2001 Toyota 4 runner problems

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The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota and marketed globally since 1984, across five generations. In Japan, it was marketed as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese: トヨタ・ハイラックスサーフ, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususāfu) and was withdrawn from the market in 2009. The original 4Runner was a compact SUV and little more than a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, but the model has since undergone significant independent development into a cross between a compact and a mid-size SUV. All 4Runners have been built in Japan at Toyota's plant in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota subsidiary) plant in Hamura.

The name "4Runner" was created by copywriter Robert Nathan with the Saatchi & Saatchi advertising company as a play on the term "forerunner". The agency held contests to invent new names for Toyota's forthcoming vehicles. According to Toyota, the "4" described the vehicle's 4-wheel drive system while "Runner" was a reference to its all-terrain capabilities and how it could "run" off-road.

For some markets, the Hilux Surf was replaced in 2005 by the similar Fortuner, which is based on the Hilux platform.

As of 2021, the 4Runner is marketed in the Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States and Venezuela. Many markets that did not receive the 4Runner, such as Europe and the Middle East, instead received the similarly designed Land Cruiser Prado, another SUV that shared many of the same components.

The 4Runner came in at number five in a 2019 study by iSeeCars.com ranking the longest-lasting vehicles in the US. The 4Runner had 3.9 percent of vehicles over 200,000 miles (320,000 km), according to the study.

2001 Toyota 4 runner

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Common 2001 Toyota 4 runner problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Toyota 4Runner 2001 based on complaints from owners:

  1. Braking System Problems: Owners of 2014 to 2017 models reported brake system issues, including brake failure, temporary lock-ups, warping problems, premature wear on front brake components, and issues with the brake master cylinder.
  2. Rust/Body/Paint Problems: The 4th-gen 4Runners, particularly around 150k miles, were prone to rust and corrosion damage, especially affecting the frame and suspension. This issue was significant and could lead to severe structural damage.
  3. Damaged/Cracked Dashboard: Owners of 2004 4Runners complained about sticky, melted, and cracked dashboards, which not only posed aesthetic issues but could also impact airbag deployment in case of an accident.
  4. Transmission Issues: Model years from 1990 to 2016 had problematic transmission systems, leading to rough shifting and power loss. The main culprits were the faulty shift solenoid or throttle position sensor, requiring replacements to resolve the issues.
  5. Steering and Suspension Problems: Complaints included issues with shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage, power steering components, wheel balance, springs, bushings, and more. These problems were attributed to normal wear and tear for a 22-year-old vehicle.

These problems highlight various critical issues that owners of the Toyota 4Runner 2001 have faced over the years. Addressing these concerns promptly and proactively can help maintain the vehicle's performance and safety.

2001 Toyota 4 runner engine

How many miles will a 2001 Toyota 4Runner last?

A Toyota 4Runner can reach 300,000 miles with meticulous maintenance but expect closer to 200,000 miles. The 4Runner is susceptible to Toyota's rust issues. Owners say rust and corrosion are common, and noticeable after only a few years on the road.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?

6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

  • Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
  • Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
  • Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
  • Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
  • Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
  • Melting Dashboards.

What year 4Runner has the best reliability?

Here are the most reliable years for the Toyota 4Runner: 2017-Present Fifth Generation 4Runner. 2008-2009 Fourth Generation 4Runner. 1999-2000 Third Generation 4Runner.

Are 4Runners cheap to fix?

The annual maintenance cost of a Toyota 4Runner is $514. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?

6 Common Toyota 4Runner Problems

  • Bluetooth Echos During Calls. What's the point of hands-free calling if you can't have a conversation without an annoying echo getting in the way? ...
  • Toyota Truck Frame Rust. ...
  • Musty and Moldy A/C. ...
  • Rodents Chew Soy-Coated Wires. ...
  • Toyota Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags. ...
  • Melting Dashboards.

How long will a 2001 4Runner last?

A Toyota 4Runner can reach 300,000 miles with meticulous maintenance but expect closer to 200,000 miles. The 4Runner is susceptible to Toyota's rust issues. Owners say rust and corrosion are common, and noticeable after only a few years on the road.

Is Toyota 4Runner high maintenance?

So, is a Toyota 4Runner expensive to maintain? According to CarEdge, a Toyota 4Runner will cost about $5,825 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service, beating the industry average for popular SUVs by a whopping $3,308.

Is the 4Runner engine good?

The Toyota's 4.0-liter engine might be reliable, but it also reliably consumes fuel at an alarming rate. The truck's interior has plenty of passenger and cargo space, but its cabin materials are drab. On regular roads, this truck-based SUV drives like, well, a truck: its handling feels loose, and its ride is uncouth.

2001 Toyota 4 runner complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Toyota 4 runner.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Leave your review of 2001 Toyota 4 runner

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Toyota 4 runner problems:

Common Problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
Common Problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/60032-common-problems.html

Jan 16, 2010 ... The only real common issue is rear axle seals which tend to go around 100k miles and really has become more of a maintenance item as most ...

2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2001-toyota-4runner/problems

Top 2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems · Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages · EVAP System Fault Due to Failed Charcoal Canister · Car Won ...

Toyota 4runner 2001 Should I Buy? - Auto Type/Class - Car Talk ...
Toyota 4runner 2001 Should I Buy? - Auto Type/Class - Car Talk ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/toyota-4runner-2001-should-i-buy/185496

Jul 27, 2022 ... Check the condition of rubber parts. CV axels and suspension components. With age things like bearings on belt driven accessories can dry up and ...

Issues with 3rd gen 4runners? : r/4Runner
Issues with 3rd gen 4runners? : r/4Runner
https://www.reddit.com/r/4Runner/comments/n6qelt/issues_with_3rd_gen_4runners/

May 7, 2021 ... Hey, y'all I've been a Toyota owner for a while owning a 99 Tacoma and a 03 Tacoma. I am most likely buying a 02 4runner (v6 165k auto).

2001 tranny problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner ...
2001 tranny problems - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner ...
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/114803-2001-tranny-problems.html

May 6, 2012 ... Newbie here looking for some advice. just recently bought a 2001 sr5 with 115k on craigslist. got a really good deal on it and now found out ...

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