2001 Toyota 4Runner Power Train Problems
- 17
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
What owners report
- rear differential · 9 records
- differential housing · 6 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 6 |
| 60–100k mi | 4 |
| 1–30k mi | 4 |
| 150–400k mi | 3 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body · Engine · Power Train
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.
ODI 10817356
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while exiting out of a parking space, there was an oil stain on the ground. The contact noticed that the oil was leaking from the rear differential. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,528.
ODI 10701753
Body · Power Train
Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended
ODI 10748600
Power Train · Service Brakes · Suspension
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…
ODI 10651885
Fuel System, Gasoline · Power Train · Suspension
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…
ODI 10587585
Power Train · Suspension
Driving down the highway in 2001 toyota 4-runner going about 60 and all of a sudden the rear end/tires locked up and got it to the side of highway barely and then it started smoking really bad. Very lucky that it didn't cause a wreck or no one got hurt. Can't drive it or nothing, makes a loud knocking noise in the rear end and also when you turn the key on inside the vehicle all lights are on and its making a…
ODI 10531528
Power Train
The back of the rear differential housing started leaking about one drop per second. The vehicle has 113,800 miles. We bought the car with about 20,000 miles. It has received the recommended maintenance. The source of the leak is severe corrosion that has removed much of the structural metal of the differential housing. The leak is coming through several cracks that have passed through the remaining metal. The only…
ODI 10523492
Power Train
Rear differential has had normal wear up until recently when i noticed a section of the rear diff leaking and rotting. The way the rear axle housing is build it does not have a rear cover like most. But that is the section that has flaked and begun to leak. The fill plug is in the same area which also is rusted. Making it not possible to check the fluid level. If your in a spot were you don't have the finances take…
ODI 10560603
Power Train
On the rear end differential housing, the back cover area (non replaceable) has become so porous because of heavy rust scaling and flaking that differential fluid seeps from it. The rest of the differential housing is made of thicker, heavier gauge metal and seems ok. This issue will cause the gear oil to drop below the required level causing differential failure or lock up and at highway speeds could be disastrous.…
ODI 10667419
Engine And Engine Cooling · Power Train
After i my mechanic replaced the catalytic converter for $1500.00, this problem began. The vehicle began to buck (jerk violently) as i was accelerating to 45 mph. It always happens at about 20 mph as i try to accelerate to 30, 35 or 40 mph. The engine revs up to 3 of 4k before the transmissions engages forcefully. This has been going on for now 3 months. *tr
ODI 10485031
Power Train · Suspension
The rear differential on my toyota 4runner rusted so badly in 9 years of ownership that the structural steel frame that supports the differential gears (the housing) cracked and oil spilled out on the road. I discovered the rust during the yearly state inspection and consequently had the differential inspected by my toyota dealer (berlin city portland, me) a few months back and they said it was structurally sound…
ODI 10439801
Power Train
Toyota 2001 4-runner, the vehicle has an excessive amount of underbody,frame,drive train rust specifically the rear differential housing unit. The problem first encountered was the rr. Differential housing rusted through and is leaking oil from it.so i called toyota executive office and spoke with an executive analyst, i explained in detail what the problem was , she arranged for the vehicle to be taken to a toyota…
ODI 10478558
Power Train
I have a toyota 2001 4runner with 77563 miles. The rear differential has rusted thru and leaks. Toyota is unwilling to help. *tr
ODI 10302191
Power Train
Vehicle was parked in my gravel driveway. My home contractor smelled an odor & discovered that my rear was leaking gear oil. My husband, who is somewhat handy with cars, ended up sanding off lots of rust on the pumpkin, then cleaned it & used jb weld to seal where he thought the leak was coming from. (where the parking brake cable was attached.) this actually held for several years. Well, now at approx. 125,000…
ODI 10705190
Power Train
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle differential was corroded and developed a leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear differential assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 180,000.
ODI 10462123
Power Train
Rear differential cover rusted through with only 22650 miles on vehicle. Dealer had to replace the whole rear axle assembly at a cost of $1800 because the cover is welded on and cannot be replaced separately. My concern is for the frame rusting out and subsequent safety issue as indicated by the number of other complaints listed here. I understand the tacoma's have similar problems and similar frames. The warranty…
ODI 10460194
Power Train
Vsc, stability/traction control system limits power to normally accelerate from a stop while 4wd engaged. Happens 99% of time when in 4wd rarely in 2wd mode. Direction doesn't affect(can be going straight or turning either left or right) may result in rear end or side impact collision because following or oncoming vehicle not expecting my vehicle to be an obstruction. No help from dealer. *tr
ODI 10304247