2003 Toyota 4Runner Complaint Log

MANUAL SEAT OF 2003 4 RUNNER SPORT MODEL CONTINUALLY RETRACTS FROM ELEVATED POSITION. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO USE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WHEN DRIVING. SINCE THE SEAT LOWERS WITHIN 15-30 MINUTES DEPENDING ON ROAD SURFACE THE SEAT MUST BE CONTINOUSLY RAISED, CREATING ANOTHER UNSAFE DIRVING SITUATION. SERVICE DEALER INDICATES THERE IS NO SOLUTION TO PROBLEM AND IT IS "SOMETHING I WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH"!!*AK

VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL ,FLOORBOARDS, DRIVELINE AND DRONING NOISE. THIS IS AN UPDATE TO ID# 10060725. LEXUS OF TOYOTA HAS ANNOUNCED A TSB FOR THE GX 470 WHICH HAS THE SAME MECHANICALS AS THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THIS TSB ADDRESSES THE INDICATED PROBLEM THAT IS IN BOTH VEHICLES. IT IS :"STEERING ST004-04" "STEERING VIBRATION AND DRIVELINE VIBRATION/DRONE". UNFORTUNATELY THE FIX CAN ONLY BE APPLIED TO THE LEXUS VEHICLES PER DEALER.*AK

2003 TOYOTA LIMITED 4-RUNNER V8- AWDFRONT-END VIBRATION PROBLEM FIRST PRESENTED THE VIBRATION PROBLEM AT 5048 MILES TO MY DEALER THE LAST WEEK OF AUGUST! IT IS MOSTLY FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE ACCELERATOR AND OCCURS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THERE IS ALSO A DRONING NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIBRATION AND IS MOST NOTABLE UNDER LOAD. THEY TRIED BALANCING THE WHEELS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THEY AGREED THE PROBLEM WAS THERE AND NOTIFIED CORPORATE. THEIR TECHNICAL STAFF HAD THEM REMOVE THE FRONT AXELS AND RETEST. THE VIBRATION, WHICH STARTED AT 22 MPH, WENT TO 32MPH 42, 55, AND 62MPH NOW DISAPPEARED! THE DEALER WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS AN ANGLE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT. A WEEK LATER A TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE MET WITH ME AND MENTIONED THAT SEVERAL SIMILAR VEHICLES IN PHOENIX HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SUGGESTED IT PROBABLY WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO GET A FIX. HE FELT THAT TOYOTA WOULD PROBABLY JUST REPLACE THE WHOLE UNIT RATHER THAN PUTTING IN DIFFERENT PARTS. TWO MONTHS LATER I TALKED TO THE TECH. REP. AGAIN AND HE MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINEERING GROUP HAD DETERMINED THE PROBLEM TO BE INTERFERENCES IN THE SPIDER GEAR ASSEMBLY IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL, THEY WERE TRYING TO CORRECT THE CONDITION WITH THRUST WASHER SHIMS AND OTHER THINGS. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT A SAFETY FACTOR; I WONDER THOUGH WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THE FRONT END WERE TO FREEZE-UP SINCE ITS IN 4WD ALL THE TIME! I HAVE PRESENTED MY CLAIM TO THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER SUPPORT GROUP. I HAVE CALLED THEM REGULARLY ONCE A MONTH AND HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS AT FINDING WHAT THEIR SCHEDULE IS FOR THE FIX, --ONLY TO SAY WE ARE WORKING ON IT AND YOUR DEALER WILL NOTIFY YOU. IVE SINCE HEARD FROM MY DEALER STAFF THAT THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF LEXUS GX470'S AS WELL AS 2004S 4-RUNNERS INVOLVED. IM BEGINNING TO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY VEHICLES INVOLVED IT MIGHT BE A LONG TIME BEFORE WE SEE A FIX! I HAUL A POP-UP TRAILER AND DOES IT MAGNIFY THE PROBLEM! *AK

EXHAUST ENTERING PASSENGER CABIN WHETHER WINDOWS ARE CLOSED OR NOT. SUSTAINED, OVERPOWERING SULFUR ODOR WHEN THIS OCCURS. *PH

