2001 Toyota 4RUNNER Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 185 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER, 3% of the 185 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11066126, filed 2018-01, 112,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10465689, filed 2012-07, 67,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10817356, filed 2016-01, 100,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10644643, filed 2014-10, 120,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11098010, filed 2018-05, 256,518 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10149217Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10134223Sep 15, 2015TT: The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
- 10096556Sep 15, 2015Tt: the vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the engine ecm has been interrupted.
- 10132529Aug 24, 2015TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been…
- 10134128Jan 15, 2015TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 10096036Jan 15, 2015"tsb: flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ecus are released as field-fix…
- 10132812May 1, 2014Tech Tip: Low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" condition for P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit) and/or P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit) due to…
- 10060841Jan 29, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 1 | 10% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 9% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 6 | 8% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 9% |
| 2008 | 7 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 2% |
| 2005 | 21 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 3% |
| 2003 | 10 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 8 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER
81 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology