1. Toyota 4Runner
  2. Problems
  3. 2001
  4. Body

2001 Toyota 4Runner Body Problems

48
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.

Among these 48 stored complaint records:

  • 0 indicate a crash
  • 1 indicate injury
  • 1 indicate fire

What owners report

  • frame rusted · 11 records
  • failure mileage · 8 records
  • rusted through · 7 records
  • passenger side · 6 records
  • frame rust · 5 records
  • repaired failure · 5 records

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
100–150k mi23
150–400k mi18
60–100k mi2
1–30k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • December 31, 2019 · 103,321 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    I just purchased a 2001 toyota 4runner. All seemed fine .but when i went to get it inspected they would not pass starting it had frame rust through. I called toyota customer service who said and i also read online that thousands of toyota trucks have a frame recall but mine does not. And they are not willing to do anything. Others had the frame replaced, repaired or bought back. Hopefully you can help me.

    ODI 11292332

  • July 29, 2019 · 156,535 miles

    Body

    Dealer decline to do a transfer case repair because the vehicle frame is severely rusted to the point that the trailing arm mount is almost gone. Dealer advised me that the vehicle is unsafe and the frame will break through. I will need to buy a new vehicle

    ODI 11253813

  • May 23, 2019 · 190,000 miles

    Body

    I noticed a pretty distinct wobble when driving my 2001 $runner on the highway recently. I took it to a mechanic who informaed my the frame has a 1 inch wide 18 inch long hole from rust. The mechanic says they can weld it to possibly give it some more time to live but that it is a ticking time bomb. There very well could be rust on the frame hidden behind the gas tank, but i am unable to look behind it. Toyota needs…

    ODI 11217061

  • February 20, 2019 · 248,500 miles

    Body

    Frame rust on multiple locations. Suspension shot right through rotted frame. Frame has structural damage as a result of rust. Car is not safe to drive! I almost killed myself driving the car when the suspension penetrated right through the rotted rusted frame.

    ODI 11181293

  • January 10, 2019

    Body

    Extreme frame rust. Husband says vehicle is unsafe to drive. Even though the body looks great, the frame, where we can see it, is in terrible condition, with holes rusted through the metal. No accidents yet, but it's ominous to know in a collision this vehicle would crumple like paper. There are many other complaints of serious frame rust for other years of toyota 4runners. Please add my vehicle and safety concern…

    ODI 11166521

  • September 21, 2018 · 150,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the entire frame of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was taken to northway toyota ([redacted], latham, ny 12110, [redacted]) and the contact was informed that there was no recall to cover the repair. The manufacturer echoed the dealer's statement and issued case number: 1809211044. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage…

    ODI 11130606

  • August 1, 2018

    Body

    Went for inspection for 2001 toyota 4 runner. Frame is rusted and too bad. Mechanic said unsafe to be on the road. What a shame everything runs good. Now i am without a vehicle. The toyota 4 runners should have been recalled just like the tacoma's and sequoias.

    ODI 11115647

  • July 15, 2018 · 192,000 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    The frame on my 2001 rotted very quickly from the inside out. It is the same exact frame used on the tacoma (which was recalled) and on the 2002 4runner, which is currently under investigation. If i didn't get the necessary frame repairs it easily could have cracked in half when on the road. The main areas of rot are located at the rear control arm (which i had professionally repaired), and up front near the…

    ODI 11121576

  • May 21, 2018 · 300,000 miles

    Body

    Frame of vehicle has severe rust damage throughout, told by state safety inspector that it is beyond repair. Appears to have occurred slowly over the course of many years.

    ODI 11097628

  • March 13, 2018 · 147,000 miles

    Body · Unknown Or Other

    Takata recall my 2001 toyota 4runner frame is rusted out and won't pass state inspection.

    ODI 11141704

  • January 7, 2018 · 112,000 miles

    Body · Electrical System · Engine

    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.

    Fire reported

    ODI 11066126

  • August 8, 2017 · 231,220 miles

    Body

    I was at the toyota dealership having my brakeline on the front leftside repaired, after hitting a pothole; and i was told by phone, my frame is badly rusted through in multiple spots.

    ODI 11020669

  • July 3, 2017 · 180,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While driving 40 mph, the frame failed without warning and caused the vehicle to wobble. The vehicle was driven home where it was pieced back together. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. Updated 11/13/17 *bf the consumer stated the frame rusted. Updated 11/16/2017*js

    ODI 11011779

  • June 20, 2017 · 144,522 miles

    Body

    Frame rusted through in several places. Unsafe to drive.

    ODI 11000295

  • March 1, 2017 · 143,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for maintenance. The mechanic noticed severe rust under the vehicle and pieces of metal falling out by chunks, including the frame. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.

    ODI 10966336

  • January 1, 2017

    Body

    My frame has rusted out. I have kept it very clean and protected but still is rusting.

    ODI 10967783

  • November 21, 2016 · 125,063 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, the contact was informed that the rear passenger side subframe displayed excessive corrosion. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,063.

    ODI 10927638

  • October 4, 2016 · 170,000 miles

    Body

    Frame rusting out. Exterior of truck has no rust 170k miles on 4runner

    ODI 10914056

  • August 1, 2016

    Body

    THE FRAME IS ROTTING AND THE 4RUNNER IS UNSAFE.

    ODI 10898383

  • July 6, 2016 · 193,000 miles

    Body

    The issue with my toyota is a rusted frame...rusted to the point that i was advised to park it and never drive it again without a new frame. Although it is a 2001 with 193,000 miles, it mechanically is in great condition. Exterior and interior in good condition, as well. I first noticed the vehicle had a floating sensation on the highway, at times feeling like i had no control with the steering wheel. After another…

    ODI 10895715

  • July 2, 2016 · 182,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While replacing the shocks on the vehicle, the contact noticed severe rust on the frame and a hole approximately 3 and 1/2 inches wide under the driver side. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 182,000.

    ODI 10882627

  • April 9, 2016 · 125,000 miles

    Body

    While changing my oil, i noticed a few nice size holes in the frame, in front and besides the muffler. I wondering is it safe for me and my family to drive on a regular basis.

    ODI 10860671

  • April 3, 2016 · 190,000 miles

    Body

    Massive rust and deterioration along inside panel of frame on passenger side revealed once exhaust system was removed for replacement. Deteriorated section was about 24" long from rear axle mount to center stabilizer bar. Unknown deterioration on driver side due to location of fuel tank.

    ODI 10853250

  • March 21, 2016 · 160,000 miles

    Body

    Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. While performing an oil change, the technician noticed that the rear passenger side of the frame was completely corroded. The technician stated that the frame had to either be re-welded or replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.

    ODI 10851457

  • January 16, 2016 · 135,000 miles

    Body

    The gram has rust perforation in which the left rear control arm has separated from the frame. While i was driving a heard a pop and started to lose proper control in steering vehicle.

    ODI 10822535