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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2003 Toyota LandcruiserRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2003 Toyota Landcruiser. Most complaints involve power train (4) and service brakes (3). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
13mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$4,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2003 Toyota Landcruiser as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2003 – Feb 2026
  1. Power train4
  2. Service brakes3
  3. Structure3
  4. Vehicle speed control3
  5. Air bags2
  6. Engine and engine cooling2
  7. Wheels1
  8. Engine1
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Landcruiser model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200238
200322
20045
20059
20069
20073
20088
20096
20103
20114
20136
20142
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

4 reports
“I HAVE A 2003 4RUNNER THAT HAS A HORRIBLE CLUNKING SOUND THAT HAPPENS AT RANDOM. THE TOYOTA DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT 3 TIMES. IT WILL HAPPEN WHEN COMING TO A STOP OR STARTING FROM A STOP. IT'S VERY ANNOYING AND NOT VERY COMFORTING. IF THE DRIVESHAFT IS SLAMMING AND MAKING THIS NOISE, I CAN'T IMAGING ANYONE THINKING THAT IS VERY SAFE. THE THING COULD BREAK AT ANY MOMENT. WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE THE SLAMMING DOES TO IT! TOYOTA NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOME GETS HURT FROM IT. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2007Power trainODI 10207559

Service brakes

3 reports
“Many things are happening to my truck that’s why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 1, 2026Wheels, Service brakes, EngineODI 11714805

Structure

3 reports
“EXCESSIVE UNDERBODY RUSTING. I HAVE A TUNDRA WHOSE UNDERBODY WAS CHANGED UPON RECALL BY TOYOTA. CAR IS GARAGED OR LEFT IN DRIVEWAY. EVERY MECHANIC COMMENTS ON EXCESSIVE RUSTING INCLUDING PRESTIGE TOYOTA BUT THEY MAINTAIN IT'S SATISFACTORY. I HAD TO CHANGE THE THING HOLDING THE TIRE BECAUSE IT RUSTED THROUGH CREATING THE DANGER THE SPARE COULD BREAK LOOSE. AAA WOULD NOT CHANGE A SPARE TIRE BECAUSE OF RUSTING THROUGH. TOYOTA THINKS THE RUST IS OK. I DON'T AND WORRY ABOUT SAFETY.I CANNOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHEN THIS HAPPENED.I CAN'T ACCURATELY RECALL MILEAGE WHEN I NOTICED THIS”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 7, 2020Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11297568
All 2003 Landcruiser problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
4.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd
Drive
4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Land Cruiser Wagon 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
121613$4,800684
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Toyota Landcruiser as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 4877
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2003 Landcruiser questions

How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Landcruiser have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2003 Toyota Landcruiser problems?

Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (4), service brakes (3), structure (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2003 Toyota Landcruiser get?

The EPA rates the 2003 Toyota Landcruiser at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026