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2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 185 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Toyota 4Runner, most often about the body and structure (44% of complaints, typically around 129,000 miles). It is 7th of 27 4Runner model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2001 Toyota 4Runner problems
Body and structure
81 complaints · 44%Half of these problems showed up before 129,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated hat the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an unrelated defect when the technician detected a hole in the rear frame and informed the contact that entire frame was completely rusted. The vehicle was damaged beyond repair. The manufacturer was…
Frame rusted through at rear near muffler. Bottom of frame section approximately 4" missing , inside of frame perforated through approximately 18". Rear support rod structural integrity compromised. Vehicle was purchased new from local deal (lynch Toyota, manchester ct) and is one owner garaged and maintained.…
Transmission
32 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 121,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, axle assembly.
When on a long highway trip on the weekend of june 7, 2008, my husband noticed black spots on the rear window of our 2001 Toyota 4Runner (121,000 miles). He cleaned it off to see if it returned as we resumed our journey. When we next stopped several hundred miles later, the black spots were on the entire rear of the…
The rear differential is rusting through to the point of leaking oil. I suspect the differential is corroded to the point where is mechanically unsound and could cause a catastrophic failure if hit by a rigid obstacle in the roadway.
Suspension
27 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 130,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
We were told today that our 2001` Toyota 4-runner has frame rot that is inconsistent with the age of the vehicle and the condition of all the other parts on it. Frame rot that constitutes a danger to our safety when driving it. The repair technicians advised US to determine if it was part of Toyota's frame rot recall…
3rd generation 2001 Toyota 4Runner with excessive frame and body rust. The gas tank stem is rusted, the rear differential is literally porous and leaking oil due to excessive rust. Rear bumper is rusted, spare tire mount is rusted. Other areas of rust are too numerous to list. Repair shop said car is not worth fixing.…
Other or unspecified
23 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 169,500 miles.
The frame on my 2001 rotted very quickly from the inside out. It is the same exact frame used on the tacoma (which was recalled) and on the 2002 4Runner, which is currently under investigation. If I didn't get the necessary frame repairs it easily could have cracked in half when on the road. The main areas of rot are…
Took my vehicle for oil change and was advised that the frame was badly rusted and should take vehicle to Toyota immediately. Toyota indicated that no recall was issued for this year model vehicle and nothing could be done. So I have a mechanically good vehicle that I can not use due to rusted frame.
Engine
18 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 112,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
While driving the oil warning light illuminated. This caused the vehicle to stall. Vehicle was towed. Dealership informed the consumer of the cam shaft failure. The problem was not resolved. Consumer has written 5 letters, to Toyota, attorney general of md,USA (2), attorney general of md (1) and service manager at…
I was driving my truck on a city street in brooklyn, new york ( flatbush ave) when I suddenly smelled smoke followed by fire coming from the hood. I did not hit any bump and was not involved in any accident. By the time the fire department came, the entire front compartment of the truck was on fire.
Brakes
9 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 90,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, pedals and linkages.
On the evening of 2-4-10, I was traveling on an angled, curved, on-ramp to a freeway, when the vsc (vehicle skid control) suddenly and automatically applied the vehicle brakes. The vehicle speed was approx. The recommended speed for the turn. The conditions were wet, as it had been raining off and on all day. A…
2001 Toyota 4 runner 4WD while speed 30 to 40 MPH driving in a slow right bank ( not a curve) hear low beep noise skid lite icon comes on and as if truck took over I lost steering , brakes and power . Brakes were activating on their own and the truck proceded across yellow line into oncoming traffic!!! Toyota pull…
Wheels and tires
9 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 26,000 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt.
Tire tread belt separated. Consumer did not remember location of failed tire. Dealership was notified, but did not repair the problem. Steel radial, 225/75r15, dot# [VIN].
While driving 65 MPH driver side rear tire experienced a blowout, causing the tread to separate from the sidewall. Tire size p265/70r16, dot [VIN].
Steering
8 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 120,000 miles.
On thursday, january 21, 2010, while driving the 2001 Toyota 4 runner, the steering wheel locked up causing my son to drive completely off the road crashing and flipping the SUV into a creek. The vehicle is in the process of being totaled. I did a recall research on the vehicle to find a steering loss, recall dated…
We were told today that our 2001` Toyota 4-runner has frame rot that is inconsistent with the age of the vehicle and the condition of all the other parts on it. Frame rot that constitutes a danger to our safety when driving it. The repair technicians advised US to determine if it was part of Toyota's frame rot recall…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Toyota 4Runner recalls
Suspension: lower ball joint
Risk: The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2001 Toyota 4Runner
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (81 complaints, typically around 129,000 miles); transmission (32 complaints, typically around 121,000 miles); suspension (27 complaints, typically around 130,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 17, 2005 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Toyota 4Runner?
- It is 7th of 27 4Runner model years by number of complaints, with 185 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.