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2003 Toyota 4RUNNER

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 4RUNNER years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER are substantially higher than the model-year median of 58.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

382 reports with mileage · 145 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 278 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 109 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports0 fire reports8 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

20 reports
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133,500 miles · Mar 28, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE YAW SENSOR WAS RE-CALIBRATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE LED TO A BRAKE FAILURE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE YAW SENSOR WAS RE-CALIBRATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE LED TO A BRAKE FAILURE IN WHICH THE BRAKES WOULD SEIZE. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY THREE DAYS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,500.

NHTSA ODI #10453339

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2012
EquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS 3 FAULTY CALIPERS 2 ON FRONT AND ONE ON THE REAR. THE CALIPER USES A DUAL PISTON AND THE INTERIOR LOWER PISTON IS THE ONE THAT FAILED ON BOTH FRONT CALIPERS. THIS ISSUE IS KNOW TO THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA OWNERS WHO INQUIRE (ITS COMMON KNOWLEDGE AMONG THOSE WHO OWN THEM.) THE FACT THAT BOTH FAILED AT THE SAME …

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2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HAS 3 FAULTY CALIPERS 2 ON FRONT AND ONE ON THE REAR. THE CALIPER USES A DUAL PISTON AND THE INTERIOR LOWER PISTON IS THE ONE THAT FAILED ON BOTH FRONT CALIPERS. THIS ISSUE IS KNOW TO THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA OWNERS WHO INQUIRE (ITS COMMON KNOWLEDGE AMONG THOSE WHO OWN THEM.) THE FACT THAT BOTH FAILED AT THE SAME TIME WAS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS I LIVE IN THE MOUNTAINS AND LOSING BOTH FRONT BRAKES SIMULTANEOUSLY IS CAUSE FOR GREAT CONCERN MY SAFETY IS AT RISK AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS AND EVERYONE ELSE. I AM NOT SURE WHY IT HAS TAKEN SOO MUCH EFFORT FROM US (THE OWNERS OF SAID VEHICLES AND THEREFORE CALIPER) TO GET THIS LOOKED INTO. THE CALIPERS ARE OF A FAULTY DESIGN AND WILL FAIL PREMATURELY PUTTING HUMAN LIVES AT RISK. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED? A PERSON TO DIE BEFORE THIS BECOMES CREDITED INFORMATION? JUST CHECK OUT T4R.ORG TO FIND ANY NUMBER OF IDENTICAL CLAIMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10451800

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR FRONT BRAKE REPLACEMENT AT 121,679 MILES. FIRST SET OF FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT 70,452 MILES. TECH CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT FRONT CALIPERS WERE FROZEN AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. SEEMS TO BE A RELATIVELY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR HIGH MILEAGE 4 RUNNERS. SAME TIME HAD RIGHT AXLE BOOT REPLACED AS WELL. $1,1…

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TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR FRONT BRAKE REPLACEMENT AT 121,679 MILES. FIRST SET OF FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT 70,452 MILES. TECH CALLED TO INFORM ME THAT FRONT CALIPERS WERE FROZEN AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. SEEMS TO BE A RELATIVELY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR HIGH MILEAGE 4 RUNNERS. SAME TIME HAD RIGHT AXLE BOOT REPLACED AS WELL. $1,118.00 FOR THE WHOLE JOB! OF COURSE I ALMOST KEELED OVER BUT HAD TO HAVE THE WORK DONE, AND WANTED DEALER TO PERFORM THE WORK SO I WOULDN'T HAVE ISSUES LATER IF ANYTHING WENT WRONG. HAVE HAD ALL WORK DONE AT THIS DEALER AND THEY'VE STOOD BEHIND ALL THEIR WORK, BUT WAS STILL A BIT DISAPPOINTED THAT THE FRONT CALIPERS WERE SHOT. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGE KEPT, AND KEPT CLEAN, INSIDE AND OUT. IN FACT, STILL LOOKS LIKE A NEW CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436417

17,000 miles · Oct 20, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THAT MY FRONT ABS WOULD NOT ACTIVATE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. BRAKING DISTANCES BECAME A LOT LONGER. WHEN I WENT TO CHECK MY FRONT BRAKES, I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BRAKE PISTON HAD FROZEN. IT WAS THE SAME FOR BOTH SIDES. TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP, AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. THEY…

