2005 Toyota 4RUNNER Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 185about this part
- Share
- 44%of 425 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 185 complaints about the body and structure of the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER, 44% of the 425 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,000 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 heard a banging from the rear end so I brought the vehicle to my mechanic. My mechanic told me that the frame is totally corroded and is now a safety issue. I have had to take it off the road and now I am waiting to see if the recall will include my vehicle like it did with the tacoma, tundra, and sequoia same which the year of my vehicle is included.”
NHTSA complaint #11299015, filed 2020-01, 155,000 miles“I took my 4-runner to my mechanic on april 1, 2019 to have the brakes checked and a cv boot repaired. My mechanic called me the next day and informed me that the main support beam of the frame on the passenger side was rusted out and virtually missing on 3 of the 4 sides of the beam. He told me the vehicle could break in half if I hit a bump on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11194071, filed 2019-04, 158,000 miles“The frame has excessive corrosion. I had some suspension replaced last year and it was fine today my dealer told me there is excessive corrosion and recommends not to put any money into it. Also told me this happened quickly because if it was there last year he would have informed me then not to do the suspension work.”
NHTSA complaint #11383576, filed 2020-12, 183,000 miles“I have rust through areas on the frame of my 2005 4RUNNER near the catalytic converter. The frame is flaking and pealing at this level. The integrity of the frame is compromised Toyota recalled tacoma and sequoia for similar issues but not 4RUNNER I like this truck but I doesn't seem safe driving it”
NHTSA complaint #11311730, filed 2020-02, 177 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11064169, filed 2018-01, 160,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 30% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 3 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 8% |
| 2017 | 2 | 6% |
| 2016 | 8 | 10% |
| 2015 | 8 | 9% |
| 2014 | 8 | 10% |
| 2013 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 6% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% |
| 2008 | 16 | 17% |
| 2007 | 40 | 26% |
| 2006 | 143 | 38% |
| 2005 | 185 | 44% |
| 2004 | 310 | 46% |
| 2003 | 284 | 41% |
| 2002 | 88 | 39% |
| 2001 | 81 | 44% |
| 2000 | 256 | 53% |
| 1999 | 112 | 34% |
| 1998 | 78 | 31% |
| 1997 | 76 | 29% |
| 1996 | 42 | 26% |
| 1995 | 4 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 8 | 10% |
| 1989 | 1 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER
77 complaintsOther or unknown
68 complaintsBrakes
32 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 27, 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