CarRecallDB

2001 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls and problems

1 recall and 185 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER.

1
recalls
185
owner complaints
10
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2001 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls

Suspension: front, control arm, lower ball joint

NHTSA campaign 05V225000 · reported May 17, 2005 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 768,379 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to a manufacturing issue in the front suspension lower ball joint, there is a possibility that the surface of the ball of the joint may have been scratched. The ball joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort.
The risk
The lower ball joint may separate from the knuckle causing loss of steering control and a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints free of charge. The recall began on july 5, 2005. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 19, 2026 · Suspension · 275,000 miles

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was a thumping and clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle before the front passenger’s side of the vehicle unintendedly lowered. The vehicle was stopped and inspected, and the ball joint was touching…

May 20, 2025 · Unknown or other

I bought my 4Runner in 2021 and am just now getting ready to sell it. Did a carfax report and it shows a possible odometer rollback that the previous owner did in 2020. When I bought the vehicle it was my understanding that the vehicle had only 160,000 miles on it but it apparently had 236,900 miles. Because of this…

Oct 9, 2022 · Unknown or other

Rusted Frame Cracked by back driver side tire

Dec 15, 2021 · Structure

Frame has rotted out along with a lot more rust problems

Aug 16, 2021 · Structure · 119,000 miles

The contact owns a 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that he noticed a swaying while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that the sub frame was severely rusted between the sway bar and the differential. The certified mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The…

4RUNNER model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0483301
2001 1185101
2002 1225193
2003 3696180
2004 2678283

Across all years, the 2003 4RUNNER has the most complaints (696). All Toyota 4RUNNER years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER, the most recent reported on May 17, 2005 (Suspension: front, control arm, lower ball joint). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER?
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is structure (81 complaints), followed by power train (32).
How many 2001 Toyota 4RUNNER complaints mention a crash or fire?
10 of 185 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 19, 2026.