2001 Toyota 4Runner

Routine

Owners filed 185 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Toyota 4Runner years to avoid. Which Toyota 4Runner years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
122,000 milesMedian miles at failure

146 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2001 Toyota 4Runner problems

74 of the 185 complaints (40%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body · body and frame52
012
Unknown or Other15
000
Suspension13
100
Power Train · transmission13
000
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields · body and frame12
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine6
000
Structure · body and frame5
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes5
000
Power Train › Driveline · transmission5
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration4
302

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E049000
Filed May 24, 200627,176 vehiclesCk Motorsport, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint05V225000
Filed May 17, 2005768,379 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ISSUE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE SURFACE OF THE BALL OF THE JOINT MAY HAVE BEEN SCRATCHED. THE BALL JOINT MAY EVENTUALLY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENESS, RESULTING IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT.

Risk. THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Feb 19, 2026275,000 milesCO

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 20, 2025CA

I bought my 4Runner in 2021 and am just now getting ready to sell it. Did a carfax report and it shows a possible odometer rollback that the previous owner did in 2020. When I bought the vehicle it was my understanding that the vehicle had only 160,000 miles on it but it apparently had 236,900 miles. Because of this I’ve had to make countless repairs as I was under the impression that the vehicle had much less wear. Was researching what to do in this scenario and learned that this was the best place to report the incident.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 9, 2022MI

Rusted Frame Cracked by back driver side tire

Structure
Filed Dec 15, 2021MA

Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 2021119,000 milesIL

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 30, 2021200,000 milesMD

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

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 22, 2021220,000 milesKS

THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AND IS DEEMED UNSAFE TO DRIVE

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 13, 2020280,001 milesPA

THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS UNABLE TO BE INSPECTED AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN.

Structure › Body
Filed May 6, 2020205,000 milesPA

THE FRAME OF MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER IS RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN BREAK SOME OF IT OFF IN OUR HAND. RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. THIS REQUIRED WELDING TO SOME SECTIONS IN ORDER TO KEEP DRIVING. THE WELDING WILL ONLY KEEP ME ON THE ROAD FOR NOW BUT THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE FRAME IS VERY DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE HAS OVER 205,000 MILES ON IT BUT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND MAINTAINED TO ALL OTHER STANDARDS. THE AUTO SHOP SAID THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT RUST THIS MUCH. I CALLED TOYOTA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND THEY SAID THAT THE YEAR AND MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. I NEED THIS CAR SO I HAD THE GARAGE REPAIR THE IMMEDIATE SAFETY CONCERN. THIS WAS DISCOVERED BY THE TECHNICIAN CONDUCTING THE OIL CHANGE. THE IMAGES ATTACHED WERE AFTER THE WORK AS THEY HAD TO GRIND OUT THE RUSTED SECTIONS AND REPLACE WITH WELDED STEEL. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 2, 2020179,800 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH OUR TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUDDENLY BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SWAY VIOLENTLY AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED BUT DID NOT SEE ANYTHING APPARENT. WE HAD THE CAR CHECKED AT OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE FRAME IS CORRODED COMPLETELY THRU AND THE REAR TRAILING ARM WAS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPAIR SINCE THE FRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN VERY GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND FOLLOWED RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE. THERE IS NO APPARENT RUST ON ANY OF THE BODY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND IS IN EXCELLENT OPERATING CONDITION OTHERWISE. WE HAD PLANNED ON KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS BUT NOW LEFT WITH NOTHING BUT APPARENTLY BEING ABLE TO SELL FOR SALVAGE.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 5, 2020145,000 milesMA

PURCHASED VEHICLE TOOK FOR MASS INSPECTION AND FAILED DUE TO ROTTED FRAME WAS TOLD NOT ROAD WORTHY AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE CALLED TOYOTA THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST ON REPAIR VEHICLE HAS 145K MILES ON NOW VEHICLE DOTS ON MY DRIVEWAY OLDER GENTLEMAN I PURCHASED FROM WILL NOT ASSIST EITHER SPENT $4K NEED ASSISTANCE IF POSSIBLE PLEASE AND THANKS

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 31, 2019103,321 milesPA

I JUST PURCHASED A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. ALL SEEMED FINE .BUT WHEN I WENT TO GET IT INSPECTED THEY WOULD NOT PASS STARTING IT HAD FRAME RUST THROUGH. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE WHO SAID AND I ALSO READ ONLINE THAT THOUSANDS OF TOYOTA TRUCKS HAVE A FRAME RECALL BUT MINE DOES NOT. AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. OTHERS HAD THE FRAME REPLACED, REPAIRED OR BOUGHT BACK. HOPEFULLY YOU CAN HELP ME.

Steering
Filed Nov 19, 201998,005 milesMA

ENTERED HIGHWAY FROM ON RAMP AS PICKED UP SPEED STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL OF SUV. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO SHOP TO FIND EXCESSIVE RUST ON BACK FRAME N SHOCK CAUSING WHEEL TO 'BASICALLY BE FREE FLOATING AND UNATTACHED' THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN SHOP AT MOMENT AND I CAN GET PICTURES AND A STATEMENT UPON REQUEST

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 7, 2019156,535 milesKS

DEALER DECLINE TO DO A TRANSFER CASE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT THE TRAILING ARM MOUNT IS ALMOST GONE. DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE AND THE FRAME WILL BREAK THROUGH. I WILL NEED TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 1, 2019169,000 milesRI

VEHICLE FRAME CORROSION/ROT.. BAD FRAME (JUST LIKE THE TACOMA I HAD RECALLED DUE TO BAD FRAME)

Structure › Body
Filed May 31, 2019190,000 milesNY

I NOTICED A PRETTY DISTINCT WOBBLE WHEN DRIVING MY 2001 $RUNNER ON THE HIGHWAY RECENTLY. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMAED MY THE FRAME HAS A 1 INCH WIDE 18 INCH LONG HOLE FROM RUST. THE MECHANIC SAYS THEY CAN WELD IT TO POSSIBLY GIVE IT SOME MORE TIME TO LIVE BUT THAT IT IS A TICKING TIME BOMB. THERE VERY WELL COULD BE RUST ON THE FRAME HIDDEN BEHIND THE GAS TANK, BUT I AM UNABLE TO LOOK BEHIND IT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR MISTAKE WHEN NOT PROPERLY COATING THESE FRAMES. THEY RECALLED OTHER MODELS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE BUT FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH THE 4RUNNER.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 10, 2019117,000 milesPA

MY 2001 TACOMA HAD FRAME RUST ISSUES LAST YEAR. I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE REPAIR TIME FRAME HAD EXPIRED. THEY WOULD HAVE GLADLY SOLD ME A NEW TRUCK. SORRY, NO CAN DO. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A WELD SHOP AND HAD THE FRAME PATCHED WITH NEW STEEL. PROBLEM FIXED. I JUST GOT BACK FROM THE MECHANIC'S AFTER LEARNING THAT HE CAN'T INSPECT IT BECAUSE OF THE SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME! IT JUST RUSTED AROUND THE PATCHES. JUNK PRICE IS WAY LOW BUT WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 20, 2019248,500 milesNJ

FRAME RUST ON MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. SUSPENSION SHOT RIGHT THROUGH ROTTED FRAME. FRAME HAS STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF RUST. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE! I ALMOST KILLED MYSELF DRIVING THE CAR WHEN THE SUSPENSION PENETRATED RIGHT THROUGH THE ROTTED RUSTED FRAME.

Structure
Filed Jan 17, 2019194,500 milesIL

TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR OIL CHANGE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS BADLY RUSTED AND SHOULD TAKE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY. TOYOTA INDICATED THAT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS YEAR MODEL VEHICLE AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE. SO I HAVE A MECHANICALLY GOOD VEHICLE THAT I CAN NOT USE DUE TO RUSTED FRAME.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 11, 2019WI

EXTREME FRAME RUST. HUSBAND SAYS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. EVEN THOUGH THE BODY LOOKS GREAT, THE FRAME, WHERE WE CAN SEE IT, IS IN TERRIBLE CONDITION, WITH HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THE METAL. NO ACCIDENTS YET, BUT IT'S OMINOUS TO KNOW IN A COLLISION THIS VEHICLE WOULD CRUMPLE LIKE PAPER. THERE ARE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF SERIOUS FRAME RUST FOR OTHER YEARS OF TOYOTA 4RUNNERS. PLEASE ADD MY VEHICLE AND SAFETY CONCERN TO THE GROWING LIST OF OTHER TOYOTA OWNERS FACING THE SAME FRAME DISINTEGRATION.

