repaired · 2017 Q4
Front assembly: seat heater/cooler
Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
2005 Toyota 4RUNNERProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 425 owner complaints about the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER, most often about the structure. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-396 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 23, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER has problems
425 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
185Structure3 crash/fire/injury
77Suspension1 crash/fire/injury
29Steering
29Vehicle speed control
25Power train
21Engine
19Air bags
16Service brakes, hydraulic
15Visibility/wiper
8415 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 185 | 3 |
| Suspension | 77 | 1 |
| Steering | 29 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 29 | 9 |
| Power train | 25 | 0 |
| Engine | 21 | 0 |
| Air bags | 19 | 7 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 16 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 15 | 1 |
| 15 other systems | 84 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2005 Toyota 4RUNNER recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Air bags: side/window
Risk. If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
no report yet
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk. A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR…
no report yet
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
129kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 120 structure complaints. 32% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles38under 100k miles82100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other 4RUNNER year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 4RUNNER median. How we score
'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2005 Toyota 4RUNNER safety ratings
2005 Toyota 4Runner 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (20.4% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER, and the recalls they led to.
- Frame corrosionNo recall
- Unintended and Uncontrolled AccelerationLed to recall 11V-112
In owners' words
What 4RUNNER owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I have a 2005 Toyota 4runner with frame rust that has caused everything under my 4runner to rust. Toyota knows these frames have problems with rust and corrosion and have done nothing, I am far from being the only one with this complaint or problem. It is up for inspection anytime. I have taken it…
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and was unable to accelerate, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an…
- The undercarriage and frame have had premature rusting for years. The car is otherwise in excellent condition due to my care of it over the last 20 years. 5 years ago, a service person at my local Toyota dealership said, "I'm really disappointed in Toyota, I've never seen rust like this." I have…
Own a 2005 4RUNNER?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.