Problems with 2003 Toyota 4Runner ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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. i called the toyota service center here and they said there is no recall and if i wanted the frame fixed or replaced, it'd have to be at my expense. toyota's are fantastic vehicles, i just hope this comment aids in their decision to approve a recall on 4runner's frames due to rust like the other makes for the same year. *tr

While in process of replacing serpentine belt and idler pulleys on engine, i noticed (after removing lower engine shield under vehicle) significant rust damage to front frame segment under radiator support. the right side tow hook and corner of frame it was mounted to fell off in my hand when i touched it. upon further inspection, there are other parts of vehicle frame with rust damage, though none appear to be as severe as area of frame underneath radiator. this portion of frame appears to connect the two side frame rails together. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vsc tracking light illuminated, causing the vehicle to violently jerk when applying pressure to the brakes. neither the dealer nor manufacturer had been notified. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the current and failure mileages were 100,000. the vin was unavailable.

The check engine light came on and the vsc trac turned off, the day after the light came on and the traction turned off...the toyota 2003 4runner flipped over. the vsc traction should not be turned off when a check engine light comes on because it provides the necessary stability of the vehicle that a suv needs no matter what is wrong with the car. the car is now totaled and one passenger still suffering from injuries from the accident. *tr

Bought a 2003 toyota 4runner v6 4wd 2 1/2 years ago as a toyota certified used vehicle..within a year i needed a new serpentine belt due to excessive noise at start up. the dealer told me there was a tsb for this and to bring the car back if i had further issues. the noise came back but was irregular, it would come at start up every day for a couple weeks and then disappear for another few weeks. the noise got louder and sounded somewhat different a couple weeks ago. brought it to the dealer and they replaced the idler pulley on friday 07/16/10. it sounded loud again at start up after i picked up the vehicle but the noise eventually went away. however my serpentine belt actually ripped less than a week later (07/21/10) while i was driving 45mph on a curvy road. i first lost my ac, quickly followed by my power steering...somehow managed to pull over but by then smoke was coming from underneath the hood due to the fact that in the ripping process the belt broke a coolant hose. i have been without a vehicle for 5 days now and am waiting on the dealer to get a new hose so that they can actually run the car and make sure the pulleys are all ok. however so far they're telling me that all the pulleys are fine and i am having to fight with them to get them to do the recommended fix to the tsb eg012-13. a noise at start is one thing, but a year and 1/2 old belt actually ripping is not normal! i was fortunate to come out of this unharmed and not damage my car or somebody else's. *tr

My vehicle seemed to become louder when idling over the past 2 years that i've owned it. a couple months ago i noticed it being noticeably much louder. the noise could be heard while idling (red light, drive thrus...) and would become louder with acceleration up to about 40mph. this was a rattling noise located on the driver's side of the underbody, somewhere between the driver's and the passenger's seats. it sounded like loud heavy vibrations, metal on metal. i asked the toyota dealership service department to check out and they found that the heatshield was seriously rusted. they had to order the part in order to replace it but said it was rusted so badly that they had to remove what was left of the original heatshield to prevent further damage to other components. once the new part was received they were able to put on the new heatshield. *tr

2003 toyota 4runner sport ed, 6 cyl.- at 100,400 miles, both my catalytic converters went out. also the check engine light goes on which disengages the vehicle skid control, so i hear. repairs are costly. can't smog car on the first time car ever needs to get smogged. seems like a recall issue to me? *tr

Model : 2003 toyota 4 runner v8 issue : automatic acceleration while a/c on how to duplicate the issue : option 1] while the engine is running and the vehicle is in drive with brakes depressed turn the a/c "on", the vehicle would try to suddenly move forward. the tachometer also shows higher readings. option 2] turn your a/c off drive for a while and then turn your a/c on, the moment you turn your a/c on the vehicle accelerates on its own for a while. this problem is magnified especially in summer and hotter climates and does not fail to occur in summer. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that when driving above 25 mph, the check engine light would illuminate on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 20,000 and the current mileage was 30,000.

Toyota 4-runner 2003 six cylinder. excessive sulfur dioxide odor. no events leading up to failure. sporadic. dealerships gave me a hard time, wanted $150.00 to run test even though toyota headquarters informed me that the dealer should just replace parts, so i never have had it fixed but i am concerned. i changed gas stations numerous times and still receive the odor. odor comes and goes and can be strong at times especially in cold months. concerns are that it will become worse and the smell is toxic. *tr

Chirp noise from engine area on cold start--this has repeated 5 times since vehicle purchase--each time the local toyota dealer has repaired under warranty--replaced tensioner and belt--chirp sound returns repeatedly after approx 6 mths operation. *tr

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph uphill, a strong odor was noticed. there were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. the dealership was contacted, who determined the catalytic converter was producing the odor. the extended warranty covered the replacement. also, the contact was alerted by an independent mechanic about the front brakes. the mechanic machined the front rotors and installed new pads. as a result of the brakes repair, the pedal was too low when depressed. the brakes were rechecked and the mechanic informed all the brake standards were correct. the contact assumed this was a manufacturer defect. the dealership had not been contacted yet for the brake problem.

I own a 2003 toyota 4runner and have been experiencing a sulfur/rotten egg smell since i got it. it is intermittent and seems to occur most frequently upon acceleration. there have been times while driving that i get very dizzy. after researching i found there a quite a few complaints about this very problem. it seems along with the sulfur dioxide there is carbon monoxide inside the cabin, regardless if the windows are up or down. toyota's response is that this is due to bad gas. i like my 4runner but there is no way i can drive it knowing that not only me, but my son also are being poisoned. toyota must be held accountable and fix this immediately before someone gets seriously hurt!!!! *tr

Foul smelling exhaust - ammonia smell - very strong on accelerations uphill or freeway on ramps. *jb

I own a 2003 toyota 4runner and have been experiencing the sulfur/rotten egg smell for several months. it is intermittent and seems to occur most frequently upon acceleration. the smell can get quite bad at times, and has caused my eyes to burn and other passengers to feel nauseous. my 3 year old son has complained several times that it makes his tummy hurt. taking it in to toyota has not helped - they state that toyota is aware of the problem and is taking a look at it. hopefully they will look quicker and find a solution. i have owned several toyotas (this is my second 4runner in a row) and have always found the cars and service to be exceptional. however, this has soured me on my wonderful 4runner and i will most definitely look at other suvs - perhaps sooner rather than later now. *nm

I bought a 2003 4-ruuner sport edition withthe v-8 in august, 2003. ever since i bought the 4-runner, there has been a strong rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust. it happens during acceleration or highway driving. the dealership inspected my 4-runner and said there was no problem. i then had the service writer ride with me to prove the rotten egg smell. i am afraid the exhaust gases getting into the car could create medical problems. i also wonder if my 4-runner will pass emissions inspections and i will be told to have it fixed before i can get a new sticker to drive. all indications is that toyota has known of this problem and has decided to pretend it does not exist. *ak

2003 4 runner v6 has loud ticking noise coming from engine conmpartment. i ran it by the dealership 1 week after purchase too see what the problem was. service manager said it was normal. approximatly 2 months later rear seat was squeaking. made appointment with dealer had them fix the seat and diagnose the noise coming from engine compartment again. they fixed the seat and was told it was the injectors making the noise. i told the sevice manager that i was not happy with the quality. the 2002 4 runner is very quiet. i am planning a return trip to the dealer when i find enough information on the problem.*ak

I have experienced a strong sulfur odor in my new 2003 toyota 4 runner since i purchased the vehicle. this smell has not gone away, and in fact has gotten even worse. i use the vehicle for towing purposes also and the smell is unbearable when towing something. i have retunred the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions and have been advised that there is nothing hat can be done. the dealer keeps trying to advise that it the fule choice that i make, this cannot be true since i travel within three states and rarely fule at the same sights, and utilize a variety of different brands also, and since this problem appears to be nationwide how can the dealer insist that it is the fuel? i have gotten to the point that i do not want this new vehicle, its a great vehicle toher than this problem, but when you cannot ride in the vehicle due to the smell, headaches, and when cleints get in ...its down right embarrasssing !*ak