Structure
Filed Dec 27, 2018117,000 milesOR

FRAME RUST ISSUES. MY FRAME HAS BEEN RUSTING AWAY FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE OWNED IT, AND IT ISN'T GETTING ANY BETTER. THE PASSENGER INSIDE FRAME RAIL IS RUSTED FROM THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT TO THE CROSS MEMBER MOUNT MIDWAY DOWN THE FRAME. THE DRIVER INSIDE FRAME RAIL IS RUSTED AT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT AS WELL, AND SLIGHTLY IN FRONT OF IT. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A SLIGHT PIT, AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. OVER THE NEXT YEAR THAT PIT GOT BIGGER UNTIL THERE WAS A LARGE OPENING THAT YOU COULD FIT TWO HANDS INSIDE OF.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 21, 2018147,000 milesPA

"TAKATA RECALL" MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AND WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 1, 2018NY

EXCESSIVE CORROSION TO FRAME AND RELATED CHASSIS COMPONENTS. THIS VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN 2001 AND SERVICED AT OUR LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR ROUTINE SERVICE ALL THESE YEARS AND NEVER MENTIONED FRAME RUST,UNTIL WE HAD IT SERVICED AT A LOCAL MUFFLER REPAIR SHOP TO REPLACE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. WE HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY INFORMED US THAT THE TRUCK IS OFF WARRANTY AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR US, THIS IS WHY WE ARE CONTACTING NHTSA ,TO INFORM THE AGENCY OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THE CASE CURRENTLY WITH THE TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND THE TUNDRA TUCKS MANUFACTURED BY TOYOTA

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 21, 2018150,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTHWAY TOYOTA (727 NEW LOUDON RD, LATHAM, NY 12110, (888) 885-1583) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL TO COVER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ECHOED THE DEALER'S STATEMENT AND ISSUED CASE NUMBER: 1809211044. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Suspension
Filed Sep 17, 2018PA

THE FRAME RUSTED OUT AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE .THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE FRAME RUST ON THE 4 RUNNERS AND TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP WITH THE PROBLEM

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 22, 2018192,000 milesNY

THE FRAME ON MY 2001 ROTTED VERY QUICKLY FROM THE INSIDE OUT. IT IS THE SAME EXACT FRAME USED ON THE TACOMA (WHICH WAS RECALLED) AND ON THE 2002 4RUNNER, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION. IF I DIDN'T GET THE NECESSARY FRAME REPAIRS IT EASILY COULD HAVE CRACKED IN HALF WHEN ON THE ROAD. THE MAIN AREAS OF ROT ARE LOCATED AT THE REAR CONTROL ARM (WHICH I HAD PROFESSIONALLY REPAIRED), AND UP FRONT NEAR THE SUSPENSION AND AXLE. MY BROTHERS 1997 4RUNNER AXLE AND SUSPENSION COMPLETELY FELL APART WHEN HE WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD. HE WAS LUCKY TO NOT BE ON THE HIGHWAY. SOMEONE DEFINITELY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE SOUTH FOUR YEARS AGO (2014) WITH A SPOTLESS ROCK HARD FRAME. FOUR YEARS LATER THE REAR CONTROL ARM AREAS MENTIONED ABOVE COMPLETELY ROTTED THROUGH. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN! I LOVE MY 4RUNNER, BUT I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW THESE TRUCK FRAMES WEREN'T RECALLED ALONG WITH THE TACOMA FRAMES. IT IS THE SAME EXACT FRAME...

Suspension
Filed Aug 20, 2018MI

THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT VERY BADLY, THUS LEAVING VEHICLE UNABLE TO OPERATE IT SOON.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 3, 2018PA

WENT FOR INSPECTION FOR 2001 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER. FRAME IS RUSTED AND TOO BAD. MECHANIC SAID UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROAD. WHAT A SHAME EVERYTHING RUNS GOOD. NOW I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE. THE TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED JUST LIKE THE TACOMA'S AND SEQUOIAS.

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Jul 18, 2018170,000 milesMA

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.

Engine
Filed May 25, 2018256,518 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE KNOCK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,518.

