Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Toyota 4Runner owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
While driving down the highway at approximately 65mph our Toyota 4runner suddenly began to shake and sway violently and was very difficult to control. I pulled over and checked but did not see anything apparent. We had the car checked at our local Toyota dealer and was told the frame is corroded completely thru and the rear trailing arm was separated from the frame. The dealer advised that vehicle is no longer safe to drive and they would not be able to repair since the frame was so badly rusted. We bought the car new and have always taken very good care of the vehicle and followed recommended maintenance. There is no apparent rust on any of the body for this vehicle and is in excellent operating condition otherwise. We had planned on keeping the vehicle for several more years but now left with nothing but apparently being able to sell for salvage.
The under carriage has been rusting since I noticed approx. 4 yrs after purchase. I now have been unable to pass inspection or drive vehicle since entire under carriage is completely rusted out. When attempt was made to place on lift to observe it began to crack or split . I have only 87000 miles on it and the rest of vehicle is clean and basically rust free. It is March 27 , 2015 and has been sitting in driveway for last 3 yrs. The Toyota dealership in wappingers falls stated that Toyota is planning on repairing but is uncertain as to when. At present the back parking lot is filled with new under structures for other models.I would like to know when this ongoing terrible and dangerous problem will be repaired.
The frame has suffered serious rust through also described as "frame rot" in postings on line of Toyota 4-runner problems. This rust through has made the vehicle unsafe and currently unusable. The rust was discovered when the entire rear axle was replaced at my expense. Toyota would not allow that they were responsible for faulty manufacturing of the rear axle either which was yet another safety concern.
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
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.
While making a lane change(from lane 3 to lane 4), I suddenly lost control of my 2001 4runner on the freeway, and ended up hydroplaning across the freeway towards the center divider. I was some how able to stop my car mostly in lane 1 and partially in lane 2 but before I could attempt to straighten out my car I was then hit by another vehicle. Due to this impact, my car was a total loss. Roads were wet due to rain and visibility was low due to evening. I feel the cause of the accident May have been due to a ball joint/steering failure because 1. I was moving right but somehow ended up hydroplaning left 2. My front right tire fell off(but this May have been due to impact of the other car hitting my front end-but saw an article about a fatal accident 03/21/2006-2000 4runner where the driver veered right, rolled over, driver died and her left front tire fell off.). …
When driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle vibrates on the highway. I have taken the vehicle constantly to the dealership for over two years complaining about this problem and they always told me that nothing was wrong. Today (5/10/14), the mechanic at the dealership put the truck on a rack and ran the car at 45 MPH and there was visible vibration coming from the drive shaft and a loud noise that I could never hear from within the vehicle. All this time, I have been driving a vehicle that I was unaware could have snapped apart. The sound cannot be heard in the cabin, so I could not even report that as a problem until today. I purchased three sets of new tires, had shocks and struts replaced, and brake pads to no avail. Finally, after searching the web yesterday, I realized that this is a common problem with other vehicles of the same make and model. …
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 vehicle. My husband checked beneath the rear of the vehicle and saw transmission fluid dripping out of the differential. We then took the vehicle to a mechanic who reported that the rear axle housing was completely corroded to the point of failure, and that it was beyond repair, and that he hadn't ever seen this on a car of this age and mileage. He informed us that Toyota has recently recalled tacoma vehicles from the same year for similar corrosion problems. We contacted Toyota and they said there was nothing they could do for us. …
Related recalls
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.
Suspension complaints in other 4Runner years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner, 15% of the model year's 185 complaints. The component named most often is front (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Toyota 4Runner suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-225 (lower ball joint, May 17, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota 4Runner suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 135,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.