78 of the 188 complaints about the 2003 Toyota 4 Runner are about the engine — 41% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 110 miles.
78
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
EXHAUST SYSTEM EMITS A SULPHUR SMELL THAT COMES INTO THE SEATING AREA
NHTSA complaint #10124959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I BOUGHT A NEW TOYATO 4 RUNNER AND THE VEHICLE SMELL CONSTANTLY. I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA AND THEY ASK ME TO CHANGE MY GAS TYPE TO A MORE EXPENSIVE ONE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT I HAVE TO BE DRIVING MY FAMILY AROUND IN A SMELLY TRUCK. HELP
NHTSA complaint #10111886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10107881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
MY HUSBAND PURCHASE A 2003 4 RUNNER FOR ME AND WHILE DRIVING I HAVE HAD A STRONG SMELL OF ROTTEN EGGS IN THE CAR WHICH HAS CAUSE HEADACHES;STOMACHACHES AS WELL AS BLUR OF VISION. IT NOT ONLY COMES THROUGH THE WINDOWS WHILE DOWN BUT ALSO THROUGH THE VENTSAND MORE SO WHILE MY AIR CONDITIONER IS ON .
NHTSA complaint #10095938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10093942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10093754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
LTR FM CHRISTINE IDLAND (NJ) RE A PROBLEM WITH HER 2003 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER, IT EMITS A PUNGENT ODOR WHEN SHE PRESSES THE ACCELERATOR; REPLY ATTN DEREK DECOSMO/HADDON HEIGHTS OFFICE. *NM THE NJ OEP RAN TEST ON THE VEHICLE WHICH DETERMINED THAT WHEN THE CONSUMER ACCELERATED THE CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS INSIDE THE VEHICLE BECAME ELEVATED. THIS OCCURRED WHETHER THE WINDOWS WERE OPENED OR CLOSED.
NHTSA complaint #10091444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
ROTTEN EGG (SULFUR) SMELL WITH CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) IN THE CABIN IS MAKING PASSENGERS SICK! (POISONED) I JUST DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE LEARNED THAT 60 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NHTSA FOR THIS SULFUR SMELL. HOWEVER WHAT EVERYONE IS FOCUSING ON IS THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGG. THIS IS DISGUSTING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BUT THAT IS IT IS NOT WHAT WILL KILL YOU. THE CARBON MONOXIDE(CO)IS THE REAL DANGER BECAUSE IT IS WITHOUT ODOR AND DEADLY IT IS ALSO GETTING INTO THE CAR BY THE SAME MEANS AS THE OBVIOUS EGG SMELL. I WAS SO CONCERNED THAT I CONTACTED A ENVIROMENTAL COMPANY WHO CAME FOR A RIDE ALONG IN MY 2003 SR5 4RUNNER. THIS RIDE PROVED TO ME THAT(CO)IS INDEED ENTERING THE CABIN AND ALARMED THE TECH WHO CAME ALONG WITH A (CO)TESTER. AT ONE POINT HE YELLED "CLOSE THE F@#%@%& REAR WINDOW". I SAW THE READINGS GO OFF THE CHARTS DEPENDING ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE WINDOWS. I DID NOT PAY FOR THIS TEST AS THEY WERE BEING KIND ENOUGH TO JUST SEE IF I HAD ANY (CO)ENTERING THE CABIN. THIS WAS ENOUGH FOR ME! I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE REGIONAL REP FROM FL. ANOTHER OPTION FOR PEOPLE TO FIND OUT ON THEIR OWN IS TO GO TO THE HOME DEPOT AND BUY A (CO) TESTER. THIS CAN BE PLUGGED INTO THE 110 OUTLET IN THE GLOVE BOX. I DID AND I DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE REAR WINDOW DOWN AT ALL ANY LONGER AND HAVE POSTPONED TRIPS OF LONGER THAN 50 MILES TO REDUCE EXPOSER TO THIS HARMFUL CHEMICAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT MAY BE CORRECTED BY CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE TAIL PIPE TO VENT TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HOPE THIS WILL GET THE PEOPLE (NHTSA) WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROFESSIONALS THAT PROTECT US "TO WAKE UP." IF SOMEONE ELSE COULD DO A SIMILAR TEST IN THEIR STATE WE COULD HAVE MORE AMMUNITION TO FIGHT TOYOTA. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE EPA COMPANY WOULD DO A COMPLETE TEST WITH REPORT AND ALL FOR AROUND $340.00. I AM GOING TO SEE IF THE SERVICE REP WOULD DO THIS BUT I DOUBT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10078432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
ROTTEN EGG SULFUR SMELL WITH CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) IN THE CABIN IS MAKING PASSENGERS SICK! (POISONED) I JUST DID A LITTLE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE LEARNED THAT 60 COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE NHTSA FOR THIS SULFUR SMELL. HOWEVER WHAT EVERYONE IS FOCUSING ON IS THE SMELL OF ROTTEN EGG. THIS IS DISGUSTING AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS BUT THAT IS IT IS NOT WHAT WILL KILL YOU. THE CARBON MONOXIDE(CO)IS THE REAL DANGER BECAUSE IT IS WITHOUT ODOR AND DEADLY IT IS ALSO GETTING INTO THE CAR BY THE SAME MEANS AS THE OBVIOUS EGG SMELL. I WAS SO CONCERNED THAT I CONTACTED A ENVIROMENTAL COMPANY WHO CAME FOR A RIDE ALONG IN MY 2003 SR5 4RUNNER. THIS RIDE PROVED TO ME THAT(CO)IS INDEED ENTERING THE CABIN AND ALARMED THE TECH WHO CAME ALONG WITH A (CO)TESTER. AT ONE POINT HE YELLED "CLOSE THE F@#%@%& REAR WINDOW". I SAW THE READINGS GO OFF THE CHARTS DEPENDING ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE WINDOWS. I DID NOT PAY FOR THIS TEST AS THEY WERE BEING KIND ENOUGH TO JUST SEE IF I HAD ANY (CO)ENTERING THE CABIN. THIS WAS ENOUGH FOR ME! I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I AM WAITING TO HEAR FROM THE REGIONAL REP FROM FL. ANOTHER OPTION FOR PEOPLE TO FIND OUT ON THEIR OWN IS TO GO TO THE HOME DEPOT AND BUY A (CO) TESTER. THIS CAN BE PLUGGED INTO THE 110 OUTLET IN THE GLOVE BOX. I DID AND I DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE REAR WINDOW DOWN AT ALL ANY LONGER AND HAVE POSTPONED TRIPS OF LONGER THAN 50 MILES TO REDUCE EXPOSER TO THIS HARMFUL CHEMICAL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT MAY BE CORRECTED BY CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE TAIL PIPE TO VENT TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I HOPE THIS WILL GET THE PEOPLE (NHTSA) WHO ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PROFESSIONALS THAT PROTECT US "TO WAKE UP." IF SOMEONE ELSE COULD DO A SIMILAR TEST IN THEIR STATE WE COULD HAVE MORE AMMUNITION TO FIGHT TOYOTA. I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THE EPA COMPANY WOULD DO A COMPLETE TEST WITH REPORT AND ALL FOR AROUND $340.00. I AM GOING TO SEE IF THE SERVICE REP WOULD DO THIS BUT I DOUBT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10078435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
MY 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER HAS AN EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF SULPHUR IN THE CABIN WHEN I DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN. I HAVE REPORTED THIS 3 TIMES TO MY DEALER, AND ON THE THIRD TIME, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE FUEL. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS, AND NEVER EXPERIENCED SUCH A SMELL, AND I HAVE COMPARED TO OTHER 4RUNNER OWNERS, ALL OF WHOM HAVE THE SAME SITUATION. THE SMELL IS IMMEDIATELY NOTICEABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10074983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE CABIN WOULD FILL UP WITH SULFUR DIOXIDE FUMES. *PH THESE FUMES HAVE CAUSED RESPIRATORY ISSUES FOR THE CHILDREN THAT RIDE IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10071546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10068259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
TERRIBLE SULPHUR SMELL IN THE CABIN. WINDOWS ARE ALWAYS UP DUE TO 3 OF 4 MEMBERS HAVING ASTHMA. MAKES ALL PASSENGERS SICK TO STOMACHS AND HEADACHES. WANT FULL PURCHASE PRICE BACK FOR THIS VEHICLE. CANNOT DRIVE ANYLONGER. VERY UPSETTING FROM A TOYOTA PRODUCT. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10068050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10070848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
MY PROBLEM DATES BACK TO 8-9 MONTHS AGO. I BOUGHT MY 4RUNNER IN NOV.2002, BRAND NEW. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS MY CAR STARTED TO MAKE THIS SULFER/AMMONIA SMELL, EVERY DAY, EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE OR GO UP A HILL. I HAVE BROUGHT IN THE CAR 4-5 TIMES TO VARIOUS DEALERS, EVERYONE SAID THERES NOTHING WRONG, FINALLY TOYOTA ESCONDIDO SMELLED THE SMELL AND INFORMED ME THAT TOYOTA IS WELL AWARE OF THE SITUATION BUT THERES NOTHING THEY ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT. I HAVE NOT HAD TO SPEND ANY $ YET, BUT THE SMELL IS ENOUGH TO DRIVE YOU CRAZY. I AM SHOCKED THAT TOYOTA IS TAKING THAT APPROACH. I PAY WAY TOO MUCH FOR MY 4 RUNNER TO BE SO UNHAPPY!!!!! PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10070990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY NEW FORERUNNER HAS 60000 KM(LOTS OF HIGHWAY DRIVING) ON IT AND IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS DOCUMENTED BY SO MANY OTHERS. I USUALLY HAVE A FRIEND OF MINE DO THE OIL CHANGES AND THEREFORE DO NOT HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF THE DETAILS. THIS INITIAL PROBLEM AROSE ON A WEEKEND. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY COULDN'T GET ME IN FOR A WEEK. THEY TOLD ME TO GET THE ENGINE FLUSHED IMMEDIATELY AT A JIFFY LUBE(OR THE LIKE). I DID SO AND THAT IS WHEN I STARTED SEEING SMOKE AND HAVING THE ENGINE EITHER JERK OR NOT RESPOND AT ALL. WHEN THE DEALER FINALLY HAD A LOOK AT IT HE TOLD ME I HAD NEGLECTED THE ENGINE AND HE WOULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER UNTIL I AGREED TO PAY (NO PRICE OFFERED AS OF YET, ALTHOUGH HE DID SAY THAT IT WOULD PROBABLY BE AT LEAST A PISTON RING JOB, POSSIBLY AN ENGINE). HE ALSO ACCUSED ME OF PUTTING IN A NEW OIL FILTER TO HIDE A PROBLEM. YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW USELESS AND PATHETIC THAT MADE ME FEEL. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A '99 FORERUNNER(PURCHASED NEW AS WELL) AND HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL. I LIKED IT SO MUCH I CONVINCED BOTH MY SISTER AND PARENTS TO PURCHASE TOYOTA'S! I SUPPOSE MY FIRST QUESTION IS WHETHER OR NOT YOU HAVE SEEN ANY ISSUES REGARDING THIS MODELS ENGINE. I HAVE SEEN NOTES DOCUMENTING THE 2002 FORERUNNER 2.2(4 CYLINDER), 3.0 AND 3.6 LITRE V6, BUT NOT THE 3.4 LITRE(WHICH IS WHAT I BELIEVE MINE TO BE). AT THIS POINT IN TIME TOYOTA HAS NOT CALLED BACK TO LET ME KNOW WHAT THEY WILL DO AND FOR HOW MUCH, BUT HAVE SUGGESTED IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10071351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