I HAVE A 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 1 1/2 MONTHS AGO AND CURRENTLY HAVE 3000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. WHEN I HAVE THE REAR WINDOW DOWN I SMELL A STRONG ODOR. THE ODOR HAS AN ACID AMMONIA LIKE SMELL. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG AT TIMES THAT IT TAKES MY BREATH AWAY. AT TIMES, THE ODOR ALSO ENTERS MY VEHICLE WHEN MY WINDOWS ARE ROLLED UP. THE STENCH IS SO STRONG THAT PASSENGERS IN MY CAR HAVE NOTICED IT (WINDOWS ROLLED UP). DUE TO THE ABOVE I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY HEALTH. I HAVE BROUGHT THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF MY DEALERSHIP (SERVICE AND THE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR). SERVICE CHECKED THE CAR AND BOTH SERVICE AND THE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR ARE TELLING ME THAT IT IS THE GAS I AM USING. THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I NEED TO USE SUNOCO GAS (OR A PREMIUM GAS COMPANY, BUT RECOMMEND SUNOCO) AND THAT I NEED TO USE AN OCTANE ABOVE 90. I AM ON MY 4TH TANK OF SUNOCO 93 OCTANE GAS AND THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES!! I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE NJ STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE. MY CAR HAS TESTED HIGH FOR CARBON MONOXIDE WITH THE WINDOW OPEN AND CLOSED AND WITH MY CIRCULATION VENT ON. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR THE REPORT FROM DMV. THIS SITUATION IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE ON ANY CAR ESPECIALLY THIS $40,000 CAR. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING AND THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN END IN SIGHT! TOYOTA HAS A WONDERFUL REPUTATION BUT IN THIS SITUATION IT IS QUITE CLEAR THEY ARE HIDING BEHIND GAS COMPANIES. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET TOYOTA TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM???? PLEASE HELP!!! *JB

DRIVER'S SEAT KEEPS SLIPPING WHEN INCREASING/DECREASING/STOPPING. IT IS A MANUAL SEAT AND DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT AND THAT THERE HAD BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS. IT IS A NOTICABLE SHIFT IN SEAT POSITION. DEALER SUGGESTED THAT THIS IS A TYPICAL "MANUAL" SEAT REATION. I FIND THIS DIFFICULT TO BE COMFORTABLE WITH AS I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS SITUATION WITH OTHER VEHICLES WITH MANUAL SEATS. PLEASE NOTIFY ME VIA EMAIL YOUR FINDINGS. THANKS BARBARA CHRISTIAN. *AK

PROBLEM: STEERING WHELL VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OF 60MPH AND UP. PURCHASED ON 8/2/03. RETURNED TO THE DELAER ON 8/12/03 TO HAVE ALL TIRES BALANCED AND A FULL ALIGNMENT; PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK RETURNED TO DEALER ON 8/14/03 TO HAVE THE TIRES SPEED MATCHED TO THE RIMS. WHEN I PICKED UP MY 4RUNNER I WAS TOLD THE VIBRATION WAS STILL PRESENT AND THAT I SHOULD UPGRADE MY TIRES FROM DUNLOP GRANDTREK AT20 265/65/17 TO MICHELIN CROSS TERAIN TIRES. THE DEALER OFFERED TO BUY TWO TIRES AND I WOULD BUY THE REMAINIG THREE (INCLUDING SPARE) AT $199.95 EACH WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT THE MICHELINS WOULD SOLVE THE VIBRATION PROBLEM. LEFT MY 4RUNNER AND ASKED THE DEALER TO CONTACT THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE FOR ASSIATNCE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA OFFERED TO BUY ANOTHER TIRE. I TOLD THE DEALER THAT THEY AND TOYOTA SHOULD REPLACE THE TIRES AT NO COST. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER THAT THEY ORDERED THE DUNLOPS INSTEAD OF THE MICHELNS THAT ARE AVAIABLE FROM THE FACTORY AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. CR MANAGER CHECKED WITH THE DEALERS GENERAL MANGER WHO OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSIATANCE. NOW SITTING IN MY GARAGE WITH 456 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. NEXT STEP  LEMON LAW SUIT AS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGER THAT THEY HAVE HAD OTHER 2003 4RUNNER CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

BRAKES FAILED AT 10000 MILES. DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. *AK

