2001 Toyota Prerunner problems

General information about Toyota-Prerunner
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup. The second generation (model years 2005 through 2015) and third generation (in production since 2015) models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year for 2005.

As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.

The name "Tacoma" was derived from the Coast Salish peoples' name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.

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Common 2001 Toyota Prerunner problems

The Toyota PreRunner 2001 is known for its reliability, but there are some common problems that owners have reported. One of the most common issues is rusted out frames, which is due to the severity and impact it has upon the vehicle and the widespread attention the issue has gathered over the years. This problem can be severe and significantly affect the vehicle's reliability.

Another issue is worn-out bushings, which is not to be overlooked, but it is a relatively cheap fix. It doesn't require anything more than a little know-how, a few hours of time, and tools you probably already own or can borrow from your local auto parts store.

Valve cover oil leaks are also a common problem with the Toyota PreRunner 2001. This issue occurs due to the engine's age and the rubber valve cover gaskets' deterioration. The amount of oil loss due to this issue doesn't affect reliability or performance and doesn't become apparent until later. However, it's something to note and track as an owner, especially if keeping your engine running like new is your main priority.

Dim or hazy headlights are another issue that can affect the Toyota PreRunner 2001. This problem is commonly referred to as oxidation, which can easily be fixed by purchasing a headlight restoration kit at any auto parts store and spending some time polishing.

Lastly, driver seat deterioration is a common problem with the Toyota PreRunner 2001. While the seats are perfectly fine, if not a little basic, some potential faults should be addressed. This issue is due to the economical and reliable design of the vehicle, which prioritizes functionality over luxury.

In summary, the Toyota PreRunner 2001 is a reliable vehicle, but there are some common problems that owners have reported, such as rusted out frames, worn-out bushings, valve cover oil leaks, dim or hazy headlights, and driver seat deterioration. These issues can be fixed with a little know-how, a few hours of time, and the right tools, but it's essential to address them promptly to ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.

What is the average lifespan of a 2001 Toyota Tacoma?

20 to 25 years

With such a long average lifespan, it is no wonder why the used Toyota Tacoma for sale is so popular. You can expect to drive your pickup truck 10,000 to 15,000 every year on the road. This puts the average lifespan of a Toyota Tacoma at 20 to 25 years.

Is there any recalls on a 2001 Toyota Tacoma?

(Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp <7203. T> is recalling about 150,000 Tacoma mid-size pickup trucks from the model years 2001 to 2004 in cold-weather U.S. states because the spare tire could fall off.

What year was the Toyota Tacoma bad?

A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.

What Tacoma years are best?

Best Toyota Tacoma Trucks to Buy Used

2015 Toyota Tacoma. This model year scored a 5 out of 5 for reliability, a 4 on safety with the NHTSA, and an 8.4 out of 10 for its front, rear, and side-impact safety features. ...
2019 Toyota Tacoma. ...
2006 Toyota Tacoma. ...
2005 Toyota Tacoma. ...
2020 Toyota Tacoma.

What is the average lifespan of a 2001 Toyota Tacoma?

20 to 25 years

What is the most common problem with a Toyota Tacoma?

Common Toyota Tacoma Issues

Not Shifting Correctly. One of the biggest problems of Tacomas is its tendency not to shift correctly. ...
Sticky Accelerators. ...
Clear Coat Peeling And Cracking. ...
Excessive Driving Vibration. ...
Issues With Lower Ball Joint. ...
Faulty Air Flow Meter. ...
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You.

Is there any recalls on a 2001 Toyota Tacoma?

(Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp <7203. T> is recalling about 150,000 Tacoma mid-size pickup trucks from the model years 2001 to 2004 in cold-weather U.S. states because the spare tire could fall off.

What year was the Toyota Tacoma bad?

2001 Toyota Prerunner car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Prerunner problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Structure problems
Suspension problems
Steering problems
Power train problems
Unknown or other problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Toyota Prerunner vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Toyota Prerunner complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Toyota Prerunner.

