2005 Toyota 4 Runner Recalls

No recalls on record Updated July 2026

No NHTSA recalls on record for the 2005 Toyota 4 Runner. That means NHTSA has no open safety campaign for this vehicle — it does not guarantee the absence of problems. Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and engine cooling. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Complaints by component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
3
SEATS
3
SUSPENSION
2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1
POWER TRAIN
1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
1
STEERING
1
Total complaints20

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“2005 4 runner v8 had complete break failure at about 23000 miles. Vehicle failed to stop at intersection. Pulled vehicle into parking lot and the vehicle still did not stop. Emergency break had to be applied to slow vehicle down. Took vehicle to dealership and tests found that there was a…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · reported 2006-07-18

“There is an awful rotten egg sulfur smell being emitted from my 2005 toyota 4 runner when driving with back window open. After doing much research, I see there have been many tsb's issued for 4 runners dating back to 2003 and up to the 2006 models. I brought my car into the dealer, but they tell…”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR · reported 2006-04-16

“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle surges forward while the air conditioner is on. The vehicle has automatic climate control. Heavy pressure has to be applied to the brake when stopping in order to prevent the vehicle from continuing to surge forward when the air conditioner is turned on.. The…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2006-01-29

“2005 toyota 4runner sport v8 - 14800 miles - built may 2005. The drivers side rear seat window spontaneously shattered. Air temperature was approximately 40 degrees with a light rain. The vehicle had been driven approx 18 miles after being parked inside overnight. The vehicle was going…”

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · reported 2006-01-05

“While stopped, my 2005 4runner moves forward when compressor engages. The rpm at idle will fluctuate between 750 and 1100. During the later portion of fluctuation, abnormal brake pressure is needed to keep the 4runner from moving forward. Idle speeds can reach 25 mph on flat surface and 45 on…”

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · reported 2005-11-30

“While stopped, my 2005 4runner moves forward when compressor engages. The rpm at idle will fluctuate between 750 and 1100. During the later portion of fluctuation, abnormal brake pressure is needed to keep the 4runner from moving forward. Idle speeds can reach 25 mph on flat surface and 45 on…”

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · reported 2005-11-30

“Driver's seat on brand new 2005 toyota 4 runner moves and rattles while driving. Dealer replaced seat frame assembly on one occasion and problem still exists. After dealer examined problem again they contacted toyota and were told this seat problem is a known "design defect" that they are trying…”

SEATS · reported 2005-07-28

“Vehicle pulls/drifts to the right at highway speed. Steering flutter conditions exist. Consequences include steering and suspension component wear and tear. Vehicle under went two wheel balances, two wheel alignments, a tire rotation, and inspection by a field specialist on 6 separate repair…”

SUSPENSION · reported 2005-07-28
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2005 Toyota 4 Runner as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.