10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 69,101 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
I was at a complete stop. Right after I let my foot off the brake, the car lunged forward violently. It was a traumatic experience. I don't know if this was an isolated incident, will it happen again or is this common? also, shortly after I took ownership of my car, the paint started to peel on the rear hatch below the license on the left, where there are somewhat sharp angles. Toyota repainted the rear hatch, excluding the spoiler. I just noticed two rust spots above the rear window. It appears water is seeping in from above the black strip and ponding on thr bottom of it (above the window), resulting in rust. I am wondering if this is common or a problem because the black strip was removed to repaint, or wasn't sealed as well by the factory?
- Honolulu, HI, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. On several occasions, while attempting to slow down the vehicle, it independently accelerated. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed at sunrise Toyota North (located at 910 middle country rd, middle island, NY 11953, (631) 924-8100). The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure or retrieve a fault code. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Medford, NY, USA
The engine, vsc trac and vsc warning indicators illuminated continuously on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The engine 02 sensors were found to be defective. The manufacture will not replace or replace since there are no advisories on the part. There is a high risk the engine may under perform which may cause lack of control and a potential accident while driving. Leading to injury.
- Plantation, FL, USA
I was driving normally with no issues on local streets. Suddenly the vsc, trac, and E-brake lights came on the dashboard with a very loud audible alarm. No prior issues with this system. I was able to drive slowly home on side roads (1.5 miles away). I made it to my driveway, pulled in on my upsloping driveway and then I had no brakes. Pedal went all the way to the floor. I was able to get the car into the street and had it towed to the shop. I feel lucky to have had this happen at low speed and in town. There was little to no warning for a critical system failure. Diagnosis by mechanic is brake master cylinder/traction control module, at approximately $3000 to replace. I have found multiple incidents of this failure across multiple vehicle types. The lack of responsiveness upon failure (including the emergency brake) and the short window to react makes me feel lucky that I did not hit or harm myself or anyone else with this failure.
- Torrance, CA, USA
We were driving along normally, the vsc, trac, ABS and E-brake lights came on the dashboard, along with an audible alarm. Then we had no brakes. I had to push with all my strength just to slow down at all. We were lucky we did not crash, we could have been killed. I am finding out it is a common problem on this year and model, as well as other Toyota models that use the same brake master cylinder/traction control module.
- Fort Collins, CO, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact while driving 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without any warning. The contact mentioned that she was able to decrease the speed by continuously depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 142,000.
- Carbondale, IL, USA
Near the end of August four warning lights came on at the same time in my 2003 4runner. They were the vsc trac, vsc off, ABS and brake. I scheduled an appointment with the local Toyota authorized repair shop to determine and fix the problem. They looked at the vehicle and discovered significant rust and corrosion on the frame, rear axle and attached parts. I have asked for an estimate to repair, and they are unable to do so as there is so much rust, corrosion, and lack of material to work with. I am the second owner of this vehicle. The first owner, a friend of mine, had the vehicle undercoated the day after purchase, kept the car in a garage, and washed the vehicle frequently including the underside. I purchased the vehicle in February 2007 with 13,750 miles. It has also lived in a garage here. As of August 29, 2013, the date of the inspection, the vehicle had 24,005 miles. The exterior of the vehicle is in perfect condition, and the interior is the same. However, the underside is a different story. I have contacted Toyota and received this response. "there are no known issues or current recalls relating to body and frame rust issued for your vehicle...your vehicle is out of warranty, and we would be unwilling to offer you any compensation for any repairs to the vehicle. While we understand your dissatisfaction with this decision, it does represent Toyota's final position in this matter."
- Kodiak, AK, USA
On approximately February 28, 2012, the ABS/trac control/vsc lights came on and remained lit on my 2003 Toyota 4runner. I called the dealership and they said to bring it in right away. They diagnosed the car and came up with "no sensor reading?. it cost me $150 for the diagnostic test. I picked up the car and a few weeks later I brought it back for the same problem. The computer then indicated that there was a faulty O2 sensor which they replaced my cost was over $650. The next week the lights came on again. The dealership kept the car for a few days but later reported that they could not duplicate the problem. They told me that I should wait until it got worse and bring it back. I suffered with this problem for months. I say suffered because when I was in park and these lights came on, I could not shift out of park. The lights would eventually go away and allow me to drive. On 8/24 the problem became worse. I could not shift my car out of park for more than 15 minutes on over 10 different occasions. The warning lights remained lit almost constantly over 3 days. When I called to return the car to the dealership on 8/27, the service person said that she thought there was a recall associated with that issue, but then told me that there was not. Later that day, they called and said that they again could not replicate the problem. After a quick internet search, it seems that many people have had the same experience that I have had on various Toyota vehicles. I feel an investigation is appropriate in this instance.
- Baltimore, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the vehicle accelerated without any warning. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 92,000.
