CarRecallDB

2003 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls and problems

3 recalls and 696 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER.

3
recalls
696
owner complaints
18
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal

NHTSA campaign 11V113000 · reported February 24, 2011 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 1,363,244 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2011 lexus lx570, 2003 through 2009 toyota 4runner, and 2006 through 2010 rav4 vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
The risk
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.
The fix
The remedy is now available. The safety recall began early april 2011. The remedy will involve modification or replacement of the accelerator pedal and replacement of any toyota all-weather floor mat. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 03V146000 · reported April 14, 2003 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 29,482 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with v6 engines, the fuel pulsation damper, located on the fuel rail, may have been improperly assembled, causing a diaphragm in the pulsation damper to be damaged. If the diaphragm fails, fuel may leak.
The risk
This could result in an engine compartment fire if a heat source or an ignition source is present.
The fix
Dealers will replace the pulsation damper. Owner notification began may 5, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Wheels

NHTSA campaign 02V339000 · reported December 17, 2002 · SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS · 176 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with five factory alloy wheels (model 6934 and 6936), with factory llat, and with port installed wr4, four alloy wheel upgrade processed at the jacksonville, florida port and distributed by southeast toyota distributors in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina, when the vehicles were processed at the port, an alloy tire/wheel upgrade was installed. The upgrade included 4 alloy wheels. The original spare tire/alloy wheel was not changed. The spare tire requires the use of a different style of wheel nut to attach it to the vehicle.
The risk
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.
The fix
Owners will be provided with different style lug nuts, a warning label for the spare re/alloy wheel, and an owner's manual addendum.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 15, 2026 · Air bags

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…

Jan 16, 2026 · Structure

Severe frame rust. 2 large holes on the inside of the frame just back from the front wheels and 2 large holes at the ends of the rear crossmember.

Oct 29, 2025 · Electrical system · 306,000 miles

Odometer Fraud. The contact investigated a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner. The contact stated that during the investigation, he discovered a fraudulent scheme of approximately 15 vehicles with odometer fraud. The contact stated that the suspects targeted Facebook Marketplace victims by spraying oil on the engine prior to…

Sep 19, 2025 · Unknown or other

While my mechanic was servicing a small exhaust leak on my vehicle he noticed that the chassis/frame of the vehicle was heavily corroded. He told me that he believe it was no longer safe to drive and that I contact Toyota. I had a local Toyota service center also look at it and they confirmed that the chassis/frame…

May 21, 2025 · Latches/locks/linkages

My vehicle: 2003 4Runner SR5 2WD VIN: […] Issue: Front driver's side door will not open. Electronic locks are operating, but the door release is not functioning. Safety Concern: What if I was in a situation where I did need to get out of the vehicle immediately? Such as a high-water incident, fire, etc. Especially for…

4RUNNER model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0483301
2001 1185101
2002 1225193
2003 3696180
2004 2678283
2005 5425193
2006 5381283

Across all years, the 2003 4RUNNER has the most complaints (696). All Toyota 4RUNNER years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER, the most recent reported on February 24, 2011 (Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Owners have filed 696 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (284 complaints), followed by suspension (114).
How many 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER complaints mention a crash or fire?
18 of 696 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 27 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 15, 2026.