Faults:

The wheel bearing went out at about 249K miles, which is a very reasonable repair except for the fact that the bearings are heat pressed on to the shaft and the local dealerships wanted $700+ to replace one side. So we bought a salvage full rear end and replaced it ourselves for $50. While there is a great following and a good aftermarket selection for the 4Runner, it can still be tricky at times finding parts and affording the labor.

General Comments:

Overall a great combination of dependability, performance, economy and general usability. Nimble enough to easily drive through big cities, rugged enough to take off-road, seating for 5 + cargo makes it a great road tripper (it’s even quiet on the highway); top notch creature comforts at the price point (sun roof, heated seats, leather); the rear window sliding into the back hatch is brilliant for lake trips or tail gating. Plus, mid 20s mpg and oh the towing. 5000 lbs towing makes it great for boats, motorcycles, small campers, moving or pulling your brother-in-law’s truck out of the mud and back to his house.

Faults:

Suspension bushings.

Engine head.

Rattles and falling apart trims.

Sagging rear suspension.

Worn shocks.

General Comments:

Falls apart after five years. Lasts forever if you can endure the noise and vibration.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

Routine maintenance has kept it in tip top condition.

General Comments:

This is a superb truck for the person who wants to do light off-roading, or haul a pack of dogs and their owners to far off destinations for play dates.

Everything inside is within reach and is very comfortable.

Handles city driving well and makes quick stops.

Excellent brakes.

Faults:

Radio antenna jammed. Fixed it myself. That's it!

General Comments:

Very reliable, never been in the shop.

Handles dirt roads, streams, snow, and mud without a problem.

Push-button 4-wheel drive and locking differential are idiot-proof.

Automatic transmission feels sluggish on the road (I wish they still made manual trannies!).

Gas mileage ranges between 16 and 20 mpg.

I keep up with all the scheduled maintenance, and have not had any problems with the engine.

Seats fold flat for lots of cargo space - two people can sleep in the back comfortably (I'm 6 feet tall).

Faults:

The radiator failed at 112,000 km (70,000 miles). Thought at first it was a thermostat problem as fluid was coming out of the radiator cap and the radiator overflow bottle. Driving to Dealer and watching temp the transmission started acting up. Pulled car over and shut off. Towed to Dealer. Engine never overheated.

Wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their 4Runner?

General Comments:

Had owned 1989 4Runner for 17 years. Very dependable therefore moved up to the 2001 for Toyota dependability. The 2001 has been a great vehicle until this problem.

Transmission cooling coil in radiator broke and coolant made it into transmission and torque converter. Unsure of it's dependability now.

After replacing radiator, radiator cap and flushing the transmission a couple times the transmission hesitates shifting. Was harsh in beginning although appears to be settling out.

Dealer recommends changing oil after running for 5oo kilometers or so.