2005 Toyota 4RUNNER: check engine light

9 of the 425 complaints about the 2005 Toyota 4RUNNER describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 9
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 108,953
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 23 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2021
1
2019
2
2018
2
2017
3
2016
3
2015
3
2014
3
2013
2
2011
1
2010
2
2008
1
2007
4
2006
9
2005
9
2004
17
2003
5
2002
8
2001
6
2000
6
1999
2
1998
1
1995
5
1992
1

What owners say

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Engine · TX

Head gasket failure. 2005 toyota 4runner generation are notorious for head gasket failure. Due to the poor manufacturing of the gasket it has been deteriorating and has allowed coolant to leak into the cylinder causing misfires and possibly more damage internally. including permanent mechanical breakdown or a completely ruined engine block. High risk of Hydrolock, Damaged Engine Bearings and Sludge, Severe Overheating, Catalytic Converter Failure. Any of these effects cause by this head gasket failure will be extremely dangerous to happen while driving. The vehicles is being taken to a independent mechanic 09/28/2026 for conformation diagnosis. And possible repairs. The check engine light showed the following code-P0300, P0302, P0304. The only symptom where misfiring and coolant levels depleting. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police nor insurance representative. Noticeable misfiring around the beginning of 2025 has just became more aggressive since 2026

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Acceleration, Body · 205,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and was unable to accelerate, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The contact was also made aware that the mechanic discovered excessive corrosion covering the entire subframe of the vehicle. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 205,000.

Filed Aug 6, 2019 · Engine · 172,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. While driving at any speed, the check engine indicator illuminated and remained lit. The vehicle was taken to ackerman toyota (314‑351‑3000, located at 2020 hampton ave, saint louis, mo 63139) where it was diagnosed that the air switching valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the exhaust manifold and the air switching valves were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2017 · Engine · 102,000 miles · IA

2005 toyota 4runner 4.7l v8. "check engine" and vsc trac. Codes 1441, 1444 and 2440.toyota knows they put a faulty secondary air injection system in the v8 engines for a number of years, and now they want $2200 to fix the problem. If the faulty valve sticks open, the vehicle will automatically go into "limp mode" with a maximum speed well below safe travel speeds on highways and interstates, creating a safety hazard for occupants and others on the road. Toyota did a recall on other models with the same engine, but nothing for the 4runner. This is a know issue with the v8 engine, and they are covering the repair for sequoias and tundras with the same engine.

Filed Jul 24, 2017 · Engine · 125 miles · VA

2005 toyota 4runner 4.7l v8. "check engine" and vsc trac. Codes 1441, 1444 and 2440 vehicle went into limp mode on the highway and I was unable to accelerate about 20 MPH on a 70 MPH highway. Major safety issue. This is a known issue with the toyota v8 but toyota is not covering the 4runner but is covering the same engine part in the tundra. The mechanic knew exactly what the problem was and sees it all the time. Repair is $2,000 with no reimbursement from toyota

Filed May 16, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 103,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota 4runner. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power. In addition, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine and vsc warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto store where a technician pulled up diagnostic trouble codes. The contact spoke with a local dealer who stated that, based on the codes provided, the vehicle would be repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v123000 (engine and engine cooling). The VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2016 · Engine · 121,000 miles · CA

For 3 days the car would start with engine roughness, lasting 15 seconds or so (sometimes with a cloud of smoke from the exhaust). On the 3rd day the check engine light, vsc, and trac lights illuminated. An analysis at an independent repair shop found a computer code of p0306 (engine mis-fire on cylinder 6). A borescope video of the cylinder shows small amounts of coolant entering the cylinder, indicating a head gasket leak. Searching this vehicle online and in this database shows a high number of reports of head gaskets leaking into cylinder 6. I am looking at quotes between $2500-5000 for repairs.

Filed Nov 12, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 108,953 miles · PA

My check engine light came on along with vsc trac. After taking vehicle to dealership I was told that the repair would cost $2,048.73 due to the air pump being stuck in off position. While toyota in response to reports of air induction pump assemblies and/or air injection switching valves issues on their 2007-2010 tundra and 2008-2010 sequoia models, toyota has decided to increase its warranty on these parts and is even offering a reimbursement if you already had this issue fixed. My vehicle has the identical engine of the above-named vehicles but toyota does not offer any help with the 4runner. It is my understanding that if I do not get the problem fixed it becomes a huge problem within federally mandated emissions requirement.

Filed Dec 29, 2011 · Engine · 90,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota runner. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that the air induction pump failed. In addition, the contact stated that the secondary air injection switch was also damaged as a result of the air induction pump failure. The air induction pump was replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised the contact that there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.