Most common 2001 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of the 185 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota 4Runner complaints by model year
Best 4Runner years: 2013, 2017, 2024. Years to avoid: 2025, 2011, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
2001 Toyota 4Runner recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
What 2001 Toyota 4Runner owners say
Body & structure all 81 →
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.
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.
Transmission & drivetrain all 32 →
Vehicle was parked in my gravel driveway. My home contractor smelled an odor & discovered that my rear was leaking gear oil. My husband, who is somewhat handy with cars, ended up sanding off lots of rust on the pumpkin, then cleaned it & used jb weld to seal where he thought the leak was coming from. (where the parking brake cable was attached.) this actually held for several years. Well, now at approx. 125,000 miles, the leak is back with a vengeance! And coming from a different place or places. The rust is bad. No one can believe it. I have taken it to the mechanic in town twice in the past 2 weeks, where he has tried to seal it while it was up on a lift, but it keeps leaking badly. I do not drive that often but do have to make a 100 mile round trip at least once a week, & upon arriving home just now, it is a mess again. My husband just put in about 20 oz. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4runner. While the contact was at an independent mechanic for a muffler replacement, he was informed that the vehicle frame was severely rusted. The mechanic stated that the muffler could not be replaced and a leak was present. The dealer (mcgee Toyota of hanover, 860 washington st, hanover, ma 02339, [phone]) informed the contact that the frame and differential housing needed to be replaced. The differential housing was repaired, but the frame was not. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Suspension all 27 →
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.
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 with the tacomas and other vehicles because the frame rot rust was consistent with the pattern of damage they had seen on other recalled vehicles. When we looked up our 4-runner in the recall information, supposedly Toyota hasn't included our truck in the recall. We were advised by our auto repair specialist that the recall covered damage in trucks that were the same age and overall condition, so it's not as though the rest of the truck is eaten up by rust and we just happened to complain about the frame rot. …
2001 Toyota 4Runner engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Based on 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 4Runner rates better than average: 41% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 4Runner at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
The body & structure — 81 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (32) and suspension (27).
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner, the most recent from May 17, 2005 (lower ball joint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota 4Runner?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2017 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2011, 2003 and 2004. See the full Toyota 4Runner years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota 4Runner problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 122,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.