Toyota 4Runner Complaints (2001)

185 consumer complaints on file.

#10760334August 31, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH TOYOTA FRAMES. THE FRAMES ON THE 3RD GENERATION 4RUNNER, AND THE EQUIVALENT FRAME ON THE TOYOTA TACOMA ARE PRONE TO ROTTING. TOYOTA STEPPED UP TO REPLACE THE TACOMA FRAMES SINCE THEY WERE CRACKING IN HALF. ALTHOUGH, THE 4RUNNERS ARE SUFFERING FROM THE EXACT SAME ISSUES AND TOYOTA IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. I'VE RECENTLY HAD TO REMOVE A 2" X 24" SECTION OF FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. THE FRAME ROT IS OCCURRING FROM THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM MOUNT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR FORWARD UNTIL THE CROSS MEMBER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10760404August 31, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUSPENSION MOUNT ON FRAME IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S REAR WHEEL BROKE OFF DUE TO UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF RUST. THIS IMPAIRED CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT SPEED, I ALMOST WENT IN DITCH AS REAR OF VEHICLE SWAYED BACK AND FORTH SEVERLY (LIKE ROCKING A BOAT) I HAD THIS REPAIRED TO CONTINUE DRIVING. AS OF 8-30-15 THE SAME PART ON OTHER SIDE IS ALMOST BROKEN OFF RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE VERY COMMON,WHY IS IT NOT ADDRESSED?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10749395August 18, 2015
STRUCTURE: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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10748600August 13, 2015
STRUCTURE:BODY, POWER TRAIN
ECCESIVE RUST ON THE FRAME AND BODY MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS INTENDED
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10743380July 24, 2015
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 TO 50 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT CENTER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY BY STATE FARM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10735279July 20, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE UNFORTUNATE & COMMON FRAME RUST ISSUE THAT HAS PLAGUED THOUSANDS OF OWNERS OF THIS MODEL TOYOTA HAS NOW AFFECTED US. SAFETY CONCERN QUITE HIGH SINCE THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY IS SEVERELY COMPROMISED DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW AS NOTED COUNTLESS TIMES BY NUMEROUS 4RUNNER OWNERS. THIS ISSUE IS IDENTICAL TO THAT WITH TACOMA FRAMES OF THE SAME VINTAGE (WHICH ARE IDENTICAL IN DESIGN & BUILD TO THAT OF THIS MODEL STYLE 4RUNNER), WHICH WAS ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION. YET NO RECALL TO ASSIST 4RUNNER OWNERS HAS BEEN EXECUTED. IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA IS ALLOWING VEHICLES TO BECOME PREMATURELY UNUSABLE & UNSAFE FOR CONSUMERS. TOYOTA HAS EITHER REPLACED SOME FRAMES ON SIMILAR VINTAGE 4RUNNERS OR HAS PROVIDED REIMBURSEMENT TO OWNERS SUFFERING FROM PREMATURE FAILURE... BUT ONLY VERY SPORADICALLY. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION & WAS TOLD THEIR IS NOTHING THAT THEY ARE GOING TO RECTIFY FOR US, YET THERE ARE OTHERS THAT DO RECEIVE A RESOLUTION OF SOME KIND. AS A PARAMEDIC I SEE FIRST HAND WHAT TRAGEDY OCCURS ON OUR ROADWAYS... AND THIS SITUATION WORRIES ME GREATLY WITH VEHICLES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT IT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, BUT MAY NOW ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE TO THE UNNECESSARY HARM OR POSSIBLE DEATH OF IT'S OCCUPANTS/OPERATORS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10733935July 14, 2015
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION UNDERNEATH THE FRAME ADJACENT TO THE MUFFLER AND SUBFRAME. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME AND SUBFRAME HAD SEVERE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. MA 10/22/2015
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10724116June 8, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO AVOID THE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 197,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10705384April 13, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
THE FRAME HAS SUFFERED SERIOUS RUST THROUGH ALSO DESCRIBED AS "FRAME ROT" IN POSTINGS ON LINE OF TOYOTA 4-RUNNER PROBLEMS. THIS RUST THROUGH HAS MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND CURRENTLY UNUSABLE. THE RUST WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. TOYOTA WOULD NOT ALLOW THAT THEY WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR FAULTY MANUFACTURING OF THE REAR AXLE EITHER WHICH WAS YET ANOTHER SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10705190April 12, 2015
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY GRAVEL DRIVEWAY. MY HOME CONTRACTOR SMELLED AN ODOR & DISCOVERED THAT MY REAR WAS LEAKING GEAR OIL. MY HUSBAND, WHO IS SOMEWHAT HANDY WITH CARS, ENDED UP SANDING OFF LOTS OF RUST ON THE PUMPKIN, THEN CLEANED IT & USED JB WELD TO SEAL WHERE HE THOUGHT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM. (WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE WAS ATTACHED.) THIS ACTUALLY HELD FOR SEVERAL YEARS. WELL, NOW AT APPROX. 125,000 MILES, THE LEAK IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE! AND COMING FROM A DIFFERENT PLACE OR PLACES. THE RUST IS BAD. NO ONE CAN BELIEVE IT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC IN TOWN TWICE IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS, WHERE HE HAS TRIED TO SEAL IT WHILE IT WAS UP ON A LIFT, BUT IT KEEPS LEAKING BADLY. I DO NOT DRIVE THAT OFTEN BUT DO HAVE TO MAKE A 100 MILE ROUND TRIP AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK, & UPON ARRIVING HOME JUST NOW, IT IS A MESS AGAIN. MY HUSBAND JUST PUT IN ABOUT 20 OZ. OF GEAR OIL & WE ARE WONDERING WHAT TO DO NEXT. I HAVE BEEN READING ON 4 RUNNER INTERNET FORUMS ABOUT MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. THESE VEHICLES ARE DEFINITELY NOT WHAT YOU WOULD CALL CHEAP TO BUY, BUT APPARENTLY THEY ARE CHEAPLY MADE WITH INFERIOR METAL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY 4 RUNNER, & ALSO CANNOT AFFORD AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. IF THIS RUSTING IS HAPPENING TO SO MANY OTHER 4 RUNNER OWNERS, THEN TOYOTA SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I TOOK CARE OF MY VEHICLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE TAKING CARE OF ME! PLEASE HELP! *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10703980April 6, 2015
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
LEFT SIDE FRAME ROTTED OUT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10702226March 27, 2015
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS, SUSPENSION
THE UNDER CARRIAGE HAS BEEN RUSTING SINCE I NOTICED APPROX. 4 YRS AFTER PURCHASE. I NOW HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION OR DRIVE VEHICLE SINCE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. WHEN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO PLACE ON LIFT TO OBSERVE IT BEGAN TO CRACK OR SPLIT . I HAVE ONLY 87000 MILES ON IT AND THE REST OF VEHICLE IS CLEAN AND BASICALLY RUST FREE. IT IS MARCH 27 , 2015 AND HAS BEEN SITTING IN DRIVEWAY FOR LAST 3 YRS. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN WAPPINGERS FALLS STATED THAT TOYOTA IS PLANNING ON REPAIRING BUT IS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN. AT PRESENT THE BACK PARKING LOT IS FILLED WITH NEW UNDER STRUCTURES FOR OTHER MODELS.I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN THIS ONGOING TERRIBLE AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM WILL BE REPAIRED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10701753March 25, 2015
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THERE WAS AN OIL STAIN ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,528.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10700747March 20, 2015
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
VEHICLE HAS A FRAME THAT IS RUSTED ON PASSENGER SIDE AND WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC ON 3/20/15 THAT IT SHOULD BE IN A RECALL ASAP. DIFFERENTIAL COVER IS A RUSTED BULLET AND IS LEAKING. THERE IS NO CHANGING IT AS COVER IS A SOLID WELD NO BOLTS TO TAKE OFF TO CHANGE COVER. BRILLIANT IDEA BY TOYOTA. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10694859March 17, 2015
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
THE FRAME ON MY 4RUNNER WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO RUST, WHICH I NEED TO REPAIR. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE MUCH MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT RUST LIKE IT DID FROM THE INSIDE. THE RUST IS FROM THE INSIDE, WHICH MAKES IT VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE ON THE ROAD ESPECIALLY IN STATES WHERE AN INSPECTION IS NOT REQUIRED. IT COULD EASILY GO UNNOTICED UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE, AND SOMEBODY COULD GET HURT OR KILLED WHEN THE FRAME FAILS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10667419December 20, 2014
POWER TRAIN
ON THE REAR END DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING, THE BACK COVER AREA (NON REPLACEABLE) HAS BECOME SO POROUS BECAUSE OF HEAVY RUST SCALING AND FLAKING THAT DIFFERENTIAL FLUID SEEPS FROM IT. THE REST OF THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING IS MADE OF THICKER, HEAVIER GAUGE METAL AND SEEMS OK. THIS ISSUE WILL CAUSE THE GEAR OIL TO DROP BELOW THE REQUIRED LEVEL CAUSING DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE OR LOCK UP AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS COULD BE DISASTROUS. WHEN I REALIZED I HAD THIS PROBLEM, I SEARCHED THE TOYOTA FORUMS ONLINE AND IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND TOYOTA IS AWARE BUT WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THEY WILL REPLACE ENTIRE RUSTED OUT FRAMES ON TRUCKS UNDER RECALL, BUT REFUSE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE? TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY THEY WANT $3000 TO REPLACE A KNOWN INFERIOR/DEFECTIVE PART. I HAVE HAD TO RESORT TO MAKESHIFT REPAIRS USING BRUSH ON BED LINER TO STEM THE LEAKING AND CHECK THE FLUID TO KEEP IT FULL. BUT WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED OR WHO ARE COMPLETELY UNAWARE?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10659786November 20, 2014
STRUCTURE: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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10654203November 11, 2014
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
ON ROUTINE CHECK AND INSPECTION, TOYOTA ARLINGTON AND TOYOTA SCHAUMBURG CALLED MY ATTENTION REGARDING A PREMATURE RUSTING ON THE UNDERBODY FRAME AND RESULTED IN A LINEAR HOLE BY THE REAR LEFT AND RIGHT PORTIONS OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE ADVISORS OF BOTH TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS MAY MAKE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AND MAY RESULT TO UNCONTROLLED STABILITY DURING DRIVING. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10652028November 3, 2014
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING CORRODED AND CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10651885November 2, 2014
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION, SERVICE BRAKES
ON OCTOBER 11TH 2014, I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 4RUNNER, ON MY WAY TO WORK. HAD JUST TURNED OFF A ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55. AS I HIT 35MPH, MY CAR COMES TO A JOLTING STOP WITH A LOUD BANG AND DRAG ON THE TIRES. THE CAR STILL RAN, BUT THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I HAD TO FINISH WALKING TO MY JOB, AS I WAS CELLPHONE-LESS AT THE TIME. I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME, MISSING AN ENTIRE DAY'S WORK, WHICH WAS A LOSS OF 120$. THE GUY WHO TOWED ME TOLD ME IT WAS DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY REAR END. SO I HAD A FAMILY FRIEND WHO IS A RETIRED MECHANIC LOOK IT OVER TO SEE IF HE COULD SPOT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. FIRST THING NOTICED WAS MY EMERGENCY BREAK WAS ON AND FROZEN. THEY REMOVE IT, CLEAN IT, PUT IT BACK ON. I START THE CAR, GO TO MOVE IT AND THERES A CONTINUOUS LOUD BANG AND THE CAR AGAIN COMES TO THE STOP. THE EMERGENCY BREAK FROZE AGAIN. THEY ONCE AGAIN TAKE IT OFF, AND SO FAR IT HASN'T REFROZE. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS STILL MAKING THE LOUD BANGING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END, WHICH THEY HAVE CONCLUDED IS COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING UNIT. WHICH THEY FOUND A DECENT SIZED HOLE IN, WHICH IT APPEARS SOMEONE TRIED TO COVER WITH A YELLOW GLUE TYPE SUBSTANCE. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR, AND AM NOW CARLESS. AS I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN, AND CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT CAN COST UP TO $3,000 TO FIX. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING 35 MPH WHEN IT BROKE, AND THERE WAS NO ONE FOLLOWING BEHIND ME, OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN RE ENDED, AND HAD MORE TO FIX THAT I ALREADY DO. THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE MODEL CAR, AND TOYOTA REALLY NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE DIFFERENTIAL UNIT!!! IT'S FAIRLY DANGEROUS. I LOVED THIS CAR BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. BUT NOW IT'S USELESS TIL I CAN AFFORD THIS FIX. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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