2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner. Part of Generation 3 — 1996–2002.

20002002
Complaints
206
Crashes
8
Fires
3
Injuries
11
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#153 complaints

Body Structure

Avg mileage:156,095 mi
Fires:1
#221 complaints

Suspension Failures

Avg mileage:150,466 mi
#317 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:101,505 mi
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner.

Body Structure
53
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
156,095
Suspension Failures
21
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
150,466
Transmission / Drivetrain
17
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
101,505
Structure:Frame And Members:Underbody Shields
17
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
133,628
Steering Defects
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
146,834
Structure:Frame And Members
7
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
140,338
Engine Problems
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
131,104
Engine & Cooling
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
116,900
Driveline
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
127,391
Airbags
4
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical Faults
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structural Problems
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
4
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electronic Stability Control
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Ball Joint
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Traction Control System
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Air Bags:Frontal
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Hatchback/Liftgate:Lock
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Axle Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension:Rear
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

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Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Toyota 4Runner Years

2001 Toyota 4Runner — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2001 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2001 Toyota 4Runner has 206 NHTSA complaints, 8 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Body Structure with 53 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
Top reported problems: Body Structure (53 complaints, avg 156,095 mi); Suspension Failures (21 complaints, avg 150,466 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (17 complaints, avg 101,505 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 141,002 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
NHTSA complaints for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner include 8 crash-related reports, 3 fire reports, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 2001 Toyota 4Runner?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Toyota 4Runner reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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