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WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THAT MY FRONT ABS WOULD NOT ACTIVATE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. BRAKING DISTANCES BECAME A LOT LONGER. WHEN I WENT TO CHECK MY FRONT BRAKES, I DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT LOWER BRAKE PISTON HAD FROZEN. IT WAS THE SAME FOR BOTH SIDES. TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP, AND THEY SAID THE SAME THING. THEY WANTED TO REPLACE THE CALIPER ON BOTH SIDES FOR A TOTAL OF $750. I DID IT MYSELF. THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO MANY OTHER OWNERS, WHICH CAN BE FOUND ON WWW.T4R.ORG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430913

91,454 miles · Oct 20, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

WHILE DRIVING FRONT ABS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ACTIVATING. BRAKING DISTANCES WORSENED AS MY 03 4RUNNER WAS DRIVEN. IT TURNS OUT A PISTON IN THE BRAKE CALIPERS HAD FROZEN COSTING OVER $650 IN REPAIRS TO REPLACE THE CALIPERS. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. MORE INFO CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.T4R.ORG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430903

135,160 miles · Oct 6, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control

BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD ALMOST REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VSC, ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME UP ON THE DASH ALONG WITH AN AUDIBLE ALARM. REPAIR SHOP SAID BRAKES ARE FINE AND THAT IS A COMPUTER RELATED PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429016

67,444 miles · Aug 12, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

LOWER INBOARD FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CORRODED TO THE POINT OF BEING FROZEN AND NON-FUNCTIONAL LEADING TO EXCESSIVE BRAKING DISTANCE AND WEAR OF BRAKE COMPONENTS. CALIPERS ARE NON-REBUILDABLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH REMANUFACTURED CALIPERS BY RAYBESTOS. BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DAMAGED TO POIN…

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LOWER INBOARD FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CORRODED TO THE POINT OF BEING FROZEN AND NON-FUNCTIONAL LEADING TO EXCESSIVE BRAKING DISTANCE AND WEAR OF BRAKE COMPONENTS. CALIPERS ARE NON-REBUILDABLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH REMANUFACTURED CALIPERS BY RAYBESTOS. BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DAMAGED TO POINT OF NEEDING TO BE REPLACED ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419260

12,000 miles · Mar 1, 2011
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

THE VEHICLE WOULD REV ITSELF UP TO A HIGH RPM, FROM A STOPPED POSITION WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE WOULD GO IN REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ONLY AFTER THE MANAGER BORROWED IT OVERNIGHT AND EXPERIENCED IT HIMSELF, BUT I HAVE NOTICED THE PROBLEM BEGINNING AGAIN. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE RA…

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THE VEHICLE WOULD REV ITSELF UP TO A HIGH RPM, FROM A STOPPED POSITION WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE VEHICLE WOULD GO IN REVERSE. THE DEALERSHIP EVENTUALLY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ONLY AFTER THE MANAGER BORROWED IT OVERNIGHT AND EXPERIENCED IT HIMSELF, BUT I HAVE NOTICED THE PROBLEM BEGINNING AGAIN. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE RADIATOR LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (I WAS TOLD IT HAD THE WRONG KIND OF ANTIFREEZE; IT WAS GREEN AND IT NEEDS A RED KIND???). WHEN REPLACING THIS I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY FRONT BRAKES WERE PAPER THIN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THIS REPAIR COST ME ALMOST $2000. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE REAR WINDOW TRIM HAS SHRUNK. I ALSO HAD THE SUNROOF REPLACED AFTER OWNING THE VEHICLE LESS THAN TWO YEARS. THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE REAR HATCH DOES NOT WORK AS WELL AS THE REAR WIPERS (ALSO WHEN I HOOKED A TRAILER TO IT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE MESSED UP BECAUSE THE TRAILER LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK; WENT TO AUTOZONE AND TESTED THE TRAILER AND IT IS FINE). THE VEHICLE IS STARTING TO ACT FUNNY AGAIN, THE ENGINE REVS ITSELF TO HIGH RPMS (THIS IS NOT THE AUTOMATIC TRANNY BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN IT IDLES AS WELL). THE LAST INCIDENT WAS WHEN I PULLED OUT FROM A STREET PARKING SPOT AND AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WE LOST ALL POWER, WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL IT WAS AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL YET I TRIPLE CHECKED AND IT WAS IN DRIVE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT ACTED NORMAL AND DROVE ABOUT 10 FEET THEN IT HAPPENED ALL OVER AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE THE ROTTEN EGG SMELL (SULFUR?) WHICH IS SPORADIC. OF COURSE THE DEALER ALWAYS SAYS THEY CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG, NOTHING IS COMING UP ON THE COMPUTER. LUCKILY NO INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED AS OF YET BUT I FEEL IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND IT DECIDES TO PLAY THESE GAMES. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN QUALITY OF THIS VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY SINCE I PURCHASED IT BECAUSE OF THE REPUTATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10387248

