Body problems of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner - part 2

90 problems related to body have been reported for the 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota 4Runner based on all problems reported for the 2005 4Runner.

36 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/16/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While driving 45 mph, the rear of the vehicle was moving. The contact stated that the sway bar fractured and detached from the frame. In addition, the traction control and tpms warning indicators were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 125,000.

37 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/05/2019

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.

38 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/08/2019

My vehicle failed inspection due to a hole in the frame. My vehicle has the same frame as the tacoma trucks that have frame rot and have already been recalled.

39 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/13/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the frame was corroded. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of brookfield (20655 w capitol dr, brookfield, WI 53045, (262) 236-7992) where it was determined that the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 94,000.

40 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2019

While driving at highway speeds of 55 mph the vehicle started to swerve back and forth between the lanes and was extremely hard to correct. Once I pulled over I looked underneath and the frame is extremely corroded and the lower control link support on the right rear of the vehicle had completely corroded and broke. I had the shop look at it as well as myself and the frame has several holes and was advised that the entire frame is falling apart and is beyond repair due to the rust/corrosion. It is only affecting the frame as the entire rest of the vehicle is in great working order and condition.

41 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/11/2019

Severe corrosion of frame at the rear body mount location. The body of the vehicle is no longer secured to the frame at this location due to the severe rust. Significant rust also on the front cross frame member which has the tow mounts rendering them useless and unsafe. Cracked exhaust manifold causing excessive engine noise and exhaust fumes. This is a time consuming and costly repair.

42 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/16/2019

The fram is rusted and no time known will it give out n cause serious accident.

43 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/04/2019

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.

44 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/13/2018

Extensive rust has destroyed both the front and rear suspension crossmembers. Mechanic shop has advised that it will no longer pass virginia state safety inspection and must be condemned. After researching this condition further, I am finding this to be a common failure found in 3rd generation 4runners utilized in climates where road salt/chemicals are used.

45 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/18/2018

Frame corrosion is causing a hole in the frame similar to that of the tacoma and tundras.

46 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2018

Frame and rear differential rust- extreme.

47 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/26/2018

Toyota dealer told me that my frame is soft its dangerous.

48 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2018

Lost end of muffler ("exhaust tip") while driving due to under body rust. The inspector also noted to me the high level of rust building up on the under body at the last safety inspection. You can see the muffler breakage on img_1722. There also appears to be rust on all welding joints and frame surfaces.

49 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/15/2018

Brought the car in for service and was informed that there is a large hole in the frame and that it's prematurely rusting from the inside out and it's a safety issue now I'm scared to have my family in the vehicle.

50 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/18/2018

Under body rust took to costco to replace tires - they say significant rust on left side. Tool to jiffy lube for oil change one week later - they say significant rust and cannot remove rear differential to replace fluid due to rusted bolt.

51 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/09/2018

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. .

52 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2018

2005 Toyota 4runner limited, excessive frame corrosion/rotting.

53 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2018

Tl-the contact 2005 Toyota 4 runner. The contact had just stopped at a traffic light when their back window exploded. The entire back window shot glass into the vehicle and out side of it. The contact remained in the same spot while at the traffic light and was not injured. The vehicle was not towed. The contact then drove the vehicle home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer at ralph hayes Toyota (864) 368-9242 3525 clemson blvd, anderson, SC 29621 where they stated that they were not going to fix the vehicle. The mnufacturer was not informed of the issue. The failure mileage was 161,000. Jw.

54 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2018

Frame is rotting.

55 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2018

Driving in upstate new york for my honeymoon, the belt broke and cut into a hose. I had to have the vehicle towed to a Toyota dealership where they explained to me that my frame was deteriorating with lots of rust. This 2005 Toyota 4runner only had approximately 85,000 miles on it. The technician also told me, although there is not a recall on this model, in his opinion, there should be. Not only is this a serious safety hazard, Toyota is not rectifying the problem. Also, it is not just one area on the frame, but a significant amount of the frame. I can also provide photos if needed.

56 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2018

I have noticed a lot of rust underneath my vehicle. The frame is showing signs of rust. I have had bolts rust into causing heatshields to come loose for example. Recently had new struts and shocks installed. My mechanic pointed out the rust to me.

57 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/12/2018

I just wanted to add my 2005 Toyota 4runner to the complaint list with highly compromised structural integrity due to extreme rust. The vehicle has 118,000 miles with only one owner and the vehicle was garaged the entire time. There are cracks and holes in my rear frame that has led our mechanic to deem the vehicle unsafe. He has suggested we replace this vehicle as soon as we can. Prior to coming on this complaint site, I was under the impression the we had the unfortunate luck of purchasing a lemon; instead it appears this is a known issue that is being ignored and swept under the rug. I am appalled at the inaction of Toyota and the NHTSA regarding this structural issue.

58 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2018

I have Toyota 4runner 2005 and when I went to the dealer to change my oil I was told that the car has frame damage and it is dangerous to drive. The car is in excellent condition,but this problem was unexpected. I never been told by my dealer or Toyota company that this is a common issue for this make and that there was a recall few years ago for this problem. I am not able to afford new car and this is putting a hardship on my family and our safety. I call Toyota but I was told that they are not able to help me in any way. Who can assist in this situation?.

59 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/11/2017

My rear frame rotted out causing my control arm to break off. The vehicle was extremely hard to control causing a rollover accident.

60 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2017

The local Toyota dealership informed me that my vehicle has a hole in the vehicle frame of the same nature as the same year Toyota tacoma trucks which have been the subject of a recall.

61 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/02/2017

Take to shop for leak tramission line the shop owner said my 4runner has cancer and it growing excessive rotting please help I can't stop the cancer.

62 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2017

2005 Toyota 4runner structural frame rapid oxidation to structure causing left front control arm to frame (as well as frame itself) to break while in motion at slow speed leaving driveway. I have contacted Toyota case# 1712112893 to ask why there is no buyback program on frames that they produced in 2004 that were found defective in tacoma's/4runners that were also used for their 2005 model production 4runners. Toyota rep told myself that no campaigns would exist unless otherwise told so (or perhaps investigated for their prior acknowledged defective frames used in previous model years). Though I am lucky that this occurred at slow speed I don't know how many other americans may face my situation while at 60-70mph on the highway with their families whom trust Toyota for their safety and product reliability that end in ultimate tragedy. I've included photos as well as a clean carfax report to show no prior incidents. Thank you.

63 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/16/2017

Frame rot that should have been included in the tacoma, tundra, sequoia!.

64 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/19/2017

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4runner. While driving approximately 40 mph, the front passenger side of the subframe separated and caused the front axle to fracture and damaged the front control arm. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who indicated that the subframe failure was due to severe rusting and corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

65 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2017

My wife took the vehicle to get a state inspection and was informed it would not pass due to corrosion of the frame. We contacted the manufacturer, nationally and locally, to see what could be done. We were told Toyota would not replace the frame and they could not recommend a repair. Essentially, too bad. We contacted several body shops and were told Toyota repair instructions advise against welding on the frame and their insurance would not cover the repair. So there is no fix. The rust has not been apparent until this years inspection and I guess we were fortunate that is was found. But the car runs great and nobody that didn't look under the car would know about an impending catastrophic failure. Toyota did replace frames on similar year tacoma's, tundra's and sequoia's but that was due to a class action law suit. Apparently they will not make these vehicles safe without outside influence. At a minimum a notice should be sent to owners advising them their frames should be thoroughly inspected before its too late.

66 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2017

The chassis is severely and prematurely rusted and is in need of repair.

67 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/20/2017

We were advised that our 2005 Toyota 4runner's frame had deteriorated from rust to a point where the vehicle is no longer safe to operate. We purchased this vehicle new, done all the advised service, and taken every precaution to assure longevity. It's unfortunate and disturbing that Toyota has 'frame recalls' on 2005 tundra and tacoma trucks but not the 4runner. Our vehicle, other than the frame, is in perfect working order. This seems to me a clear case of corrupted or otherwise faulty materials used for the construction of Toyota frames for these 2005 dated vehicles. Toyota, as a virtue of their own quality standards, should stand behind their products. If they're unwilling, this will should be forced upon them by the regulators.

68 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2017

2005 4runner sport 4. 7. I've got 82k miles on it. Clean title and record, no flood damage, accidents, ect. . . The driver's side lower strut mount broke off while driving. The Toyota technician at the dealership said it was due to excessive corrosion and the quality of the metal in the area on the frame was so bad it would be unrepairable and a total loss without a new frame. I was going 20 miles per hour driving straight and I lost control and it pulled me to the right,off the road. Had this happened at highway speeds it would've been a catastrophic failure and caused a serious accident. The wheel was up against the top of the wheel well and the cv drive shaft was torn out. Toyota costumer service said that it wasn't under warranty or recall an offered no course of solution or action. I'd assume a company that boasts upon their vechile longevity would expect a car to be drivable for more than 82,000 miles before the main structural component of the vehicle fails. This vehicle hasn't been driven excessively in the salt during the winter either and no aftermarket undercoating was applied to the vehicle. I now own a totaled vehicle with no one owning up to a clear factory defect. * Toyota replaced a frame in my friend's 2006 4runner sport, with 162k in 2014. I didn't find a warranty or recall on that model either.

69 Body problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2017

Takata recall, went to fix a tire when the tire was removed there was a chunk of metal that was rusted and broken off. The rust is bad all over the frame of the truck. The bolt doesnt look like it is going to hold on much longer.

70 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2016

The frame of the vehicle has extensive rust. The metal frame at the front of the vehicle has rusted completely through. The tow hooks are hanging by the remaining metal and can be twisted off by hand strength alone. The cross members have holes rusted thru as well. The main frame beams are corroding from the inside out. The quality of rust prevention of the frame is very poor. As a comparison, the body panels are still in good shape with minimal rust.



4Runner Service Bulletins
4Runner Safety Recalls
4Runner Defect Investigations