2003 toyota 4runner v6 limited - large amounts of exhaust fumes in the cabin. exhaust fumes are experienced regardless of adjustments to environmental controls, including when the air conditioner is running and recirculation on. exhaust fumes appear to be from the 4runner. all occupants become nauseous and experience significant eye irritation. i have significant concerns for the safety and health of my family, short and long term. i have discussed this issue with two local toyota dealers. they are unable to fix the problem and appear to be avoiding the specific issue of exhaust fumes in the cabin. they try to redirect the issue to the sulfur smell that the vehicle emits. i don't care about the sulfur smell, but i have real concerns about the exhaust fumes in the cabin. *la

2003 v8 4 runner emits rotten egg smell, primarily during quick acceleration. was told by dealer to use higher grade of gasoline. have tried higher grades of gas in the past and this does not always help. toyota does not see this as a vehicle problem. *la

We have owned the '03 4-runner for a couple of months and we have consistently experienced a "rotten egg, sulfur / ammonia type smell that has yet to subside. we have tried using exxon, sunoco, and shell 89-93 octane and the smell still persists. it is more apparent with the rear window down, but definitely exists with all windows up. the smell is choking and causes great difficulty to breath. it seems to be caused by moderate acceleration. *ph

We purchased a 2003 toyota 4runner in march 2003 of this year from power toyota cerritos. from the first week of driving to the current date, the exhaust emits a sulfur odor during regular as well as hard acceleration. the odor is especially noticeable when the rear window is rolled down. currently we have over 5,000 miles on the vehicle and have confronted the tustin toyota dealership where we have had it serviced a couple of times. we receive the same response everytime that it is normal and due to the gasoline or the catalytic converter needs to "burn in". since ca has the strictest emission laws, i'm sure the gas is the least of our worries. i read on alldata.com that there is a tsb (eg003-03) for a sulfur smell, however there is no specific data on it. i have read hundreds of complaints on this issue on sites like edmunds.com, http://www.4x4review.com/discussions/toyota/default. asp, and other countless sites. dealerships seem to deny the problem exist. although it currently is not a safety risk, why wait to find out? my wife and i enjoy everything else about the vehicle, but this nuisance is beginning to overshadow our view of toyota's quality. *jb

I have a 2003 toyota 4runner and have had a strong sulfur smell inside the vehicle when accelerating to higher speeds. this smell is extremely irritating and this problem appears to be happening more frequently. toyota reps say its the gas, but my 2001 toyota sienna has never done this, even though the same gas is purchased from the same source. judging by all the similar complaints i've read toyota has a problem that is either being mis-identified, or ignored. one toyota service man informed me that the 2003 4runner has a new catalytic converter. seems logical to look into that area first.*ak

Exhaust odors enter cabin under middle, heavy acceleration, even with windows closed. strong choking hydrogen sulfide, rotten egg smell, lingers in the cabin for a minute or more each time. exhaust makes mechanical valve train noise, sounds like pinging or sticking hydraulic lifters on moderate acceleration. *ak

Terrible sulfur smell on acceleration of 2003 4runner 6 cylinder sport. most noticeable when the rear window is down. complained to dealer twice. told it was the gas i was using twice. tried numerous different brands of gas with no improvement. i don't believe any of this. there must be something wrong with the catalytic converter or another exhaust component. wondering if the exhaust smell could contain carbon monoxide! *nlm

Engine compartment fills with smell of rotten eggs even with windows up and air conditioning on, very unpleasant.*ak

Exhaust entering passenger cabin whether windows are closed or not. sustained, overpowering sulfur odor when this occurs. *ph

I have a 2003 toyota 4 runner. i purchased the vehicle 1 1/2 months ago and currently have 3000 miles on the vehicle. when i have the rear window down i smell a strong odor. the odor has an acid ammonia like smell. the odor is so strong at times that it takes my breath away. at times, the odor also enters my vehicle when my windows are rolled up. the stench is so strong that passengers in my car have noticed it (windows rolled up). due to the above i am very concerned for my health. i have brought the problem to the attention of my dealership (service and the operations director). service checked the car and both service and the operations director are telling me that it is the gas i am using. they are telling me that i need to use sunoco gas (or a premium gas company, but recommend sunoco) and that i need to use an octane above 90. i am on my 4th tank of sunoco 93 octane gas and the problem still continues!! i have been in contact with the nj state department of environmental protection, bureau of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance. my car has tested high for carbon monoxide with the window open and closed and with my circulation vent on. i am currently waiting for the report from dmv. this situation is absolutely unacceptable on any car especially this $40,000 car. this problem has been ongoing and there does not appear to be an end in sight! toyota has a wonderful reputation but in this situation it is quite clear they are hiding behind gas companies. what can i do to get toyota to correct this problem???? please help!!! *jb

Consumer states while driving at any speed, there was a strong smell of chemical fumes in the passenger compartment. the dealer had inspected vehicle, and was unable to duplicate or correct the problem. *ak the dealer duplicated the problem and said that it was not acceptable. the right front wheel center had faded. *scc *jb

Car emits a sulfur type smell, whether ventalation system is on or not, and whether windows are up or down. smell is noxious and makes me feel ill. has happened at least 10-15 times over the course of 5 months with this vehicle.*ak

Foul fumes enter cabin upon acceleration. this occurs with high octane gas or without high octane gas. only use 93 octane, but due to several other complaints tried lower octane and strong odor continued. these fumes enter cabin with all windows closed, air ventilation on recirculation and with air conditiong/heat off. makes breathing very difficult and become light headed or headache. this is not just a "smell" but literal gagging fumes.

Consumer noticed strong chemical gas coming from the exhaust tail and absorb by the rear window gate. dealer stated well don't open that window. *ak

Consumer states that vehicle smells like gas from inside of vehicle. dealer notified.*ak

Engine makes a tick, tick, tick noise while running. sounds like something knocking internally in the engine or an exhaust leak. dealers repair shop says its normal. i don't believe them. i suspect a future problem or failure of a component. *jb

This is a continual problem. whenever we have the rear window down, there is a terrible odor that permeates the automobile. it makes me nausea and gives me terrible headaches. the dealer said we should open one of the side windows. i put a date, because the site would not accept this unless i did. *la

Rotten egg smell from exhaust when hatch back window down for interior air circulation. believe the cause is length and positioning of exhaust pipe. *jb

rotten egg (sulfur) smell with carbon monoxide (co) in the cabin is making passengers sick! (poisoned) i just did a little research on this problem and have learned that 60 complaints have been submitted to the nhtsa for this sulfur smell. however what everyone is focusing on is the smell of rotten egg. this is disgusting and potentially dangerous but that is it is not what will kill you. the carbon monoxide(co)is the real danger because it is without odor and deadly it is also getting into the car by the same means as the obvious egg smell. i was so concerned that i contacted a enviromental company who came for a ride along in my 2003 sr5 4runner. this ride proved to me that(co)is indeed entering the cabin and alarmed the tech who came along with a (co)tester. at one point he yelled "close the f@#%@%& rear window". i saw the readings go off the charts depending on the configuration of the windows. i did not pay for this test as they were being kind enough to just see if i had any (co)entering the cabin. this was enough for me! i have since contacted toyota customer service and i am waiting to hear from the regional rep from fl. another option for people to find out on their own is to go to the home depot and buy a (co) tester. this can be plugged into the 110 outlet in the glove box. i did and i do not drive with the rear window down at all any longer and have postponed trips of longer than 50 miles to reduce exposer to this harmful chemical. this is a serious problem that may be corrected by changing the location of the tail pipe to vent to the side of the vehicle. i hope this will get the people (nhtsa) who are supposed to be professionals that protect us "to wake up." if someone else could do a similar test in their state we could have more ammunition to fight toyota. i have found out that the epa company would do a complete test with report and all for around $340.00. i am going to see if the service rep would do this but i doubt it. *ak

rotten egg sulfur smell with carbon monoxide (co) in the cabin is making passengers sick! (poisoned) i just did a little research on this problem and have learned that 60 complaints have been submitted to the nhtsa for this sulfur smell. however what everyone is focusing on is the smell of rotten egg. this is disgusting and potentially dangerous but that is it is not what will kill you. the carbon monoxide(co)is the real danger because it is without odor and deadly it is also getting into the car by the same means as the obvious egg smell. i was so concerned that i contacted a enviromental company who came for a ride along in my 2003 sr5 4runner. this ride proved to me that(co)is indeed entering the cabin and alarmed the tech who came along with a (co)tester. at one point he yelled "close the f@#%@%& rear window". i saw the readings go off the charts depending on the configuration of the windows. i did not pay for this test as they were being kind enough to just see if i had any (co)entering the cabin. this was enough for me! i have since contacted toyota customer service and i am waiting to hear from the regional rep from fl. another option for people to find out on their own is to go to the home depot and buy a (co) tester. this can be plugged into the 110 outlet in the glove box. i did and i do not drive with the rear window down at all any longer and have postponed trips of longer than 50 miles to reduce exposer to this harmful chemical. this is a serious problem that may be corrected by changing the location of the tail pipe to vent to the side of the vehicle. i hope this will get the people (nhtsa) who are supposed to be professionals that protect us "to wake up." if someone else could do a similar test in their state we could have more ammunition to fight toyota. i have found out that the epa company would do a complete test with report and all for around $340.00. i am going to see if the service rep would do this but i doubt it. *ak

Rotten egg sulfur smell in my 2003 toyota 4 runner. very bad when any window is down, just bad when all windows are up. dealer suggested different gas(didn't work), and replaced catalytic converter (didn't work). this problem is giving me and my family headaches while riding in the vehicle. *nm

After a very frustrating and disappointing experience with a gmc suv we bought a 2003 toyota sr5 4runner. up to this point we have been pleased with it. however, an ammonia/sulfur odor has been noted inside the cabin when driving and causes extreme irritation and a burning feeling in the throat and lungs of anyone in the vehicle. they all immediately complain. we have never experienced anything quite like this. we checked this site to see if others have had the same complaint....they have. we talked with our dealer about it and were told it was the nature of the fumes given off from the fuel. we believe a wind deflector/rear spoiler may help this problem but also learned from our dealer that one is not made (yet) for this model 4runner. this physical irritation and burning felt while driving is totally unacceptable and we hope more complaints filed will cause enough concern to get something done. either with the fuel or a product to eliminate these odors from entering the cabin. *nlm

I occasionally have sulfur smelling fumes from the exhaust in the vehicle even when the windows are closed. the dealership told me to switch brands of gasoline. i am less concerned about the smell than the idea that exhaust fumes are entering the car with the windows closed. *nlm

There is a strong sulfur smell inside our 2003 toyota 4 runner sport edition when we drive. it is hard to breathe at times. our concern is that it is dangerous to our health. are we also getting carbon monoxide? toyota dealer told us there is no fix other than to try different gasoline. we have two other vehicles on the same gas with absolutely no smell. we are at a loss as to what to do. suggestions? toyota gave us a copy of a technical service bulletin dated 2/24/03 on sulfur odor from exhaust. obviously, they are aware of this and are doing nothing. *tt

Rotten-egg like smell coming from the exhaust. told by my dealership to try different gas because of sulfate content in the gas currently using is too high. i have been to 4 different gas stations, it is starting to get a little ridiculous.*ak

Engine belt squeaks. has been replaced once and adjusted another time. squeak returned for third time with under 2000 miles on vehicle. *nlm

Exhaust fumes apparently entering cabin of vehicle. smell of sulfur very strong even when all windows are up. *jb

2003 toyota 4-runner v6 limited generates this unusual (tick, tick, tick) engine noise especially when accelerating. it sounds like a loose part in the engine block. this noise is especially noticeable when the 4-runner, driven by my wife, accelerates by me or when i drive with the window open next to a wall. will this noise affect engine performance and shorten engine life? very concerned customer. *jb

Exhaust system emits a sulphur smell that comes into the seating area

When engine is cold the belts make a loud screeching noise until the car warms, then the car make a ticking sound. truck is a v6 model and has been in for this repair 4 times, dealer says toyota is aware of the problem and does not have the proper solution yet, they say it has to do with the belts and tensioner set up. unacceptable response from toyota. *nlm

This vehicle fills the cabin constantly with a "sulfur" or rotten egg smell. i have changed gas brands multiple times. *la

Passenger compartment fills with exhaust fumes (rotten egg smell) mainly when in motion with the back window down. *jb