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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
93,085 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 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2005 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #43

Jan 012010

4Runner

  • miles

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

This vech. Has excessive frame rust to the point of being unsafe to drive

- Collettsville, NC, USA

problem #42

Nov 182019

4Runner

  • 228,000 miles
I have meticulously maintained my 2005 Toyota 4runner only to have my mechanic show me that my frame is completely rusted. My mechanic and my auto body guy says my car is unsafe to drive anywhere, anytime and at any speed. This seems like a design defect and I think Toyota should do the right think and administer a frame recall for this vechicle

- Saint Augustine, FL, USA

problem #41

Jul 192019

4Runner

  • 200,000 miles
I love my 4runner and would like to drive it for many more miles as it runs and drives great. But the frame is rusting out, just like the Tacoma and Tundra frames that were recalled by Toyota. 4runner frames should also be recalled for prematurely rusting out and causing safety concerns

- Big Rapids, MI, USA

problem #40

May 152019

4Runner

  • 97,000 miles

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

Rusted frame of vehicle including cross bar under radiator and on struts attached to wheels. Found during routine maintenance by auto mechanic.

- Linwood, NJ, USA

problem #39

Jan 012016

4Runner

  • 175,000 miles
The frame on my 2005 Toyota 4runner is severely rusted. I have had multiple pieces fall off my SUV, some while driving. This includes the front skid plate, transmission lines, and other small components. The frame on my SUV is coming apart. Rather large pieces are 'flaking' off. It is plain to see where the metal is separating. I recently discovered that the front impact sensors have rusted loose of the frame and are now dangling free. This leaves my SUV susceptible to the airbags not inflating during a front-end crash. The above has been occurring over the last few years. I have opened case #1707170870 with Toyota, but they have told me that there is no remedy for my vehicle.

- Canal Fulton, OH, USA

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problem #38

Mar 222017

4Runner

  • 106,000 miles
Exhaust smell entering cabin, gets worse when accelerating on ramp. Even with recirculation of airflow heat and or air conditioner still smells bad. I have to drive with windows open even in winter. Also rust all over suspension, undercarriage. Please tell if this is a common problem and safety recall. This started shortly after purchasing the truck in 2017 and has gotten worse since. The muffler was replaced already.

- Old Bridge, NJ, USA

problem #37

Apr 092019

4Runner

  • 180,000 miles

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

The frame of the car is completely rusted with holes in it per my mechanic. Other Toyota trucks have been recalled for this issue but not the 4runner.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #36

Mar 272019

4Runner

  • 200,000 miles
Overwhelming amount of rust on frame

- Berrien Springs, MI, USA

problem #35

Feb 262019

4Runner

  • 140,000 miles
During a state inspection the shop told me that our 2005 Toyota 4runner had some frame rust issues. Since the frame of the 4runner is the same basic unit as the Tundra and Tacoma that have open recalls for frame rust, the 4runner should be included in the same recall. As you can see in the picture of the aft frame, the corrosion has formed large holes in the frame.

- Parkesburg, PA, USA

problem #34

Feb 012019

4Runner

  • 200,000 miles
Frame rusting through on front crossmember, under radiator. Tow hook completely gone.

- Charleston, SC, USA

problem #33

Feb 132019

4Runner

  • 228,000 miles

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

2005 Toyota 4runner SR5 was taken into a certified Toyota mechanic for inspection and the mechanic showed me the undercarriage of the vehicle, namely the frame and other associated parts. He warned that it would be difficult to perform maintenance on the vehicle if the frame is rotted through. The vehicle was put on a lift for inspection.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #32

Dec 012005

4Runner

  • miles
There's excessive rusting of the chassis, axle, differential and other components under the vehicle. I'm the original owner and observed rust formation within the first year of ownership. The SUV has only 84K miles and is garaged most of the time. I have been using rust inhibitors to slow the process.

- Burlington, MA, USA

problem #31

Nov 022017

4Runner

  • miles
Take to shop for leak tramission line the shop owner said my 4runner has cancer and it growing excessive rotting please help I can't stop the cancer

- Dc, DC, USA

problem #30

Jan 032019

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
Frame rust is getting to be an issue. I have one small hole where the metal has given away but the front bumper mount. The vehicle is a 2005 and the frame does not match the rest of the vehicle. I know I am not the first one to talk about this nor the last. Other models of Toyota vehicles around this same year have already gotten a frame recall. I would like my vehicle that I have paid a lot of money for to last and not have to be condemned due to a bad frame. Its obvious that from the start the frame was destined to end up like this.

- South Ogden, UT, USA

problem #29

Aug 152018

4Runner

  • 156,000 miles
2005 Toyota 4runner 156K miles with substantial rust and corrosion to frame to the point where mechanic can no longer service the vehicle.

- Washington, CT, USA

problem #28

Nov 282018

4Runner

  • 128,654 miles
Rear passenger side traction arm broke away from the frame while driving. After further investigation, the entire passenger side frame from the front cross member to the top of the rear wheel is completely rusted away. If this occurred at highway speed instead of 15 mph death would be a high possibility for my 17-year-old son.

- Natrona Hts, PA, USA

problem #27

Jan 012018

4Runner

  • 150,000 miles
I am having deep rust issues on my 4runner V8 limited frame mostly near the catalytic converter. The rust is so bad there is a big hole on both size of the frame 3inch tall 7 inch wide. I have found some loose nuts inside of the frame rails, not sure where they are from and there are a lot of broken frame parts on the frame rails. A 13year old truck shouldn't have that much rust

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #26

Oct 222018

4Runner

  • 219,000 miles
The frame rusted through at the connecting point of the rear passenger side trailing arm. Much of the frame in this area is severely rotted by rust. I noticed that the vehicle was not tracking down the road very well, which was abnormal. Upon returning home I found the problem of the rusted frame.

- Goshen, IN, USA

problem #25

Dec 052017

4Runner

  • 127,000 miles
I bought the truck a little less than a year ago, in November of 2017, from a friend. I am the third owner of the truck and know that the vehicle has always been well maintained and serviced. Weeks after purchasing the truck, exiting the highway, the brake system failed. Pedal to the floor, no pressure. I was able to coast the car to a nearby parking lot and had it towed to my mechanic. Upon inspection, my mechanic noted that the frame was severely rusted. The brake lines had failed as a result of the corrosion and rust on the undercarriage. I replaced the entire brake system at a cost of $3500. A month later, the truck failed inspection due to a hole in the subframe caused by the rust. It was then that I began research and learned of the Toyota recall for every other truck except the 4runner in similar years/generation. I took the truck to burdick Toyota in cicero, New York this September to have the frame inspected. The tech report (which I can furnish on request) stated that the frame was extremely rusted, scaled and deteriorated for the age of the vehicle, but that it posed no imminent threat. I disagree with this assessment, as it has already caused one catastrophic failure. I've learned of a potential investigation and must say, I believe it to be the responsibility of the NHTSA to recall the affected 4runners of the same generation. Had the scenario been different, I or my family could have been injured or killed. I'm a teacher, and haven't the means to simply replace a vehicle I've already had to put thousands of dollars into. I bought it for the safety of my brand new baby girl. I feel it morally imperative that the NHTSA do the right thing and recall the 4runners as they have the other vehicles. Human life should always be more important than a companies bottom line. Toyota is responsible and should be held accountable. Lives are at stake.

- Fabius, NY, USA

problem #24

May 252017

4Runner

  • 142,000 miles
Purchased vehicle used. Found holes rotted through the frame of vehicle near driver's side wheel well and where lower control arm attaches to the frame. Heavy rust on entire frame of vehicle.

- Clinton Corners, NY, USA

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