Owners filed 50 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 2 times.
When it fails
06700067,000 milesMedian miles at failure
25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags › Frontal
6
5
0
4
Vehicle Speed Control
5
1
0
0
Air Bags
4
4
0
7
Tires
3
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
3
1
1
1
Electrical System
3
0
2
0
Visibility › Windshield
2
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
2
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
0
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling06V266000
Filed Jul 19, 200634,771 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. ENGINE OIL INSIDE THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE EXPANSION DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE ENGINE AND COULD DEFORM THE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR. THE CONNECTOR MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING AND NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings02V268000
Filed Oct 1, 200259,394 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Risk. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS FREQUENTLY, THE REAR BRAKE LINE COULD BE DAMAGED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LEAKAGE OF BRAKE FLUID, CAUSING A DECREASE IN BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE LINES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 9, 2023TN
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.
Wheels
Filed Oct 23, 2020215,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO EQUIPPED WITH PRIME WELL TIRES, TIRE LINE: PS830, TIRE SIZE: UNKNOWN: DOT: 7TB03MH13318. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HER FRONT LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW. SHE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THE DAMAGE WAS ON THE BOTTOM SIDE. THE DAMAGE WAS A LONG TEAR AND HOLE IN THE TREAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP. THE CONTACT DID NOT REMEMBER WHAT THE TIRE SHOP DIAGNOSED AS THE CAUSE OF THE BLOW OUT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE TIRES WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 215,000.
Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2018155,000 milesOK
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 29, 2016150,000 milesCA
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR! I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM A GENTLEMAN WHO HASN'T DRIVEN THE CAR FOR AWHILE AFTER IT DIED ON HIM AND HE WAS UNABLE TO START IT UP AGAIN. I HOOKED IT UP TO AN OBD READER AND IT GIVE S ME THE CODE FOR THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I CHECKED FUEL PUMP SPARK PLUGS TO MAKE SURE AND THOSE ARE GOOD WORKING ORDER.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 12, 2015PR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A HOUSE GARAGE DOOR AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A WAIST INJURY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST AND ARM INJURIES WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 201593,000 milesOK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. MA 10/8 UPDATED 3/22/16 *JS *CN
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 21, 201410,000 milesCA
EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE SPEAKER WIRE SHORTING AND GETTING HOT. I ONCE HAD TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT BECAUSE THE SPEAKER WAS SO HOT TO THE TOUCH. I AM STILL HAVING THAT PROBLEM AND JUST CUT THE WIRE AGAIN DUE TO SPARKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO FREEMAN TOYOTA IN SANTA ROSA, CA WHERE I GOT IT AND THEY REWIRED THE SPEAKERS. THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, AND I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 13, 2011225,000 milesVA
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 1, 2010140,000 milesMD
ACCELERATOR STICKS WHEN DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR IN TOYOTA ECHO 2001. HAPPENED IN NOVEMBER 2009 TOO. I TRY NOT TO PUSH IT ALL THE WAY DOWN. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Feb 13, 201030,000 milesNC
