2005 Toyota Tacoma problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, most often about body & structure. There are 5 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 47
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Median mileage
- 160,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Body & Structure is the most-reported problem area, named in 26 of 47 complaints (55%).
- Suspension (8) and engine (4) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 160,000 mi.
- Owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries.
- The 2005 Toyota Tacoma has 5 recalls on file.
- It ranks 20th of 22 Toyota Tacoma model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
2005 Toyota Tacoma problems by category
- Body & Structure · 1 crash26 complaints
- Other / Unknown10 complaints
- Suspension8 complaints
- Engine4 complaints
- Steering3 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts2 complaints
- Electrical System2 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain2 complaints
- Airbags1 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash1 complaints
- Wheels & Tires · 1 crash1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | 21 |
| Unknown or other | 10 |
| Suspension | 8 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Structure:frame and members | 4 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Power train | 2 |
| Seat belts | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2005 Toyota Tacoma recalls (5)
- SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF
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.
Risk: 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.
- SEAT BELTS
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.
Risk: 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.
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
Risk: 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.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
Risk: 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.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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.
Risk: 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.
Recent 2005 Toyota Tacoma complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Jun 18, 2026FLBody & Structure
I discovered frame perforation rust, for which Toyota sent letters offering to repair or compensate. I have moved to Florida and the letters didn't forward. So I notified Toyota and they said they would not do anything to help. There was a prior class-action lawsuit about this, which prompted Toyota's action. I have sent Toyota mechanic statements and photos of the rust along with m y nice letter requesting help. They offered that I could get my vehicle inspected at a Toyota…
NHTSA complaint #11744962 · source - Filed Aug 25, 2025339,740 miFLElectrical System
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale through OfferUp. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 139,900. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 339,740.
NHTSA complaint #11682911 · source - Filed Sep 4, 2024MOSuspension
The frame is rusting out substantially. The dealer advised me not to drive because the frame could fail at anytime. I have been driving around unaware of the problem. I could have been killed if the framed failed on the highway. There was no warning light. The Vehicle has been into the dealer and no one mentioned the problem until 08/30/2024. The Vehicle has been maintained and garaged. The vehicle is in good condition and has not been in an accident. I called Toyota and was…
NHTSA complaint #11612615 · source - Filed May 30, 2024WIBody & Structure
The frame has failed and is well beyond unsafe for the road due to the amount of rust and decay. The vehicle was part of the 'Corrosion Resistance Compound Application to Vehicle Frame' recall. I will bring the vehicle for inspection ASAP, if requested. There is absolutely nothing safe when a vehicle has a faulty structural issue. When I purchased the vehicle there were step rails and spray painted portions of the frame, the parts you could see. Also, when looking up the…
NHTSA complaint #11591663 · source - Filed Feb 16, 2024130,000 miNJBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed extreme corrosion on the sub frame. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the corrosion of the sub frame and deemed the vehicle unsafe for driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11572427 · source - Filed Dec 12, 2023CTBody & StructureSuspension
Frame failure due to rust. Suspension is detached with springs hitting frame. NOTE: fuel tank partially detached previously due to rusted brackets 3-4 years ago and all components were replaced. Filed NHTSA report at that time however had technical issues completing… Still have photos.
NHTSA complaint #11559705 · source - Filed Sep 8, 2023169,000 miNCBody & Structure
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while changing the oil and inspecting the vehicle, there was rust on the driver's side frame. The dealer had not been contacted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that a repair was no longer covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #11543358 · source - Filed Jul 10, 2023NCCrashTowedBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety TechWheels & Tires
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 complaint #11531246 · source
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Other 2005 Toyota models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology