Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure:body — runs 6.5× the fleet median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
695Complaints
3Recalls
18Crashes
0Fires
27Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Structure:body (35.7% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Structure:body complaints here are 6.5× the median for that category across the 1176 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Structure:body
248 · 35.7%
Investigation closed
DP18002
Suspension
109 · 15.7%
No official action
—
Service Brakes
44 · 6.3%
No official action
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
38 · 5.5%
No official action
—
Steering
33 · 4.7%
No official action
—
Vehicle Speed Control
27 · 3.9%
Recalled
Recall 11V113000
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR21 · 3%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC19 · 2.7%
STRUCTURE18 · 2.6%
Percentages are the share of the 695 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“PAINT HAS CHIPPED DOWN TO THE BARE METAL IN 3 PLACES AND ANOTHER AREA HAS A FOUR INCH DIAMETER OFF-COLOR SWIRL SHOWINGTHROUGH THE PAINT AND/OR…”NHTSA complaint 10054550 — filed 01/20/2004 · STRUCTURE:BODY
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Structure:body issues are the most-reported category, cited in 248 of 695 NHTSA complaints (35.7%), followed by suspension (109), unspecified/other issues (101), service brakes (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER have?
695 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 18 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 27 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 11V113000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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