Five problems related to power train have been reported for the 2001 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2001 4Runner.
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.
Eccesive rust on the frame and body makes it unsafe to drive as intended.
After I my mechanic replaced the catalytic converter for $1500. 00, this problem began. The vehicle began to buck (jerk violently) as I was accelerating to 45 mph. It always happens at about 20 mph as I try to accelerate to 30, 35 or 40 mph. The engine revs up to 3 of 4k before the transmissions engages forcefully. This has been going on for now 3 months.
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!.
Vsc, stability/traction control system limits power to normally accelerate from a stop while 4wd engaged. Happens 99% of time when in 4wd rarely in 2wd mode. Direction doesn't affect(can be going straight or turning either left or right) may result in rear end or side impact collision because following or oncoming vehicle not expecting my vehicle to be an obstruction. No help from dealer.