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2005 Toyota Tacoma

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Tacoma years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma are substantially higher than the model-year median of 228.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

535 reports with mileage · 172 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 260 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 137 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

47 crash reports4 fire reports14 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

46 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2022
Air BagsElectrical System

My problem was associated with the air bag warning light. It came on and so I took my truck to Big Two Toyota in Chandler AZ. Dealer said I had a faulty clock spring assembly that will prevent the air bag system from functioning properly and was a major safety risk.... So I let Dealer remove and replace it for $511.82. THIS SHOU…

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My problem was associated with the air bag warning light. It came on and so I took my truck to Big Two Toyota in Chandler AZ. Dealer said I had a faulty clock spring assembly that will prevent the air bag system from functioning properly and was a major safety risk.... So I let Dealer remove and replace it for $511.82. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SAFETY RECALL.... Please look into this issue for me and other Toyota Tacoma truck owners. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11446714

205,000 miles · Apr 16, 2018
Air Bags

AIRBAG EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING, NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED.

NHTSA ODI #11088427

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2018
Air Bags

AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT WORKING. LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY SAYS AIR BAG "OFF". THE UPHOLSTERY COVERING AIR BAG SHOWS OIL STAINING ON INSIDE. THIS HAS BEEN PRESENT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS..

NHTSA ODI #11084931

50,600 miles · Jan 19, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL... BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED TWO YEARS AGO . IT HAS 64000 MILES ON IT AND THE AIR BAG LITE HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER THREE MONTHS NOW, IT USED TO ONLY GO ON ONCE IN A WHILE AND NEVER AT THE DEALER. THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY TRUCK AT THIS TIME

NHTSA ODI #11063799

108,000 miles · Feb 1, 2017
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A BUILDING. I WAS GOING APPROX. 1-3 MPH DUE TO THE LOT BEING WET & HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. WHEN I WAS ALMOST TO THE CONCRETE CURB, THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT THE BUILDING. I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE & SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING F…

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I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A BUILDING. I WAS GOING APPROX. 1-3 MPH DUE TO THE LOT BEING WET & HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. WHEN I WAS ALMOST TO THE CONCRETE CURB, THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT THE BUILDING. I STILL HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE & SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE WAS REVVING FULL THROTTLE, SO I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. BEFORE MOVING, I CHECKED TO MAKE SURE NOTHING WAS TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR, WHICH WAS THE CASE. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY BUT THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE AT WHICH I HIT THE BUILDING. I THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE AN BACKED OFF THE BUILDING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10948844

140,000 miles · Jan 13, 2017
Air Bags

THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE SYSTEM WILL LIKELY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY IF INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IT CURRENTLY DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE TOYOTA AIRBAG SYSTEM RECALL, BUT INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SYSTEM IN THIS CURRENT MAKE/MOD…

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THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON AND INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE SYSTEM WILL LIKELY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY IF INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IT CURRENTLY DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE TOYOTA AIRBAG SYSTEM RECALL, BUT INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE SYSTEM IN THIS CURRENT MAKE/MODEL. THE PROBLEM WAS DETECTED DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION/SERVICE AT A SHOP.

NHTSA ODI #10945058

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2016
Air Bags

DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. WHY IS MY VIN NOT INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING RECALL BY TOYOTA FOR AIRBAGS FOR TACOMA PICKUPS. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V092000 COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGS

NHTSA ODI #10911099

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2016
Air Bags

I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE TOYOTA'S RECALL FOR THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE FAILURE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. A FEW MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE FAILURE LIGHT CAN ON. TOYOTA SAID THE SPIRAL CABLE HAD FAILED AND WANTED $700 PLUS TO REPLACE IT. I AM GUESSING THEY DID NOT FIX THE VIBRATION THAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM SO THE SYSTE…

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I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE TOYOTA'S RECALL FOR THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE FAILURE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. A FEW MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE VEHICLE BACK THE FAILURE LIGHT CAN ON. TOYOTA SAID THE SPIRAL CABLE HAD FAILED AND WANTED $700 PLUS TO REPLACE IT. I AM GUESSING THEY DID NOT FIX THE VIBRATION THAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM SO THE SYSTEM FAILED AGAIN. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE FIXED THE VIBRATION AND LEFT THE SPIRAL CABLE ALONE. THE ORIGINAL CABLE WAS NOT CAUSING A PROBLEM. THEY HAVE REFUSED.

