Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
So first off I had a Ford Escape and one day it wouldn't crank up and started beeping loud so I called and got it towed it sat in the shop for 3 days and they told me it was fixed they fixed the abs lights and was told it was ready and I didn't even make it out of shop and the car was running hot and als realized the miles had been docked back a lot and had to be towed again a week came around and the fan stopped spinning and they said they offer me a trade in because they didn't know what was wrong well I got this 2003 4 runner and these both were under warranty 3 months in and both had to be taken into service this one for radiator busted only to go into service had it towed and then additional problems they put a new wheel hub and brakes without my authorization and also the gear clip / gear shift was broken and they were trying to fix that and told me my car was ready today went up …
The rust and corrosion underneath the vehicle continually gets worse year after year. The main components of vehicle relating to the engine, powertrain and suspension underneath vehicle are corroded; holes exist in the frame of the truck through out. The frame of truck is rotted due to not being sealed properly during the manufacturing process. Due to the rust and corrosion on the frame of truck, it is impossible to get work done on exhaust and muffler areas. I will send pictures for your reference. This makes driving a safety concern for myself and my son. At this time, I am unable to purchase a new car and do not have money to replace/fix the frame of truck. Inevitably, this problem will get worse and may cause a safety concern for myself and others on the road. …
I bought my 2003 Toyota 4runner less than a year ago from an auto group (Toyota, Honda, ect) and had them perform a safety inspection. Since it was used I knew there would be some issues, the only problem it had was the recommended service wasn't completed at 90K miles (timing belt, water pump, ect). I worked that into the deal an was on my way. After departing the U.S. And shipping my car to hawaii, the inspectors here found a lot of rust on the frame and said it could be an issue getting an approved safety inspection (required for registering the car in hawaii). They said it isn't severe now, but can be living in this state as it is very rusted and will continue to do so in such a humid environment. They also said that tacomas for that year had a recall due to excessive frame rust (similar if not the same frames) but 4runners do not, so they recommended I talk to Toyota about it. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start. The contact mentioned that the head gasket needed to be removed and re-installed in order to start the vehicle. Also, while driving various speeds, the rear of the vehicle swayed uncontrollably to the left and right. The vehicle was taken to big o tires (2245 state st, new albany, in 47150, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the passenger side control arm was fractured and the driver's side control arm could fracture at any moment. The vehicle was towed to mccormick motor sports (1041 s 6th st, louisville, ky 40203, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the head gasket was causing cylinder three to misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 217,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while having routine maintenance performed, she was informed that there was excessive rust and holes on the subframe. Additionally, the calipers were sticking and the oil pan was rusted. The contact completed the repairs. The vehicle was taken to ramey Toyota (135 frazier dr, princeton, wv 24740, [phone]) and diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The subframe was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 55,000.
I was driving down the highway after getting off the interstate when my vehicle began to overheat. I luckily noticed and pulled over before incurring more damage and warping the engine head. I have heard multiple times that these 4.0 v6's Toyota made have head gasket problems. After getting it towed back to the mechanic on thanksgiving, I was told I had a blown/leaking headgasket. I have never drove this vehicle over 3K rpms and find it ridiculous it would fail under such good condition.
The engine, vsc trac and vsc warning indicators illuminated continuously on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The engine 02 sensors were found to be defective. The manufacture will not replace or replace since there are no advisories on the part. There is a high risk the engine May under perform which May cause lack of control and a potential accident while driving. Leading to injury.
"Takata recall". So I'm not understanding a problem with my Toyota 4runner. As of yesterday there was a great amount of smoke coming from the area of the oil stick from my assumption the oil was getting on the Cadillac converter. Or something that would hit something hot on the engine to cause it to smoke I'm trying to find out if there is a recall for that.
The frame of the car has been rusting at a significant rate in the last 4 years. Mechanic identified major rust issues that would make the vehicle not safe in case of an accident.
My new forerunner has 60000 km(lots of highway driving) on it and is experiencing the same problems documented by so many others. I usually have a friend of mine do the oil changes and therefore do not have documentation of the details. This initial problem arose on a weekend. I contacted my dealer and they couldn't get me in for a week. They told me to get the engine flushed immediately at a jiffy lube(or the like). I did so and that is when I started seeing smoke and having the engine either jerk or not respond at all. When the dealer finally had a look at it he told me I had neglected the engine and he would not go any further until I agreed to pay (no price offered as of yet, although he did say that it would probably be at least a piston ring job, possibly an engine). He also accused me of putting in a new oil filter to hide a problem. …
Engine complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 99 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner, 14% of the model year's 696 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Toyota 4Runner engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Toyota 4Runner engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 1,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 17 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.