66,277 miles · Jan 13, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

1. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER FROZE. TOYOTA REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. 2. LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER FROZE ON 05/05/2010 AT 95, 988 MILES. MY COST $490.73. LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER FROZE ON 11/22/10 AT 102,712 MILES. MY COST $470.40. TOYOTA CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY AS THERE WAS NO REQUIRED RECALL ON THAT PART. THEY TREAT BRAKE CALIPE…

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1. RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER FROZE. TOYOTA REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. 2. LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER FROZE ON 05/05/2010 AT 95, 988 MILES. MY COST $490.73. LEFT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER FROZE ON 11/22/10 AT 102,712 MILES. MY COST $470.40. TOYOTA CLAIMED NO RESPONSIBILITY AS THERE WAS NO REQUIRED RECALL ON THAT PART. THEY TREAT BRAKE CALIPERS LIKE TIRES AND BRAKE PADS. I KNOW THAT CALIPERS SHOULD NOT FAIL. A FROZEN CALIPER CAN REDUCE BRAKING EFFICIENCY BY 25 % PLUS CAUSE INSTABILITY DURING BRAKING. I BELIEVE THE AVERAGE OWNER DOES NOT KNOW THAT CALIPERS SHOULD NOT FREEZE UP, SO THEY ARE BUYING TOYOTA'S DENIAL AS APPROPRIATE. UPDATED 01/20/11 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10377388

99,990 miles · Nov 15, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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 …

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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. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10365855

Official recalls

3

11V113000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Feb 24, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: 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.

03V146000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Apr 14, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IF A HEAT SOURCE OR AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT.

Remedy: 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.

02V339000 · Wheels

Dec 17, 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 INSTALLED. THE UPGRADE INCLUDED 4 ALLOY WHEELS. THE ORIGINAL SPARE TIRE/ALLOY WHEEL WAS NOT CHANGED. THE SPARE TIRE REQUIRES THE USE OF A DIFFERENT STYLE OF WHEEL NUT TO ATTACH IT TO THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE SPARE TIRE/WHEEL IS INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE USING THE WHEEL NUTS PROVIDED FOR THE UPGRADE ALLOY WHEEL, DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL COULD RESULT AND COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A LOOSE WHEEL.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DIFFERENT STYLE LUG NUTS, A WARNING LABEL FOR THE SPARE RE/ALLOY WHEEL, AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP18002 · Frame Corrosion

Opened Aug 17, 2018 · Closed Mar 18, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:frame And Members

