2003 Toyota 4RUNNER Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 696 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER, 1% of the 696 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I've been doing research online for the non stop vcs trac, vcs off, ABS and brake warning lights and buzzers going off. It has been described as a common issue with Toyota and can lead to complete loss of brakes, but no recall. The dealership wants $3200 for the part and $600 to install. I guess Toyota needs fatalities to back their product. Shame on Toyota.”
NHTSA complaint #10891848, filed 2016-07, 54,000 miles“While driving my ABS, break, vsc trac and vsc off light came on solid. It was all accompanied by an alarm. I was in heading down a hill in the snow. Right after the alerts came on I had a hard break pedal with no movement and no breaks. I was not able to use the emergency break as in snow that would not have helped. I have done some research and this has happened to multiple people online and its concerning that if ABS stops/faults you lose all ability to break at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11308782, filed 2020-02, 173,000 miles“While driving uphill in the snow, the automatic stability control on my Toyota engaged with a beeping sound and a dashboard indicator light. Once this happened, several other lights illuminated on the dashboard and the vehicle began to accelerate up the hill. I attempted to brake, but the vehicle continued to gain speed and struck the back of a parked pickup truck on the side of the road. No airbag deployment occurred. The front end damage was significant, making the vehicle a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10310618, filed 2010-02, 50,000 miles“Failure of automatic braking control and anti-skid control. Service light activated but no recall or notice to consumers. See technical service bulletin br 005-03 (dec. 4, 2003). Toyota refuses to recognize safety risk or obligation to replace outside of warranty period.”
NHTSA complaint #10274755, filed 2009-06, 50,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER. While driving 65 MPH, the vsc and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The anti-lock braking system engaged and locked the front brakes. The vehicle violently pulled to the left lane and the steering and brakes failed. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and repair the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that they were unaware of the failure previously occurring. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10908283, filed 2016-09, 167,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 15 | 2% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 2 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER
284 complaintsSuspension
114 complaintsOther or unknown
111 complaintsEngine cooling
89 complaintsBrakes
74 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
39 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsSeats
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
18 complaintsWheels
15 complaintsFuel system
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology