2001 Toyota 4RUNNER Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 81about this part
- Share
- 44%of 185 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 129,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 81 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER, 44% of the 185 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 129,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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”
NHTSA complaint #11405640, filed 2021-03, 200,000 miles“Took my vehicle for oil change and was advised that the frame was badly rusted and should take vehicle to Toyota immediately. Toyota indicated that no recall was issued for this year model vehicle and nothing could be done. So I have a mechanically good vehicle that I can not use due to rusted frame.”
NHTSA complaint #11170591, filed 2019-01, 194,500 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11292332, filed 2019-12, 103,321 miles“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“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10918674, filed 2016-10, 115,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 30% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 10% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 17% |
| 2007 | 40 | 26% |
| 2006 | 143 | 38% |
| 2005 | 185 | 44% |
| 2004 | 310 | 46% |
| 2003 | 284 | 41% |
| 2002 | 88 | 39% |
| 2001 | 81 | 44% |
| 2000 | 256 | 53% |
| 1999 | 112 | 34% |
| 1998 | 78 | 31% |
| 1997 | 76 | 29% |
| 1996 | 42 | 26% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER
32 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsOther or unknown
25 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
5 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