I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW SPORTS EDITION 2003 4 RUNNER IN JULY OF 2003. THERE IS A SULFUR SMELL EMANATING FROM THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA I WAS TOLD THE ODOR WAS CAUSED BY THE GAS I USE. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AND TOYOTA JUST WASHES THEIR HANDS OF IT. I WAS GIVEN A PAPER WHICH PURPORTS TO BE A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. IT STATES: FEB 24 2003 - SOME OWNERS OF TOYOTA VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SULFUR LIKE OR ROTTEN EGG ODOR FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. SULFUR IS A NATURAL COMPONENT OF CRUDE OIL FROM WHICH GASOLINE IS REFINED AND THE AMOUNT OF SULFUR CAN BE DECREASED THROUGH THE REFINING PROCESS. THE AMOUNT OF SULFUR IN FUEL SOLD IN CALIFORNIA IS REGULATED; HOWEVER, GASOLINE SOLD IN OTHER STATES CAN HAVE A HIGHER SULFUR CONTENT. SULFUR CONTENT ALSO VARIES CONSIDERABLY BETWEEN GASOLINE BRANDS AND LOCATIONS. APPLICABLE VEHICLES ALL MODELS REPAIR PROCEDURE : A SULFUR ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLES TAILPIPE DOES NOT NECESSARILY INDICATE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLES RUNNING CONDITION BUT IS MOST LIKELY DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE FUEL. IF VEHICLES IS EXHIBITING AN EXCESSIVE SULFUR ODOR THE FOLLOWING CHECKS SHOULD BE PERFORMED IF THE MIL LIGHT IS ON CHECK FOR DTC'S AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY INFORMATION TROUBLE IS FOUND AFTER PERFORMING THE ABOVE CHECK RECOMMEND THE CUSTOMER TRY A DIFFERENT SOURCE OF FUEL. REPLACEMENT OF OXYGEN SENSORS, AIR/FUEL RATIO SENSORS OR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WILL NOT REDUCE THE ODOR AND THEREFORE NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR WARRANTY (SOUNDS LIKE A COP-OUT TO ME) TOYOTA SHOULD LOOK FOR A SOLUTION. *LA

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF CHEMICAL FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER HAD INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE DEALER DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM AND SAID THAT IT WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CENTER HAD FADED. *SCC *JB

CAR EMITS A SULFUR TYPE SMELL, WHETHER VENTALATION SYSTEM IS ON OR NOT, AND WHETHER WINDOWS ARE UP OR DOWN. SMELL IS NOXIOUS AND MAKES ME FEEL ILL. HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10-15 TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF 5 MONTHS WITH THIS VEHICLE.*AK

HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A MONTH NOW. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FIRST WEEK WITH NOTICEABLE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE VEHICLE IN GENERAL FROM APPROX. 45 MPH AND ABOVE. DEALER BALANCED WHEELS. RETURNED AGAIN ANOTHER WEEK LATER WITH SAME SYMPTOMS. DEALER AGAIN ATTEMPED TO BALANCE TIRES AND ANALYZED RIMS, SPEED BALANCE, ETC. AND DETERMINED IT WAS THE TIRES. AFTER THE SONG AND DANCE ABOUT THE DEALER BEING UNABLE TO REPLACE THE TIRES WITHOUT A LONG DRAWN OUT PROCESS, I WAS DIRECTED TO THE LOCAL BRIDGESTONE DEALER FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT. HAD TIRES REPLACED THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY. SAME SYMPTOMS RE-OCCURRED AFTER A FEW DAYS. BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME THIS PAST FRIDAY. RE-BALANCED THE NEW TIRES AGAIN, SERVICE MANAGER DROVE IT AFTERWORDS AND SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. LEFT THAT AFTERNOON ON A TRIP, AND THE SYMPTOMS RE-OCCURED AGAIN. HAVE HAD ENOUGH ! I AM FILING A LEMON LAW NOTICE TO TOYOTA THIS WEEK WITH ONE LAST CHANCE TO REPAIR. IF UNSUCCESFUL, WILL BE FILING FOR ARBITRATION TO RECEIVE A REFUND.*AK

2003 4 RUNNER. BOUGHT 8/1/03 WITH 63 ACTUAL MILES. 1ST OWNER. VEHICLE VIBRATES AT 75 MPH AND BECOMES SEVERE RUMBLE AT 80 TO 83 MPH. DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM AS THE TIRES. TIRES RE MOUNTED. RUMBLE STILL EXISTS. TIRES THEN REPLACED. RUMBLE STILL EXISTS. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE HOT LINE, RECEIVED CLAIM # 2003-1212 0940, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE THE ACTUAL DATE AND TIME OF CALL ALSO. I AM STILL IN WAIT FOR A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM THAT TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGED HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH SEVERAL 4 RUNNERS. PLEASE HELP. WAYDE *CB

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.*AK

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.*AK

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.

SHIMMY IN STEERING WHEEL BETWEEN 60 AND 65 MPH. AUTO DOOR DOWN & UP WILL NOT WORK. NOTICED PROBLEMS AFTER PURCHASED (4 MILES ON VEHICLE) DEALER BALANCED TIRES AND STILL HAD VIBRATION. WILL REPLACE TIRES TO SEE IF THIS FIXES PROBLEM. REPLACE WINDOW MOTOR. *PH

MOONROOF MAKES LOUD GRINDING NOISE ON DRIVER SIDE WHEN BEING CLOSED. OUTSIDE SEAL OF MOONROOF GLASS IS BUBBLED UP, NOT SEALED/INSTALLED CORRECTLY

LUMBAR SUPPORT IN DRIVER SEAT "POP" AND ADJUST BY ITSELF FROM SELECTED LUMBAR POSITION. OCCURS WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN PARKED. DEALER STATES "PLASTIC CLIPS" THAT HOLD THE S SHAPED SPRING SECURE ARE FAULTY.

FOUL FUMES ENTER CABIN UPON ACCELERATION. THIS OCCURS WITH HIGH OCTANE GAS OR WITHOUT HIGH OCTANE GAS. ONLY USE 93 OCTANE, BUT DUE TO SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS TRIED LOWER OCTANE AND STRONG ODOR CONTINUED. THESE FUMES ENTER CABIN WITH ALL WINDOWS CLOSED, AIR VENTILATION ON RECIRCULATION AND WITH AIR CONDITIONG/HEAT OFF. MAKES BREATHING VERY DIFFICULT AND BECOME LIGHT HEADED OR HEADACHE. THIS IS NOT JUST A "SMELL" BUT LITERAL GAGGING FUMES.

CHASSIS/FRAME ON 4TH GENERATION 4RUNNERS HAVE A SEVERE RUST PROBLEM. MANY ARE DOCUMENTED & DISCUSSED AT HTTP://WWW.TOYOTA-4RUNNER.ORG/4TH-GEN-T4RS. SIMILAR TRUCKS IN TOYOTA'S PRODUCT LINE QUALIFIED FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT BUT THE 4RUNNER WAS IGNORED. THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS 100% RUST FREE EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. RECENTLY HAD A BODY SHOP LOOK AT THE FRAME - WAS DESCRIBED AS "TOO RUSTY TO WELD ONTO" WHEN DISCUSSING PATCHES. BELOW I AM ASKED FOR A DATE WHEN THIS EVENT HAPPENED. I AM PUTTING TODAYS DATE, 2003 BECAUSE LOGICALLY THE TRUCK HAS BEEN RUSTING SINCE IT WAS BUILT.

CONSUMER NOTICED STRONG CHEMICAL GAS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST TAIL AND ABSORB BY THE REAR WINDOW GATE. DEALER STATED WELL DON'T OPEN THAT WINDOW. *AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE GAS FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

WHEN VEHICLE IDLED AT A STOP AND THE HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. *AK THE BRAKE MUST BE HELD DOWN HARD. *SC

THE FRAMES ON 2003-2008 4RUNNERS RUST VERY BADLY AND HAVE DEEMED HUNDREDS OF OTHERWISE GOOD VEHICLES UNUSABLE. NOTE THAT JUST THE FRAME COMPONENTS ARE RUSTING THROUGH WHILE THE BODYWORK REMAINS INTACT.. TOYOTA RECALLED AND REPLACED FRAMES ON SEVERAL SIMILAR VEHICLES IN THEIR LINEUP BUT DID NOT OFFER THE SAME TO 4RUNNER OWNERS. HOPEFULLY THIS CHANGES.

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V146000. CALLED THE DEALER TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT FOR REPAIRS. DEALER STATED WE DIDN'T HAVE THAT PART YET AND WE DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT RECALL.*AK

FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE THERED HAS BEEN A LOUD "THUD" NOISE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR ON A CONTINUAL OR PREDICTABLE BASIS. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP EXAMINED THE 4RUNNER AND DIDN'T FIND THE BRAKES TO BE FAULTY; HOWEVER THE SOUND AND A SURGE ARE STILL PRESENT IT REMINDS ME OF THE "THUD" SOUND THAT WAS INHERENT IN THE T-100 PICK-UP TRUCK WHEN IT WAS STARTED IN REVERSE. I HAVE AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN MY VEHICLE AND WONDER IF FAILURE IS IMMINENT THERE OR IN THE DRIVE SHAFT. IN EITHER CASE THIS IS AN OBVIOUS FLAW AND MUST BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. MY DAUGHTER OWNED A 2002 TOYOTA PICK-UP TRUCK AND SAID IT MADE THE SAME SOUND FOR AS LONG AS SHE OWNED IT. *AK

