The Lemon Index2005 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2005 Toyota 4Runner is better than average by owner complaints: 39 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 53, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 16 to 18 mpg combined. The best Toyota 4Runner year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 425 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota 4Runner year. 2005 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 59K to 157K miles on the car (301 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 90K–166K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 75K–166K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 65K–162K miles
Recalls 5
- seats 2016
The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
- airbags 2016
The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
- speed control 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 LEXUS LX570, 2003 THROUGH 2009 TOYOTA 4RUNNER, AND 2006 THROUGH 2010 RAV4 VEHICLES.
Show all 5 recalls
- equipment 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETW…
- equipment 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE S…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 227 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
- As part of the settlement described above, Toyota will install Smart Stop Technology on the…
- Some 2005 - 2009 model year 4Runner, 2006 - 2007 model year Land Cruiser, 2005 - 2007 model…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedFrame corrosion2018–2022
- ClosedUnintended and uncontrolled acceleration2010–2011
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
I have a 2005 Toyota 4runner sport and there is a horrible sulfur smell that is emitted into the cabin while reaching rpm's of approximately 3000 - 5000.
2005 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 10129002
More owner reports
If the back window is open and the air handler is on recurculate exhaust gets pulled into the car.
NHTSA complaint 10228789
2005 Toyota 4runner sport edition: front driver seat faulty. Seat shifts upon breaking & acceleration. Safety concern/issue.
NHTSA complaint 10156913
Quick answers
Is the 2005 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 53; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota 4Runner year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2005 Toyota 4Runner problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (21%), seats (13%) and suspension (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota 4Runner have?
5 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota 4Runner get?
16 to 18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota 4Runner problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 59,100 and 157,000 miles. The middle report was at 104,800 miles, from 301 complaints.
Does the 2005 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2005 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2005 Toyota 4Runner have?
4.0L 6-cyl, 4.7L 8-cyl.
What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2005?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works