Toyota 4Runner 2003
The 2003 Toyota 4Runner came with 2 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder. It gets 15 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 3 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.
Specs
| Cylinders | 6 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic · 4 speeds |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 4,785 × 1,880 × 1,740 mm (188.4 × 74.0 × 68.5 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,785 mm (109.6 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,972 kg (4,348 lb) |
| Body style | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
Dimensions and weight: median of the 4 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.
For sale in United States
Safety
Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.
Fuel economy (MPG)
🇺🇸 Local dataBy version
| Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | AWD | 15 MPG | 19 MPG | 17 MPG |
| 4.0 L 6-cylinder | Automatic · 4 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 16 MPG | 20 MPG | 18 MPG |
| 4.7 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | AWD | 14 MPG | 17 MPG | 15 MPG |
| 4.7 L 8-cylinder | Automatic · 5 speeds | Rear-wheel (RWD) | 15 MPG | 18 MPG | 16 MPG |
EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.
Recalls
Consequence · Remedy
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 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.
Consequence · Remedy
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IF A HEAT SOURCE OR AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT.
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.
Consequence · Remedy
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.
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DIFFERENT STYLE LUG NUTS, A WARNING LABEL FOR THE SPARE RE/ALLOY WHEEL, AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM.
It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.
Details
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Details
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in the wide open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A fully depressed accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to slow or stop the vehicle. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2009290 for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
Details
On certain vehicles, the diaphragm in the pulsation damper at the end of the fuel rail may be damaged and could leak. In the worst case, this may result in a fire if in the presence of a heat source or an ignition source. Correction: Dealer will replace the pulsation damper.
Common problems
40 reports🇺🇸 Local dataReported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.
Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much
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.
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 test-d…
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 …
My vehicle: 2003 4Runner SR5 2WD VIN: [XXX] 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. Especiall…
Toyota has had issues with their frames rusting out and the 4th generation 4Runner is not exempt from this issue. My 2003 is requiring extensive work to keep it on the road safely due to frame rust. A recall to replace frames should be in place.
There is major corrosion on the chassis, brake-power steering-transmission lines, and all metal brackets on the frame and engine. The corrosion is so bad there is holes on the chassis. Known issue, many complaints, Toyota Corp. says to keep calling back maybe something will be done in the future. Unable to upload phot…
Severe frame rust, there was a recall for tacomas but 4Runners have the issue just as bad
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to several independent mechanics for servicing, he was informed that the subframe was significantly corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was …
Frame is rotted from front to back
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the tire retailer for tire replacement, the technician informed him that the subframe was corroded. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the passenger's side front and rear subframes were sever…
The VSC system in the vehicle becomes disabled due to a firmware 'glitch' identified by Toyota when an emission system issue is detected by the onboard diagnostic system. The VSC system is listed as an 'essential safety feature,' so I'm curious why a recall was never ordered to patch defective firmware that can cause …
Questions
- What engine does the 2003 Toyota 4Runner have?
- The 2003 Toyota 4Runner came with 2 engines: 4.0 L 6-cylinder, 4.7 L 8-cylinder.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner?
- It gets 15 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
- Does the 2003 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?
- 3 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Vehicle Speed Control (2011-02-24).
- What are the common problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner?
- 40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Structure.
Other years
Other models by Toyota
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