Vehicle Data Hub

2003 Toyota 4RUNNER engine problems

101 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER, which is 11% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
101 11% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
1,000 miles 52 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
1 and 0
Injuries and deaths
17 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 1,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 36 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 6 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 1 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 0 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 2 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 2 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 2 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 1 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 0 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 1 complaints 200k+ miles: 1 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 1,000 miles
Based on 52 complaints that include mileage. 83% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles36
20k to 40k miles6
40k to 60k miles1
60k to 80k miles0
80k to 100k miles2
100k to 120k miles2
120k to 140k miles2
140k to 160k miles1
160k to 180k miles0
180k to 200k miles1
200k+ miles1

What the data shows

Of the 52 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 1,000 miles, and 83% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 1 crash, 17 injuries.

What owners wrote

After suffering through months of illness caused by a noxious smell, we have researched and found that our v8 toyota 4 runner's catalytic converter emits oxides of sulfur (so2, hs2, etc.) on the matter of sulfur dioxide alone, we found that according to the EPA, so2 contributes to respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly, and aggravates existing heart and lung diseases. People with asthma are particularly affected by peak levels of so2.

November 2003 Injury

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.

Reported at 28,000 miles, July 2006

Other problems reported for the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Toyota models