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
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 100–150k mi | 23 |
| 150–400k mi | 18 |
| 60–100k mi | 2 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Body
Massive rust corrosion and pieces breaking away located underneath entire vehicle. The rust with breakage has intensified greatly in the last couple of years and required welding this year to pass inspection because the vehicle was unsafe. The welding consisted of welding the frame rail where the rear suspension mounts and a new bracket had to be welded on the axle housing that holds an upper rear strut rod because…
ODI 10824784
Body
Vehicle frame corrosion/rot.. Bad frame (just like the tacoma i had recalled due to bad frame)
ODI 11217256
Body
My 2001 toyota 4 runner was up on the lift for regular oil change. A service tech brought me to the service bay and informed me of a considerable amount of rust failure of the frame. Not surface rust, but rust that is causing the frame to separate causing visible cracks to appear. He advised me of the potential danger. He advised me that toyota has addressed this issue on tundra's, tacoma's and sequoia's but offers…
ODI 10811371
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
Body
These vehicles are notorious for frame rust/rot. The tacoma of the same time period used the same frame as the 4runner and the tacoma has had a recall.
ODI 10749395
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having maintenance performed, the technician notified the contact that the frame was rotted due to excessive corrosion. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,507.
ODI 10659786
Body
The body of my 2001 toyota 4runner is completely rusted out. Recently, i brought the vehicle to a toyota service center who suggested that the vehicle no longer be driven due to safety concerns associated with driving the 4runner in its current condition. I was told the frame was completely rusted through, compromising the integrity of the frame. *tr
ODI 10650429
Body · Power Train
Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended
ODI 10748600
Body
Frame has rusted through the frame rails in multiple areas. Issue was not disclosed when the vehicle was purchased 01/13/2015, yet i found a repair order from 09/24/2014 that stated there were rust holes in the frame. Dealer is currently inspecting the extent of the frame damage and will recommend a resolution. I have several photos, but currently do not have them handy.
ODI 10918674
Body · Suspension
The 4runner has developed surface rust on the frame underneath the car. The rust is also apparent on suspension components and brakes. *tr
ODI 10631403
Body
The chasis rusts and is damaged on the passenger side about 18 inches.
ODI 10925753
Body
Took vehicle to local toyota dealership for safety and mechanical inspection after purchasing used; mechanic notes that frame is rusted through on passenger side, near lower trailing arm bracket and on drivers side near fuel tank skid plate. Damage appears to have originated on the inside of the frame and has eaten its way to the outside. Mechanic advised that vehicle may not be safe to drive, no recall by toyota on…
ODI 10608337
Body
Vehicle failed state inspection due to rusted frame. With the exception of rust on the bumpers (which is also a common problem for this generation 4runner) the rest of the vehicle is in excellent shape and mechanically very reliable. Inspection station suggested that i contact toyota since they were aware of recalls for rusted frames on other toyota trucks (tacoma, sequoia for example.) toyota stated that there are…
ODI 10609457
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the dealer found the suframe corroded in the fuel tank area while the front rotors and brake pads were being replaced. The frame was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 112,080.
ODI 10569406
Body
Brought vehicle to toyota dealer for removal of seized hardware. Technician pointed out rust spot on frame, rot has spread to wheel well on both sides of frame and has continued down to transmission crossmember. Technician pointed out rot has eaten through frame on both sides at rear control arm bracket. Spoke with other early 2000's 4runner owners who all have rot in same places. Preventative maintenance practices…
ODI 10549693
Body · Underbody Shields
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, several times. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Updated 12/20/13*cn the consumer stated the vehicle is on the same frame as other recalled toyota vehicles. Updated 12/26/13
ODI 10545334
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was informed by an independent mechanic that due to the massive amount of corrosion to the frame, the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 125,000.
ODI 10542831
Body
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that he noticed the muffler making a loud noise when driving at various speeds. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the rear sub frame mount area was corroded and exhibited holes. The manufacture advised the contact that the vehicle was a canadian vehicle therefore it could not be repaired in the united states. The vehicle was not repaired.…
ODI 10541992
Body
Frame rusted through at rear near muffler. Bottom of frame section approximately 4" missing , inside of frame perforated through approximately 18". Rear support rod structural integrity compromised. Vehicle was purchased new from local deal (lynch toyota, manchester ct) and is one owner garaged and maintained. Contacted toyota and local dealer. Both unwilling to take any action. No recall on this vehicle. *tr
ODI 10515146
Body · Suspension
3rd generation 2001 toyota 4runner with excessive frame and body rust. The gas tank stem is rusted, the rear differential is literally porous and leaking oil due to excessive rust. Rear bumper is rusted, spare tire mount is rusted. Other areas of rust are too numerous to list. Repair shop said car is not worth fixing. Dana corp that made frames for toyota tacomas/tundras that were recalled also is best know for rear…
ODI 10457551
Body
The front and rear bumpers on my 2001 toyota 4runnder are completely rusted out (from the inside out). The rest of the vehicle is in excellent condition. Never been in an accident. Anyone walking by the vehicle could accidentally brush by the bumpers and get cut from the jagged edges; also not sure what good they would do in case of any impact. *tr
ODI 10267604
Body
Hello, i own a 2001 4runner and the front and rear bumpers are rusting horribly with the front and rear bumpers actually having an hole all the way through. I have contacted toyota directly on 2 occasions and they have refused to do anything. I have been patching with fiberglass but the rust continues. I live in massachusetts and every 2001 4runner that i see on the road has the same problem. This is a safety issue…
ODI 10295802
Body
The 2001 toyota 4 runner is rusting out. My son and i both have cut our self on the rear bumper. I needed stitches for my injury. I have a scar to remind me not to purchase another toyota. The rust got so bad, i lost my bumper. When i looked under my vehicle at the frame, the entire bottom of the vehicle is riddled w/rust, including the frame. Called toyota to see if i could at least get a safety inspection of my…
2 injuries
ODI 10440399