Four problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2003 4Runner.
Bought a 2003 Toyota 4runner v6 4wd 2 1/2 years ago as a Toyota certified used vehicle. . Within a year I needed a new serpentine belt due to excessive noise at start up. The dealer told me there was a TSB for this and to bring the car back if I had further issues. The noise came back but was irregular, it would come at start up every day for a couple weeks and then disappear for another few weeks. The noise got louder and sounded somewhat different a couple weeks ago. Brought it to the dealer and they replaced the idler pulley on Friday 07/16/10. It sounded loud again at start up after I picked up the vehicle but the noise eventually went away. However my serpentine belt actually ripped less than a week later (07/21/10) while I was driving 45mph on a curvy road. I first lost my ac, quickly followed by my power steering. . . Somehow managed to pull over but by then smoke was coming from underneath the hood due to the fact that in the ripping process the belt broke a coolant hose. I have been without a vehicle for 5 days now and am waiting on the dealer to get a new hose so that they can actually run the car and make sure the pulleys are all ok. However so far they're telling me that all the pulleys are fine and I am having to fight with them to get them to do the recommended fix to the TSB eg012-13. A noise at start is one thing, but a year and 1/2 old belt actually ripping is not normal! I was fortunate to come out of this unharmed and not damage my car or somebody else's.
Chirp noise from engine area on cold start--this has repeated 5 times since vehicle purchase--each time the local Toyota dealer has repaired under warranty--replaced tensioner and belt--chirp sound returns repeatedly after approx 6 mths operation.
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.
Engine belt squeaks. Has been replaced once and adjusted another time. Squeak returned for third time with under 2000 miles on vehicle.