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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.

1.4

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
118,994 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 body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #8

Dec 152023

4Runner

  • 200,948 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who repaired the TPMS, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,948.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

problem #7

Mar 012011

4Runner

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to A-1 Toyota (50 amity rd, new haven, ct 06515) significant rust was discovered on the subframe of the vehicle. The mechanic found a hole in the radiator support and another hole on the driver side frame rail. The contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive however, the prolonged rust build up could lead to a severe mechanical failure. The contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Stratford, CT, USA

problem #6

Sep 082019

4Runner

  • 183,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact heard a grinding metal noise. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed that the entire frame was corroded. The contact stated that the front bumper frame rusted out and the rear passenger side frame suspension mount was corroded through and detached. The contact stated that the rear driver's side frame suspension mount was heavily corroded, but was ok for the time being. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000.

- Poughkeepsie, NY, USA

problem #5

Sep 252018

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 129,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The contact called the ira Toyota of manchester dealer (603-624-1800, 33 auto center rd, manchester, nh 03103) and was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

- Merrimack, NH, USA

problem #4

Apr 012018

4Runner

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to South hills Toyota (2403 Washington road, canonsburg, pa 15317, (724) 743-1144) in April of 2018 for state inspection. The contact was informed that the vehicle's subframe was severely corroded and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Washington, PA, USA

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problem #3

Jul 162018

4Runner

  • 217,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at dayton Toyota (2291 us-130, dayton, NJ 08810, (732) 329-9191), the contact was informed that there was severe rust to the subframe of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 217,000.

- East Brunswick, NJ, USA

problem #2

Aug 012010

4Runner

  • 60,000 miles
My 2005 Toyota 4 runner has become so rusted along the frame and undercarriage that the vehicle is unsafe to drive. I have used the vehicle for highway and normal road use. I bought the vehicle brand new and have never towed anything. My Tundra was purchased at exactly the same time and has been driven under the same conditions. It has no rust problems. There seems to be a problem with the undercoating of some of Toyota's vehicles. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.

- Key West, FL, USA

problem #1

Oct 162007

4Runner

  • 12,000 miles
Severe under carriage rust, excessive corrosion of alloy rims, all 5 wheels.

- Devon, PA, USA

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