Model year guide

2003 Toyota 4Runner

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Toyota 4Runner is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 125 on record.

2003 Toyota 4Runner — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Toyota 4Runner at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints707
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$5,891

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Toyota 4Runner recalls 3

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #11V113000 · 24/02/2011

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.

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 · 14/04/2003

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.

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 · 17/12/2002

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 INSTALL…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Toyota 4Runner common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 707 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2003 Toyota 4Runner safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2003 Toyota 4Runner MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,738

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Toyota 4Runner worth?

Low
$3,500
Typical price
$5,891
High
$9,100

From 124 comparable 2003 Toyota 4Runner listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Toyota 4Runner costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,690
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,000
Total$21,690
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,891) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,878), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Toyota 4Runner trims & engines on record

Trims
SR5 · Limited · Sport Edition
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 220 hp · 4.7L 8-cyl 227 hp

2003 Toyota 4Runner vehicles on record

2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBT17R230022267 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R930014196 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R330009656 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEBT14R230012326 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEBU14R930012188 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R930015865 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEBU14R630020149 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBU17R138007726 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBT17R830022239 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport EditionJTEBU14R630005568 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport EditionJTEZU14R330015683 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R630007948 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBT17R630027133 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEBU14R130008474 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R738008107 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZT14R030001890 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBT17R830018708 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEBT14R130013774 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBU17R038004249 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R630006587 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEBU17R938010292 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14RX30012151 2003 Toyota 4Runner 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5JTEZU14R330008961 2003 Toyota 4Runner LimitedJTEZU17R830005694

Other Toyota 4Runner model years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1990 1988

2003 Toyota 4Runner — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Toyota 4Runner have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota 4Runner?

Based on 707 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, service brakes, wheels.

What is the 2003 Toyota 4Runner safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2003 Toyota 4Runner crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Toyota 4Runner get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Toyota 4Runner at about 17 mpg combined (15 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2003 Toyota 4Runner worth?

Comparable 2003 Toyota 4Runner listings run roughly $3,500–$9,100, typically around $5,891 (from 124 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.