There are no safety recalls for the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner, but owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA.
2003 Toyota 4 Runner problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 78 | |
| Power Train | 19 | |
| Seats | 17 | |
| Visibility | 13 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Tires | 6 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Wheels | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 34
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 20
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 7
- Power Train › Driveline — 6
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
- Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner — 5
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 4
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 600 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Toyota 4 Runner complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 35,000 miles · reported Aug 9, 2006
Brake pedal goes al the way to the floor when sitting at a stop . The 4 runner has 3 masters and one complete power brake unit installed by toyota and I still have the problem, toyota stated it is normal.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Jul 23, 2006
I purchased a new 2003 4 runner from toms river toyota. All service of the vehicle performed there. Over a year ago we complained low a low brake pedal. Dealer said nothing was defective. Recently dealer recommended rear brake service. Problem still not resolved. On last service visit the dealer advised me that toyota issued a service bulletin requiring a pad spacer being installed. But now due the mileage being over the 50000 mile warranty, dealer requires >$ 250. Be paid by owner to repair this issue. No such service bulletins were found on this website search.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 81,000 miles · reported Jun 29, 2006
All four of my door locks have stopped working with the automatic system. Each required a new lock actuator to be installed on each door. The failures occurred at 26,598 (7/16/04) - front driver, 50,327 (6/10/05) - rear right, 67,878 (12/30/05) - front right, 81,435 (05/2006) - rear driver. If a user does not notice the failure, the potential exists for children in the backseat to open the door - as the driver believes that the door is locked, but it is not.
Child Seat · reported May 22, 2006
Dt*: the contact stated the child seat will not stay secured in the vehicle. The seat is secured in the vehicle by the latch system and has been inspected by a child passenger safety technician. The child seat wobbles from side to side while occupied. The manufacturer has been contacted and sent a replacement base however the replacement base has the same problem as the original. The seat is currently not being used. Dorel juvenile group, eddie bauer, model # 22-630-bal. Date of manufacture: february 6, 2006.
Tires · at 45,000 miles · reported Apr 4, 2006
30 month old 2003 toyota 4 runner sport. Went to use spare tire for the first time but found places on the sidewall where the rubber appears to be melted. The marks look like they correspond to the places where the spare tire touches the undercarriage of the vehicle when the spare tire is stored. It looks to me (As a layman) that the damage is significant enough that it compromises the safety of the tire.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (78 reports), followed by power train (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 600 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.