2001 Toyota 4 Runner problems & reliability
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Toyota 4 Runner. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2001 Toyota 4 Runner vehicles were involved in 48 fatal crashes with 28 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 26% |
| Tires | 5 | 16% |
| Power Train | 4 | 13% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% |
| Structure | 2 | 6% |
| Suspension | 2 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 3% |
| Seats | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 13 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Steering · filed Apr 27, 2006
“I drive highway 90% of the time and then 10% on city street. I was told by greenville toyota that my catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I was quoted $1,070.00.00. I have a 2001 toyota 4runner, 2wd, sr5. I have been told that these don't die this soon. Is there a recall? *jb”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Nov 29, 2005
“Rear bumper rusting through from the inside out. Dealer says the result of poor welds on the bumper brackets. Vehicle has 5 year rust through warranty that dealer and company will not honor on the bumper, only on sheet metal. *nm”
Structure · filed Nov 8, 2005
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
13 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Toyota 4 Runner. The 10 most recent:
Special service campaign 50j - phase I - front suspension lower ball joint may experience excessive wear and looseness causing increased steering, effort, reduced vehicle self-centering, and noise in the front…
05015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 27, 2005
The accessory fog lights for 1999-2002 model year 4runner vehicles may become corroded and not function. The lights should be replaced as a pair. *nm
01004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 23, 2004
Owner renotification of non-completed special service campaigns and limited service campaigns. *mr
04004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 27, 2004
Spare tire carrier operation. Various modlels including the 2004 landcruiser and 4 runner. *tt
PG00503 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 19, 2003
Immobilizer key code reset. *tt
00301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 30, 2002
Special service tools - the new immobilizer reset feature that allows the registration of a new master key even if all original master keys are lost. *tt
SS00301 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 30, 2002
Information regarding tightening of rear transmission mount bolts.*jb
TC01025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 30, 2001
Subject regarding tightening of rear transmission mount bolts.*jb
TC01022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 22, 2001
Information regarding shoulder belt anchor tape set. *jb
BO01901 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 10, 2001
Vehicles may experience unintended or accidental rear window activation. *jb
EL00501 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 3, 2001
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2001 Toyota 4 Runner in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2001 Toyota 4 Runner?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.