Table 1 shows two common other fuel system related problems of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Other Fuel System problems | |
| Other Fuel System Tank Assembly problems |
When driving at 70 mph, the vehicle vibrates on the highway. I have taken the vehicle constantly to the dealership for over two years complaining about this problem and they always told me that nothing was wrong. Today (5/10/14), the mechanic at the dealership put the truck on a rack and ran the car at 45 mph and there was visible vibration coming from the drive shaft and a loud noise that I could never hear from within the vehicle. All this time, I have been driving a vehicle that I was unaware could have snapped apart. The sound cannot be heard in the cabin, so I could not even report that as a problem until today. I purchased three sets of new tires, had shocks and struts replaced, and brake pads to no avail. Finally, after searching the web yesterday, I realized that this is a common problem with other vehicles of the same make and model. I'm not sure if this problem has caused injury to others, but there should be a recall. This could cause a potentially fatal accident if that shaft breaks. I read that for similar models (Toyota and Lexus), the manufacturer replaced the parts under warranty, but nothing for the 4runner. The dealership is charging over $700 for this repair.
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. There was fuel saturating everything, including still dripping from insulation material under the hood directly onto and around the exhaust area. By Toyota design, there is a clip that retains/separates two hoses directly on top of the fuel line that had worn a hole into the fuel line. On 7/9/12 I went to Toyota dealer to get the hose which I find out is part number 23801(p)-62071. It turns out there are only seven of this listed part in the whole united states and that it would cost me $75 and a week or more to get the part. I went home and browsed the net to find only one store that stocks this item and ordered through them to save about $20 but still the same turn around time (lost about $67 in fuel as tank is now bone dry plus a $250 flatbed tow fee. I am out almost $400). I has been a week my vehicle has been out of service due to a Toyota design flaw, and they will not fess up to the design flaw or even offer a loaner car.