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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.

1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
92,254 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 drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2005 Toyota 4Runner Owner Comments

problem #13

Jul 012020

4Runner

  • miles

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

Excessive frame rust and underbody rust. Most weld points and frame assembly is degrading from rust. Transmission coolant lines have cracked and leaked.

- Aldie, VA, USA

problem #12

Aug 312017

4Runner

  • 198,500 miles
Excessive underbody rust, rusting frame joints, and rotting frame members from the inside out.

- Carson City, NV, USA

problem #11

Apr 122020

4Runner

  • 130,000 miles
Vehicle has very excessive frame rust. Holes throughout entire frame making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Rusting from the inside out due to negligence on Toyota part. This vehicle has the same exact frame that was recalled on the Tacoma, Tundra and sequoias. Please tell me why the 4runner was left out?

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #10

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 #9

Nov 022016

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
The rear axle rusted so badly that it started flaking apart. The frame is rusted severely in the areas where the rear suspension components attach. The gas tank skid plate rusted until it began to fall off while driving down the road and all of the areas where it was bolted to the frame completely rusted out. The exhaust also rusted through behind the muffler causing it to fall off while driving down the road. There are holes in multiple areas of the frame. I had to grind, chip, and wire brush the frame with the vehicle on jack stands in order to repaint everything and keep my vehicle going. This took over 100 hours of labor just to compete. I also had to replace the exhaust and the gas tank skid plate. All of the bolts for the skid plates on the bottom of the vehicle were completely rusted through and could not be removed without falling apart and leaving half the bolt in the frame. The xreas suspension system which runs hydraulic lines around the frame also rusted apart and leaked fluid all over everything. The bolts were all heavily rusted and could not be removed to get the lines off the frame. The frame on this vehicle was not adequately coated to prevent it from rusting. This needed to be done with approximately 100,000 miles on the vehicle.

- Chadds Ford, PA, USA

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problem #8

Dec 122016

4Runner

  • 127,000 miles
Ststionary rear axel housing rusted -leaking oil-inferior steal just like the frame that was replaced

- Berlin, VT, USA

problem #7

Oct 042005

4Runner

  • miles

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

Excesive rust under body. Exhaust system and frame.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #6

May 152016

4Runner

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine and vsc warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto store where a technician pulled up diagnostic trouble codes. The contact spoke with a local dealer who stated that, based on the codes provided, the vehicle would be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 05V123000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #5

Nov 272015

4Runner

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. When the vehicle came to a complete stop, there was a two second delay before the vehicle jolted. The contact stated that it felt as though someone had rear-ended the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the driveshaft was lubricated; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #4

Sep 252014

4Runner

  • miles
Low mileage car and parts of the frame are falling a part. Dealer refuses to service car as it is unsafe. Toyota says they have no problems with the 4runners rusting just there trucks at this time...?

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

problem #3

Aug 282010

4Runner

  • 62,800 miles

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

2005 Toyota 4-runner sport edition. Had car parked in driveway. Car was in park with no key in the ignition. 4-year old child climbed into car and put car gear-shft into neutral (no key in ignition and foot was not on brake pedal). Car rolled out of driveway into a busy road. Another car nearly hit the 4-runner. Driver of other vehicle stopped and halted other traffic by honking their horn. Owner of 4-runner heard honking, came out of house and found 4-runner sitting across the road with the 4-year old child still in it. Condition of putting 4-runner into neutral without key or foot on brake pedal was tested several more times and found to be repeatable.

- Auburn, ME, USA

problem #2

Feb 142010

4Runner

  • 100,000 miles
When coming to a stop vehicle tends to shift into first gear late, right at stopping and it feels like a bump or someone hitting you from behind. This depends on how fast the vehicle is stopped. If stopped faster, the vehicle never shifts into first gear at stopping. After the brake is released the vehicle feels as if shifting from second to first gear. Manually down shifting the vehicle in all gears feels normal except from second to first. There is a hesitation between these gears, the vehicle coast as if in neutral for about two seconds then shifts into first gear. This website also describes the "bump" feel from other owners, search for "bump" townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.F0dacc5/175.

- Hudson, FL, USA

problem #1

Feb 222010

4Runner

  • miles
Every so often my 2005 Toyota 4-runner will lurch forward at a stop. Its like the vehicle is being rearended. This occurs without warning and at random times during a typical day. The transmission will also lock in 4th gear if while driving on the interstate the vehicle slow suddenly - this is corrected by pulling off the interstate, shutting down the vehicle and waiting a few moments.

- Franklin, TN, USA

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