2016-02-18

STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-03-05
VIN: 5TEGN92N91Z
Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
Summary: MY DAUGHTER WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE BALL JOINT BROKE AWAY, THE LEFT SIDE TIRE SNAPPED OFF. IT WAS STILL STUCK TO THE BRAKE ROTOR AND SUSPENSION. IT RUINED THE BRAKE ALSO. THE TOW TRUCK EVEN HAD PROBLEMS PICKING IT UP.2ND THE REAR END SEAL HAS BROKE AWAY AND LEAKED ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE BRAKE. THE TIRES NOW LOCK UP WHEN TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD.

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2015-06-29

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2015-06-29
VIN: 5TEGN92N41Z
Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: TOOK MY TACOMA IN TODAY FOR SPARE TIRE RECALL. WORK WAS DENIED DUE TO FRAME RUST. I DID NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICES BEFOREHAND UNTIL THIS ONE. I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE OWNED MY TACOMA SINCE 2003.

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2014-08-21

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2014-08-19
VIN: 5TEGM92N71Z
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: FRAME IS RUSTED AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. TOYOTA ISSUED A SPECIAL POLICY FOR 15 YEAR FRAME WARRANTY AND EVEN BOUGHT BACK TRUCKS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THE WARRANTY DID NOT GET EXTENDED BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS NOT UNDERCOATED IN 2011 TO EXTEND THIS 15 YEAR WARRANTY. TOYOTA OWNERS BEWARE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS HORRIBLE THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANYTHING IN WRITING TO SUPPORT THIS. THEY DO NOT WANT ME TO USE AGAINST THEM. UNSAFE AND THEY ARE NOT WANTING TO HELP. *TR

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2013-12-30

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2013-12-26
VIN: 5TESN92N91Z
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRERUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME HAD DETERIORATED, MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

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2009-06-10

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-07-04
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: JT4VN13G7K5
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA PRERUNNER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, A VEHICLE TRAVELING 80 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NOT THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000. UPDATED 6/29/09 *CN UPDATED 06/30/09.*JB

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2008-08-24

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2008-08-17
VIN: 5TESN92NX1Z
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: FRAME IS HEAVILY CORRODED , SOME RUST PERFORATION EXISTS. TOYOTA HAS EXTENDED FRAME RUST COVERAGE FOR '95 TO '00. I DRIVE AN '01.*TR

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2005-06-21

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-06-12
VIN: 5TESN92N61Z
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT FELL OFF RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE WHEEL COMING OFF. THERE WAS NO FORWARNING OF THIS GOING TO OCCUR. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER THEY REPLACED THE LOWER & UPPER BALLJOINTS AND THE LEFT LOWER BALL JOINT. ALSO, THEY REPLACED A TIRE AND REPLACED A BRAKE HOSE. THEY SAID TO BRING IT BACK IN JULY AND THEY WOULD REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS AGAIN?! THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER DRIVEN WORSE THAN IT DOES NOW. SINCE GETTING IT BACK FROM REPAIRS IT SHIMMYS AND SHAKES SEVERLY AND DOES NOT FELL SAFE.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Toyota Prerunner problems:

2001 Toyota Tacoma Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2001-toyota-tacoma/problems

Problem with your 2001 Toyota Tacoma? Our list of 10 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Toyota Tacoma.

Common Tacoma problems I should be aware of? | Tacoma World

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/common-tacoma-problems-i-should-be-aware-of.16861/

Oct 19, 2008 ... Exhaust tends to have minor issues. Mostly gaskets and o2s going bad and cat converters get tired. Rear drum brakes have a problem with the pot ...

2001 Toyota Tacoma Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/tacoma/2001/reliability/

What Owners Say · Catalytic converter. "The catalytic converter is some what stopped up, giving an engine warning light, however, the engine still runs smoothly ...

Tacoma 1st Gen problems | Tacoma World

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-1st-gen-problems.673546/

Jun 27, 2020 ... 2001 White Tacoma Prerunner 4d. The last few times I went looking at Tacoma's the most common issue I saw was oil leaking out the rear main ...