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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
3,000 miles · Mar 6, 2005
Structure

2005 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB WITH SKID PLATE. SKID PLATE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AT HIGH SPEEDS, 70 MPH AND HIGHER. IT'S WORSE WHEN CAUGHT IN A CROSS WIND ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON WINDY DAYS. VERY STRONG AND LOUD VIBRATION. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY WHEN THE SKIDPLATE WAS REMOVED. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS FROM ONLINE FORUMS ABOU…

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2005 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB WITH SKID PLATE. SKID PLATE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AT HIGH SPEEDS, 70 MPH AND HIGHER. IT'S WORSE WHEN CAUGHT IN A CROSS WIND ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON WINDY DAYS. VERY STRONG AND LOUD VIBRATION. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY WHEN THE SKIDPLATE WAS REMOVED. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS FROM ONLINE FORUMS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE STRONG VIBRATION COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND WHO KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE IT COULD CAUSE TO THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL THE SKID PLATE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10112601

1,500 miles · Feb 27, 2005
Structure

CABIN MOUNT BOLTS AND BUSHINGS CONTRACT IN THE COLD WEATHER AND BECOME LOOSE. THERE IS A LOUD BANGING NOISE HEARD THROUGHOUT THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. WHEN THE WEATHER WARMS UP THE SOUND GOES AWAY. DEALER REMOVED THE BUSHINGS AND BOLTS AND REALIGNED TO NO AVAIL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10112230

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

EXHAUST POOR ENGINEERING. THE CROSSOVER PIPE ON THE EXHAUST IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE VEHICLE. IT HANGS DOWN BELOW THE TRANSFERCASE MOUNT. THIS WILL GET CRUSHED IF TAKEN OFF ROAD. I BOUGHT A 4 X 4 TRD MODEL FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF TAKING IT OFF-ROAD. A CRUSHED OR DAMAGED CROSSOVER PIPE COULD RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING …

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EXHAUST POOR ENGINEERING. THE CROSSOVER PIPE ON THE EXHAUST IS THE LOWEST POINT OF THE VEHICLE. IT HANGS DOWN BELOW THE TRANSFERCASE MOUNT. THIS WILL GET CRUSHED IF TAKEN OFF ROAD. I BOUGHT A 4 X 4 TRD MODEL FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF TAKING IT OFF-ROAD. A CRUSHED OR DAMAGED CROSSOVER PIPE COULD RESULT IN CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING OR EVEN DEATH. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10108458

50 miles · Jan 8, 2005
Structure

2005 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB WITH THE TRD PACKAGE AND SKID PLATE 2W DRIVE. E SKID PLATE CATCHES AIR AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE VIOLANTLY AT 75 MPH AND HIGHER, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THE LOSS OF CONTROL. WE REMOVED THE PLATE AND NOW THERE IS NO VIBRATION. PEOPLE WILL THINK IT IS THE TIRES BEING OUT OF BALANCE, BUT IT…

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2005 TOYOTA TACOMA ACCESS CAB WITH THE TRD PACKAGE AND SKID PLATE 2W DRIVE. E SKID PLATE CATCHES AIR AND CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE VIOLANTLY AT 75 MPH AND HIGHER, WHICH COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THE LOSS OF CONTROL. WE REMOVED THE PLATE AND NOW THERE IS NO VIBRATION. PEOPLE WILL THINK IT IS THE TIRES BEING OUT OF BALANCE, BUT IT IS THE PLATE. TOYOTA NEEDS TO REDESIGN THIS PLATE AND CHECK THINGS IN A WIND TUNNEL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10105999

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2005
Structure

WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. THIS CAUSED A FLOOD INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE A POST BECAME DETACHED FROM THE MAIN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT A PROXY GLUE WAS APPLIED …

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WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. THIS CAUSED A FLOOD INSIDE THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE A POST BECAME DETACHED FROM THE MAIN FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT A PROXY GLUE WAS APPLIED AND FIXED IT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10107040

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

2,000 miles · Nov 30, 2004
Exterior Lighting

I'M NOT SUTRE IF THIS REALLY QUALIFIES BUT I BOUGHT A NEW TRUCK AND THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL QUITS WORKING AT VARIUOS TIMES WHEN ITS IN THE "ON" POSITION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10100810

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.