BROUGHT TO MECHANIC BECAUSE STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME A MAJOR PROBLEM. FRAME HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT THAT TRUCK IS UN DRIVEABLE PER MECHANIC. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS ARE COMING DETACHED, MAIN FRAME HAS HOLES AND FRONT FRAME IS COMPLETELY MISSING. MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS NEVER SEEN A FRAME RUSTED OUT THIS BAD IN HIS 30 YEARS ON THE JOB. HE SAID IT CERTAINLY SHOULDN'T HAPPEN TO A VEHICLE 15 YEARS OL…
2005 toyota 4Runner body problems
moderate 138 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500
Complaints
138
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$1,500
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that the subframe was rusted. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who repaired the TPMS, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and recommended that the vehicle no longer be driven. The mechanic referred the…
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.
THE FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION. I HAD SOME SUSPENSION REPLACED LAST YEAR AND IT WAS FINE TODAY MY DEALER TOLD ME THERE IS EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND RECOMMENDS NOT TO PUT ANY MONEY INTO IT. ALSO TOLD ME THIS HAPPENED QUICKLY BECAUSE IF IT WAS THERE LAST YEAR HE WOULD HAVE INFORMED ME THEN NOT TO DO THE SUSPENSION WORK.
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.
PURCHSED THE VEHICLE USED AND THE UNDERSIDE/FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2005 toyota 4Runner?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 138 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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