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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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
72,734 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

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2005 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #14

Aug 272022

4Runner

  • miles

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

Upon moving with the flow of traffic at about 30 to 35 mph a car shot from a driveway straight in front of me causing me to hit that driver in the rear quarter panel of the passenger side putting him into a 360 spin not causing my airbags to deploy at that rate of speed in my opinion that is a huge fault of my system from my vehicle at that rate of speed my airbags should have went off to protect me as if I didn't have my seat belt on but thank God I always wear my seatbelt

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #13

Jul 312021

4Runner

  • miles
The back brake lines rusted out completely crumbling causing me to almost collide head on with oncoming traffic while my kids where in the car. This was a terrifying experience. Upon further inspection the back brakes were so rusted out that they crumbled to dirt.

- Gallipolis Ferry, WV, USA

problem #12

Aug 122021

4Runner

  • miles
The rear control arm broke while I was driving causing me to swerve uncontrollably and almost causing a collision

- Gallipolis Ferry, WV, USA

problem #11

Nov 202018

4Runner

  • 124,600 miles

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

Toyota dealer failed safety inspection due to rear suspension arm rusted off and a hole rusted through frame. Only has 124,000 miles. Toyota said that vehicle is unsafe to drive and rear end may lift during a hard stop. Rear brake lines are also rusted out.

- Stewartstown, PA, USA

problem #10

Aug 092018

4Runner

  • 150,680 miles
My Toyota 2005 4runner undercarriage and frame is really badly rusted.the brake lines have rusted out and failed on 2 separate occasions in heavy traffic once (8/2017) on a 4 lane I had to cross to safety, and last on a steep hill with heavy traffic at the bottom of hill, thank god I didn't hit anyone. Now I find out that the frame has a crack in it and rusted out on the passenger side and is split/rusted up front, it is very dangerous. I can not afford to pay out of pocket for repairs..

- Blairsville, GA, USA

problem #9

Jan 032018

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
I purchased this beautiful used black 2005 4runner in October of 2016 and the body still looks beautiful - no visible rust anywhere on doors etc - but I took it in to auto craftsmen in montpelier, vt to check my brakes and replace a couple of bulbs to get the vehicle ready for Vermont state inspection as the car is due for inspection in Feb 2018 and I wanted to head up any maintenance needed. Was shocked when I went back and craftsmen told me not to put any money into the vehicle - that the frame was broken, had major hole in it and that the frame was too rusty to patch the hole - holy unexpected batman. Partial notes from craftsmen auto on 12/28/2017 are as follows: "under body is very rusty & the frame is broken...muffler is broken off and every flange is rusted and leaking...brakes are shaking when applied...rotors have a significant rust ridge...the brake lines are very rusty...because of the broken frame and the amount of rust on the underbody, it won't pass vt state inspection the end of Feb." I bought this vehicle in a private sale in October of 2016 for $7,200 but had to pay sales tax to the Vermont dmv for a vehicle purchased for $8,000 because it was in great shape, looked terrific and was supposedly worth that extra money. I ad spent that money expecting to get a three or four years out of the vehicle and have maintained it well with synthetic oil changes and using expensive gas when it's cold out and spent $850 on new tires just this fall. I love Toyota. My disabled husband and my two daughters all drive (used) Toyota (two priuses and a corolla). Am wondering if Toyota can do anything to stand behind their product here? the engine feels strong (it's a Toyota!) and the 4runner power and all-wheel drive has been great here in rural Vermont. Thank you for your consideration. Best, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Calais, VT, USA

problem #8

Jun 162017

4Runner

  • miles

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

Received a letter regarding Tacoma and Tundra was issued a recall. I wonder why 4runner was not included with the recall? upon visual inspection of body frame and comparing to other 4runner, it does have excessive rust on body frame. We tried to bring it up with the dealer, but no avail. Trade in was the only alternative. Our trust and respect to the Agency and hopefully, its not too late before they issue a recall. More power to the Agency and god bless America.

- Medford, MA, USA

problem #7

Jul 252015

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 55 mph, the ABS, auto lsd, and vsc trac warning indicators illuminated continuously. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to decelerate. The contact stated that the emergency brakes engaged and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power booster assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Updated 04/13/16

- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

problem #6

Nov 052014

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
In miami, fl. At intersection of waterway drive and sw. 72 ave. Made left turn under rain, (all day raining) I lost control of the vehicle after turn. Came to a stand still and momentarily, I accelerated towards a tree aprox. 15 feet away, vehicle crashed against tree so severely that passenger side of frame bent bad (declared total lost by state farm insurance). Air bag did not deploy. I hit my against head against the windshield, hit steering wheel with rib cage, I was taken to South miami hospital emergency room. After two cat scans and two X-rays I was sent home to follow- up with my primary care physician I am still in pain mainly neck an shoulders and lately my lower back. Still have trouble sleeping, etc. Cannot do house chores. Pcp forbidden any type of exercise for the time being. Please advise. I surrendered the car to state farm insurance but did not sign the title over to them yet. I was unable to drive for over a month. Thanks in advance. Please contact me...updated 01/14/15

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #5

Sep 162014

4Runner

  • 113,000 miles
I own a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The frame is rusting so severely that it may not pass inspection next year at this time. I live in pa. I have heard that Toyota has acknowledged that they have had frame issues with the Tacoma (same chasis), the early Tundra (I own a recalled 2000 with same issue), sequoias (same chasis as Tundra...... please tell me that the will recall my 4runner. I love the vehicle but the rust on the frame will kill it.

- Emlenton, PA, USA

problem #4

Dec 082013

4Runner 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles

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

I was leaving my house and my brakes completely failed! foot to the floor and nothing happened. There was no warning or back up to help me stop. Luckily I was in my neighborhood and only ran into a neighbors yard (and did not hit any children). I had the car towed to a mechanic who told me the master cylinder was broken and needed to be replaced. After contacting Toyota, the parts dept acknowledged that this was a common issue, and then asked if I wanted the part (for a small fortune). Basically he said either you fix it, or don't drive the car anymore. In addition he compared the brake failure to a tv breaking! a tv"! a complete break failure puts not only the driver, but the general public in serious jeopardy. What has to happen for Toyota corporate to acknowledge this issue and issue a recall"

- Wilmington, NC, USA

problem #3

Nov 262012

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 59,000 miles
Noticed after just purchacing a used 4runner fro a Toyota dealer ship that my brakes seem to be making a lot of noise. Went to my mechanic and he told me that the front calipers on both sides of the car were frozen due to rust and that he has noticed this issue with multible sequoias and 4runners. Had to have the whole brake system repairs costing me over 1000 dollars.

- Kings Park, NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 202012

4Runner

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while replacing the brake pads he noticed that both front calipers were not working properly. The contact decided to replace the calipers. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 50,000.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #1

Aug 172012

4Runner 8-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The master brake cylinder completely failed thus rendering the brakes completely inoperable. To stop the vehicle, the car was placed in P and shut down. It was towed to the dealer for inspection. This car had been serviced per the manufactures schedule since it was purchased in 2005. For almost two years, we had heard an oscillating sound from the engine compartment. The local dealer was made aware of this, but unable to diagnose the problem. The last visit was 4 months ago at which time they did not find a problem, but the sound continued. Highly dangerous situation. Luckily there was not an accident.

- Denver, CO, USA

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