2005 Toyota Tacoma problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (115) · Structure:body (106) · Vehicle Speed Control (81)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota Tacoma model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
533 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (5)
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly:leaf 2014-09-29 · campaign 14V604000 · 710,711 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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 2013-08-07 · campaign 13V337000 · 342,451 vehicles
Defect: 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 fro
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.
Fix: 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 2012-03-07 · campaign 12V092000 · 495,470 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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 2010-02-03 · campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Equipment:other:labels 2010-02-03 · campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (337)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-07 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2005 – 2026 toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. the purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
to prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. the purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. if these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfa
Structure:body 2024-12-05 · T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
toyota vehicles are currently protected with rapgardtm protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. this material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. follow the removal procedure in this bulletin to remove the rapgardtm protective film wi
Structure:body 2024-12-03 · T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. this type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surfa
Showing the 6 most recent of 337 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-06-18 · Structure:body“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 statement…”
2025-09-09 · Structure:body“the frame had rust a lot,had one spot was repaired,still have some need fix …”
2025-08-25 · Electrical System:instrument Panel:speedometer/Odometer · 339,740 mi“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.…”
2024-09-08 · Structure:body“corrocion en el chasis, el motor se encuentra inclinado…”
2024-09-04 · Suspension“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. t…”
2024-05-30 · Structure:body“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 …”
2024-02-16 · Structure:frame And Members · 130,000 mi“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. t…”
2023-12-12 · Suspension“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. …”
2023-10-28 · Structure:body“where the motor mount sits the bracket below collapsed into the frame itself causing the engine to lower …”
2023-09-08 · Structure:frame And Members · 169,000 mi“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.