On August 7, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Gary Weinreich alleging premature frame corrosion failure in model year (MY) 2002 - 2006 Toyota 4Runner vehicles. The petitioner based his request upon a corrosion-related front suspension failure he experienced in his MY 2005 Toyota 4Runner, a class action lawsuit settlement involving other Toyota products, and other complaints of underbody corrosion in Toyota 4Runner vehicles that he found in NHTSA?s online complaint database. The petitioner submitted a complaint to NHTSA documenting his experience (NHTSA ID 11098055). On August 17, 2018, ODI opened DP18-002 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI?s evaluation included information provided by the petitioner regarding his vehicle, facts related to the class action lawsuit cited by the petitioner, and consumer complaint data received by NHTSA regarding underbody corrosion in third and fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner vehicles.The undercarriage of the petitioner?s vehicle exhibited severe corrosion damage indicative of seawater immersion. The vehicle?s service history shows that concerns with underbody corrosion were first noted by a Toyota dealer in a multi-point vehicle inspection performed on April 28, 2011. The invoice for that inspection noted ?severe and excessive amount of rust on the undercarriage and on the drive shaft transmission.? Two years later, on October 21, 2013, another multi-point inspection by a Toyota dealer observed further progression of underbody corrosion damage, noting: ?rust on shocks/struts and other components,? ?rust on exhaust system,? ?both splash shields severely rusted,? and ?undercarriage very rusty.? On July 17, 2017, approximately 10 months prior to experiencing the suspension failure incident, an independent repair facility performing routine oil change and brake maintenance informed the Petitioner of a concern with ?excessive frame corrosion? on his vehicle. The service history, severe general corrosion damage, failure age, and environment do not support the petitioner?s allegation of premature corrosion failure.ODI?s analysis of NHTSA complaint data identified fifteen incidents of front lower control arm failure in fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner sport utility vehicles. Two of the failures, including the petitioner?s vehicle, involve vehicles operated in ocean front communities with continuous exposure to aerosolized marine salts and potential exposure to seawater immersion. The remaining thirteen failures all involved vehicles owned or previously registered in states with the greatest use of deicing salts to treat road surfaces in winter months (?Salt states?). On average, the front lower control arm failures occurred after 13.1 years in service in highly corrosive environments. The failure ages and environments do not support the petitioner?s allegation of premature corrosion failure. NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Since the information before the Agency is not indicative of a vehicle-based defect, it is unlikely that any investigation opened because of granting this petition would result in an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect. Therefore, upon full consideration of the information presented in the petition and the potential risks to safety, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not foreclose the Agency from taking further action if warranted or the p

RQ10003 · Unintended And Uncontrolled Acceleration

Opened Feb 16, 2010 · Closed Mar 1, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Electrical System:software

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Electrical System:software

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Electrical System:software

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additional vehicles should be recalled.Following the agency's analysis, NHTSA requested that Toyota recall additional vehicles.Toyota complied with the agency's request.The details of these recalls are set forth more fully in Toyota's reports to NHTSA pursuant to 49 CFR Part 573.These recalls are as follows:Recall 11V-112: (1) model year (MY) 2004-2006 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid; and, (2) MY 2004-2007 Lexus RX330,RX350, and RX400h (hybrid model). The total estimated population under this recall is 769,379 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by a loose floor carpet cover (trim panel). Recall 11V-113: (1) MY 2003-2009 through 2009 Toyota 4Runner; (2) MY 2006-2010 Toyota RAV4; and, (3) MY 2008-2011 Lexus LX570.The total estimated population under this recall is 1,381,000 vehicles.This recall supplements recall 09V-388 and remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment by an unsecured floor mat.Recall 11V-115: (1) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS300 (all wheel drive vehicles); and, (2) MY 2006-2007 Lexus GS350 (all wheel drive vehicles). The total estimated population under this recall is 19,647 vehicles.This recall remedies potential accelerator pedal entrapment caused by inadequate clearance between the pedal linkage and a plastic pad embedded in the vehicle's carpet.II. Potential Electronic Causes of Unintended Acceleration.After NHTSA opened RQ10-003, NHTSA launched a ten-month study of potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.NHTSA launched the study in the spring of 2010 in light of concerns aired in Congressional hearings.NHTSA enlisted engineers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with expertise in areas such as computer controlled electronic systems, electromagnetic interference and software integrity to assess whether electronic systems or electromagnetic interference played a role in incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.That study has concluded.Two reports are associated with the study and are available on NHTSA's website.NASA's report is entitled Technical Support to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Reported Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Unintended Acceleration (UA) Investigation, NESC Assessment No. TI-10-00618 (Jan. 18, 2011).NHTSA's report is entitled Technical Assessment of Toyota Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Systems (Feb. 2011).Both reports should be read in conjunction with each other. As stated in its report, NASA did not find an electronic cause of large throttle openings that can result in unintended acceleration incidents. NHTSA did not find a vehicle-based cause of unintended acceleration incidents other than the physical pedal interference causes that are being addressed by Toyota's recalls. This RQ is closed.