2001 Toyota 4Runner: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Toyota 4Runner: 1 recall, 185 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #05V225000 · 2005 · 768,379 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The lower ball joint May separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2005.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Body & structure (81): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (77), leaks (6), noise or vibration (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (32): the most common themes are leaks (16), hard / delayed shifting (4).
- Suspension (27): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (18), noise or vibration (4).
- Other / unknown (23): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (19).
The 2001 Toyota 4Runner has 185 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 37 4Runner model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 158). Complaints peaked in 2014 (21 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 12 years old, at a median of 122,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (483 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (224 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.4 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Toyota 4Runner problems?
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (81), transmission & drivetrain (32), suspension (27).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Toyota 4Runner get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (3.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Toyota 4Runner repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.