2001 Toyota 4RUNNER: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 154 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (51% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was a thumping and clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle before the front passenger's side of the vehicle unintendedly lowered. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and the ball joint was touching the ground. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2025
“The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed a swaying while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that the sub frame was severely rusted between the sway bar and the differential. The certified mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The dealer was concerned that the job was too extensive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2021
“I bought my 4Runner in 2021 and am just now getting ready to sell it. Did a carfax report and it shows a possible odometer rollback that the previous owner did in 2020. When I bought the vehicle it was my understanding that the vehicle had only 160,000 miles on it but it apparently had 236,900 miles. Because of this I've had to make countless repairs as I was under the impression that the vehicle had much less wear. Was researching what to do in this scenario and learned that this was the best place to report the incident.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2020
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“Purchased vehicle took for mass inspection and failed due to rotted frame was told not road worthy and unsafe to drive called toyota they would not assist on repair vehicle has 145k miles on now vehicle dots on my driveway older gentleman I purchased from will not assist either spent $4k need assistance if possible please and thanks”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2020
“I just purchased a 2001 toyota 4runner. All seemed fine .but when I went to get it inspected they would not pass starting it had frame rust through. I called toyota customer service who said and I also read online that thousands of toyota trucks have a frame recall but mine does not. And they are not willing to do anything. Others had the frame replaced, repaired or bought back. Hopefully you can help me.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2019
“Entered highway from on ramp as picked up speed steering wheel began to shake violently and began to loose control of suv. I immediately pulled over and had it taken to shop to find excessive rust on back frame n shock causing wheel to 'basically be free floating and unattached' the vehicle is still in shop at moment and I can get pictures and a statement upon request”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2019
“First there were 3 recalls 1. 135468 2. 135469 and 3. 135469 dating back to 2005 that I was never notified of and I have a very bad corrugated metal bumpers and when I drive my vehicle and I hit a bump or something in the road it feels like my car is going to turn over. I had the shocks replaced and it hasn't helped”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2019
“Dealer decline to do a transfer case repair because the vehicle frame is severely rusted to the point that the trailing arm mount is almost gone. Dealer advised me that the vehicle is unsafe and the frame will break through. I will need to buy a new vehicle”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2019
“I noticed a pretty distinct wobble when driving my 2001 $runner on the highway recently. I took it to a mechanic who informaed my the frame has a 1 inch wide 18 inch long hole from rust. The mechanic says they can weld it to possibly give it some more time to live but that it is a ticking time bomb. There very well could be rust on the frame hidden behind the gas tank, but I am unable to look behind it. Toyota needs to take responsibility for their mistake when not properly coating these frames. They recalled other models for this same issue but failed to address the issue with the 4runner.”Owner report · Structure · May 2019
“My 2001 tacoma had frame rust issues last year. I went to the local dealer and was told there was nothing they could do about it because the repair time frame had expired. They would have gladly sold me a new truck. Sorry, no can do. I took the truck to a weld shop and had the frame patched with new steel. Problem fixed. I just got back from the mechanic's after learning that he can't inspect it because of the severely rusted frame! It just rusted around the patches. Junk price is way low but what is the alternative?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
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.
Remedy: 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.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 4RUNNER by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER reliable?
NHTSA has 154 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER. The most complained-about area is structure (51% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 125,563 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.