2001 Toyota 4Runner Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Toyota 4Runner, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure8137.9%
- Powertrain (other)2712.6%
- Suspension2712.6%
- Engine188.4%
- Brakes94.2%
- Driver assistance83.7%
- Steering83.7%
- Tires & wheels73.3%
- Airbags62.8%
- Electrical62.8%
- Transmission52.3%
- Other / unspecified41.9%
- Fuel system31.4%
- Seat belts20.9%
- Interior & seats20.9%
- Visibility10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems
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 sub frame needed to be replaced. The dealer was concerned that the job was too extensive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A MUFFLER REPLACEMENT, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MUFFLER COULD NOT BE REPLACED AND A LEAK WAS PRESENT. THE DEALER (MCGEE TOYOTA OF HANOVER, 860 WASHINGTON ST, HANOVER, MA 02339, (866) 942-1756) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRAME AND DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FRAME WAS NOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
SINCE I GOT THE CAR, THE IGNITION KEY DOES NOT GET IN PROPERLY AND SOMETIMES DOES NOT START THE CAR. THE MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL HELPS SOMETIMES. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN LEAKING ENGINE COVERS THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STRUCTURE GETS RUSTY AND THERE IS PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 275,000.
THE VEHICLE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. MY MECHANIC SAYS THIS IS UNABLE TO BE INSPECTED AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE KNOCK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 256,518.
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK ON A CITY STREET IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK ( FLATBUSH AVE) WHEN I SUDDENLY SMELLED SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FIRE COMING FROM THE HOOD. I DID NOT HIT ANY BUMP AND WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, THE ENTIRE FRONT COMPARTMENT OF THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON OCTOBER 11TH 2014, I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 4RUNNER, ON MY WAY TO WORK. HAD JUST TURNED OFF A ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55. AS I HIT 35MPH, MY CAR COMES TO A JOLTING STOP WITH A LOUD BANG AND DRAG ON THE TIRES. THE CAR STILL RAN, BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO FINISH WALKING TO MY JOB, AS I WAS CELLPHONE-LESS AT THE TIME. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME, MISSING AN ENTIRE DAY'S WORK, WHICH WAS A LOSS OF 120$. THE GUY WHO TOWED ME TOLD ME IT WAS DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY REAR END. SO I HAD A FAMILY FRIEND WHO IS A RETIRED MECHANIC LOOK IT OVER TO SEE IF HE COULD SPOT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. FIRST THING NOTICED WAS MY EMERGENCY BREAK WAS ON AND FROZEN. THEY REMOVE IT, CLEAN IT, PUT IT BACK ON. I START THE CAR, GO TO MOVE IT AND THERES A CONTINUOUS LOUD BANG AND THE CAR AGAIN COMES TO THE STOP. THE EMERGENCY BREAK FROZE AGAIN. THEY ONCE AGAIN TAKE IT OFF, AND SO FAR IT HASN'T REFROZE. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS STILL MAKING THE LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END, WHICH THEY HAVE CONCLUDED IS COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING UNIT. WHICH THEY FOUND A DECENT SIZED HOLE IN, WHICH IT APPEARS SOMEONE TRIED TO COVER WITH A YELLOW GLUE TYPE SUBSTANCE. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, AND AM NOW CARLESS. AS I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN, AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT CAN COST UP TO $3,000 TO FIX. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING 35 MPH WHEN IT BROKE, AND THERE WAS NO ONE FOLLOWING BEHIND ME, OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN RE ENDED, AND HAD MORE TO FIX THAT I ALREADY DO. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE MODEL CAR, AND TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT!!! IT'S FAIRLY DANGEROUS. I LOVED THIS CAR BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. BUT NOW IT'S USELESS TIL I CAN AFFORD THIS FIX. *TR
BRAKE PEDAL PULSATION DUE TO FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. REPLACED PADS AND TURNED ROTORS AND PROBLEM WAS GONE FOR THREE TO FOUR WEEKS. PROBLEM CAME BACK. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED PERSISTENTLY FOR OVER 100K MILES. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, PURCHASED AT 32K IN 2003. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 4 RUNNER SHAKES WHILE ON FREEWAY GOING PASSED SPEED LIMIT OF 50MPH IT FEELS LIKE I CAN TIP OVER IF GOING TO FAST. SOME OF THE ELECTRICAL THINGS WORK THEN NOT WORK. IT IS MOSTLY THE SHAKING BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE TO HOLD FIRMLY TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL SOMEWHAT. PEOPLE NOTICE IT WHEN DRIVING BEHIND ME. I AM SCARED FOR MY CHILDREN AND I.