ROTTEN EGG/SULFUR SMELL/EXHAUST ENTERING CABIN OF VEHICLE EVEN IF WINDOWS ARE UP.HAVE HAD PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE IN AUG,2003.
NHTSA complaint #10066218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10066144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10063687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10062168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10062168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10053219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
I BOUGHT A 2003 4-RUUNER SPORT EDITION WITHTHE V-8 IN AUGUST, 2003. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE 4-RUNNER, THERE HAS BEEN A STRONG ROTTEN EGG SMELL COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. IT HAPPENS DURING ACCELERATION OR HIGHWAY DRIVING. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED MY 4-RUNNER AND SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. I THEN HAD THE SERVICE WRITER RIDE WITH ME TO PROVE THE ROTTEN EGG SMELL. I AM AFRAID THE EXHAUST GASES GETTING INTO THE CAR COULD CREATE MEDICAL PROBLEMS. I ALSO WONDER IF MY 4-RUNNER WILL PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTIONS AND I WILL BE TOLD TO HAVE IT FIXED BEFORE I CAN GET A NEW STICKER TO DRIVE. ALL INDICATIONS IS THAT TOYOTA HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS DECIDED TO PRETEND IT DOES NOT EXIST.
NHTSA complaint #10051490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
THE SULPHER SMELL/CARBON MONOXIDE THAT COMES INTO THE CAB OF MY '03 4RUNNER V8, IS EXTREMELY UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS MY 4TH TOYOTA IN THE PAST 6 YEARS AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE DISSAPOINTED WITH MY VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO 4 DEALERS TO ALL SAY TO ME THAT IT'S A GAS GRADE ISSUE. I'M TIRED OF TOYOTA NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND HELPING LOYAL CUSTOMERS OUT WITH ANNOYING ISSUES. AT THE VERY LEAST, OFFER AN ALTENATIVE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10051029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10050883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE PASSENGER CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10051719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER V6 LIMITED - LARGE AMOUNTS OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. EXHAUST FUMES ARE EXPERIENCED REGARDLESS OF ADJUSTMENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS, INCLUDING WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS RUNNING AND RECIRCULATION ON. EXHAUST FUMES APPEAR TO BE FROM THE 4RUNNER. ALL OCCUPANTS BECOME NAUSEOUS AND EXPERIENCE SIGNIFICANT EYE IRRITATION. I HAVE SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS FOR THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF MY FAMILY, SHORT AND LONG TERM. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS ISSUE WITH TWO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERS. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND APPEAR TO BE AVOIDING THE SPECIFIC ISSUE OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. THEY TRY TO REDIRECT THE ISSUE TO THE SULFUR SMELL THAT THE VEHICLE EMITS. I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE SULFUR SMELL, BUT I HAVE REAL CONCERNS ABOUT THE EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN.
NHTSA complaint #10049497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE FILLS THE CABIN CONSTANTLY WITH A "SULFUR" OR ROTTEN EGG SMELL. I HAVE CHANGED GAS BRANDS MULTIPLE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10049308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
STRONG CHEMICAL FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH OR WITHOUT THE WINDOWS BEING CLOSED. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED IF THE FUMES COULD CAUSE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS AND WHAT WAS BEING DONE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10048253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
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.
NHTSA complaint #10047556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.