Engine Exhaust System Problems of Toyota 4Runner - part 2

Exhaust entering passenger cabin whether windows are closed or not. Sustained, overpowering sulfur odor when this occurs.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

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. The dealer duplicated the problem and said that it was not acceptable. The right front wheel center had faded.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rotten egg smell from exhaust when hatch back window down for interior air circulation. Believe the cause is length and positioning of exhaust pipe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The consumer smelled strong chemical fumes in the passenger compartment, which seemed to be coming from the exhaust.

Exhaust fumes seeped into the passenger cabin while driving.

This vehicle fills the cabin constantly with a "sulfur" or rotten egg smell. I have changed gas brands multiple times.

Toxic sulfur/rotten egg smell in cabin of automobile.

Dear auto safety, 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 emmssons 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 the cabin is aweful 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 emmissions 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 the help of auto safety in bringing this to the attention of Toyota and to any other agency that should be involved in order for Toyota to acknowledge and accept the responsibilty to correct the known defect of emissions entering the cabin of the 2003 Toyota 4runner. Thank you and best regards, bill valentine.

2003 4runner se during accleration, I have exhaust gases entering the passenger compartment. Toyota confirmed that the v8 is mostly affected due to the larger displacement engine. Also, per Toyota, the exhasut gases are entering from a vent located on the left rear of the vehicle. However, Toyota insists that this problem is due to the fuel. I have taken this to arbitration and was denied, even thought Toyota freely admits to the problem. Based on the outcome, I have asked Toyota to state that this is a safe condition and was also denied.

While driving the vehicle was leaking exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ts.

See all problems of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

Consumer stated while traveling at any speed and without any indication vehicle would stall. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed a mouse had crawled into the mass air flow .

After a few weeks of ownership the consumer noticed that the cabin would fill up with sulfur dioxide fumes. These fumes have caused respiratory issues for the children that ride in the vehicle.

The vehicle was distributing excessive amounts of sulfur dioxide gas from the exhaust pipe . The gas was coming through the air vents and making the occupants sick.

Consumer notice while traveling exhausts leaking sound coming from the engine. Vehicle was service by dealer technician notice corrosion on the crossover pipe. Please provide further information. Ts.

See all problems of the 1996 Toyota 4Runner 🔎.

While driving exhaust fumes entered the passenger cabin of the vehicle. Dealer could not duplicate or determine the cause of the problem.