2003 Toyota 4Runner recalls and problems
The 2003 Toyota 4Runner has 3 safety recalls and 528 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Toyota 4Runner recalls
Recall 11V-113: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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 position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
Recall 03V-146: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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 damaged. If the diaphragm fails, fuel may leak.
Risk: This could result in an engine compartment fire if a heat source or an ignition source is present.
Fix: 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 remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 02V-339: Wheels
Problem: 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 distributors in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina, when the vehicles were processed at the port, an alloy tire/wheel upgrade was installed. The upgrade included 4 alloy wheels. The original spare tire/alloy wheel was not changed. The spare tire requires the use of a different style of wheel nut to attach it to the vehicle.
Risk: If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the wheel nuts provided for the upgrade alloy wheel, damage to the wheel could result and could eventually lead to a loose wheel.
Fix: Owners will be provided with different style lug nuts, a warning label for the spare re/alloy wheel, and an owner's manual addendum.
2003 Toyota 4Runner problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 278 | |
| Suspension | 109 | |
| Unknown or Other | 97 | |
| Service Brakes | 45 | |
| Steering | 32 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 23 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 21 | |
| Power Train | 21 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 11 | |
| Wheels | 11 | |
| Engine | 10 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 246
- Structure › Frame and Members — 7
- Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 7
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 4
- Power Train › Driveline — 3
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2
- Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 127,000 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 4Runner complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner: 11V-113 (vehicle speed control), 03V-146 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-339 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota 4Runner?
Owners report structure problems most often (278 reports), followed by suspension (109). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 127,000 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.