2001 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls & problems

3 recalls 154 complaints

3recalls
154owner complaints
7crashes reported
1fires reported
11 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER and 154 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is structure (81 reports), followed by power train (28). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2001 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 06E049000 · May 24, 2006

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

27,176 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

61,944 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

Suspension · NHTSA 05V225000 · May 17, 2005

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

768,379 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2001 Toyota 4RUNNER problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure 81
012
Power Train 28
000
Suspension 26
000
Unknown or Other 22
000
Steering 7
101
Air Bags 5
406
Engine 5
010
Engine and Engine Cooling 5
000
Electrical System 4
010
Vehicle Speed Control 4
302
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 4
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 3
000
Fuel System, Gasoline 2
000
Tires 2
000
Traction Control System 2
000
Wheels 2
000
Service Brakes 1
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
000
Visibility 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Suspension · Feb 19, 2026 · 275,000 miles · CO

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…

Unknown or Other · May 20, 2025 · CA

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…

Unknown or Other · Oct 9, 2022 · MI

Rusted Frame Cracked by back driver side tire

Structure · Dec 15, 2021 · MA

Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

Structure · Dec 15, 2021 · MA

Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

Structure · Aug 16, 2021 · 119,000 miles · IL

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…

Steering · Mar 30, 2021 · 200,000 miles · MD

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

Structure · Mar 30, 2021 · 200,000 miles · MD

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 · Mar 30, 2021 · 200,000 miles · MD

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 · Mar 22, 2021 · 220,000 miles · KS

The frame is rusting out and is deemed unsafe to drive

Structure · Dec 13, 2020 · 280,001 miles · PA

The vehicle frame has rusted through. My mechanic says this is unable to be inspected and should not be driven.

Suspension · Dec 13, 2020 · 280,001 miles · PA

The vehicle frame has rusted through. My mechanic says this is unable to be inspected and should not be driven.

Other Toyota 4RUNNER years

1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls covering the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER, the most recent one (06E049000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Based on 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are structure (81), power train (28), suspension (26).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER?

Owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.