NHTSA ODI #10871879

150,000 miles · Nov 6, 2015
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO TURN AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE CRASH SCEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO TURN AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAIN ANY INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FROM THE CRASH SCENE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10788880

59,000 miles · Feb 12, 2015
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash

I WAS SLOWLY TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF THE GAS PEDAL. MY TRUCK SHOT LIKE A BULLET (ABOUT 40-45 FEET) INTO THE CORNER OF MY HOUSE AND DECK. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT SHEARED A 6X6 DECK CORNER POST, KNOCKED THE GARAGE SMALL ENTRY DOOR COMPLETELY LOOSE FROM IT'S FRAME, AND DID EXTENSIVE DAMAG…

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I WAS SLOWLY TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OF THE GAS PEDAL. MY TRUCK SHOT LIKE A BULLET (ABOUT 40-45 FEET) INTO THE CORNER OF MY HOUSE AND DECK. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT SHEARED A 6X6 DECK CORNER POST, KNOCKED THE GARAGE SMALL ENTRY DOOR COMPLETELY LOOSE FROM IT'S FRAME, AND DID EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO A SOLID BRICK WALL, AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE INSIDE OF GARAGE. LUCKILY, I DID STILL HAVE MY SEAT BELT FASTENED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I FILED A CLAIM WITH TOYOTA, THEY SENT AN INSPECTOR, AND NOW HAVE DENIED THAT THERE WAS ANY MALFUNCTION. I AM 100% SURE THAT THE ACCELERATION WAS NOT "DRIVER'S ERROR" AND THAT THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE HERE AND TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. THE BODY DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK HAS BEEN REPAIRED, BUT I WILL BE GETTING RID OF IT. THE CONVERSATIONS I HAVE HAD WITH THE PEOPLE AT TOYOTA'S HEADQUARTERS IN TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA HAVE CERTAINLY BEEN MOST UNPLEASANT AND HAVE LEFT ME WITH A VERY BAD OPINION OF TOYOTA AS A COMPANY. I WILL NEVER HAVE ANOTHER OF THEIR VEHICLES! I JUST HOPE THE NEXT PERSON IS AS LUCKY AS I WAS AND DOES NOT GET KILLED OR BADLY INJURED WHEN HIS TOYOTA TACOMA ACCELERATES FOR NO REASON! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683026

Official recalls

10

14V604000 · Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly:leaf

Sep 29, 2014

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

13V337000 · Seat Belts

Aug 7, 2013

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

12V092000 · Air Bags:frontal

Mar 7, 2012

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER’S SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 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 BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 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 SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

09V388000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Oct 5, 2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

09V223000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jun 15, 2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.

06V096000 · Air Bags

Apr 3, 2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

05V302000 · Air Bags

Jun 28, 2005

ON CERTAIN REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A BENCH SEAT, THE SEAT POSITION AND SEAT BELT BUCKLE SENSOR CONNECTOR PINS ARE INCORRECTLY POSITIONED DUE TO A WIRE HARNESS MANUFACTURING PROCESS ERROR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THIS CONDITION, THE SEAT POSITION AND SEAT BELT BUCKLE SENSOR MAY NOT FUNCTION AS DESIGNED, AFFECTING THE ADAPTIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, WHICH IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH, COULD RESULT IN IMPROPER OCCUPANT RESTRAINT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT POSITION AND SEAT BELT FASTENING CONDITION SENSOR CONNECTOR. AN ADDITIONAL SUB-WIRE HARNESS WILL BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT THE CONNECTOR PIN MANUFACTURING ERROR, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-431-4331.

05V050000 · Parking Brake

Feb 11, 2005

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CABLE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION. IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOCK NUT MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, WHICH WILL REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARKING BRAKE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL IF THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT PLACED INTO THE "PARK" POSITION AND THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A SLOPE, THUS RAISING THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CABLE LOCK NUT TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.