2003 Toyota 4RUNNER: engine failure

Filed Nov 9, 2021 · Acceleration · 240,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while his wife driving 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle rapidly started to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle and parked on the side of the road. The driver was able to restart the vehicle and drive to her destination. The contact stated that in October 2021 his wife experienced a similar failure. The contact also stated that on 11/8/2021 while his wife driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated quickly. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver depressed on the brake pedal with both feet and shifted gear to neutral to slow the vehicle. The driver stated she saw smoke coming from both front brakes. The drive was able to park on the side of the road. The driver stated that the brake pedal was seized on the floorboard. The driver stated she applied the parking brake to release the brake pedal. The driver was able to drive to her residence. The contact stated that his wife had experienced the failure on 3 different occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The VIN was associated to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 11V113000 (Vehicle Speed Control) and the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 03V146000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · OR

Front brake caliper pistons seized up causing me to go through a stop light. See enclosed video. Please review all the complaints regarding toyota 4runner caliper pistons seizing up. This is a serious design defect that requires your immediate attention.

Filed Sep 11, 2017 · Body · RI

While changing the brakes and roters, it was noticed that the frame where the gas tank straps attach, is completely rusted and rotted through. Several areas on the frame are rotted through. The mechanic stuck his finger right through my frame. Also, there is body rust all around the back window, causing water to get into the back door, causing the 3rd brake light to not work, and causing the latch to lock and keep the hatch closed is seized due to rust.

Filed Feb 1, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · AR

My 2003 toyota had emissions issues in that all four oxygen sensors would fail quickly. It took me two years and lots of money later to determine that the cause of this is because transmission fluid is wicking its way through the transmission solenoid harness all the way to the ecu and once there because of the way the ecu is mounted gets into all of the other wiring harnesses of just about every other sensor. I went to toyota and the first technician never heard that happening before but another overheard our conversation and said "I bet you have a 4runner" so yeah its happened to others. They wanted nearly $4500 to fix the issue. New engine wiring harness $1500-$2000 and another $1000 for the labor and the rest of the estimate is for other parts not specified. Their solution is to cut the wire below the transmission wiring harness connector then splice and solder but I would have to replace nearly all the critical wiring in that car. I cant give an exact date on when it started going wrong but I can look at the service history on the toyota owner's website and give you this timeline. 0-89,997 - no, issues with emissions or electrical systems. 89,997mi - 90k service done - transmission fluid change w/flush done at dealer. 98,152mi - car reporting lean codes, dealer replaces maf sensor. 100,117 - car reporting lean codes, dealer replaces o2 sensor and a/f sensor bank 2 position 1 & 2 105,312 - car reporting lean codes, dealer replaces bank 1 position 1 a/f sensor and maf sensor again. Total cost $798.76. There are more but I have character limits. I will say this though that the problem should have been obvious because you can clearly see the fluid when you unplug the o2 sensor from the harness but toyota was content charging me $500-$700 every 10k miles without actually fixing it. Car still remained functional but ruined fuel economy.

Filed Nov 15, 2010 · Brakes · 99,990 miles · OH

2003 toyota 4runner awd v8 with ~99,990 mileage. Front brake caliper inner pistons seized and inner front brake pads failed to apply for indeterminate time period (approximately 3 years and 30,000 miles). Heavy corrosion of caliper contact surfaces also prevented normal travel of oem replacement inner brake pads. Resulted in reduced braking force and intermittent brake pedal pulsation due to thermal imbalance of the rotors. Passenger side inner rotor surface corroded because no brake pad contact was occurring. Probably contributed to front wheel bearing premature failure due to unbalanced braking force on the brake rotors and inordinate torque on the bearing assembly. This vehicle has the original factory brake fluid (I.e., the hydraulic brake system has never been flushed.) this is a permanent failure of the braking system in this vehicle. Replacement of calipers is anticipated. Failed calipers could be made available for inspection but will ultimately be returned for core charge.

Filed Mar 27, 2003 · Engine · 250 miles · CA

My 2003 4runner v6 limited generates this unusual engine noise especially when accelerating. My observations include a possible loss in power and affects engine performance, and possibly the longevity of the engine. I took it to a second toyota dealer where it was immediately recognized but a solution is yet to be determined since the v6 4.0 is a new engine. Currently, I wait for a toyota technician from the factory to examine the engine. Meanwhile, I continue to drive the vehicle and I am afraid that I am doing more harm to it's life expectancy. What steps can I take to accelerate the process since I feel that I am being given the runaround. I have been a faithful toyota customer as this is my 3rd 4runner, and have never experience anything like this. Many thanks.