VehicleVerdict

2003 Toyota Land Cruiser problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Land Cruiser years?

Land Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted41 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1977: 4 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 6 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 6 complaints1988: 14 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 5 complaints1991: 13 complaints1992: 10 complaints1993: 9 complaints1994: 25 complaints1995: 10 complaints1996: 16 complaints1997: 20 complaints1998: 21 complaints1999: 27 complaints2000: 41 complaints2001: 12 complaints2002: 17 complaints2003: 11 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 11 complaints2006: 10 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 7 complaints2017: 8 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 0 complaints2021: 1 complaints
Land Cruiser NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Land Cruiser years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes327%
Other327%
Airbags218%
Body & Structure218%
Steering19%

Does the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V065000AirbagsFebruary 5, 2016 · 320,409 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Consequence

If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Braking system failed. Unable to stop operating vehicle traveling 30 MPH without downshifting and allowing vehicle’s momentum to dissipate. Vehicle towed to repair facility. Repair has been completed. Repair facility, Love Field Auto, in Dallas, TX diagnosed concern (master cylinder +’ABS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 26, 2021

“UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION IN MY 2003 TOYOTA LANDCRIUSER. ONCE IN A PARKING LOT ALMOST PUSHING ME INTO PEDESTRIANS WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. ANOTHER TIME WHEN MAKING A TURN AND ALMOST PUSHED ME INTO A CAR - MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND I DIDN'T HAVE A FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. I HEARD YOU WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 3, 2003

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DURING THE CRASH THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 15, 2020 · crash

“FROM THE TOYOTA INVOICE: "CUSTOMER STATES THE BACK OF THE CENTER CONSOLE FACING THE REAR SEATS GETS VERY, VERY HOT...ALMOST BURNING FINGERS." AND THIS STATEMENT IS CORRECT. THE FOLKS AT CLEARWATER, TOYOTA SAY THERE IS NOTHING MECHANICALLY INCORRECT WITH MY AUTOMOBILE, BUT I AM TELLING THEM, CLEARLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 21, 2004

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED BUT THE WHEELS DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 22, 2013

2003 Toyota Land Cruiser — common questions

Is the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Land Cruiser problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (3 complaints), other (3 complaints), body & structure (2 complaints).

Does the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Land Cruiser years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Land Cruiser years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among Land Cruiser years belongs to 2019.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.