2001 Toyota Tacoma Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2001 Toyota Tacoma owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Some color loss on roof"

Louis V., NJ (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Paint has faded a lot. The paint black on the fender/wheel well trim faded right away. The seal between the trim on the wheel well and fender body came out within the first 2-3 years. The black paint on the window trim in chipping off. But again this is a 16 year old truck, so probably normal"

Vicki J., CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"paint on wheel flares fading"

Jeffrey C., NJ (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Pain trim flaking off"

Anonymous, NM (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"Lost all paint from right rear hard rubber fender"

Gordan A., AZ (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"I have what looks like little bubbles in the paint"

Janice B., PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

Rust

"Bottom almost all rusted out AND back bumper extremely rusted out to point of dissinagrated!!!"

Anonymous, PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Rear bumper is rusting through the chrome"

J E., SC (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"rear bumper is extremely rusted"

Carl L., MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"Recalled frame, then spare tire carrier, would not replace rusted out rear and now front bumpers stating they were not a safety factor"

Anonymous, MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"Body rust showing up in lower rear corner of passenger door"

William B., VA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"severe rust in rear bumper at trailer hitch location. It expanded and forced up the metal of the bumper"

Anonymous, MN (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"Had to replace rear bumper to pass inspection"

Karen D., NH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The frame was rusted out in several locations requiring complete replacement of the frame, leaf springs, brakelines and many other parts. the bumpers are still rusted out. Since replacement of the frame, the truck has many rattles and odd noises"

Eric D., MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"rust happens after 14 years"

Anonymous, NY (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base Unsure)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

"The Tacoma has two catalytic converters and I had to replace both of them"

Anonymous, NC (2001 Toyota Tacoma Limited 3.4-L V6)

"Check engine light turned on. Trouble code indicated catalytic converter sub-standard operation level"

Stephen D., PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"After 14 years it started to leak and would not pass the safety Inspection"

David V., NH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"The check engine light came on. The o2 sensor (or Toyota's equivalent) had to be replaced.This is the first time I've had to repair anything on this vehicle"

Edwin W., GA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"failed inspection due to catalytic converters (has 2). Wound up having both replaced"

Anonymous, TX (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"The entire exhaust system has been replaced due to rust issues. It seems that the entire undercarriage is at issue"

Eric D., MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"Engine light on, I replaced catalytic converter"

Anonymous, TX (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"I have to have 1 of the 2 catalytic converters replaced, along with the connecting pipe"

Anonymous, OH (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"Normal wear and tear replacement required"

Stephen D., PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"Midas replacement only lasted 3 years"

Anonymous, MD (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Normal wear & tear, needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, MD (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"Just rusted out, It's Michigan its normal everything rust's"

Kenwood H., MI (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Rear tail pipe broke free of muffler. Muffler and tail pipe were replaced"

John D., OH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Antilock system (ABS)

"intermittent issue that caused warning to light up"

Anonymous, CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"ABS light kept coming on indicating a bad sensor"

Nancy P., CO (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 3.4-L V6)

"Froze up"

Anonymous, PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Unsure 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"Not actually a problem, they just wore out & had to be replaced"

Mansel H., CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"damaged from the emergency brake freezing up"

Anonymous, PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Unsure 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"This is the second set of front rotors. They seem to warp quickly (after a few thoUSnd miles). I'm going to try an upgrade from OEM rotors"

Jerry T., WV (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"The rotors/calipers froze up. Pretty darn good for 245000 miles"

Anonymous, NY (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"It appears the calipers loosen and rotate down to the front. Not sure why they do not stay in place. I live on a dirt road, but the calipers should not work lose"

Wesley W., NM (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"It was a routine brake job as it had been about four years since I had last brake job. Pads and drums were worn"

Fil V., TX (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 3.4-L V6)

"Brakes would pulsate when applying lightly"

Robert S., MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

Regular brake failure

"Mechanic said it was caused by breaking with too heavy of a load in the truck. It cost $800 in repairs"

Anonymous, TN (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

"The problem was identified by our mechanic during the yearly inspection"

Jane P., PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"left front ball joint broke off while turning into a parking lot"

Brian P., CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

Bushings

"The bushings and tie rods are loosening, and will need to be replaced"

Douglas W., WY (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

Shocks or struts

"replaced rear shock absorbers"

John D., OH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"One front shock absorber leaking at 120,000 miles so all were replaced"

William B., VA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"had struts and shocks replaced due to worn due to mileage"

Anonymous, TX (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"Steering rack developed a hole in rack and had to replace. It was under the mounting bracket"

Peter L., NH (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"Needed new rack"

Theresa Y., KY (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Unsure)

Power steering leaks

"fluid dripping onto the ground"

Jeffrey C., NJ (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Check engine light came on while we were a 100 miles out ot town. We took the truck to a Toyota dealership and ended up with a $535.oo bill"

Warren B., TN (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Check engine light produced a trouble code P1135. Replaced o2 sensor and reset check engine light. Has been ok for nearly 3k miles"

Anonymous, CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 3.4-L V6)

"my mpg went from 22 to 14; I knew it was the o2 sensor. I replaced it and no problem since"

Dave S., SC (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Air flow sensor was changed"

Anonymous, KY (2001 Toyota Tacoma Limited 3.4-L V6)

"Check engine light came on and I ran diagnostic test and it reported the code P1130"

Anonymous, GA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Replaced upstream O2 sensor. In a previous year, replaced downstream O2 sensor. Did both repairs myself"

Rick J., LA (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 3.4-L V6)

"Dash light keeps coming on. Truck sits for long periods between use since we purchased the Corolla"

Karen D., NH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"CEL on and off intermittently between 64427 and 70023..... then on for approx 4000 miles and then OFF to present...... code indicated P0420...... bad CAT..... not replaced...... light went away???"

Anonymous, MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"failed"

Anonymous, CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 3.4-L V6)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Weatherstripping in driver's door does not appear to seal properly"

Anonymous, WA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"Vent hose under the dash rattles when cold"

Anonymous, NM (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"rattles in the cargo area"

Anonymous, NH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"There is a rattle behind the passenger seat of the car which the mechanic can't find when he services the car. Our 87 Toyota didn't ever have any squeaks in the body"

Keith H., CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

"A rattle somewhere in the dash. It is annoying but not bad enough to spend the money trying to find what it is"

Carol G., OH (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Unsure)

"Ever since we got it in 2001 we have had a rattle in the dashboard. Nothing can fix it. There are others that experience that same rattle and have noted online"

Deborah V., UT (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD Unsure)

"the windshield rattles a lot and we use paper to wedge it so it doesn't make noise"

Anonymous, CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Loud squeal from the steering box on very cold days. Goes away after warm up"

Anonymous, UT (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"The clutch has developed a squeak over the last 2 years. I usually get some WD40 and take care of it myself - but it's a short term solution"

Anonymous, IN (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"stopped working"

Anonymous, CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"A/C compressor check valves started making noises after about eight years and compressor destroyed itself in the fourteenth year"

Anonymous, HI (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Blower (fan) motor

"A mouse got up in the engine and caused the fan to spin out of balance"

David V., NH (2001 Toyota Tacoma Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Automatic climate control

"control panel failure, would not set AC and heat, replaced with used part for $50"

Anonymous, MD (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"evaporator core developed leaks after only having vehicle for three years"

Anonymous, HI (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"There is a slow leak that is cost prohibitive to repair. I have to fill it up with coolant twice a year to ensure the ac works correctly"

Sean M., TX (2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 3.4-L V6)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Windows

"Windows are starting to slow down when opening or closing them. Probably common for an older truck"

Vicki J., CA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

Doors or sliding doors

"passenger door bolt broken and door swings comopletely open or slams shut"

Anonymous, PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

"Driver's side window controls quit working - not sure what the problems is - not resolved"

Anonymous, MN (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

"The cables that hold the tailgate from falling down too far are both rusted out"

Anonymous, MA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

"the tailgate latch sticks, the latch has to be pulled open to shut the tailgate. It has been fixed twice and the problem continues"

Janice B., PA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Transmission is gradually becoming difficult to shift into first and second gear when the transmission is cold"

Anonymous, WA (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Hydraulics (clutch master or slave cylinder)

"Leaking master cylinder"

Anonymous, MT (2001 Toyota Tacoma)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

4WD/AWD components

"The ABS module, part of the 4 WD system, failed and would costs thousands to replace"

Douglas W., WY (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

Differential

"Corroded all the way through and leaked all gear oil. Diff became noisy and had to be replaced"

Anonymous, CT (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Accessory belts or pulleys

"noise that required replacement of the belts, harmonic balancer and one pulley"

Anonymous, NC (2001 Toyota Tacoma Limited 3.4-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

"used replacement transmission broke down"

Anonymous, LA (2001 Toyota Tacoma Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"water pump started leaking then stopped by itself"

Orvin G., NV (2001 Toyota Tacoma TRD 3.4-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"leaking oil, engine fine. oil leak more of a messy problem. was repaired and now nice and clean, compression AOK"

Anonymous, HI (2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4-L V6)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

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