Three problems related to rear suspension shock absorber 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.
On 10/03/16 I took my 4-runner to an auto repair shop for front end brake replacement. A couple of hours later, I contacted the repair shop an asked them to also replace all shock absorbers, which they agreed to do. Later, I went to the shop and the mechanic informed me that the undercarriage and frame were severly corroded and did not install the shock absorbers due to the severity of the corrosion. The mechanic wrote the following statement on my invoice. "frame of car is rotted in several places. Do minuium repairs to keep on road. Should not be used on highway!!!.
This 2003 Toyota 4runner has 135,000 miles on the odometer and the frame and exhaust system including catalytic converter are completely rusted out and the vehicle is now unsafe to drive. Some frame components have completely rusted and broken off from the frame I. E. Tow hooks, exhaust and engine mounts. The frame is only held on to the body by the shock absorbers. The vehicle can no longer be driven safely. The cost to repair this damage would be prohibitive and I believe that this issue needs to be addressed by Toyota. I purchased this vehicle in good faith and trusted that Toyota quality would last. Please advise any possible recourse. Thank you.
The driver was traveling 35mph,the vehicle started swaying from left to right. The rear shocks blew the seals. The vehicle was unable to be moved and was towed to the residence. Nitrousentertrises after market product.