NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 55 owner complaints for the 2001 Toyota Echo. Most complaints involve air bags (13) and engine and engine cooling (9). The EPA rates it 30–32 mpg combined.
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.
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. THE SNOW FROZEN INSIDE THE WHEEL COULD CONTACT THE REAR BRAKE LINE DURING WHEEL ROTATION.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ABOVE 5 MPH AND OPERATING THE HEADLIGHTS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER A JUMP AND WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 225,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
“While entering interstate accelerator was depressed all the way and became stuck on a couple of occasions. I had to use my foot to release it and it popped out. Dealership recommended it was floor mat. I purchased aftermarket ridged floor mats that will not curl up and it is still an issue.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echo Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | $2,000 | 278 |
| Echo Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,150 | 296 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (13), engine and engine cooling (9), vehicle speed control (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Toyota Echo at 30–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).