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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

Power Train complaints

57 reports
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6,558 miles · Feb 9, 2006
Parking BrakePower Train

AFTER HAVING TRANSMISSION REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE AT 6271 MILES, LESS THAN 2 WEEKS LATER AGAIN HEARD A CLINKING SOUND EMANATING FROM THE REAR TRANSMISSION WHEEL AREA. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND DURING TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE WITH SPOUSE REAR END LOCKED UP. DEALER DISCOVERED ISSUE WAS BOLTS ON RIGHT REAR E-BRAKE CABLE INSIDE…

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AFTER HAVING TRANSMISSION REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE AT 6271 MILES, LESS THAN 2 WEEKS LATER AGAIN HEARD A CLINKING SOUND EMANATING FROM THE REAR TRANSMISSION WHEEL AREA. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND DURING TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE WITH SPOUSE REAR END LOCKED UP. DEALER DISCOVERED ISSUE WAS BOLTS ON RIGHT REAR E-BRAKE CABLE INSIDE DRUM CAME OUT AND BRAKE SHOE WAS LOCKING UP REAR AND THEN MAKING IT HARD TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND BOLT WAS MAKING THE GRINDING NOISE AT LOWER 1ST GEAR. DEALER REMOVED AND CLEANED AXLES, INSTALLED NEW BOLTS ON E-BRAKE CABLE, REMOVED AND REPAIRED REAR BRAKE SHOES AND MACHINED BOTH REAR DRUMS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10149845

6,150 miles · Feb 8, 2006
Power Train

AT AROUND 6150 MILES, TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND OCCASIONAL ISSUES ENCOUNTERED GETTING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY IDENTIFIED THAT BEARING HAD SLIPPED LOOSE IN TRANSMISSION. DEALER ORDERED AND INSTALLED A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION INTO 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PICK UP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10149844

13,879 miles · Jan 9, 2006
Power Train

I PURCHASED A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA, 6 SPEED IN JUNE OF 2005. JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE ATTAINED 14,000 MILES IT STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF 4TH GEAR. I PLACED A CALL TO THE DEALER, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED, "IT WILL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION" DURING THE 5 MINUTE CONVERSATION ON THE PHONE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE SERV…

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I PURCHASED A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA, 6 SPEED IN JUNE OF 2005. JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE ATTAINED 14,000 MILES IT STARTED SLIPPING OUT OF 4TH GEAR. I PLACED A CALL TO THE DEALER, AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED, "IT WILL NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION" DURING THE 5 MINUTE CONVERSATION ON THE PHONE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON WEEK LATER, WITHIN THE FIRST 2 HOURS OF THEM RECEIVING THE TRUCK A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS ORDERED. THIS TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM REGULARLY. IF A NUMBER OF 6 SPEED TACOMAS' HAVE BEEN RETURNED WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, SHOULDN'T THE CONSUMER BE NOTIFIED. AFTER ALL MY CAR SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING, THAT SEEMS TO BE A BIT OF A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. THE VEHICLE HAS SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR AT LEAST 25 TIMES PRIOR TO BEING FIXED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10147252

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PRESSURE PLATE ASSEMBLY. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESSURE PLATE HE WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE.*…

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DT: THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. HE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PRESSURE PLATE ASSEMBLY. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESSURE PLATE HE WAS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10142029

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2005
Power Train

2005 TOYOTA TACOMA STARTED JUMPING OUT OF GEAR WHILE IN FOURTH GEAR.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHILE IN 4TH GEAR. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10134545

1,200 miles · Jun 6, 2005
Power Train

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE VEHICLE HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND HE STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO 5TH GEAR SAFELY. THIS VEHICLE WILL GO INTO EVERY OTHER GEAR PERFECTLY FINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TRANSMISSION CONSUMER HAS PUT IN HIS VEHICLE AND HE ONLY HAS 5000 MILES ON HIS VEHICLE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10124392

800 miles · Dec 4, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

2005 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD MANUAL WITH 800 MILES DEVELOP A MAJOR OIL LEAK BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CRANK SHAFT. GEAR SHIFT NOT SMOOTH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10102153

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.