Problems · NHTSA complaints
2001 Toyota 4Runner problems
Owners filed 190 complaints about the 2001 Toyota 4Runner with NHTSA between Dec 2000 and Feb 2026. The most-cited component is structure (81).
Complaints
190
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
12
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure81
- Power train33
- Suspension27
- Engine and engine cooling14
- Steering8
- Tires8
- Service brakes, hydraulic8
- Air bags7
- Electrical system6
- Engine5
- Vehicle speed control5
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
- Wheels2
- Fuel system, gasoline2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
5
6
9
6
7
2
1
5
10
15
6
12
9
21
19
16
8
12
9
4
4
1
0
0
1
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 9 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2015 | 19 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Structure
81 reports1 fire
“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.”
Power train
33 reports
“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, (866) 942-1756) 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
27 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Engine and engine cooling
14 reports
“AFTER I MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR $1500.00, THIS PROBLEM BEGAN. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BUCK (JERK VIOLENTLY) AS I WAS ACCELERATING TO 45 MPH. IT ALWAYS HAPPENS AT ABOUT 20 MPH AS I TRY TO ACCELERATE TO 30, 35 OR 40 MPH. THE ENGINE REVS UP TO 3 OF 4K BEFORE THE TRANSMISSIONS ENGAGES FORCEFULLY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR NOW 3 MONTHS. *TR”
Steering
8 reports2 crashes
“FIRST THERE WERE 3 RECALLS 1. 135468 2. 135469 AND 3. 135469 DATING BACK TO 2005 THAT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF AND I HAVE A VERY BAD CORRUGATED METAL BUMPERS AND WHEN I DRIVE MY VEHICLE AND I HIT A BUMP OR SOMETHING IN THE ROAD IT FEELS LIKE MY CAR IS GOING TO TURN OVER. I HAD THE SHOCKS REPLACED AND IT HASN'T HELPED”
Tires
8 reports1 crash
“WRANGLER P265/70R16 TIRE I HAD BEEN PUTTING AIR IN TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS EVERY WEEK. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE RUBBER ABOVE THREAD AND IN THE RIGGS ON THE TIRE I WAS TOLD BY TWO TIRE REPAIR STORE (GOODYEAR BEING THE SECOND ) COULD NOT BE REPAIRED WHERE LOCATED. ON THE10TH OF MARCH MY TIRE WAS FLAT DOWN TO THE RIM AND DURING THE ICE BLACK OUT (NO HEAT FOR 3 DAYS) NO CAR TO GO ANYWHERE TO GET OUT OF THE COLD THEN BEING TOLD BY GOODYEAR / DEALER THEY COULD NOT EXCHANGE OR REBATE ANYTHING ON A NEW TIRE. I HAVE THREE MORE TIRES THAT I AM WORRIED ABOUT HAVING TOO REPLACED AND GOOD YEAR REFUSES TO DO RECALL OR COMPENSATE MYSELF OR OTHERS FOR CLEARLY DEFECTIVE TIRES ! I PAID $157.48 FOR ANOTHER TIRE WHICH SHOULD HAVE STILL BEEN UNDER WARRANTY AND REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE!! I DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING. 2001 VEHICLE AND190,00 MILES . I AM ON FIXED INCOME AND WORRIED ABOUT COMING OUT FINDING ANOTHER FLAT TIRE THAT IS DEFECTIVE. PLS. ISSUE A RECALL AND MAKE GOODYEAR BE A HONEST BUSINESS AND RECALL WHAT THEY KNOW ARE DEFECTIVE TIRES WRANGLER P265/70R16. MY TIRES ARE ALMOST LIKE NEW VERRY LITTLE WEAR. I HAVE PICTURES ! I AM AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AS WELL AS…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.