WE WERE TOLD TODAY THAT OUR 2001` TOYOTA 4-RUNNER HAS FRAME ROT THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CONDITION OF ALL THE OTHER PARTS ON IT. FRAME ROT THAT CONSTITUTES A DANGER TO OUR SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IT. THE REPAIR TECHNICIANS ADVISED US TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS PART OF TOYOTA'S FRAME ROT RECALL WITH THE TACOMAS AND OTHER VEHICLES BECAUSE THE FRAME ROT RUST WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE PATTERN OF DAMAGE THEY HAD SEEN ON OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES. WHEN WE LOOKED UP OUR 4-RUNNER IN THE RECALL INFORMATION, SUPPOSEDLY TOYOTA HASN'T INCLUDED OUR TRUCK IN THE RECALL. WE WERE ADVISED BY OUR AUTO REPAIR SPECIALIST THAT THE RECALL COVERED DAMAGE IN TRUCKS THAT WERE THE SAME AGE AND OVERALL CONDITION, SO IT'S NOT AS THOUGH THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS EATEN UP BY RUST AND WE JUST HAPPENED TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE FRAME ROT. THE FRAME ROT PATTERN FOUND ON OUR 4-RUNNER IS CONSISTENT WITH THE FRAME ROT FOUND ON RECALLED TOYOTA TRUCKS AND INCONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE'S STABILITY. BECAUSE THIS IS SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND BECAUSE THE FRAME ROT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, IT'S IMPORTANT FOR OTHER CONSUMERS TO KNOW THAT REGARDLESS OF THEIR CARE OF THE VEHICLE, THE FRAME MAY ROT AT A RATE THAT IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT COSTS LOTS OF MONEY TO REPAIR. 4-RUNNER OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR VEHICLES CHECKED FOR PREMATURE FRAME ROT, AND TOYOTA SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING AND FIX THE FRAME ROT IN THE 4-RUNNERS. JUST THOUGHT THAT AFTER WE WERE MADE AWARE, SO SHOULD OTHER CONSUMERS AND SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
ENTERED HIGHWAY FROM ON RAMP AS PICKED UP SPEED STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL OF SUV. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO SHOP TO FIND EXCESSIVE RUST ON BACK FRAME N SHOCK CAUSING WHEEL TO 'BASICALLY BE FREE FLOATING AND UNATTACHED' THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN SHOP AT MOMENT AND I CAN GET PICTURES AND A STATEMENT UPON REQUEST
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WRANGLER P265/70R16 TIRE I HAD BEEN PUTTING AIR IN TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS EVERY WEEK. THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE RUBBER ABOVE THREAD AND IN THE RIGGS ON THE TIRE I WAS TOLD BY TWO TIRE REPAIR STORE (GOODYEAR BEING THE SECOND ) COULD NOT BE REPAIRED WHERE LOCATED. ON THE10TH OF MARCH MY TIRE WAS FLAT DOWN TO THE RIM AND DURING THE ICE BLACK OUT (NO HEAT FOR 3 DAYS) NO CAR TO GO ANYWHERE TO GET OUT OF THE COLD THEN BEING TOLD BY GOODYEAR / DEALER THEY COULD NOT EXCHANGE OR REBATE ANYTHING ON A NEW TIRE. I HAVE THREE MORE TIRES THAT I AM WORRIED ABOUT HAVING TOO REPLACED AND GOOD YEAR REFUSES TO DO RECALL OR COMPENSATE MYSELF OR OTHERS FOR CLEARLY DEFECTIVE TIRES ! I PAID $157.48 FOR ANOTHER TIRE WHICH SHOULD HAVE STILL BEEN UNDER WARRANTY AND REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE!! I DON'T DO A LOT OF DRIVING. 2001 VEHICLE AND190,00 MILES . I AM ON FIXED INCOME AND WORRIED ABOUT COMING OUT FINDING ANOTHER FLAT TIRE THAT IS DEFECTIVE. PLS. ISSUE A RECALL AND MAKE GOODYEAR BE A HONEST BUSINESS AND RECALL WHAT THEY KNOW ARE DEFECTIVE TIRES WRANGLER P265/70R16. MY TIRES ARE ALMOST LIKE NEW VERRY LITTLE WEAR. I HAVE PICTURES ! I AM AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AS WELL AS OTHERS IF THESE TIRES COLLAPSE WHILE WE ARE DRIVING AND NOT SITTIN STILL. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED (ALSO CONTACT WITH YOU) IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO ME REGARDING THESE TIRES ! DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL THESES ALMOST NEW TIRES !! (TREAD WISE)BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY HURT FOR LIFE ! THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE I AM ALMOST AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR, BUT HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE !! SCARED TO DRIVE. *TR
