IllustrationINTERMEDIATE STEERING ROD LOWER BALL JOINT HAS FAILED , UNABLE TO STEER TRUCK SAFELY THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TOYOTA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW IN 2005 OFF THE FLOOR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tacoma years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1040–25K
6325–50K
7250–75K
7875–100K
112100–150K
106150K+
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
Steering complaints
61 reportsAS I WAS DRIVING I WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT AND DOSE NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THE STEERING SHAFT MUST BE REPLACED, I ALMOST RAN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THE STEERING PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON CITY STREETS COUNTY ROU…
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AS I WAS DRIVING I WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT AND DOSE NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THE STEERING SHAFT MUST BE REPLACED, I ALMOST RAN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THE STEERING PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON CITY STREETS COUNTY ROUTES AND US HIGHWAY ROUTE 22 IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN, SPECIFICALLY IN THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. IT MAKES NOISE WHILE DRIVING.
MY STEERING HAD STARTED TO GET STIFF DURING A TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA. SINCE THEN IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. AFTER ABOUT SIX MONTHS OF THIS IT BECAME NORMAL AGAIN. NOW IT IS GOING BACK TO BEING STIFF AND HARD TO TRANSITION FROM A TURN TO STRAIGHT MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
STARTED TRUCK AND WHEN PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY STEERING BECOME EXTREMELY STIFF. NO UNUSUAL SOUNDS. STIFFNESS IS NOT ALWAYS THERE, IT PULSATES. FLUID LEVEL AND COLOR ALL WITHIN SPECS. BELT WITHIN SPECS. I PLAN ON PUTTING IT ON A LIFT WHEN I RETURN HOME AND PREFORM AN INSPECTION. SUSPECT U JOINT FAILURE.
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILURE. CAUSED STIFF STEERING
WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR RUST AND CORROSION THAT WE SEEN, PALMERS AIRPORT TOYOTA SAID THEY SEEN NONE, THE A-FRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED TO THE POINT OF SNAPPING AND THE METAL IS CORRODED AND PEELING WITH A CRACK GOING AROUND THE WHOLE A-FRAME. THE TRUCK IS NOW NOT MOVEABLE, THE WHOLE TIRE WILL FALL OFF IF…
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WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR RUST AND CORROSION THAT WE SEEN, PALMERS AIRPORT TOYOTA SAID THEY SEEN NONE, THE A-FRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED TO THE POINT OF SNAPPING AND THE METAL IS CORRODED AND PEELING WITH A CRACK GOING AROUND THE WHOLE A-FRAME. THE TRUCK IS NOW NOT MOVEABLE, THE WHOLE TIRE WILL FALL OFF IF WE DO MOVE IT, WE MADE IT BACK TO OUR HOME WITH IT LUCKILY AND TOYOTA CORPORATE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.
STEERING GETS DIFFICULT AT THE STAR OF TURNS THEN LOOSENS UP AS YOU TURN, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHILE TURNING. AS IF POWER STEERING IS TURNING ON AND OFF?
WHEN I STEER THE VEHICLE IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE POWER STEERING GIVES OUT. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT OCCUR ALL OF THE TIME.
WHEN TURNING, NOTICED STEERING VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. VERY UNNERVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, AS THE UNIVERSAL JOINT GETS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT DUE TO NO PROTECTION FROM ROAD AND ELEMENTS, AND IN TIME, T…
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WHEN TURNING, NOTICED STEERING VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. VERY UNNERVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, AS THE UNIVERSAL JOINT GETS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT DUE TO NO PROTECTION FROM ROAD AND ELEMENTS, AND IN TIME, THE STEERING CORRODES. PLEASE FIX THIS!! VERY VERY DANGEROUS. I HAD A CHILD IN THE CAR WHEN I WAS STRUGGLING WITH THIS ISSUE. I WAS HORRIFIED TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN . I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND MAKING SEVERAL TURNS, STEERING WAS UNPREDICTABLE AND UNSAFE.
Official recalls
1014V604000 · 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 DRIVERS 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 DRIVERS 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.