NHTSA has 185 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner[1]. Structure is the biggest group, ahead of power train and suspension[2].
Most reported problems
Here is how the owner complaints on file split up by component group, starting with the biggest.
- Structure. 81 complaints[2]. Owners describe front and rear bumpers rusting from the inside out, with holes and jagged edges. Some say the dealer blamed road salt and the maker would not help. Others describe wind noise and vibration from the rear.
- Power train. 32 complaints[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe a rear differential housing that rusted through and needed replacing. Others describe a transmission that slips or fails and needs a full replacement.
- Suspension. 27 complaints[6]. Owners describe a front wheel bearing that locked up and steering that feels loose and wanders. One owner says the trouble came back after an earlier repair.
- Unknown or other. 23 complaints[7]. These reports do not fit one clear component group.
- Engine. 18 complaints[8]. Owners describe stalling, sudden loss of power, and a truck that would not start. One owner was quoted a high price for a catalytic converter.
- Brakes. 9 complaints[9].
- Steering. 8 complaints[10].
- Tires. 7 complaints[11].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2001 4Runner is necessarily included.
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint (05V225), May 2005. About 768,379 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, loss of steering, steering problems, parts separating. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[12]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR None[14] | n/a | n/a | n/a | 2 | n/a |
How 2001 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 172 | 1 |
| 1996 | 161 | 2 |
| 1997 | 261 | 1 |
| 1998 | 250 | 1 |
| 1999 | 330 | 0 |
| 2000 | 483 | 0 |
| 2001 | 185 | 1 |
| 2002 | 225 | 1 |
| 2003 | 696 | 3 |
| 2004 | 678 | 2 |
| 2005 | 425 | 5 |
| 2006 | 381 | 5 |
| 2007 | 154 | 5 |
| 2008 | 96 | 5 |
| 2009 | 22 | 6 |
| 2010 | 147 | 12 |
| 2011 | 163 | 10 |
| 2012 | 96 | 8 |
| 2013 | 36 | 6 |
| 2014 | 77 | 7 |
| 2015 | 87 | 9 |
| 2016 | 80 | 8 |
| 2017 | 36 | 5 |
| 2018 | 59 | 5 |
| 2019 | 65 | 4 |
| 2020 | 33 | 1 |
| 2021 | 36 | 1 |
| 2022 | 39 | 3 |
| 2023 | 33 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 | 1 |
| 2025 | 62 | 1 |
| 2026 | 7 | 2 |
NHTSA's counts for the 4Runner show 185 complaints and 1 recalls for 2001[3]. Among the 32 model years listed, 22 have fewer complaints than 2001 and 9 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (7) and the most are for 2003 (696)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2001 4Runner?
The complaint record for this 4Runner is dominated by structure reports, which make up the largest group with 81 complaints[2]. Owners describe rust in bumpers and in the rear differential housing, often on trucks they say were otherwise in good shape. The engine group is smaller, at 18 complaints[8]. Safety-related reports exist too, since 10 complaints mention a crash and 1 mentions a fire[1]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a list of things to check, not a final grade.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
- Structure is the largest group, with 81 complaints[2]. Power train follows with 32[5] and suspension with 27[6].
- Does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner have recalls?
- Yes, the by-year data lists a recall for this model year[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the details.
- Is the 2001 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
- NHTSA has 185 owner complaints on file[1]. These are unverified reports and are not adjusted for sales, so use the problem groups above as a checklist.
- What gas mileage does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner get?
- See the Fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.
- Which year of the Toyota 4Runner is best?
- See the by-year comparison on this page. This page covers 2001 only, which has 185 complaints on file[3].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Toyota 4Runner
Compare all model years of the Toyota 4Runner
Other Toyota models from 2001
Similar cars from 2001: suvs
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 185 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner (10 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 81 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 130,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota 4Runner model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 4Runner 2WD, 3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 32 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 121,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 126,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 23 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 169,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 112,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 120,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the tires component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 05V225, filed May 17, 2005: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 4Runner 4WD, 3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 2 stars. NHTSA vehicle records