Catalytic Convertor problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner

: the contact stated while driving 40 mph uphill, a strong odor was noticed. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the incident. The dealership was contacted, who determined the catalytic converter was producing the odor. The extended warranty covered the replacement. Also, the contact was alerted by an independent mechanic about the front brakes. The mechanic machined the front rotors and installed new pads. As a result of the brakes repair, the pedal was too low when depressed. The brakes were rechecked and the mechanic informed all the brake standards were correct. The contact assumed this was a manufacturer defect. The dealership had not been contacted yet for the brake problem.

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.

I own a 2003 Toyota 4runner and have been experiencing the sulfur/rotten egg smell for several months. It is intermittent and seems to occur most frequently upon acceleration. The smell can get quite bad at times, and has caused my eyes to burn and other passengers to feel nauseous. My 3 year old son has complained several times that it makes his tummy hurt. Taking it in to Toyota has not helped - they state that Toyota is aware of the problem and is taking a look at it. Hopefully they will look quicker and find a solution. I have owned several Toyotas (this is my second 4runner in a row) and have always found the cars and service to be exceptional. However, this has soured me on my wonderful 4runner and I will most definitely look at other suvs - perhaps sooner rather than later now.

Strong sulfur smell will driving the car, the smell is strong and times can be hard to breath. The smell does definitely orginate from my 2003 fourrunner.

Sulfer exaust fumes entering cabin. Occurs at various times. Spoke to dealer and manufacturer; both blame gas. My concern is that the fumes are getting into the cabin area.

After suffering through months of illness caused by a noxious smell, we have researched and found that our v8 Toyota 4 runner's catalytic converter emits oxides of sulfur (so2, hs2, etc. ) on the matter of sulfur dioxide alone, we found that according to the epa, so2 contributes to respiratory illness, particularly in children and the elderly, and aggravates existing heart and lung diseases. People with asthma are particularly affected by peak levels of so2. As I am pregnant, have asthma, and use this vehicle to transport my 4-year-old on a daily basis, I am deeply concerned by gresham Toyota's refusal to address this potentially hazardous health situation.

Engine compartment fills with smell of rotten eggs even with windows up and air conditioning on, very unpleasant.

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!!!.

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.

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.

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.

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

Exhaust system emits a sulphur smell that comes into the seating area.

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

While driving moderate to heavy acceleration with all windows up and internal air circulation there is a strong rotten egg/sulfur type smell??? this is on a 2003 limited 4-runner bought new in maryland;darcars;this is very irritating and makes my kids 10yrs and 11 yrs. Old sick. Very confused what is causing this??????? please help. .

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.

In December of 2002, we purchased a 2003 Toyota 4runner sport. Almost immediately we noticed a strong sulphur smell leaking into the cabin when the vehicle was in motion. We took it to back to peformance Toyota where we purchased it and had it checked out. The maintenance manager said that the vehicle checked out fine, handed us a copy of a service bulletin #eg003-03 and suggested we change gas. We tried every gas at every gas station we could find and it only got worse. My wife had been using the vehicle to car pool our two daughters, along with other children, home from school. One of the children got physically ill (we later found out that he suffers from migrains, and the odor was triggering his attacts), so we had to pull our daughters out of the car pool. In order to limit my daughters' exposure to sulphur dioxide, I agreed to use the Toyota and let my wife use my dakota to take the girls to/from school (it doesn't stink). After driving the Toyota to work for close to a year now, I have experienced health problems and have recently been diagnosed with asthma by my physician (which I've never had before). My asthma medication costs me $158 per month and I have researched causes of asthma, and have found that this sulphur smell is a possible trigger for it. I have since purchased a used vehicle to drive back and forth to work, and the $37,000 Toyota sits in the garage because no one can stand to drive it. Help!!!!!.

Dear NHTSA, I purchased a 2003 Toyota 4 runner in November 2002. This vehicle omits a sulfur smell that is easily detectable and horrible to have to smell when driven. It plain stinks. It stinks with all windows up. It stinks worse with the side windows or sunroof open. I complained to the dealer the day after purchasing the vehicle. I have brought the 2003 4runner to the dealer numerous times and emailed complaints about the sulfur smell to Toyota USA to address the fact emissions were entering the cabin. I even met with a regional tech from Toyota USA on two occasions. Each time Toyota failed to remedy the problem of emissions entering the cabin of the 2003 4runner. The sulfur smell being omitted into the cabin is awful to breath for not only myself, but anyone else traveling with me. I have no idea what health hazard the sulfur smell poses or what other emissions must be entering the cabin. I have been complaining to Toyota for almost one year about this problem, and recently I learned the issue of emissions entering the cabins of other the 2003 4runner is being widely reported by other 2003 Toyota 4runner owners. Toyota has failed to remedy this design defect with me, or address the health/safety issue of emissions entering the cabin with me. The 2003 Toyota 4runner is defective and should be recalled to effectively correct the fact that emissions are entering the cabin of the vehicle. In addition, Toyota has been firm in their position that the vehicle is operating correctly, they are covering up a known defect and need to be held accountable. I would appreciate a response from NHTSA. Thank you and best regards, bill valentine 206-297-6535.

I own a 2003 Toyota 4 runner purchased in October of 2002. It emits a horrible rotten egg/sulphur smell into the cabin, windows up or down. Has given my passengers headaches and nausea. Tried the recommended gas upgrades, nothing works. This is a defect. Toyota should be made accountable.

Emission system problem, the catalytic converter is producing a gastric smell which is unbearable. Also, causes the driver to get sick while driving.

Consumer complained about a sulfur smell throughout the interior of the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle back to dealership, but dealer was unable to resolve the problem.