Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (seat frames, recliners, heated seats and seat tracks).
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).
I was stopped on the highway behind a truck making a left turn when I was rear ended by another truck going 60 MPH. My 4runner was crushed between them, totaled, and my air bags never deployed. I hit the steering wheel so hard I bounced off of it and broke my seat from the momentum. When I awoke I had slid into the back seat (which is all that was really left of the vehicle). Although I am thankful to be alive, I feel that at that force, the airbags should have deployed!
Drivers seat is defective. It once rattled and moved on it's own (just little bit). However, the seat frame has now collapsed over the time period. (please note it has been sinking slowly over a long time period.. I just noticed it in 2008) the frame must have been defective and/or is poorly designed. I am presently sitting on the electronics box which I believe to be the electronics for the side impact air bags. I hope sitting on that does not prematurely set off the air bags which could cause an accident. Or short out the air bags so they won't go off when needed. I went to the dealership a few times. I get the run-around and never get a straight answer . Now they won't return my calls.
Driver's seat keeps slipping when increasing/decreasing/stopping. It is a manual seat and dealer informed me that this was nothing to be concerned about and that there had been other complaints. It is a noticable shift in seat position. Dealer suggested that this is a typical "manual" seat reation. I find this difficult to be comfortable with as I have never had this situation with other vehicles with manual seats. Please notify me via email your findings. Thanks barbara christian.
The front driver seat on my 4 runner does not properly lock into place. The seat moves forward and backward on the track in certain positions under braking and/or acceleration. At first the dealer said they would replace the track, but since then they have decided to deny that there is even a problem. The regional manager dropped the case off of their records without even trying to solve the problem. They said it made their averages look bad.
Manual seat of 2003 4 runner sport model continually retracts from elevated position. This makes it difficult to use the rear view mirror when driving. Since the seat lowers within 15-30 minutes depending on road surface the seat must be continously raised, creating another unsafe dirving situation. Service dealer indicates there is no solution to problem and it is "something I will have to live with"!!
There is a whining noise comming from the front differential at all speeds, but noticeable mostly at 80 MPH and hiogher. Toyota aknowledged, but refuses to repair. Also drivers seat is loose and comes out of place during emergency stopping. Again Toyota is aware, but refuses to correct.
Driver seat was too loose and moved back and forth while driving, causing a distraction to the consumer. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Driver's seat moves back and forth while driving. Dealership was informed but did not resolve the problem.
The rear seat back rest on passenger side squeaks and makes a rattling noise. If the back rest is folded down the noise goes away. It seems to be the locking mechanism. Based on research on the internet, this seems to be a common problem. Dealer offered to look at it.
Lumbar support in driver seat "pop" and adjust by itself from selected lumbar position. Occurs when driving and when parked. Dealer states "plastic clips" that hold the s shaped spring secure are faulty.
I was driving the vehicle at a slow speed and made a turn up a hill. Suddenly, I felt the seat jerk backwards and it seemed like the driver's seat went off its track. Later, when the vehicle was parked, I checked the seat in an attempt to resecure it to the track, but I could not improve the situation. It seemed as though the seat is not locked anymore. Whenever I accelerate or come to a stop, it feels as though the driver seat could come loose as it is not secure to the track anymore. I did some research and found out that there is a Toyota technical service bulletin for this issue. The number is nvo11-06. I checked with the dealer, and they said there is no recall to fix this problem. The vehicle owner must pay for parts and labor to fix, with a total cost exceeding $1500 for cars outside of the 3 year/36000 mile warranty. …
Seat complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat problems on the 2003 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the seats of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner, 3% of the model year's 696 complaints. The component named most often is front assembly › recliner (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Toyota 4Runner seat problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seats 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 seat problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 8,000 miles, and 79% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to seats 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.