2003 Toyota 4RUNNER fuel system problems

Filed Jul 29, 2021 · Body, Brakes · SC

Due to severe rust underneath the vehicle, there have been a few issues that have made the vehicle very unsafe to drive. Last week, both of my rear brake lines were completely done and leaking brake fluid leaving me with no brakes. This was due to rust and corrosion that had eaten the metal lines away. The radiator mounts are corroding, as well as the skid plate for my fuel tank and a few spots on my frame near the rear. I was not aware of the rust as I just got the vehicle a few weeks ago. I was driving in traffic when my brake light came on and I noticed my brakes didn't seem to be very effective and they eventually got the point where they were not working or slowing the vehicle at all. Once I took it to the shop and they put it on the lift, the mechanics pointed out just how bad the rust was.

Filed Jul 10, 2021 · Brakes, Fuel system · VA

No Accident - Items need to be investigated for Safety Defects on Toyota's. 1> Front Brake Calipers (constant freezing of the front brake calipers). 2> Dash Cover (excessive cracking on the dash covers especially areas that contain airbags). 3> Fuel Pump Connection (on top of fuel tank, connection to fuel pump appears to create a short, which in turn causes vehicle to stall also could cause a fire). 4> Excessive Frame Rust (frame has excessive rust outside and inside which is causing frame to fail. this is a manufacturing issue). These are ongoing issues with Toyota that have been reported and nothing is being done about it. Multiple 4runners are having big time Excessive Frame Rust, which are causing the frame coming apart during highway driving. These photo's show the rust on the outside and inside, all metal is having rust issues. Paint has been applied to cover said rust but it still reappears with-in a few months. Best way to contact me is via e-mail.

Filed Jul 1, 2017 · Fuel system · CT

I want to know if there is a recall for this vechicle for maniflod/exhaust/catilitic converter

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 Feb 18, 2010 · Brakes, Fuel system · 85,330 miles · CA

Erratic throttle response and erratic/unpredictable/difficult to predict brake application .

Filed Feb 11, 2009 · Fuel system · 125,000 miles · MA

Check engine light was on, failed my emission test. The computer printed out a paper that stated there was a recall defect # 2059 from toyota. When I called toyota they cant find a recall that matches my VIN and told me there not responsible.

Filed May 19, 2005 · Body, Fuel system · 6,000 miles · MS

Vibration in steering. Dealer cannot fix. Went to arbitration and lost due to biased investigator and policy that would not allow arbitrator to drive the vehicle. Two other dealers acknowledge the vibration but say it is designed that way!--also mileage computer inaccurate and excessive wind noise.

Filed May 3, 2004 · Fuel system · PA

I purchased my 2003 4 runner last july and almost immediately noticing a sulfur smell. I was told by the dealer that it was the fuel. I continued to complain and was finally admitted to by toyota that this is a problem with their "metal components" and the blending of the fuel. The odor is so strong in my car that clients are complaining and asking about septic issues.

Filed Mar 24, 2004 · Fuel system · 123 miles · NC

2003 4 runner..... 12,000 miles, running on amaco sliver gas, still smells as rotten as ever...been through hell with the scott clark toyota in charlotte and gaston (north carolina).....they are all liars!!!! Saying it's the first they ever heard of such a thing.....filed reports and contacted owners..called everyone...even those jerks couldn't mail me lemon law papers etc. I will never own another toyota automobile...something should be done, a class lawsuit with enough people may get something accomplished or at least my $39,000 back. The smell of sulpher stinks so bad that it's to hard to even sale the piece of junk.

Filed Nov 9, 2003 · Engine, Fuel system · 100 miles · NE

2003 4 runner v6 has loud ticking noise coming from engine conmpartment. I ran it by the dealership 1 week after purchase too see what the problem was. Service manager said it was normal. Approximatly 2 months later rear seat was squeaking. Made appointment with dealer had them fix the seat and diagnose the noise coming from engine compartment again. They fixed the seat and was told it was the injectors making the noise. I told the sevice manager that I was not happy with the quality. The 2002 4 runner is very quiet. I am planning a return trip to the dealer when I find enough information on the problem.