THE BACK LUMBAR OF THE DRIVERS SEAT RATTLES AND IT MOVES WHEN I ACCELERATING OR BRAKING. *AK

FRONT DRIVERS SIDE SEAT RATTLES OR MOVES ABOUT 1/2 INCH WHEN SLOWING DOWN, GOING FAST & GOING OVER BUMPS.*AK

ENGINE MAKES A TICK, TICK, TICK NOISE WHILE RUNNING. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING KNOCKING INTERNALLY IN THE ENGINE OR AN EXHAUST LEAK. DEALERS REPAIR SHOP SAYS ITS NORMAL. I DON'T BELIEVE THEM. I SUSPECT A FUTURE PROBLEM OR FAILURE OF A COMPONENT. *JB

P265-65R17, DUNLOP GRAND TREK TIRE COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING TO WORK IN AN 03 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER. SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH. NO ROAD HAZARD WAS ENCOUNTERED. NO LOUD EXPLOSION. TIRE JUST SUDDENLY WENT FLAT. TIRE SEPARATED 360 DEGREES AROUND FRONT OF RIM. TIRE IS COMPLETELY INTACT ON BACK SIDE OF RIM. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NEVER HAD A REPORT OF ANY PROBLEM WITH THESE TIRES. THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE TIRE AND REFERRED ME TO DUNLOP. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE REST OF THE TIRES, TO INCLUDE THE SPARE, NOW MOUNTED, ARE SAFE FOR DRIVING.*AK

THIS IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM. WHENEVER WE HAVE THE REAR WINDOW DOWN, THERE IS A TERRIBLE ODOR THAT PERMEATES THE AUTOMOBILE. IT MAKES ME NAUSEA AND GIVES ME TERRIBLE HEADACHES. THE DEALER SAID WE SHOULD OPEN ONE OF THE SIDE WINDOWS. I PUT A DATE, BECAUSE THE SITE WOULD NOT ACCEPT THIS UNLESS I DID. *LA

I HAVE BECOME RATHER FED UP WITH THE SULFUR SMELL PROBLEM ON MY 03' V8 4RUNNER. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS HERE, EDMUNDS, AND OTHER WEBSITES ON THIS TOPIC AND SEE ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE OF SOME PEOPLE PURSUING LEGAL RECOURSE. OTHER THAN ONE SPECIFIC CASE IN FLORIDA, I CANNOT FIND ANY OTHER EVIDENCE OF SUCCESSFULLY MAKING A LEMON LAW CASE WITH THE SULFUR SMELL PROBLEM. I AM IN KANSAS AND HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED BY TOYOTA THAT I HAVE TO GO TO ARBITRATION.....AND IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN, THIS IS ALSO REQUIRED PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING A LEMON LAWSUIT. I HAVE THREE KIDS, ONE OF WHICH HAS A SULFUR ALLERGY IN ADDITION TO MY WIFE HAVING A DOCUMENTED ALLERGY. FRANKLY, I HAVE BEEN NAUSEATED BY THIS SMELL ON A NUMBER OF INSTANCES. NOW AT 10 MOS. OF OWNERSHIP, 7500 MILES, TRYING EVERY GRADE AND BRAND OF GAS REASONABLY AVAILABLE, 2 DEALER COMPLAINTS, AND 2 TOYOTA CORPORATE COMPLAINTS....I AM NOT ONLY DISAPPOINTED AT TOYOTA'S SHIFTING OF BLAME....BUT NOW I AM AT A LOSS ON WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HAVE TOYOTA RECOGNIZE AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE CURRENT 4RUNNER MODEL. TOYOTA BLAMES THE PROBLEM ON BAD GAS....DON'T THINK SO...I HAVE TRIED EVERY GRADE FROM EVERY STATION NEAR MY HOUSE. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE DAY 1 OF OWNERSHIP. HAVE I RESEARCHED THIS TO FIGURE OUT WHY IT HAPPENS....ABSOLUTELY. WHEN TOYOTA SAYS IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT.....I GUESS I WONDER WHY THEY DESIGNED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE REAR VENTS THAT PULL EXHAUST GAS INTO THE CABIN. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY IT HAPPENS. HERE IS MY POINT....SULFUR SMELL FROM THE EXHAUST...OK, I'M GOOD WITH THAT. THIS IS THE CASE WITH THE HIGHER SULFUR CONTENT MIXES THAT ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. BUT SHOULD IT BE REASONABLE THAT I HAVE TO INHALE IT INSIDE THE CABIN? NOW HOW IS THAT THE FAULT OF THE GASOLINE INDUSTRY.....DOES THAT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SULFUR CONTENT OF THE LOCALLY AVAILABLE GASOLINE? FURTHERMORE, IF I AM SMELLING SULFUR.....I AM ALSO INHALING CARBON MONOXIDE....GEE, THAT SEEMS REAL HEALTHY. PLEASE HELP.

