2005 Toyota 4RUNNER Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 8%of 425 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER, 8% of the 425 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11064169, filed 2018-01, 160,000 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10512939, filed 2013-05, 59,000 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..”
NHTSA complaint #11123571, filed 2018-08, 150,680 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 tundras (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.”
NHTSA complaint #10633496, filed 2014-09, 113,000 miles“The emergency bake on my Toyota 4runner-2005 do not hold .the vehicle can be driven foward or in reverse with the emergency brakes on.mileage on the vehicle is 33,000. Miles. The dealer on several occasions was requested to fix the brakes to no avail. I was told that that the way they are & live with them.”
NHTSA complaint #10306892, filed 2010-02, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10214323Mar 17, 2022TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
- 10210375Mar 9, 2022TSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in…
- 10190453Mar 12, 2021TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10187241Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10186195Dec 14, 2020TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
- 10133723Apr 1, 2014It has been brought to our attention that claim processing for LSC BST Phase 3 (2003-2009 4Runner and 2007-2010 Tundra vehicles) we be delayed until Monday April 7, 2014.
- 10133716Mar 31, 2014As part of the settlement described above, Toyota will install Smart Stop Technology on the above listed model and model year vehicles. This feature will cut engine power in case…
- 10131928Feb 5, 2014A key part to maintain the proper function and safe operation of the vehicle's braking system is to perform a visual inspection when installing brake pads, calipers, and discs…
- 10131984Sep 9, 2013A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system…
- 10061620Sep 9, 2013Summary to be provided on a future date.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 43% |
| 2024 | 2 | 20% |
| 2023 | 2 | 6% |
| 2022 | 5 | 13% |
| 2021 | 6 | 17% |
| 2020 | 5 | 15% |
| 2019 | 5 | 8% |
| 2018 | 7 | 12% |
| 2017 | 9 | 25% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 5 | 6% |
| 2013 | 5 | 14% |
| 2012 | 7 | 7% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 11 | 7% |
| 2008 | 15 | 16% |
| 2007 | 29 | 19% |
| 2006 | 34 | 9% |
| 2005 | 32 | 8% |
| 2004 | 82 | 12% |
| 2003 | 74 | 11% |
| 2002 | 21 | 9% |
| 2001 | 9 | 5% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 26 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 5% |
| 1997 | 29 | 11% |
| 1996 | 18 | 11% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1993 | 8 | 16% |
| 1992 | 12 | 23% |
| 1991 | 6 | 14% |
| 1990 | 9 | 12% |
| 1987 | 2 | 40% |
| 1986 | 2 | 25% |
Other parts of the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER
185 complaintsSuspension
77 complaintsOther or unknown
68 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsTires
12 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology