Problems with 2003 Toyota 4Runner STRUCTURE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for unknown repairs, the technician found excessive rust on the rear frame of the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 187,000.

No failure. flame is rusted through in parts and vehicle deemed unsafe to drive by dealership during routine maintenance. failure is imminent and could be catastrophic. toyota factory personnel handling complaints acknowledged the risk associated with a rusted frame, but insisted that they could do nothing. frame is same/similar to the tundra and tacoma vehicles of like model year, both of which have had manufacturer recalls. no factory support exists for the 4runner. i am to keep my receipt for any repairs and if a recall happens in the future, toyota would "consider" reimbursing me for costs. *tr

2003 4runner was in for service and i was informed that there was an excessive amount of rust damage on the front frame cross member and there is a danger that the radiator, which is supported by the cross member, could shift or work loose. the rust damage is most evident near the front right (passenger side) frame member where the tow hook is mounted. due to weakness in this area, the tow hook pulled out when the truck was being winched onto a flatbed for towing. *tr

Rust holes in frame at 140,000 miles.

Frame and under parts are rusted

My mechanic showed me that my 4runner has severe frame rust. the mechanic stated that it cannot be repaired. the mechanic is warning that the vehicle will not pass it's next safety inspection. the 4runner was purchased and kept in virginia. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that while having maintenance performed on the vehicle, the technician found that there was a hole on the subframe near the rear passenger side wheel. the technician added that the frame had corroded from the inside out and stated that the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. as a result, the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to assist with the replacement of the frame. the approximate failure mileage was 110,380.

2003 toyota 4runner has very excessive amount of rust and corrosion on the undercarriage. took the vehicle to a local auto repair shop to have a rattling sound checked out. turns out, the heat shield broke loose and was resting on the exhaust assembly. also, a muffler hangar was ready to come loose. in addition to this, the mechanic informed me the gas tank supports were also rotted away. i've been doing some research on online forums and found that other toyota vehicles, such as the tacoma, have been recalled for this same problem. in the interest of safety, i think these issues merit further investigation. *tr

I am the original owner of the 2003 toyota 4runner ltd. i always seen rust on the frame since i purchased the truck and had it serviced at a toyota dealership. they never told me the rust was bad or had through holes in the frame because they never looked. recently i decided to request the dealership to look specifically at the frame for holes. they found may holes near the gas tank crossmembers and passenger side under bumper and driver side bumper. there are no campaigns or programs to cover under warranty for corrosion issues. however we know that toyota had a recall for 110,000 tundras and are performing undercoating for tacomas. (my brother is having this done on his 2006) i tow a boat with my 4runner and i am not sure if it is safe to tow anymore. i feel toyota is responsible for the frame rusting so bad and should fix the rusted parts like they did for the tundras or tacomas. *tr

Frame has significant rust and has developed a hole up near the front of the car. i've had the rust sandblasted off and the frame re-coated, but should the frame fail, it could result in a real safety problem. driver seat belt does not retract properly, which could result in the seatbelt not being snug enough to prevent injury in the event of an accident

My dashboard is melting from the sun. it's sticky, cracking and everything is sticking to it. the safety and biggest issue is the glare on the windshield affecting my ability to see clearly. it's the entire dash, but most of the glare is on the driver's side. *tr

My 2003 4runner has a big rust problem... the frame is rotting at an exponential rate... recently took in for an oil change, and my mechanic said the frame was severely rusted out, and was starting to have perforations...i haul my children around in the vehicle and it is starting to worry me that it is going to be unsafe to drive... i called toyota to try and remedy the situation, but they pretended like there was no problem... i have done lots of research and found thousands of complaints with 4runner owners in the same years and body styles as mine who are having the same exact problem- this needs to be recalled by toyota before someone gets killed, if it hasn't already happened... *tr

Vehicle has a cracked dashboard from one side to the other, could spread and affect air bags, toyota dealership in north miami beach stated there is a recall but have not corrected in three years, i have checked with them three times

The front cross member has developed a hole, and another is starting on rear of the frame. no rust anywhere on car except frame. car was garaged or parked on pavement always, never on grass or dirt. *tr

Heavy frame rust....i have heard of other toyota suvs and pu's with frame rust that were recalled due to the frame rusting through. this vehicle's life started out in wny, and has been in virginia the last 3- 4 years. if toyota is recalling the tacomas and sequoias then the 4runner should be included. i know i am not the only one with this issue. thank you *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the dashboard was developing a crack on the passenger side. the vehicle was taken to two different independent mechanics and both stated that the air bag was leaking causing the dashboard to crack. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was unavailable. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 27,000.

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

Severe rusting of frame

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection when they detected that the rear differential, rear lower control arm and frame were severely corroded. one of the two rear lower control arms had become slightly detached from the vehicle. in addition, the emergency brake also exhibited corrosion. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the steering wheel failed. the steering wheel became hard to turn and the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection. the failure was located at the steering wheel system, which failed due to severe corrosion that expanded to the transmission lines and the frame. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 125,000.

My 4runner got rear ended on the freeway and during the repair process i found out that the hitch receiver that was original installed (51909-35010) was superseded to an 'improved' one (51909-35011). however, when i installed my bicycle carrier, i realized that the universal foot was standing one inch out of the hitch receiver causing it to virulently shake and bounce around. when inspecting the new hitch receiver more closely, i realized that the hole for the hitch receiver pin is now only 1.5 inches from the end of the hitch away while before it was 2.5 inches. i compared this to other manufacturers hitches (e.g. gmc, chevrolet, jeep, etc) and they all have a 2.5 inch distance from the end of the receiver to the hole for the pin. i contacted toyota to find out whether this is the correct part and why they changed the design in that way, but they were unable or unwilling to provide further information. in my opinion, the new hitch receiver is unsafe as it allows more play of the ball mount and appears less stable as less material is around the hitch receiver pin. since i am unable to obtain more information from toyota and toyota is not willing to look further into this, it would be great if you could have a detailed look in this issue. best regards. *tr

I purchased my toyota new in 2003 and have had it serviced by the same dealer as per schedule. i have 300469 miles but have rusting frame even though i wash under frame on a regular basis. i have been told by the mechanics at the dealer that is just thw nature of the make. i plan on keeping my car because it runs very well with little or no problems witb exception of rust. the tacoma of the same year was tecslled.for this same reason but not the 4 runner with the same frame

Dashboard is melting becoming sticky and cracking due to heat exposure. dashboard is defective and needs to be replaced. their is a high risk the dashboard could fall apart and cause a serious accident. *tr

My 2003 4runner was brought in on the above date for routine service to fox toyota, east providence, ri. the service advisor notified me that in the process of servicing the vehicle,the tech noticed severe frame rot and broken welds on the frame. this condition was confirmed by the service advisor. service advisor then suggested that i call toyota's customer service 800 number since there have been recalls on other vehicles based on the same frame. a series of calls to toyota have produced no result. they are denying any responsibility for this problem. i am now afraid to be operating the vehicle, and toyota is washing their corporate hands of responsibility beyond their basic five year warranty. *tr

I bought the car new and other than a couple of fender benders caused to the rear of the vehicle, the car has been kept in excellent condition and garage kept both at home and at work. i noticed a hairline crack from the left (driver's side) on the top dash panel extending to the middle (top of the stereo). after researching online (several complaints both here as well as other websites), i called toyota @ 1-800-331-4331 and opened case # 1211091043 after mentioning that the issue seemed to have been widespread and citing another case # by a forum member (1208280716). however, toyota denied being aware of this issue and was unwilling to help citing an out-of-warranty condition. my concern of deployment of the airbag as a result didn't appear to concern them. i was given a contact name of the number customer relations manager at my dealership for possible help. i have also read that newer models use a different material (plastic) for the dash panel. i haven't taken it to the dealer yet but i believe the widespread nature of the defect calls for further investigation and possible recall. *tr

The dash of my 4 runner has split all the way across the front. it's not from the sun because my car is in the garage when i'm not at work. i keep my windows cracked when i'm at work it's hot outside. it's on the front where all my gauges are not on the top. i googled the problem i have and it looks like i'm not the only one with this problem. one picture i saw looked just like mine. i took it to our locate toyota dealership and they said they have never saw one split like it has split. i'm not the only one with this problem. if you need pictures i will send them to you. please look into this. thank you *tr

Frame of vehicle is rotting out- not likely to pass inspection for very long. similar issues to frames of toyota tacoma and tundra frames that have been recalled. 4runner should be recalled as well. just discussed condition of frame with local toyota dealership today- recommended filing a complaint. *tr

The front crossmember of the vehicle frame has severe corrosion. the amount of corrosion was identified to me by a service technician during recent routine maintenance, and the technician pointed out that toyota has had numerous problems with suspension/ structural corrosion on other models. the amount of corrosion has the potential to weaken the structural integrity of the vehicle in a crash situation and potentially during normal vehicle use as well. the problem was discussed with dealership service manager who referred me to the toyota national hotline. toyota representative at that department stated that toyota has not provided any extended warranty or repair programs for this condition, nor do they offer any financial reconciliation for the costs of correcting this problem. the information was documented in toyota case number [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Extensive premature frame rust

Badly rusted frame

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. while the vehicle was undergoing an oil change by an independent mechanic, the technician noticed that the front and rear sections of the frame were corroded through. the technician declared the vehicle unsafe to drive. the vehicle was later taken to toyota of kingsport (2525 e stone dr, kingsport, tn 37660, (423) 246-6611) where the technician performed a visual inspection and stated that there was excessive rust and holes in the frame. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that the dealer notified the manufacturer and was provided case number: tas-906032087. the approximate failure mileage was 138,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the subframe was rusted, causing the transmission to hang very low. as a result, the vehicle was inoperable. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the transmission was re-attached. the manufacturer was aware of the failure. the failure and current mileages were 129,000. ..updated 09/19/11 *bf also, the steering intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. updated 10/28/11

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked from the driver to the passenger side air bag areas. the contact was concerned that the air bags would deploy. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 115,000 and the current mileage was 118,364. updated 02/28/12 *bf