STRONG ROTTEN ODOR/SULFUR SMELL FROM VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING REGARDLESS IF WINDOWS ARE UP OR DOWN. *AK

MY NEW FORERUNNER HAS 60000 KM(LOTS OF HIGHWAY DRIVING) ON IT AND IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS DOCUMENTED BY SO MANY OTHERS. I USUALLY HAVE A FRIEND OF MINE DO THE OIL CHANGES AND THEREFORE DO NOT HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF THE DETAILS. THIS INITIAL PROBLEM AROSE ON A WEEKEND. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T GET ME IN FOR A WEEK. THEY TOLD ME TO GET THE ENGINE FLUSHED IMMEDIATELY AT A JIFFY LUBE(OR THE LIKE). I DID SO AND THAT IS WHEN I STARTED SEEING SMOKE AND HAVING THE ENGINE EITHER JERK OR NOT RESPOND AT ALL. WHEN THE DEALER FINALLY HAD A LOOK AT IT HE TOLD ME I HAD NEGLECTED THE ENGINE AND HE WOULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER UNTIL I AGREED TO PAY (NO PRICE OFFERED AS OF YET, ALTHOUGH HE DID SAY THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE AT LEAST A PISTON RING JOB, POSSIBLY AN ENGINE). HE ALSO ACCUSED ME OF PUTTING IN A NEW OIL FILTER TO HIDE A PROBLEM. YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW USELESS AND PATHETIC THAT MADE ME FEEL. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A '99 FORERUNNER(PURCHASED NEW AS WELL) AND HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. I LIKED IT SO MUCH I CONVINCED BOTH MY SISTER AND PARENTS TO PURCHASE TOYOTA'S! I SUPPOSE MY FIRST QUESTION IS WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE SEEN ANY ISSUES REGARDING THIS MODELS ENGINE. I HAVE SEEN NOTES DOCUMENTING THE 2002 FORERUNNER 2.2(4 CYLINDER), 3.0 AND 3.6 LITRE V6, BUT NOT THE 3.4 LITRE(WHICH IS WHAT I BELIEVE MINE TO BE). AT THIS POINT IN TIME TOYOTA HAS NOT CALLED BACK TO LET ME KNOW WHAT THEY WILL DO AND FOR HOW MUCH, BUT HAVE SUGGESTED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

REAR WINDOW IS OPEN AND EXHAUST SMOKE FUMES WILL COME INSIDE OF WINDOW WHILE TRAVELING. *AK

ROTTEN EGG SMELL FROM EXHAUST WHEN HATCH BACK WINDOW DOWN FOR INTERIOR AIR CIRCULATION. BELIEVE THE CAUSE IS LENGTH AND POSITIONING OF EXHAUST PIPE. *JB

TICKING NOISES ON ACCELERATION. ENGINE USES A TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF GASOLINE AND ALWAYS SOUNDS AS IF IT IS OVER ACCELERATING. SMELLS OF BURNING RUBBER OFTEN. A BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE 3 RD TIME. NO HEAT OR FAN ON ONE OCCASION. SQUEALING FAN BELT ON 3 OCCASIONS. THE THIRD TIME LOST ALL WATER AND COOLANT AND HAD TO BE TOWED. STRONG BURNING SMELL AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. COULD HAVE HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER 2 WEEKS THIS TIME AND THEY CLAIM THEY ARE REPLACING PULLEYS. I AM FEARFUL OF DRIVING THIS CAR. I HAVE A 60 MILE COMMUTE. *NLM

2003 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER V6 SR5 GENERATES THIS UNUSUAL (TICK, TICK, TICK) ENGINE NOISE ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING. IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOOSE PART IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS NOISE IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN THE 4-RUNNER, DRIVEN BY MY WIFE, ACCELERATES BY ME OR WHEN I DRIVE WITH THE WINDOW OPEN NEXT TO A WALL. IT ALSO SOUNDS LIKE THERE MIGHT BE AN EXHAUST LEAK SOMEWHERE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *NLM

