2005 Toyota 4RUNNER Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 6%of 425 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 154,391miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the visibility of the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER, 6% of the 425 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 154,391 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After my rear window shattered while sitting in a parking lot for a few minutes, I had it replaced. The technician found that the connections for the rear window defogger were burned. This caused great heat to build up, causing the window to shatter.”
NHTSA complaint #11090397, filed 2018-04, 170,000 miles“This morning dec-23-2019,raining 60 degree, I was driving on 91 fwy with rear defrost on for rain fog inside. About 15 min after left my home,I hear big pop noise and my rear lift gate glass shattered. I though I had a drive by gun shot,I start searching internet and found there is issue on rear defrost line glass over heat shattered glass. I visited 4 runner owner's forum and I found lot a people experience for same blown rear glass. I called dealership for this issue,and no one recognize it . Further search,,,,I found warrant enhancement program-zf7. …”
NHTSA complaint #11290889, filed 2019-12, 170,000 miles“When my Toyota had reached approx. 31,000 miles, the sunroof jammed while away from home during a rain storm. Fortunately, the car was still in warranty, so the repair was covered. Note: I rarely used the sunroof except for visibility or for ventilation if parked outside without shelter from the sun, I used the tilt mode only, probably a max 50 times.wind noise was objectionable while driving so the only time it was slid was testing at new and after replacement. I like the sunroof as an emergency exit, if it works? …”
NHTSA complaint #10661108, filed 2014-11, 31,131 miles“Driving approx 30-40mph on standard highway. Florida, 0700, 70 degrees, clear weather. Heard a loud almost explosion... By the time I got my wits about me I realized my rear window was broken. I had not been hit, there is no evidence of any projectile, and not near opposing traffic for something to be kicked up. Shortly before that, I had on both my front vent defroster to clear the morning windshield fog, and the rear window defroster. I smelled a sort of rubber burning smell; after 2 minutes, I presumed it was my AC unit, so I shut it off to see if the smell would dissipate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10547069, filed 2013-10, 162,000 miles“Rear hatch glass exploded while the electric heated defrost system was activated. The electric defrost had been operating for approximately five minutes. The window was in its fully closed position. The vehicle was in motion at approximately 25 miler per hour on a city street. Ambient temperature was 39 degrees and dry.”
NHTSA complaint #11394409, filed 2021-02, 151,360 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10142892Jun 20, 2018Warranty Policy Bulletin: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns where the vehicles rear hatch glass broke during defroster operation.
- 10131745Mar 2, 2017Warranty Policy Bulletin POL17-03: Toyota has received reports of customer concerns where the vehicles rear hatch glass broke during defroster operation.
- 10131744Mar 2, 2017Dealer Package: Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Broken Rear Hatch Glass on Certain 2003-2009 Model Year 4Runner Vehicles.
- 10131743Mar 2, 2017Dealer Email: Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Broken Rear Hatch Glass on Certain 2003-2009 Model Year 4Runner Vehicles.
- 10131742Mar 2, 2017Region Email: Toyota is announcing a Warranty Enhancement Program to extend the warranty coverage for Broken Rear Hatch Glass on Certain 2003-2009 Model Year 4Runner Vehicles.
- 10131801Feb 27, 2017TSB: Some 2003 ? 2009 model year 4Runner vehicles may exhibit back door glass "broken" without external impact. This condition may be associated with rear window defogger usage…
- 10131993Dec 19, 2013This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0185-13.
- 10131988Dec 19, 2013The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10132136Oct 23, 2013The appearance of spots in tempered glass (when viewed at certain angles) is the result of the heat treating and quick quenching process during manufacturing.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 6% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 3% |
| 2014 | 3 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 4 | 4% |
| 2007 | 10 | 6% |
| 2006 | 22 | 6% |
| 2005 | 26 | 6% |
| 2004 | 14 | 2% |
| 2003 | 18 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 7 | 4% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 4% |
| 1992 | 4 | 8% |
| 1991 | 1 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER
185 complaintsSuspension
77 complaintsOther or unknown
68 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 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 28, 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