3 YEARS AGO I PURCHASED 225/75 R15 FROM LES SCHWAB TIRES . THE TIRES ARE ROTTING AND CRACKING IN THE SIDEWALL. HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR. I DRIVE THE CAR EVERYDAY AND CANNOT SEE A REASON FOR THIS TO BE HAPPENING. THEY ARE HANKOOK TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT CENTER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY BY STATE FARM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
MY FUSE FOR MY WINDOWS BLEW, THEN WE FOUND OUT THAT MY WIRING HARNESS IN THE BACKSEAT HAD BURNED UP. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS ALSO FRIED. THREE DIFFERENT MECHANICS DETERMINED THAT THE CAUSE WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG WIRING. THERE WAS NO SIGN OF WEAR AND TEAR OR OUTSIDE INFLUENCE. THE AIRBAGS CREATED THE PROBLEM, ARE NOW COMPROMISED AND ARE COMPLETELY UNSAFE. I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR AND EVEN IF REPAIRED, THE AIRBAGS ARE NOW COMPROMISED FOREVER RENDERING THE CAR USELESS. TOYOTA DENIES ANY RESPONSIBILITY. THEY CLAIM THAT THE CAR IS TOO OLD TO BE THEIR PROBLEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS ATTENTION SO THAT NOBODY ELSE HAS THE SAME EXPERIENCE OR WORSE, IS KILLED DUE TO AIRBAGS DEPLOYING AT WILL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK ON A CITY STREET IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK ( FLATBUSH AVE) WHEN I SUDDENLY SMELLED SMOKE FOLLOWED BY FIRE COMING FROM THE HOOD. I DID NOT HIT ANY BUMP AND WAS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENT. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, THE ENTIRE FRONT COMPARTMENT OF THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL BECAME DISABLED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PROGRAMMING OF THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RECONFIGURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
LESS THAN 20000 MILES AFTER I HAD A REMANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION INSTALLED, BY TOYOTA, IN MY 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER THE VEHICLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE TO THROTTLE INPUT. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND LET OFF OF THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL. I APPLIED THE FOOT BRAKE TO KEEP THE CAR FROM ROLLING FURTHER AND SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I STARTED THE VEHICLE BACK UP LOW AND BEHOLD, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. TODAY, I HAD A SURGE IN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CONTACTED TOYOTA FOR SERVICE. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT FEEL THAT THIS ONE POSED A SAFETY HAZARD WORTHY OF REPORTING. *TR
1. NO GIVEN INDICATION THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BEFORE THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. . TRASNMITION FAILURE. REQUIREMENT OF A COMPLETE NEW TRANSMITION.. REPLACEMENT OF TRANSMITION.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENTERED HIGHWAY FROM ON RAMP AS PICKED UP SPEED STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BEGAN TO LOOSE CONTROL OF SUV. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND HAD IT TAKEN TO SHOP TO FIND EXCESSIVE RUST ON BACK FRAME N SHOCK CAUSING WHEEL TO 'BASICALLY BE FREE FLOATING AND UNATTACHED' THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN SHOP AT MOMENT AND I CAN GET PICTURES AND A STATEMENT UPON REQUEST
MY 4 RUNNER SHAKES WHILE ON FREEWAY GOING PASSED SPEED LIMIT OF 50MPH IT FEELS LIKE I CAN TIP OVER IF GOING TO FAST. SOME OF THE ELECTRICAL THINGS WORK THEN NOT WORK. IT IS MOSTLY THE SHAKING BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE TO HOLD FIRMLY TO GET IT UNDER CONTROL SOMEWHAT. PEOPLE NOTICE IT WHEN DRIVING BEHIND ME. I AM SCARED FOR MY CHILDREN AND I.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATES ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER TWO YEARS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG. TODAY (5/10/14), THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP PUT THE TRUCK ON A RACK AND RAN THE CAR AT 45 MPH AND THERE WAS VISIBLE VIBRATION COMING FROM THE DRIVE SHAFT AND A LOUD NOISE THAT I COULD NEVER HEAR FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALL THIS TIME, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT I WAS UNAWARE COULD HAVE SNAPPED APART. THE SOUND CANNOT BE HEARD IN THE CABIN, SO I COULD NOT EVEN REPORT THAT AS A PROBLEM UNTIL TODAY. I PURCHASED THREE SETS OF NEW TIRES, HAD SHOCKS AND STRUTS REPLACED, AND BRAKE PADS TO NO AVAIL. FINALLY, AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB YESTERDAY, I REALIZED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED INJURY TO OTHERS, BUT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS COULD CAUSE A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT IF THAT SHAFT BREAKS. I READ THAT FOR SIMILAR MODELS (TOYOTA AND LEXUS), THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE PARTS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NOTHING FOR THE 4RUNNER. THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING OVER $700 FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR
ON 7/7/12 I WAS DRIVING FOR A DOG RESCUE TRANSPORT AND NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT AT FIRST SINCE I HAD JUST FILLED UP THE TRUCK AND A GAS CAN. WHAT I DID NOTICE WAS MY GAS GAUGE WAS DROPPING INCREDIBLY FAST SO I LOOKED FOR A CLEAR AREA ON SHOULDER THAT SHOULD THE TRUCK CATCH FIRE. (VERY DRY IN NJ AT THE TIME) I FOUND MY AREA AND SHUT TRUCK OFF AND DRIFTED INTO THE SHOULDER. EXITED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN RUSHING TO EMPTY THE SEVEN DOG CRATES (JUST IN CASE) ON THE SHOULDER BEHIND GUARD RAIL. ONCE WE WERE ALL CLEAR, I WALKED OVER TO VEHICLE AND POPPED HOOD. THERE WAS FUEL SATURATING EVERYTHING, INCLUDING STILL DRIPPING FROM INSULATION MATERIAL UNDER THE HOOD DIRECTLY ONTO AND AROUND THE EXHAUST AREA. BY TOYOTA DESIGN, THERE IS A CLIP THAT RETAINS/SEPARATES TWO HOSES DIRECTLY ON TOP OF THE FUEL LINE THAT HAD WORN A HOLE INTO THE FUEL LINE. ON 7/9/12 I WENT TO TOYOTA DEALER TO GET THE HOSE WHICH I FIND OUT IS PART NUMBER 23801(P)-62071. IT TURNS OUT THERE ARE ONLY SEVEN OF THIS LISTED PART IN THE WHOLE UNITED STATES AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME $75 AND A WEEK OR MORE TO GET THE PART. I WENT HOME AND BROWSED THE NET TO FIND ONLY ONE STORE THAT STOCKS THIS ITEM AND ORDERED THROUGH THEM TO SAVE ABOUT $20 BUT STILL THE SAME TURN AROUND TIME (LOST ABOUT $67 IN FUEL AS TANK IS NOW BONE DRY PLUS A $250 FLATBED TOW FEE. I AM OUT ALMOST $400). I HAS BEEN A WEEK MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE DUE TO A TOYOTA DESIGN FLAW, AND THEY WILL NOT FESS UP TO THE DESIGN FLAW OR EVEN OFFER A LOANER CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS *TR
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
1-THE REAR LIFTGATE WILL NOT UNLOCK. 2-THE LIFTGATE HAS NO MANUAL LOCK CONTROL AND IN AN EMERGENCY CANNOT BE OPENED. 3-THE PROBLEM IS NOT YET CORRECTED. THE TOYOTA MECHANIC SAID IT CAN BE A REAL PROBLEM TRYING TO REMOVE THE ACCESS PANEL WITH THE LIFTGATE CLOSED. *JB
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT COLLAPSED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. TS *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SUN VISOR/VANITY MIRROR OF MY 4RUNNER CONTINUALLY FALLS INTO MY FIELD OF VISION DUE TO BEING LOOSE. CAUSES POSSIBLE VISION IMPAIRMENT FOR A COUPLE SECONDS IN ADDITION TO THE CONCENTRATION IT TAKES TO GET IT TO STAY AGAIN UP NEAR THE ROOF. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .