2001 Toyota Echo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Toyota Echo: 2 recalls, 50 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #02V268000 · 2002 · 59,394 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, if the vehicle is driven under repeated start and stop operation in low ambient temperatures and in deep snow, there is a possibility that snow could accumulate in large quantities inside the rear wheel and freeze. The snow frozen inside the wheel could contact the rear brake line during wheel rotation.
Why it matters: If this condition occurs frequently, the rear brake line could be damaged, which could result in leakage of brake fluid, causing a decrease in brake effectiveness.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear brake lines. Owner notification began November 9, 2002.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #06V266000 · 2006 · 34,771 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper molding of the resin body of the crankshaft position senor installed on the engine block, engine oil May penetrate the seal and enter the sensor wiring connector. The wire harness connector May not be sufficiently attached to the locking tab of the sensor wiring connector.
Why it matters: Engine oil inside the sensor wiring connector could cause expansion due to the heat of the engine and could deform the sensor wiring connector. The connector May become disconnected, which could cause the engine to stall while driving and not be able to be restarted increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (13): the most common themes are fails to deploy (10).
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2001 Toyota Echo has 50 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 6 Echo model years for complaints (1.5× the average Echo year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 67,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (88 complaints, 3 recalls), 2002 (35 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2001 Toyota Echo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2001 Toyota Echo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Toyota Echo. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2001 Toyota Echo problems?
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (13), engine & cooling (8), brakes (hydraulic) (7).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Toyota Echo get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Toyota Echo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.