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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

707 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2023
Back Over PreventionStructureWheelsCrash

Drivers the problem drunk speeding Hitman killed man do you watch hard no manslaughters still driving just got another traffic ticket and let go again super unfair

NHTSA ODI #11531246

250,000 miles · Jun 5, 2023
Structure

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing an oil change, he noticed excessive corrosion on the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer informed the conta…

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The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing an oil change, he noticed excessive corrosion on the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

NHTSA ODI #11525383

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2023
Structure

hello good afternoon my name is [XXX] I have a Toyota Tacoma 2005 could you help me with some information it has a chassis with holes and rotten. Toyota was changing all chassis that had this defect in 2018 to 2020 at no cost, the first owner didn't know about it and I wasn't even warned. I would like to know if I am entitled …

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hello good afternoon my name is [XXX] I have a Toyota Tacoma 2005 could you help me with some information it has a chassis with holes and rotten. Toyota was changing all chassis that had this defect in 2018 to 2020 at no cost, the first owner didn't know about it and I wasn't even warned. I would like to know if I am entitled to a free chassis exchange? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11509346

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2023
StructureUnknown Or Other

Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, the chassis is rusty and has holes in it. I went to complain at Toyota, they said the car didn't have a Recall but neither the first owner nor I had news that I would have to change the car's frame. I would like help to resolve this. all parts under the car are very rusty

NHTSA ODI #11508816

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2022
EnginePower TrainSuspension

In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame inspection, I scoped the frame myself, a…

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In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame inspection, I scoped the frame myself, and noticed abnormal rust forming throughout both sides of the frame. Therefore, I took my Tacoma to Berge Toyota in Mesa AZ. for further inspection and to have some other repairs done. Upon my arrival to Berge Toyota, l informed the service writer of the repairs that were needed done and showed him the request from Toyota for the frame inspection. My vehicle was taken to a lift, where a brief frame inspection was performed with a flashlight only and I was told the frame was fine, and the rust I had witnessed during my personal inspection was within a standard tolerance of "normal". On September 12, 2022 my frame cracked in a horseshoe formation around the driver side motor mount, causing the engine to shift and sink approx. 3/4" towards the driver side. This frame failure has caused numerous problems to occur, such as the fan to continuously rub against the shroud, abnormal shifting of the transmission, ramping up and down of RPM's, vehicle's steering locks up and cannot be safely driven, leaving me without transportation After detailed inspection was performed on my Tacoma, the horseshoe crack around the motor mount was found and it was determined this was the source of all the problems. I contacted Berge Toyota where I was informed by their service manager that Berge Toyota was not certified to do the frame inspection or repair, and further explained the safety recall had expired and instructed me to contact Toyota to see what could be done. The question I had for the Berge Toyota service manager, was if they were not certified to do the frame inspection, or repair why did they inspect my frame and inform me it was fine, when it wasn't?

NHTSA ODI #11490424

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2022
Structure

My 2005 Toyota Tacoma had a recall due to potential frame rusting. I brought my Truck to my local Toyota Dealership for the frame inspection as stated in the recall notice I received. The frame did not need to be replaced and at a later date the frame was sealed per Toyota's remedy. In March of 2022 I had an issue with my tru…

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My 2005 Toyota Tacoma had a recall due to potential frame rusting. I brought my Truck to my local Toyota Dealership for the frame inspection as stated in the recall notice I received. The frame did not need to be replaced and at a later date the frame was sealed per Toyota's remedy. In March of 2022 I had an issue with my truck that required the gas tank to be removed. As it turned out there was major rust to the frame that was located behind the gas tank that was never sealed during the original remedy to the frame rusting issue. I contacted Toyota about the issue and was told that the extended warranty for the Issue had expired. I was told to contact the local dealership. In conversation with the dealership I was told there was nothing they can do. I feel that if this issue has happened to my truck, there must be other trucks on the road with the same issue that the owners have no Idea what is happening to their frames that may cause a safety issue should the frame completely fail. My truck is available for inspection. Neither the dealer or Toyota inspected the Issue. I feel Toyota should have had the hindsight to have the dealers remove the gas tank and seal the frame behind the tank.

NHTSA ODI #11484712

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2022
Seat Belts

The driver side seat belt does not go up and down to adjust position. It is attached to the access door. By not being able to adjust it from going up and down, it makes it hard to strap it into place next to the seat. This may wear out the sides of the seat belt in time. I have not had a Toyota dealer look at it yet. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI #11480034

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Rusty Frame Issue Toyota Tacoma had a warranty enchantment program that expired in 01/31/2019 . I took the Tacoma July 18 2022 to the dealership for regular maintenance and they told me “THE TECH NOTICED 2 LARGES HOLES IN THE FRAME WHICH IS GOING TO COMPROMISE THE STRENGTH OF THE FRAME”. When I asked why they didn’t change the f…

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Rusty Frame Issue Toyota Tacoma had a warranty enchantment program that expired in 01/31/2019 . I took the Tacoma July 18 2022 to the dealership for regular maintenance and they told me “THE TECH NOTICED 2 LARGES HOLES IN THE FRAME WHICH IS GOING TO COMPROMISE THE STRENGTH OF THE FRAME”. When I asked why they didn’t change the frame during the inspection back in 2015 if they knew it was going to be a problem. They refused to give a good answer. I took the Tacoma to the dealership back in 2015 for a frame inspection the nonprofessional inspector chose not change the frame. I contacted Toyota Motor Sales USA and basically was told they couldn’t do anything because the warranty enchantment program already expired. I understand that the warranty enchantment program has expired but I don’t understand how I have full responsibility when I did my part as the customer by taking my Tacoma during the time window of the warranty enchantment program. This is not safe for me, my family of the citizens. I believe there are going to be many more Toyota pickups with this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11476441

170,000 miles · Mar 7, 2022
Structure

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The contact noticed a 10-inch crack on the inside driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer dealer and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to b…

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The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The contact noticed a 10-inch crack on the inside driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer dealer and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Consumer stated rust is the worst near the catalytic converters. It is also bad just in front of the rear tires. It’s a manufacturer flaw where they designed the double wall to where water could get in but not get out and the frame rots from the inside out. This truck was garage kept.

NHTSA ODI #11455547

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2022
Power Train

The differential drive housing failed due to corrosion resulting in the differential oil leaking out at a significant rate and in loss of lubrication of the differential gears. The condition was detected before any significant loss of material condition or function but could have lead to a loss of vehicle control if the differe…

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The differential drive housing failed due to corrosion resulting in the differential oil leaking out at a significant rate and in loss of lubrication of the differential gears. The condition was detected before any significant loss of material condition or function but could have lead to a loss of vehicle control if the differential had failed. The local Toyota Dealer has not reviewed the condition as of yet. A review of several Tacoma internet forum sights finds similar corrosion failures described (oil leaking from differential housing). There is no monitoring/warning indicator for the oil level condition in the differential housing in this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11452535

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.