This vehicle has a rotted frame which is perforated in at least 3 places

2003 toytoa 4-runner that has a 5 to 6 in crack in the pasenger side dash that could cause huge problems with the airbag if it were to deploy. with this crack ii the dash it could cause the airbag to not deploy, not deploy properly or pop when deploying. in all of these situations a passenger could be severly injured or killed because of this problem. they are numerous reports of this happening and toyota has just said that they will not fix it because if you have used armoral or a cleaner such as this it can cause this crack. i have never used this on my vehicle and will only use a damp clouth to wipe down the dash. the vehicle is always in the garage and when outdoors in the sun then i place sunshades in the front window to reflect the sun away from the dash. the failure was discovered when driving to work one morning and according to reports on toyota sites this is a frequent occurence for all toyota vehicles. nothing was done to correct the issue or to fix the problem. *tr

Premature corrosion of frame vsc light on atrac system permanently disengaged

I have a crack in the dash 1 foot long above the passenger airbag only 15000 miles on truck. alot of other post are on the internet with same crack or more. it has always been garaged. i am worried that something will spill and short the airbag. for a truck drove so little and always in the dark this should not happen. toyota place 9670 trask av garden grove ca asked toyota to replace it they said it was a defect. anika from toyota came to look at a showroom condition truck and said no it is out of warranty. i would have to pay to replace it if i am worried about it. it would be $1000.00. i do not have the money at this time. they do not care. called toyota on same day they said anika said no so that is as good as in stone nothing more to talk about. this is the new toyota money over safety. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4-runner. the contact stated that the dash board was severely cracked and the problem had worsened over the passenger side where the air bag was located. the manufacturer was made aware of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

We purchased the vehicle in 2008 for $14,000 from a local toyota dealer, with 84,000 miles on it. the transmission lines rusted out shortly after that, the steering rack has been replaced twice, and now the gas tank has fallen down, and there is nothing left to attach a new support to. an automobile that should have a value of $6,000 + is now worthless, and we cannot even drive it safely. this was a chronic problem that was addressed by toyota early on, but they managed to avoid repairing this vehicle. is there anything that i can do, other than warn others against buying a toyota. "ask someone who drives one". *tr

Frame rust through. front main frame support. *tr

Excess frame rusting, holes in frame

In my 2003 toyota 4runner sr5 the open engine hood falls without warning. a small hydraulic piston automatically holds the hood open when the hood is lifted. there is no rod or other mechanical device to hold the hood open, just the piston. the hood stays open for a few minutes, then quietly falls, at first very slowly for a few inches, then rapidly enough to possibly cause serious injury to a person leaning over the open engine compartment. the hood is fairly heavy probably due to the thick and heavy fiberglass insulation. the piston worked properly until about early 2009 when it started occasionally falling, now (april 2010) the hood falls after a few minutes every time the hood is opened. since this started happening i've been using a wood stick i cut to size to hold the hood open when i need access. now i'm going to have the piston replaced but i'll ask for the removed parts back in case they need to be examined. even with the new piston, though, i intend to use the wood stick as a safety measure. i just don't trust the piston design since it apparently requires perfect sealing to maintain the lifting force. also, according to my independent auto repair shop that does mainly toyota's, this is a frequent enough problem that their repairmen always brace the hoods open when working in engine compartments. thanks. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. the contact took the vehicle to a private mechanic. the technician stated that the entire dashboard needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 48,000.

Dash cracking in 2003 toyota 4 runner. cracks materialized from drivers side to passenger side. numerous. exact dealer recommendations to not use anything other than a damp cloth to clean the dash board. this suv is garaged and normally not out in direct sunlight. i haven't seen a dash crack like this since the old ones back in the late 70's. toyota needs to step up to the plate and fix this obvious flaw in their dash design. *tr

My frame is rusting from the inside out. there's a hole in my frame right about where the driver sits. i'm including a picture of the frame damage and documents from toyota indicating the frame rust and damage (highlighted in red) from when they inspected it. not sure when this started happening, because i bought the 4runner in 2018. the inspection from toyota on 12/15/2017 is the only thing i can find documenting the rust/damage, but it definitely started long before then. the tacoma's and tundra's both had their frames recalled... when's it our turn?

The gas-filled struts that holds up the hood experienced premature failure. once the hood is opened, the hood would begin slowing coming down and the pace picks up. the hood would slam shut violently and can potential cause injury to someone who is working on the engine. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota 4runner. the contact stated the dashboard was exhibiting cracks near the air bag. the failure began years prior but became progressively worse over time. the dealer advised him to contact the manufacturer. the manufacturer was contacted but would not provide any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 123,000. updated 10/20/10 *bf updated 10/26/10*jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota 4runner. the contact stated that the subframe of the vehicle had excessive rust. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 62,000

I was sold pre-owned toyota 4runner without its being inspected and then i felt ill treated to be recalled to sign a new purchase agreement with an increased interest percentage, just because i am black! *nm

Extensive and severe frame/chassis rust and corrosion throughout . this is a well-know problem with both 4runner and tacomas