2003 Model Year

Toyota 4Runner

NHTSA Complaints & Reliability Data

Compare
Complaints
695
Recalls
1
Crashes
18
Severe
34

Active Recalls

Manufacturer safety recalls

03V146000 Apr 2003

Other

No consequence data available

Recent Complaints

Latest owner reports

Structure
Jan 2026

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.

Electrical System
Oct 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact investigated a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner. The contact stated that during the investigation, he discovered a fraudulent scheme o...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 2025

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...

Latches/Locks
May 2025

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 n...

Structure
Oct 2024

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...

Structure
Dec 2023

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...

Structure
Oct 2023

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

Structure
Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for servicing, he was informe...

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 2023

Frame is rotted from front to back

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 2023

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/K...

VS

Vehicle Safety Research Team

Automotive Data Analysts

Independent researchers analyzing NHTSA data to help consumers make informed vehicle decisions.

Data updated: March 4, 2026

Summary

The 2003 Toyota 4Runner has 695 complaints and 1 recalls on record. The most commonly reported issue is Structure. 18 crash-related incidents have been reported.

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