CarRecallWatchThe 2005 Toyota 4 Runner has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 425 complaints with NHTSA, including 19 crashes, 3 fires, 13 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (189 reports).
2005 Toyota 4 Runner recalls
Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire
Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.
Side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly
Some SUVs and trucks equipped with side curtain-shield airbags have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed.
Most common 2005 Toyota 4 Runner problems
Problem areas named in the 425 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Structure | 189 |
| Suspension | 77 |
| Unknown Or Other | 67 |
| Steering | 29 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 |
| Power Train | 25 |
| Engine | 21 |
| Air Bags | 19 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 16 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 15 |
What owners report
Head gasket failure. 2005 toyota 4runner generation are notorious for head gasket failure. Due to the poor manufacturing of the gasket it has been deteriorating and has allowed coolant to leak into the cylinder causing misfires and possibly more damage internally. including permanent mechanical breakdown or a completely ruined engine block. High risk of Hydrolock, Damaged Engine Bearings and Sludge, Severe Overheating, Catalytic Converter Failure. Any of these effects cause by this head gasket failure will be extremely dangerous to happen while driving. The vehicles is being taken to a independent mechanic 09/28/2026 for conformation diagnosis. And possible repairs. The check engine light sh
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 to get work done at shops and been turned away because of the amount of rust on all bolts, lines, all metal under truck causing it to be a liability. I cant even get my skid plates off to fully address the issue. The metal is starting to split on the main frame by the tire, it is rotting from inside. Rust has always been there but last couple years has gotten really bad. So much rust my
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 217,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 342,912.
Premature/unsafe frame rot
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 independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The contact was also made aware that the mechanic discovered excessive corrosion covering the entire subframe of the vehicle. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 205,000.
2005 Toyota 4 Runner questions
Does the 2005 Toyota 4 Runner have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2005 Toyota 4 Runner: Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal; Equipment:Other:Labels; Equipment:Other:Labels. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota 4 Runner?
Based on 425 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (189), Suspension (77), Unknown Or Other (67).
How do I check if a recall on my 2005 Toyota 4 Runner has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.