2005 Toyota 4RUNNER suspension problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 14, 2026WABody & StructureSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11737968 · source
2. Filed May 29, 2025MIOther / UnknownSuspension

   ENTIRE body frame has excessive rust, holes, and cracks. It is available for inspection. Toyota dealership says it is safe to drive for now but it is failing. I feel any cracks, rust, holes, separation of frame components places all occupants and anyone near the vehicle at risk for when anything fails - this could be when the vehicle is on the expressway in motion (such as when the GM ignition switch failures happened), causing catastrophic loss of life, injuries, and damage…

   NHTSA complaint #11663625 · source
3. Filed Dec 28, 2023MISuspension

   Excessive frame rusting. There are holes in the frame from rusting. At this point in time there isn’t anything I can do about the issues. Frame is unrepairable.

   NHTSA complaint #11562313 · source
4. Filed Nov 3, 2023VABody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   Frame of the vehicle is showing rust corrosion. The frame are the same as the tacomas that were released the same year. The tacomas were granted frame replacement by Toyota but 4Runners weren’t. Noticed a lot of other 4th generation 4Runners are having the same issues.

   NHTSA complaint #11553471 · source
5. Filed May 3, 2023166,000 miMDBody & StructureSuspension

   The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the independent mechanic for servicing, and he was informed that the sub frame was severely corroded. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11520258 · source
6. Filed Sep 14, 2022MDSuspension

   The frame on both sides of the vehicle in the front, where it connects under the radiator crossbar has rusted through.Not feeling to safe about this. also the transmission cooling lines are also looking thin. The dealership I have maint. done at informed me of this condition. Can send pictures if needed.

   NHTSA complaint #11484406 · source
7. Filed Sep 11, 2022NYBody & StructureSuspension

   My frame has rotted through, causing the rear bump stops to fall off, putting excessive wear on both frame and suspension components. In parts of the frame, it has rotted all the way around and caused a loss in structural integrity. Worst of all, there is a hole near the rear most strap holding the gas tank to the chassis, which is a risk to not only me and my pregnant wife but others driving on the road around me if it where to fall off. Looking at the body, there is no…

   NHTSA complaint #11483876 · source
8. Filed Oct 18, 2021MISuspension

   Vehicle’s frame and suspension is showing major rust prematurely forming from the inside-out of the frame causing visible weakness in the structure of the frame that could cause engine or other suspension parts to fall off the frame of the car due to improper treatment of the frame. If I were to get in a car accident I don’t see the frame holding it’s structure. I would I highly suggest to have a safety recall done with frames with such damage.

   NHTSA complaint #11437140 · source
9. Filed Oct 5, 2021MABody & StructureSuspension

   Brought the car in for an alignment and I was told they couldn’t do it because of all the damage to the frame from rust, parts of the frame are not even there anymore, the front row hooks are gone, they said that all this damage ca impact the handle of the car and that it can’t be properly aligned and possibly won’t pass inspection.

   NHTSA complaint #11435632 · source
10. Filed Aug 30, 2021NYBody & StructureSteeringSuspension

    Upon recent inspection of my vehicle, it was noted that the frame is severely corroded and rusted to the point where collapse or breaking of the frame is possible while driving. Apprently the frame was not properly treated for rust protection and can now be unsafe for driving. Enclosed are pictures of the rusted frame.

    NHTSA complaint #11431129 · source
11. Filed Aug 3, 2021142,500 miMESuspension

    The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while the vehicle was receiving maintenance work from an independent mechanic, the mechanic informed the contact that the sub frame was very rusted. The mechanic was unable to complete the maintenance work. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they provided the contact an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage…

    NHTSA complaint #11427564 · source
12. Filed Jul 19, 202193,000 miMDTowedSuspension

    The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, she was informed that significant corrosion had developed on the front end of the undercarriage. The contact was then referred by the independent mechanic to the dealer where she was informed that while was rust found on the undercarriage of the vehicle, the vehicle was safe to operate and no repairs were needed. A month after the dealer inspection, the contact…

    NHTSA complaint #11425531 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology