2003 Toyota Land cruiser problems

The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā) (also sometimes spelled as LandCruiser) is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.
Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.
Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a 'light-duty' version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.
As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, and Australia, and also in Africa where it is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into "technicals" by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.
Social links
Common 2003 Toyota Land cruiser problems
The Toyota Land Cruiser 2003 is known for its durability and reliability, but there are some common problems that owners have reported. One of the most frequent issues is the failure of the seal on the transfer case input shaft, which can cause the computer to detect a problem and send the car into limp home mode, resulting in a lack of power. This issue can be caused by a faulty sensor, such as the oxygen sensor, or an electrical connection.
Another problem that has been reported is overheating of the diesel engine, which can lead to damage to the head gasket. This issue was solved in the first year of production, but it is still worth noting. Injector problems have also been reported, which were the result of poor fuel quality and wear and tear on the front discs, particularly on models that are often driven sharply.
The transmission is very durable, but problems with the clutch have been reported, particularly on models that are often driven in difficult conditions. The Land Cruiser is a popular towing vehicle, but if a hook is installed, it is not recommended as a good purchase.
Despite these issues, the Toyota Land Cruiser 2003 is still highly regarded for its durability and reliability. It is a full-size sport utility vehicle that is built to handle anything thrown at it, making it a popular choice for those who need a reliable and capable vehicle for off-road use. With the right maintenance and care, the Land Cruiser can provide years of trouble-free driving.
How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
How many miles is too much for a Land Cruiser?
How long do Toyota Land Cruisers last? With all that said, it's safe to say the Land Cruiser can give you a long lifespan of between 200,000 and 250,000 miles before it needs significant work.
What year is the most sought after Land Cruiser?
2007
The 2007 Land Cruiser is the rarest and most sought after/desirable 100-series.
What is the mileage of Land Cruiser 2003 diesel?
Toyota Land Cruiser owner-reported mileage is 10 kmpl. The owner-reported diesel mileage for Toyota Land Cruiser is 10 kmpl.
Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
What series is a 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser?
2003 Toyota LandCruiser 100 GXL Series.
2003 Toyota Land cruiser complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Toyota Land cruiser.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2003 Toyota Land cruiser recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2003 Toyota Land cruiser.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2003 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
Positive 2003 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
-
I traded every 12 to 18 months trying to find happiness with something less than a Land Cruiser. Finally, we decided to buy a brand new one, which was a big investment for us. However, we absolutely adore our truck. It's been 5 years now and we've considered trading it in, but we just can't bring ourselves to do it. Whenever I put my family in it, I feel so secure. We even have blizzacks for the 18 wheels and have driven through blizzards without ever spinning a wheel. We are so grateful for our trusty gray Cruiser.
-
I traded my 2001 for a 2003 and was pleasantly surprised to see the telescoping steering wheel and stereo controls on the steering wheel. Additionally, the dashboard has a more pleasing shape to it. The only drawback to owning a Land Cruiser is that you are never satisfied with anything less. It's such an expensive love affair!
-
I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to let you know that I've been driving this vehicle every day to work, and I've even taken it on a few long trips from New York City to Palm Coast, Florida. It currently has 85,000 miles on it, but it's still in top condition!
-
Living at 7,200 feet elevation, I find it a breeze to navigate the 18% snow-covered dirt road with 4-low. Thanks to the engine braking system, I can easily coast down without any hassle. The rear DVD system with wireless headphones keeps my kids entertained, while the navigation system helps me find even the smallest dirt road. I love the comfort and quality of my Toyota, which allows me to explore places that Escalades and Navigators cannot.
-
When we were searching for our next truck, we looked at several vehicles, including the Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, Hummer H2, and the Land Rover Range Rover. However, the Landcruiser stood out as the best option, offering the best of everything. It has proven to be the most dependable and reliable vehicle we have ever owned, giving us an absolute sense of security. I have even driven down streets with 3ft of snow (unplowed) without having to use any of the differentials or low-range settings of the Landcruiser. In my opinion, it is the best vehicle you could own, almost like a Japanese Hummer!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Toyota Land cruiser problems:
2003 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems and Complaints - 2 Issues
Top 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems · Failed Electrical Junction Block May Cause Power Windows and Mirrors to Stop Working. 31 people have reported this. 9 ...
2003 Land Cruiser 100 Series HELP! Wits end | IH8MUD Forum
Vehicle: 2003 LC 189k miles Blue on Tan and in fantastic shape. Its a Cali and now Hawaii car and has had regular maintenance. I had NO problems ...
How reliable are Land Cruisers compared to other Toyotas? : r/Toyota
Jul 7, 2022 ... LC's however are known for their reliability. They are used by everyone from presidential entourages to NGO's. Toyotas are famously easy to work ...
Q&A: Toyota Land Cruiser 2003 - Fuse Box Diagram, ECU Location ...
Oct 29, 2013 ... I have a 2003 Toyota Landcruiser which is showing some sporadic electrical issues. My wife typically drives the car so - Answered by a ...
LandCruiser Reliability? 1998-2002 | Toyota Nation Forum
Nov 19, 2010 ... LandCruiser Reliability? 1998-2002 · 6 speed manual 2011 Camry SE · 1995 Mustang-1994 Mustang GT · 1985 AMC Eagle · 2000 LC ipod connection
Noel Schultz 2025-02-18
This is my 3rd LC and they have all been great! However, I do wish that the motor could be updated soon as it only has 235 hp and the weight can be a bit much. I know it's a truck, but I drive a lot of miles and will need to replace it soon. Despite this, the quality of this truck is still top-notch and rules over the lack of power. Maybe I'm asking for too much, but I still love my LC!
Rodrigo Kris 2024-07-02
The engineer who designed the interior layout of this car could have done a better job. The placement of the rear A/C controls is quite unusual (above and behind the left rear seat?!). The Navigation system gave me some confusing directions, showing me on roads I wasn't even on. Unfortunately, the voice activation button doesn't seem to work. The rear seats fold up in a complex way and require a strap to hold them up, which can be a bit inconvenient. Additionally, this SUV is a bit pricey and the 18
Eusebio Vandervort 2024-06-27
This SUV fits in with others in its class. However, we understand that the overall construction of the vehicle may not be to everyone's taste.