ROTTEN EGG SULFUR SMELL WITH CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) IN THE CABIN IS MAKING PASSENGERS SICK! (POISONED) I JUST DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE LEARNED THAT 60 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NHTSA FOR THIS SULFUR SMELL. HOWEVER WHAT EVERYONE IS FOCUSING ON IS THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGG. THIS IS DISGUSTING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BUT THAT IS IT IS NOT WHAT WILL KILL YOU. THE CARBON MONOXIDE(CO)IS THE REAL DANGER BECAUSE IT IS WITHOUT ODOR AND DEADLY IT IS ALSO GETTING INTO THE CAR BY THE SAME MEANS AS THE OBVIOUS EGG SMELL. I WAS SO CONCERNED THAT I CONTACTED A ENVIROMENTAL COMPANY WHO CAME FOR A RIDE ALONG IN MY 2003 SR5 4RUNNER. THIS RIDE PROVED TO ME THAT(CO)IS INDEED ENTERING THE CABIN AND ALARMED THE TECH WHO CAME ALONG WITH A (CO)TESTER. AT ONE POINT HE YELLED "CLOSE THE F@#%@%& REAR WINDOW". I SAW THE READINGS GO OFF THE CHARTS DEPENDING ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE WINDOWS. I DID NOT PAY FOR THIS TEST AS THEY WERE BEING KIND ENOUGH TO JUST SEE IF I HAD ANY (CO)ENTERING THE CABIN. THIS WAS ENOUGH FOR ME! I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE REGIONAL REP FROM FL. ANOTHER OPTION FOR PEOPLE TO FIND OUT ON THEIR OWN IS TO GO TO THE HOME DEPOT AND BUY A (CO) TESTER. THIS CAN BE PLUGGED INTO THE 110 OUTLET IN THE GLOVE BOX. I DID AND I DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE REAR WINDOW DOWN AT ALL ANY LONGER AND HAVE POSTPONED TRIPS OF LONGER THAN 50 MILES TO REDUCE EXPOSER TO THIS HARMFUL CHEMICAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT MAY BE CORRECTED BY CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE TAIL PIPE TO VENT TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HOPE THIS WILL GET THE PEOPLE (NHTSA) WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROFESSIONALS THAT PROTECT US "TO WAKE UP." IF SOMEONE ELSE COULD DO A SIMILAR TEST IN THEIR STATE WE COULD HAVE MORE AMMUNITION TO FIGHT TOYOTA. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE EPA COMPANY WOULD DO A COMPLETE TEST WITH REPORT AND ALL FOR AROUND $340.00. I AM GOING TO SEE IF THE SERVICE REP WOULD DO THIS BUT I DOUBT IT. *AK

ROTTEN EGG (SULFUR) SMELL WITH CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) IN THE CABIN IS MAKING PASSENGERS SICK! (POISONED) I JUST DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE LEARNED THAT 60 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NHTSA FOR THIS SULFUR SMELL. HOWEVER WHAT EVERYONE IS FOCUSING ON IS THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGG. THIS IS DISGUSTING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BUT THAT IS IT IS NOT WHAT WILL KILL YOU. THE CARBON MONOXIDE(CO)IS THE REAL DANGER BECAUSE IT IS WITHOUT ODOR AND DEADLY IT IS ALSO GETTING INTO THE CAR BY THE SAME MEANS AS THE OBVIOUS EGG SMELL. I WAS SO CONCERNED THAT I CONTACTED A ENVIROMENTAL COMPANY WHO CAME FOR A RIDE ALONG IN MY 2003 SR5 4RUNNER. THIS RIDE PROVED TO ME THAT(CO)IS INDEED ENTERING THE CABIN AND ALARMED THE TECH WHO CAME ALONG WITH A (CO)TESTER. AT ONE POINT HE YELLED "CLOSE THE F@#%@%& REAR WINDOW". I SAW THE READINGS GO OFF THE CHARTS DEPENDING ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE WINDOWS. I DID NOT PAY FOR THIS TEST AS THEY WERE BEING KIND ENOUGH TO JUST SEE IF I HAD ANY (CO)ENTERING THE CABIN. THIS WAS ENOUGH FOR ME! I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE REGIONAL REP FROM FL. ANOTHER OPTION FOR PEOPLE TO FIND OUT ON THEIR OWN IS TO GO TO THE HOME DEPOT AND BUY A (CO) TESTER. THIS CAN BE PLUGGED INTO THE 110 OUTLET IN THE GLOVE BOX. I DID AND I DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE REAR WINDOW DOWN AT ALL ANY LONGER AND HAVE POSTPONED TRIPS OF LONGER THAN 50 MILES TO REDUCE EXPOSER TO THIS HARMFUL CHEMICAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT MAY BE CORRECTED BY CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE TAIL PIPE TO VENT TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HOPE THIS WILL GET THE PEOPLE (NHTSA) WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROFESSIONALS THAT PROTECT US "TO WAKE UP." IF SOMEONE ELSE COULD DO A SIMILAR TEST IN THEIR STATE WE COULD HAVE MORE AMMUNITION TO FIGHT TOYOTA. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE EPA COMPANY WOULD DO A COMPLETE TEST WITH REPORT AND ALL FOR AROUND $340.00. I AM GOING TO SEE IF THE SERVICE REP WOULD DO THIS BUT I DOUBT IT. *AK

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE AND MAKE A THUMPING SOUND. THE DEALER LUBRICATED THE U JOINT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED A MONTH LATER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 03/04/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A PROPELLER ASSEMBLY/DRIVESHAFT WAS NEEDED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. UPDATED

WE BOUGHT A NEW 4RUNNER IN MAY 2003 AND WE NOTICED A ROTTEN EGG SULFUR SMELL. AT FIRST I BRUSHED IT OFF THINKING IT WAS THE OUTDOORS, HOWEVER THE SMELL IS STILL PRESENT. *NLM

ROTTEN EGG SULFUR SMELL IN MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. VERY BAD WHEN ANY WINDOW IS DOWN, JUST BAD WHEN ALL WINDOWS ARE UP. DEALER SUGGESTED DIFFERENT GAS(DIDN'T WORK), AND REPLACED CATALYTIC CONVERTER (DIDN'T WORK). THIS PROBLEM IS GIVING ME AND MY FAMILY HEADACHES WHILE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. *NM

HEADLINER RATTLES NEAR THE DOME LIGHT. *NLM

AFTER A VERY FRUSTRATING AND DISAPPOINTING EXPERIENCE WITH A GMC SUV WE BOUGHT A 2003 TOYOTA SR5 4RUNNER. UP TO THIS POINT WE HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH IT. HOWEVER, AN AMMONIA/SULFUR ODOR HAS BEEN NOTED INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN DRIVING AND CAUSES EXTREME IRRITATION AND A BURNING FEELING IN THE THROAT AND LUNGS OF ANYONE IN THE VEHICLE. THEY ALL IMMEDIATELY COMPLAIN. WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING QUITE LIKE THIS. WE CHECKED THIS SITE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT....THEY HAVE. WE TALKED WITH OUR DEALER ABOUT IT AND WERE TOLD IT WAS THE NATURE OF THE FUMES GIVEN OFF FROM THE FUEL. WE BELIEVE A WIND DEFLECTOR/REAR SPOILER MAY HELP THIS PROBLEM BUT ALSO LEARNED FROM OUR DEALER THAT ONE IS NOT MADE (YET) FOR THIS MODEL 4RUNNER. THIS PHYSICAL IRRITATION AND BURNING FELT WHILE DRIVING IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND WE HOPE MORE COMPLAINTS FILED WILL CAUSE ENOUGH CONCERN TO GET SOMETHING DONE. EITHER WITH THE FUEL OR A PRODUCT TO ELIMINATE THESE ODORS FROM ENTERING THE CABIN. *NLM

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. *NLM

THERE IS A STRONG SULFUR SMELL INSIDE OUR 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER SPORT EDITION WHEN WE DRIVE. IT IS HARD TO BREATHE AT TIMES. OUR CONCERN IS THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO OUR HEALTH. ARE WE ALSO GETTING CARBON MONOXIDE? TOYOTA DEALER TOLD US THERE IS NO FIX OTHER THAN TO TRY DIFFERENT GASOLINE. WE HAVE TWO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE SAME GAS WITH ABSOLUTELY NO SMELL. WE ARE AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT TO DO. SUGGESTIONS? TOYOTA GAVE US A COPY OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN DATED 2/24/03 ON SULFUR ODOR FROM EXHAUST. OBVIOUSLY, THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS AND ARE DOING NOTHING. *TT

ROTTEN-EGG LIKE SMELL COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. TOLD BY MY DEALERSHIP TO TRY DIFFERENT GAS BECAUSE OF SULFATE CONTENT IN THE GAS CURRENTLY USING IS TOO HIGH. I HAVE BEEN TO 4 DIFFERENT GAS STATIONS, IT IS STARTING TO GET A LITTLE RIDICULOUS.*AK

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER LIMITED,V8 WHEN THE TRANSMISSION POPPED OUT OF GEAR.SHE HAD IT IN 4D GEAR FOR NORMAL DRIVING.SHE PULLED OVER AND PUT IT IN 4D GEAR AGAIN AND IT POPPED OUT A SECOND TIME.THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO APPEARED. SHE PULLED OVER AGAIN AND TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND SHE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO HER DESTINATION WITHOUT THE GEAR POPPING OUT.SHE CALLED OUR SON TO PICK UP THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE.THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY SAID IT HAD TO HAPPEN WHILE THEY WERE TESTING THE CAR TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT THEY COULDN'T REPEAT THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT. THIS SITUATION COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE,WHO DO WE CONTACT? MY WIFE'S WORK NUMBER IS 412-875-1481