Most common 2001 Toyota Echo problems
Share of the 50 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Echo complaints by model year
Best Echo years: 2005, 2003. Years to avoid: 2000, 2001. Compare all years →
2001 Toyota Echo recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper molding of the resin body of the crankshaft position senor installed on the engine block, engine oil May penetrate the seal and enter the sensor wiring connector. The wire harness connector May not be sufficiently attached to the locking tab of the sensor wiring connector.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2006. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, if the vehicle is driven under repeated start and stop operation in low ambient temperatures and in deep snow, there is a possibility that snow could accumulate in large quantities inside the rear wheel and freeze.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear brake lines. Owner notification began November 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
What 2001 Toyota Echo owners say
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Echo. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The vehicle crashed into a house garage door and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a waist injury and the front passenger sustained chest and arm injuries which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Consumercomplained having problems with fire on the engine. Also stated that while driving the vehicle was involved on a front collision and the vehicle got on fire which it lead into a total lost of the vehicle and the air bags did not deployed . Dealer was not contacted at the time of this call. Ts moment after impact the fire had ignited underneath the hood. The driver side air bag did not deploy but the passenger side air bag did deploy.
Engine & cooling
Consumercomplained having problems with fire on the engine. Also stated that while driving the vehicle was involved on a front collision and the vehicle got on fire which it lead into a total lost of the vehicle and the air bags did not deployed . Dealer was not contacted at the time of this call. Ts moment after impact the fire had ignited underneath the hood. The driver side air bag did not deploy but the passenger side air bag did deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Toyota Echo. While driving various speeds, the air bag and check engine indicators illuminated. The contact also stated that the gear shift indicator did not illuminate when changing gears. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the computer was reset, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Brakes
The consumer began pumping the brakes because the pressure decreased and wasnt slowing the car down fast enough, the vehicle never stopped and as a result rear ended the vehicle in front, ploice report completed, no injuries. Dealership was aware of problem. Nlm
Consumer called complaining about having problems with brakes. Also stated that the brakes have a recall. Dealer was contacted and stated that did not have the parts and they don't know when they will have then either. Consumer also stated that contacted the manufacture and told them same thing that the dealer. Ts
2001 Toyota Echo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 29 / 37 / 32 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 35 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Toyota Echo a good car?
Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Echo rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Echo at the same age. It is one of the Echo years we suggest avoiding. 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 Echo?
The air bags — 13 complaints, 26% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the engine & cooling (9) and brakes (7).
How many recalls does the 2001 Toyota Echo have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2001 Toyota Echo, the most recent from July 19, 2006 (engine and engine cooling). 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 Echo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000 and 2001. See the full Toyota Echo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Toyota Echo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 32% 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.