Structure › Body
Filed May 23, 2018300,000 milesVA

FRAME OF VEHICLE HAS SEVERE RUST DAMAGE THROUGHOUT, TOLD BY STATE SAFETY INSPECTOR THAT IT IS BEYOND REPAIR. APPEARS TO HAVE OCCURRED SLOWLY OVER THE COURSE OF MANY YEARS.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jan 31, 2018112,000 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK ON A CITY STREET IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK ( FLATBUSH AVE) WHEN I SUDDENLY SMELLED SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FIRE COMING FROM THE HOOD. I DID NOT HIT ANY BUMP AND WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, THE ENTIRE FRONT COMPARTMENT OF THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 30, 2017231,220 milesIL

I WAS AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP HAVING MY BRAKELINE ON THE FRONT LEFTSIDE REPAIRED, AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE; AND I WAS TOLD BY PHONE, MY FRAME IS BADLY RUSTED THROUGH IN MULTIPLE SPOTS.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 31, 2017180,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE FRAME FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME WHERE IT WAS PIECED BACK TOGETHER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 11/13/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME RUSTED. UPDATED 11/16/2017*JS

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 20, 2017144,522 milesPA

FRAME RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL PLACES. UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 5, 2017210,000 milesVT

TAKATA RECALL THE FRAME IS ROTTEN INSIDE THE FRAME RAIL UNDER THE RIGHT HAND FRONT SEAT NOT ABLE TO GET A INSPECTION STICKER THE BODY IS GREAT NO RUST JUST LIKE MY 04 TUNDRA NOW IT HAS A NEW FRAME

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 22, 2017ME

MY FRAME HAS RUSTED OUT. I HAVE KEPT IT VERY CLEAN AND PROTECTED BUT STILL IS RUSTING.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 16, 2017143,000 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC NOTICED SEVERE RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE AND PIECES OF METAL FALLING OUT BY CHUNKS, INCLUDING THE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.

Suspension
Filed Jan 13, 2017OH

FRAME RUST ON LEFT REAR FRAME AT ATTACHMENT POINT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM WHICH LOCATES AXLE TO FRAME. RUST HOLES IN FRAME AROUND THIS SAME AREA.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 8, 2017NJ

FRAME RUSTING.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 23, 2016125,063 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME DISPLAYED EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,063.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 14, 2016120,000 milesNY

THE CHASIS RUSTS AND IS DAMAGED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE ABOUT 18 INCHES.

Suspension
Filed Nov 11, 2016IL

BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR REAR END REPAIR AND HAD 2 REPUTABLE MECHANICS REFUSE TO REPAIR THE TRUCK BECAUSE THEY SAID THE FRAME WAS SO BADLY RUSTED THAT IT WOULD BE A HAZARD TO EVEN DRIVE THE TRUCK IRREGARDLESS OF ANY REPAIR THAT THEY COULD PERFORM

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 24, 2016115,000 milesIL

FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME RAILS IN MULTIPLE AREAS. ISSUE WAS NOT DISCLOSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 01/13/2015, YET I FOUND A REPAIR ORDER FROM 09/24/2014 THAT STATED THERE WERE RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME. DEALER IS CURRENTLY INSPECTING THE EXTENT OF THE FRAME DAMAGE AND WILL RECOMMEND A RESOLUTION. I HAVE SEVERAL PHOTOS, BUT CURRENTLY DO NOT HAVE THEM HANDY.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 5, 2016170,000 milesIL

FRAME RUSTING OUT. EXTERIOR OF TRUCK HAS NO RUST 170K MILES ON 4RUNNER

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 24, 2016IN

THE FRAME IS ROTTING AND THE 4RUNNER IS UNSAFE.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 13, 2016193,000 milesIL

THE ISSUE WITH MY TOYOTA IS A RUSTED FRAME...RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT I WAS ADVISED TO PARK IT AND NEVER DRIVE IT AGAIN WITHOUT A NEW FRAME. ALTHOUGH IT IS A 2001 WITH 193,000 MILES, IT MECHANICALLY IS IN GREAT CONDITION. EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR IN GOOD CONDITION, AS WELL. I FIRST NOTICED THE VEHICLE HAD A FLOATING SENSATION ON THE HIGHWAY, AT TIMES FEELING LIKE I HAD NO CONTROL WITH THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER ANOTHER 1-2 HRS OF DRIVING, I NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROAD, THE TRUCK WOULD ROCK SLIGHTLY SIDE TO SIDE. IT WAS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH THAT ITEMS IN MY BACK SEAT ROCKED, AS WELL. AFTER SEVERAL MORE DAYS AND HOURS OF DRIVE-TIME THEREAFTER, THE ROCK ADVANCED TO THE POINT WHERE MY ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ROCKING SO VIOLENTLY WHEN CROSSING A BRIDGE @40MPH, I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. EVEN BRAKING DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP THE ROCKING. AFTER THAT INCIDENT, I STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL I HAD IT SCHEDULED TO TAKE IN TO THE MECHANIC. THE PROBLEM WITH THE RUSTED FRAME WAS IDENTIFIED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HOLES AND RUST WERE SO EXTENSIVE, THAT IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE THE FRAME WOULD NOT ONLY BREAK APART, BUT BREAK INTO SEVERAL PIECES. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS A FRAME REPLACEMENT. I UNDERSTAND THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL ON THEIR TAUCOMA FRAMES FOR THAT SAME YEAR, BUT WILL NOT CORRECT THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH THE 4RUNNER FRAME. I HAVE AN OTHERWISE WONDERFUL VEHIC

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 5, 2016182,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE REPLACING THE SHOCKS ON THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME AND A HOLE APPROXIMATELY 3 AND 1/2 INCHES WIDE UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,000.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 20, 2016WA

MY 4 RUNNER SHAKES WHILE ON FREEWAY GOING PASSED SPEED LIMIT OF 50MPH IT FEELS LIKE I CAN TIP OVER IF GOING TO FAST. SOME OF THE ELECTRICAL THINGS WORK THEN NOT WORK. IT IS MOSTLY THE SHAKING BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE TO HOLD FIRMLY TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL SOMEWHAT. PEOPLE NOTICE IT WHEN DRIVING BEHIND ME. I AM SCARED FOR MY CHILDREN AND I.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 19, 2016135,000 milesMI

WE WERE TOLD TODAY THAT OUR 2001` TOYOTA 4-RUNNER HAS FRAME ROT THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONDITION OF ALL THE OTHER PARTS ON IT. FRAME ROT THAT CONSTITUTES A DANGER TO OUR SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IT. THE REPAIR TECHNICIANS ADVISED US TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS PART OF TOYOTA'S FRAME ROT RECALL WITH THE TACOMAS AND OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE THE FRAME ROT RUST WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE PATTERN OF DAMAGE THEY HAD SEEN ON OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES. WHEN WE LOOKED UP OUR 4-RUNNER IN THE RECALL INFORMATION, SUPPOSEDLY TOYOTA HASN'T INCLUDED OUR TRUCK IN THE RECALL. WE WERE ADVISED BY OUR AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST THAT THE RECALL COVERED DAMAGE IN TRUCKS THAT WERE THE SAME AGE AND OVERALL CONDITION, SO IT'S NOT AS THOUGH THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS EATEN UP BY RUST AND WE JUST HAPPENED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FRAME ROT. THE FRAME ROT PATTERN FOUND ON OUR 4-RUNNER IS CONSISTENT WITH THE FRAME ROT FOUND ON RECALLED TOYOTA TRUCKS AND INCONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY. BECAUSE THIS IS SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND BECAUSE THE FRAME ROT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, IT'S IMPORTANT FOR OTHER CONSUMERS TO KNOW THAT REGARDLESS OF THEIR CARE OF THE VEHICLE, THE FRAME MAY ROT AT A RATE THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COSTS LOTS OF MONEY TO REPAIR. 4-RUNNER OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR VEHICLES CHECKED FOR PREMATURE FRAME ROT, AND TOYOTA SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX THE FRAME ROT IN THE 4-RUNNERS. JUST THOUGHT THAT AFTER WE WERE MADE AWARE, SO SH

Complaints 1-50 of 185, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20268200Routine
202560120Routine
202410100Routine
202333110Routine
202239310Routine
202136110Routine
202033100Routine
201965410Routine
201860510Routine
201736510Routine
201681810Routine
201587900Routine
201477710Routine
201336600Routine
201296810Routine
20111631010Routine
20101471220Routine
200922610Routine
200896520Routine
2007154530Routine
2006381530Above average
2005425530Above average
2004678230Above average
2003696300Above average
2002225330Above average
2001 — this page185310Routine
2000483212Fatalities reported
1999330250Above average
1998250451Fatalities reported
1997261425Fatalities reported
1996161512Fatalities reported
1995172401Fatalities reported
199464422Fatalities reported
199351320Routine
199253323Fatalities reported
199143200Routine
199078261Fatalities reported

Compare every 4Runner year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 24, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.