2003 Toyota 4RUNNER: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Jan 25, 2005 · Engine · 34,115 miles · LA

At certain times I have a sulfur/exhaust smell that enters the vehicle. It is intermittent, I thought maybe it was exhaust from vehicles in front of me emitting bad fumes, but it has also happened when no other vehicles are around me. It hasn't lasted long 30 seconds to a minute and it's gone. But when the smell comes it's very overpowering, making me want to gag at times.

Filed Dec 18, 2003 · Engine · 8 miles · FL

While driving exhaust fumes entered the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the problem.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Engine · 1 miles · FL · 3 injuries

2003 toyota 4runner v6 limited - large amounts of exhaust fumes in the cabin. Exhaust fumes are experienced regardless of adjustments to environmental controls, including when the air conditioner is running and recirculation on. Exhaust fumes appear to be from the 4runner. All occupants become nauseous and experience significant eye irritation. I have significant concerns for the safety and health of my family, short and long term. I have discussed this issue with two local toyota dealers. They are unable to fix the problem and appear to be avoiding the specific issue of exhaust fumes in the cabin. They try to redirect the issue to the sulfur smell that the vehicle emits. I don't care about the sulfur smell, but I have real concerns about the exhaust fumes in the cabin.

Filed Nov 20, 2003 · Engine · FL

I am experiencing a repeated chemical sulfur odor in my vehicle cabin on even moderate acceleration. The smell is simply overwhelming. The windows are up, the sunroof is closed, and the air conditioner is set to recirculate. I understand from thousands of other posts on the internet that toyota claims this is a gasoline issue, but I have recently traveled across the country from miami to seattle, and have experienced this problem throughout the trip. I personally would not care about the exhaust smell if it was outside the vehicle, but with all the windows up, with the sunroof closed, and with the air conditioning on recirculate, it scares me that substantial amount of exhaust fumes are entering the cabin of my vehicle on a regular basis. Only the sulfur smell on moderate acceleration is clue to a larger problem. I fear that something is very, very wrong with this toyota product. I request that the federal safety agency begin investigating this immediately before someone dies inside their toyota 4runner.

Filed Aug 29, 2003 · Engine · 110 miles · CT

Exhaust odors enter cabin under middle, heavy acceleration, even with windows closed. Strong choking hydrogen sulfide, rotten egg smell, lingers in the cabin for a minute or more each time. Exhaust makes mechanical valve train noise, sounds like pinging or sticking hydraulic lifters on moderate acceleration.

Filed Aug 26, 2003 · Engine · OH

Terrible sulfur smell on acceleration of 2003 4runner 6 cylinder sport. Most noticeable when the rear window is down. Complained to dealer twice. Told it was the gas I was using twice. Tried numerous different brands of gas with no improvement. I don't believe any of this. There must be something wrong with the catalytic converter or another exhaust component. Wondering if the exhaust smell could contain carbon monoxide!

Filed Aug 2, 2003 · Engine · 957 miles · NY

When accelerating the engine makes an odd noise that sounds like there is an exhaust leak. I also intermittently have the "rotten egg" smell inside the vehicle. I took it to the dealer to have it examined and after the service manager drove the vehicle for 1.6 miles, he told me "they all sound like that." it seems odd to me that a vehicle designed to be so quiet would make such an alarming sound when accelerating. I also find it odd that, if there were no exhaust leak, with all the windows closed, the rotten egg smell of exhaust is still able to seep inside the passenger compartment. I have read other complaints stating customers should use a "better quality" of fuel. I have only used hess and mobil 93 octane in the 3 weeks that I've owned the vehicle. I assume this is a good quality gasoline, but if toyota feels there is a better quality gasoline which will make resolve these problems, I will be happy to use specifically the brand they recommend.

Filed Aug 1, 2003 · Engine · OH

Consumer states that vehicle smells like gas from inside of vehicle. Dealer notified.

Filed Jun 2, 2003 · Engine · 2,500 miles · VA

The exhaust smell from the truck has a horrific and sickening smell. I have not been driving the vehicle due to this issue. It has made me sick to my stomach at times and my wife and kids can not stand the continuous smell either. I am very upset with this and would like a refund of my purchase price. Toyota sent out a tsb regarding the smell saying it was the gasoline (poor) that people use. Wrong! I use amoco and texaco only.

Filed May 13, 2003 · Engine · 10 miles · SC

Passenger compartment fills with exhaust fumes (rotten egg smell) mainly when in motion with the back window down.

Filed May 6, 2003 · Engine · IL

I occasionally have sulfur smelling fumes from the exhaust in the vehicle even when the windows are closed. The dealership told me to switch brands of gasoline. I am less concerned about the smell than the idea that exhaust fumes are entering the car with the windows closed.

Filed Apr 23, 2003 · Engine · GA

Exhaust fumes apparently entering cabin of vehicle. Smell of sulfur very strong even when all windows are up.