Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: Although it has a stellar record in terms of vehicle problems, initially the 4th generation (2003 - 2009) 4Runner didn't earn our top "Seal of Awesome" rating because it received poor crash test ratings for rear impacts. However it's proven to have one of the lowest driver death rates out of all vehicles (not just SUVs), so we've bumped it back up to our top award.

2.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,009 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Toyota 4Runner brakes problems

brakes problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Toyota 4Runner:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #3

Oct 122018

4Runner

  • 136,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The Toyota secondary air system has failed rendering my car without traction control... and other lights. There is no preventative measures for this part and Toyota used the exact same system on the Tundra's and sequoia's with the same problem I'm having. This needs to be addressed as the repair for the system is roughly $4000 almost half the cost of my car... please make them fix this on all cars where the same system was used.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #2

Dec 012009

4Runner

  • 39,000 miles
Defect occurs during winter conditions only. While stopped & icy conditions exist, the vehicle has excessive hesitation when the gas pedal is depressed. The computer control allows the vehicle to move forward very slowly for at least 5 to 10 seconds after the pedal is depressed. When at a stop sign or light, this condition has lead to close calls while I have inched into the intersection. Not having the ability to accelerate to avoid oncoming vehicles has been problematic. The dealer noted the vehicle is working properly. The mechanics noted another customer had their vehicle in for the same issue & told him the same thing. Note that this condition has occurred each winter since I purchased the vehicle, but there appeared to be little that the dealer would "fix" since they did not believe there was a problem. I have assumed the root problem is with the computer control system, but I am not a mechanic.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #1

Aug 292008

4Runner

  • 44,027 miles
While making a left turn at a controlled (light) intersection, my rear wheel skidded slightly on the wet pavement. At that point the ABS system kicked in and totally locked up the left rear wheel causing the vehicle to spin 180 degrees and tearing the right rear tire completely off the wheel. During this spin I had absolutely no control over the vehicle which ended up crossing the highway divider before coming to rest in the lane of the opposing traffic. Fortunately no vehicles happened to be in that lane at the time or there would have been a very serious accident. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Toyota dealer who claimed that a check of the computer revealed no erroneous message from the ABS system, leading them to conclude that there was no equipment failure despite the obvious evidence of the tire having been torn off the wheel. I feel that if this had occurred at even a moderately higher speed the vehicle would have overturned, and if it had occurred at highway speed would have led to serious injuries or fatalities. Once I described the incident as a serious safety issue the dealer refused to work on the car claiming legal liability concerns.

- Reston, VA, USA

Not what you are looking for?