THIS IS AN INCIDENT I EVENTUALLY PUT BEHIND MYSELF, BUT THE RECENT NEWS ABOUT TOYOTA HAS RESURRECTED THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE ON 5/5/02 IN MY 01 TOYOTA ECHO (I CAN PROVIDE THE VIN# AND THE INCIDENT HAPPENED IN BELEWS CREEK, NC). I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND WAS UNABLE TO STOP MY CAR WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKE AND I ENDED UP GOING INTO THE TREES AND DOWN A HILL BEFORE MY CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE TREE THAT THE TRUNK OF MY CAR HIT. I WAS CONVINCED I HAD HIT THE BRAKE. I EVEN TOOK MY OTHER FOOT AND TRIED TO USE BOTH FEET TO STOP THE CAR (I CRUSHED THE TOP OF MY FOOT WITH MY OTHER SHOE ' THAT IS HOW MUCH PRESSURE I TRIED TO APPLY). I RESEARCHED OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BREAKS STICKING AND REMEMBER SOMETHING BEING SAID ABOUT COOL AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. I CONTACTED TOYOTA USA AND NHTSA AND PROVIDED WEATHER TEMPERATURES AND OTHER DETAILS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. I EVEN REQUESTED REPAIRS NOT BE MADE TO THE CAR UNTIL IT WAS INSPECTED. I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS FOUND UPON INSPECTION AND I MY CLAIM WAS BASICALLY DISMISSED. THE ACCIDENT WENT ON MY RECORD AS MY FAULT SO OF COURSE MY PREMIUMS WENT UP FOR YEARS. I WAS MOST FRUSTRATED AND I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW IT FELT TO HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE NOT BELIEVE ME. I FEEL IT AFFECTED MY CONFIDENCE AS A DRIVER AND I WAS SO NERVOUS DRIVING THAT CAR THAT I TRADED IT IN NOT LONG AFTERWARDS. I ALSO TRADED IN THE TOYOTA TUNDRA I HAD RECENTLY PURCHASED. I WROTE TOYOTA AND TOLD THEM IF THIS WAS HOW THEY TREATED THEIR CUSTOMERS, THEN I WOULD NOT RE
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 30, 200967,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE ENTERING A RAMP AT 50 MPH, THE FLOOR MAT CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GET STUCK IN THE FULL OPEN POSITION. SHE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE FLOOR MAT AND AVOID A CRASH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
Filed Sep 29, 200960,000 milesCA
FLOOR MAT SLIPPAGE CAUSED CAR TO GET STUCK IN NEUTRAL, ONCE AT A HIGH SPEED ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AND ONCE AT A DOWNTOWN INTERSECTION. I REMOVED THE FLOOR MAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE PROBLEM STOPPED. *TR
Fuel System, Other
Filed Jun 24, 200956,690 milesPA
I HAVE A TOYOTA ECHO 2001. THE CAR SUDDENLY QUIT AFTER I STOPPED AT STOP SIGN AND DID NOT START. I TOOK MY CAR TO GARAGE TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT FUEL INJECTOR FUSES KEEPS BLOWING EVERY TIME THEY REPLACE NEW FUSES, AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE. I TOOK MY CAR TO TOYOTA DEALER 2 WEEKS LATER AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE FUSE BOX, WIRE HARNESS THAT SHORT IN FUSE BOX, AND DUE TO FAULT IN WIRE HARNESS, THEY HAD TO REPLACE ONE WIRE THAT RUNS ENTIRE CAR. IT COULD HAVE CAUSE ANY ACCIDENTS IF THE CAR HAVE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAFFIC. IT COST ME ABOUT $1800 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 12, 2009109,000 milesCT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA ECHO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, EVEN AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE COMPONENT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V266000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 109,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 9, 200982,900 milesNC
MY 2001 TOYOTA ECHO OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO I CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS FULL. I DROVE TO THE PLACE WHERE MY OIL WAS CHANGED LAST AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE LIGHT STAYED ON UNTIL I TURNED OFF MY ENGINE AND WOULD REAPPEAR FROM TIME TO TIME. WHEN MY CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLANKING NOISE, I GOT CONCERNED AND WAS READY TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER WHEN IT COMPLETELY LOST POWER AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THERE THEY TELL ME THAT BECAUSE I DID NOT MAINTAIN MY VEHICLE PROPERLY, ENGINE OIL SLUDGE OCCURRED. I PROVED TO THEM MY VEHICLE WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED FOR OVER 5 YEARS SO WHY THE SLUDGE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT BECAUSE I BOUGHT MY CAR USED, THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT MAINTAIN THE CAR PROPERLY. IT WAS A LEASED CAR THAT I BOUGHT USED IN 2003. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME IT WILL COST ABOUT $3000 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 2, 200821,500 milesNY
I AM REPORTING VERBAL THREATS OF A CARRIER COMPANY THAT SHIPPED MY CAR FROM CA TO NY: UI EXPRESS (18 SHORT HILLS BLVD. JACKSON, NEW JERSEY, 08527; [email protected]; 732-513-3636). VLADYMIR BOTIUK (HIS OWN COMPANY: UI EXPRESS) IS A CARRIER/DRIVER WITH CONTRACT WITH A CAR-SHIPPING COMPANY, AMERIFREIGHT, TO BRING MY CAR FROM SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, TO MANHATTAN, NEW YORK. AFTER MOVING MY CAR TO NEW YORK, VLADYMIR BOTIUK FORCED MY CAR TO BE KEPT IN BROOKLYN FROM 11:29 AM ON 7/26/2008 TO 3:50PM ON 7/28/2008 BY REJECTING TO TELL ME THE BROOKLYN ADDRESS AND PREVENTING ME FROM ACCESSING MY CAR. HE PARKED MY CAR IN THE FREE ON-STREET PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF HIS OWN APARTMENT BUILDING (2387 OCEAN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK) AND PAID NOTHING TO THE CITY GOVERNMENT; HOWEVER, HE FORCED ME TO PAY HIM THE SO-CALLED STORAGE/GARAGE FEE? OF TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS BY VERBALLY THREATENING TO SELL MY CAR IN AUTO-AUCTIONS AND CONTINUE CHARGING THE STORAGE/GARAGE FEE OF SEVENTY-FIVE DOLLARS PER DAY BEFORE MY CAR IS SOLD OUT IF I REFUSE TO SIGN MY NAME ON HIS CONTRACT AND GIVE HIM SIXTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS IN LESS THAN FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER MY ARRIVAL AT HIS ADDRESS AT 11:20 AM ON 7/29/2008. AMERIFREIGHT (MANAGER: AMY WOODS; [email protected]; 1-877-719-0916) KNOWS VLADYMIR BOTIUK?S THREATS AND IS A WITNESS (CONSTANT PHONE COMMUNICATION DURING THE WHOLE PROCESS) OF HOW VLADYMIR BOTIUK ORALLY THREATENED ME AND COMPELLED ME TO GIVE HIM SIXTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS AND SIGN MY NAME ON HIS UNREASON
Seat Belts › Rear/OtherCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 16, 2006117,000 milesKS
DURING A REAR END COLLISION ON , THE BACK SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK THROWING THE PASSENGER INTO THE FRONT SEAT, RESULTING IN INJURIES TO BOTH PASSENGERS. *NM
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Sep 14, 2006IL
I REPORTED A SAFETY PROBLEM TO TOYOTA AS A TOYOTA CUSTOMER- ON 08/29/2006 08:29 AM: HOW DO I KEEP THE DEFROSTER VENT CONTROLS FROM SHORTING OUT IN THE RAIN? WHILE DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD IN A BAD RAIN STORM AT NIGHT THE DEFROSTER AIR STOPPED COMING OUT OF ALL VENTS. THE FAN COULD BE HEARD BUT NO AIR CAME FROM ANY OPENING. CHANGING THE CONTROLS ON THE DASH BOARD HAD NO EFFECT, EXCEPT FOR TURNING THE FAN OFF AND ON. THE FRONT WINDOW FOGGED UP AND DRIVING BECAME EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF NEARLY ZERO VISIBILITY. WE WERE FORCED TO STOP DRIVING AND SEEK REFUGE IN A MOTEL. THE NEXT MORNING AFTER THE RAIN HAD STOPPED AND THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT THE DEFROSTER WORKED NORMALLY. 2001 ECHO. PURCHASED JANUARY 3, 2002 QUOTING ASK TOYOTA <[email protected]>: RESPONSE (ENRIQUE) - 08/31/2006 04:30 PM THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE CONCERNS YOU ARE EXPERIENCING WITH YOUR 2001 ECHO. THE WARRANTY FOR YOUR DEFROST IS THREE YEARS OR 36 THOUSAND MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST, FROM THE DATE OF FIRST USE FOR YOUR VEHICLE. BASED ON THE VIN (VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) YOU PROVIDED, YOUR WARRANTY COVERAGE STARTED ON 01/07/2002. YOUR VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY OUTSIDE THESE WARRANTY PARAMETERS AND WE ARE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE COST OF THIS REPAIR. ETC. TO TOYOTA, I AGAIN SUMMARIZED THE FAILURE AND THE CONSEQUENCES: ON- 09/02/2006 09:12 AM; I SAID: ... MY QUESTION WAS SENT TO YOU AS A SAFETY ISSUE. I ASKED "HOW DO I KEEP THE DEFROS
Tires
Filed Jun 3, 200565,000 milesVA
THE CONSUMER STATED BUYING FOUR TIRES FOR VEHICLE, ONE FAILED A MONTH AFTER THE PURCHASE. CONSUMER'S SON HAD AN ACCIDENT AND NOBODY CHECKED THE TIRES, SINCE THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY PUNCTURE MARKS. TWO WEEKS LATER, HUSBAND HAD A FLAT TIRE. THE RUBBER DISINTEGRATED FROM THE INSIDE AND IT PEELED OFF. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOOK OFF BOTH TIRES. *AK THREE OUT OF THE FOUR TIRES FAILED WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF PURCHASE, 2 WERE FOUND TO BE BULDGING AND PEELING ON THE INSIDE. *SB
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 28, 200572,000 milesAZ
OWNER HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY 35 MINUTES BEFORE ARRIVING TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES BEFORE ANOTHER CO-WORKER NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED. *AK
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: Jul 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.