- West Malbourne, FL, USA
Brakes failed causing me to run off the road almost rear ending another vehicle. The vsc, ABS and brake lights came up on the dash along with an audible alarm. Repair shop said brakes are fine and that is a computer related problem.
- Middle Island, NY, USA
Vehicle has a low gear sound which began when vehicle was relatively new as I travelled down slight grades. I never complained because that was the only time it seemed abnormal and there are only a very places in my town where the hill was steep enough to cause it. Plus I assumed it was related to the trac braking system and might be normal. Last weekend on a 5 hour trip each way the problem began to manifest itself as I accellerated on flat ground. The tachometer showed low rpms (under 2000) until 50-60 mph. However the sound was much more noticible with some additional vibration. The vibration is now worse, could it be a speed sensor problem? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Memphis, TN, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4-runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when he shifted into drive and the vehicle surged forward and crashed into a curb. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the fuel jets were plugged with carbon, causing the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure had not since recurred. The failure mileage was 62,160 and the current mileage was 63,160. Updated 07/08/11 updated 07/181//
- San Diego, CA, USA
The vehicle would rev itself up to a high RPM, from a stopped position when I stepped on the gas the vehicle would go in reverse. The dealership eventually replaced the transmission only after the manager borrowed it overnight and experienced it himself, but I have noticed the problem beginning again. Another problem is the radiator leaking and needed to be replaced (I was told it had the wrong kind of antifreeze; it was green and it needs a red kind"?"). when replacing this I was notified that my front brakes were paper thin and needed to be replaced this repair cost me almost $2000. Another problem is the rear window trim has shrunk. I also had the sunroof replaced after owning the vehicle less than two years. The brake light on the rear hatch does not work as well as the rear wipers (also when I hooked a trailer to it the electrical system seems to be messed up because the trailer lights will not work; went to autozone and tested the trailer and it is fine). The vehicle is starting to act funny again, the engine revs itself to high rpms (this is not the automatic tranny because it happens when it idles as well). The last incident was when I pulled out from a street parking spot and as soon as I put it in drive the vehicle stalled and we lost all power, when I pressed the gas pedal it was as if it was in neutral yet I triple checked and it was in drive. All of the sudden it acted normal and drove about 10 feet then it happened all over again. I also have the rotten egg smell (sulfur?) which is sporadic. Of course the dealer always says they can find nothing wrong, nothing is coming up on the computer. Luckily no injuries have occurred as of yet but I feel it is only a matter of time before I am on the highway and it decides to play these games. Very disappointed in quality of this vehicle, especially since I purchased it because of the reputation.
- Colorado Springs, CO, USA
The check engine light came on and the vsc trac turned off, the day after the light came on and the traction turned off...the Toyota 2003 4runner flipped over. The vsc traction should not be turned off when a check engine light comes on because it provides the necessary stability of the vehicle that a SUV needs no matter what is wrong with the car. The car is now totaled and one passenger still suffering from injuries from the accident.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
I have written to you in the past but have not received any response. My daughter and I both drive 2003 Toyota 4 runners. I have brought the following issue to Toyota several times. I am rewriting to you especially after the LX460 recall. In snow or ice, the vehicle will spin to easy as you drive around a turn while giving it some gas. We both have spun out. I have on two occasions. It is very dangerous. My daughter hates to drive it when it is icy or snowy. My 2000 4runner never did it. My BMW Z4 will not do it. Some thing is wrong with the vsc logic. Can you help me?
- Rocky Mount, NC, USA
My accelerator pedal got stuck on my Toyota 4runner. I believe the floor mat was involved as when I managed to pull over and stop, I pulled the floor mat away and the pedal released.
- Monmouth Jct, NJ, USA
2003 Toyota 4-runner. Consumer states vehicle surged forward. The consumer stated while pulling into her garage the vehicle accelerated out of control and hit a workbench. The consumer paid for the damages out of pocket.
- Howell, MI, USA
-the contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4runner. A police report was filed for the incident. Updated 6/1/10 the consumer stated as she reached from the passengers side of the vehicle to turn the motor off, the vehicle suddenly accelerated backwards. The consumer stated she tried to run with the vehicle, but it was moving too fast. The passenger door was open and it knocked her down and she hit her head. The vehicle then went into the street and then began to accelerate forward and then the front wheel of the vehicle ran over her. Updated 06/15/10.
- Winston Salem, NC, USA
2003 Toyota 4runner with 57,000 miles accelerated from 5 mph after taking a turn, to 50 mph. I pumped the brakes but the car did not slow down. I put all of my weight (I weigh 230 lbs.) on the brake pedal and after 3 or 4 seconds the car stopped accelerating. The 4runner is not on the recall list but there are many similar complaints on both the 4runner and other Toyota models that are not on the recall list. Toyota cannot be trusted. If you own one, sell it. If you don't then don't buy any Toyota. They continue to try to hide the truth.
- Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- West Lafayette, OH, USA