11619222
6. Filed Dec 21, 2023Failure Apr 1, 2017Bronx, NYBody

   There is major corrosion on the chassis, brake-power steering-transmission lines, and all metal brackets on the frame and engine. The corrosion is so bad there is holes on the chassis. Known issue, many complaints, Toyota Corp. says to keep calling back maybe something will be done in the future. Unable to upload photos!

   NHTSA complaint 11561325
7. Filed Oct 20, 2023Failure Oct 20, 2023Dallas, TXBody

   Severe frame rust, there was a recall for tacomas but 4Runners have the issue just as bad

   NHTSA complaint 11551123
8. Filed Aug 8, 2023Failure Aug 8, 2023115,000 milesIndianapolis, INFrame and members

   The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was significantly corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11537118
9. Filed Mar 8, 2023Failure Mar 8, 2023Bark River, MIUnknown or other

   Frame is rotted from front to back

   NHTSA complaint 11510765
10. Filed Jan 26, 2023Failure Jan 12, 2023165,000 milesGranger, INFrame and members

    The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the tire retailer for tire replacement, the technician informed him that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the passenger's side front and rear subframes were severely corroded, as well as the cross member. The mechanic advised the contact to stop driving the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11503828
11. Filed Jan 17, 2023Failure Jan 17, 2023Roseville, CAService brakes

    The VSC system in the vehicle becomes disabled due to a firmware 'glitch' identified by Toyota when an emission system issue is detected by the onboard diagnostic system. The VSC system is listed as an 'essential safety feature,' so I'm curious why a recall was never ordered to patch defective firmware that can cause VSC to become disabled due to a completely unrelated emissions issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11502152
12. Filed Jan 13, 2023Failure Sep 20, 2022Pomona, CABody

    Extensive rust through out frame, resulting in holes in structural members. Leaving frame in a weak and vulnerable state.

    NHTSA complaint 11501555
13. Filed Jan 3, 2023Failure Oct 1, 2020Austin Texas, TXBody, Suspension, Unknown or other

    I purchased this 2003 Toyota 4Runner in 2018 under what I assumed was prime condition, for a vehicle that spent the majority of its life in Nebraska/Kansas before I moved to Texas in 2021. At 87,400 miles at the time of purchase, the vehicle had no visible damage to the exterior besides a few paint chips, some minor hail damage and scratches, and some easily fixed surface rust in the paint on the tailgate. The previous owner had driven it leisurely and had kept the miles low after 15 years. The car has had some mechanical issues, but nothing out of the ordinary outside of some regular maintenance over the first few years. Being close to 100,000 miles, the timing belt and pump was replaced around 98,000 miles. Other issues have been fixed periodically, please reference the attached files. After joining a Toyota 4Runner 4th Generation Facebook group and seeing a post about another's issues with rust damage in October 2020, I decided to take a look at my own frame. I then inspected my own vehicle, and found significant frame rot damage. It is extensive, with significant rust to the frame, with large holes and soft patches that question the integrity of the frame and the safety of the vehicle on the road. Every time I hit a small bump or pothole, I fear the frame will crack and I will lose control as others have. I have not sought out professional repairs due to the extensive cost, and am awaiting the outcome of a current class action lawsuit by the Bell Legal Group. The 4th Generation Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009) is built on the exact same frame as the Toyota Tacoma of that era, yet while the Tacoma was recalled for frame rot, the 4Runner was not included, which I believe to be a gross oversight in previous legal proceedings. The 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner is a reliable vehicle, but poses significant frame rot issues much earlier than should be expected.

    NHTSA complaint 11500005
14. Filed Dec 4, 2022Failure Nov 28, 2022Spring, TXBody

    Vehicle frame has rusted through and has holes affecting structural condition.

    NHTSA complaint 11495953
15. Filed Sep 18, 2022Failure Sep 13, 2022Novi, MIPower train

    Complete corrosion of entire frame causing unavoidable damage to framework.

    NHTSA complaint 11485060
16. Filed Aug 24, 2022Failure Aug 9, 2022hillsborough, NJSteering, Suspension, Unknown or other

    There is severe rust on the frame, the rear is listing by 3/4 of an inch due to suspension rust, parts of the frame are perforated and lots of rust can fall out of drain holes when tapped. I am unable to steer the truck due to the intermediate steering column rust. The Tacoma was recalled for the same reason, I am assuming the 4runner has not been recalled because it was manufactured in greater numbers, and therefore more costly to repair, the danger of the severe rust is the same in both vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11481057
17. Filed Aug 17, 2022Failure Aug 10, 2022Indianapolis, INBody

    Excessive frame rust causing difficulty to keep vehicle on the road. No warning lamps, I noticed the rust starting years ago, now the rust is so bad that the frame is rusted through causing difficulty steering and loud crunch noises. I contacted Toyota Consumer Affairs explaining the rust concern and asked if I needed to take the vehicle to a dealership for inspection, they said it wasn’t necessary (sounds like they don’t want to admit the existence of a possible manufacturing defect). The vehicle is available for inspection. I feel like I would be doing a disservice to society if I continue to drive this vehicle on public roads due to the danger of injuring a pedestrian or another motorist.

    NHTSA complaint 11479718
18. Filed Jul 31, 2022Failure Jul 31, 2022Urbana, OHUnknown or other

    Rusted frame

    NHTSA complaint 11476780
19. Filed Jul 18, 2022Failure Dec 22, 2021Greenville, MISteering, Suspension

    Stabilizer bar connecting the axle to the frame rusted off. I was driving only 25-30mph at the time, luckily. The vehicle swayed violently almost causing an accident and nearly forcing me off the bridge I happened to driving over. Very fortunate no one was hurt and nothing was damaged from the incident. You can imagine the tragedy if that had happened on the highway driving 75mph! Major accident, innocent lives damaged or lost. This is a very dangerous vehicle not only to the driver and passengers but also to anybody that happened to be innocently in the path of an out of control Toyota 4runner. Toyota Please fix this, for your safety and everyone else on the highway. People should be warned!!

    NHTSA complaint 11474448
20. Filed Jul 18, 2022Failure Dec 22, 2021Greenville, MISteering, Suspension

    Stabilizer bar connected to the frame rusted off,back passenger side! Causing the vehicle to sway uncontrollably, due to the low rate of speed, I was able to regain control of my vehicle and not drive off the bridge I was driving over at the time or crash into another vehicle. The engine runs great, everything works, the vehicle still looks good but the frame is rusting out from underneath it! Toyota Needs To Make It Right!

    NHTSA complaint 11474433