TOYOTA TACOMA · model year

2005 TOYOTA TACOMA

870 NHTSA complaints, 64 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005TOYOTATACOMA carries 870 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 64 crashes, 4 fires, 21 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 TACOMA is structure:body with 135 filings, followed by suspension (124) and vehicle speed control (82). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2005 TACOMA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

870
Complaints
64
Crashes
4
Fires
21
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

870 filings

Crashes Reported

64 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STRUCTURE:BODY135
SUSPENSION124
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL82
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS72
STEERING57
UNKNOWN OR OTHER42
AIR BAGS39
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS33
POWER TRAIN22
ENGINE18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
STRUCTURE15
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION14
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION14
TIRES13

Recalls (10)

14V60400029/09/2014

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,

05V30200028/06/2005

AIR BAGS

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.

09V22300015/06/2009

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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 S

05V05000011/02/2005

PARKING BRAKE

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 PA

13V33700007/08/2013

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 scre

12V09200007/03/2012

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 DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAM

09V38800005/10/2009

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

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.

06V09600003/04/2006

AIR BAGS

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 CONDIT

10V03500003/02/2010

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 CAPA

10V03600003/02/2010

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.

Recent Complaints

20250909STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame had rust a lot,had one spot was repaired,still have some need fix

20250825ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

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.

Mileage: 339,740

20240908STRUCTURE:BODY

Corrocion en el chasis, el motor se encuentra inclinado

20240904SUSPENSION

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 told I was out of luck because the warranty expired even though the frame problem was Toyotas fault. A truck frame should outlast the engine and the body. I plan to keep the truck for 400,00 miles and my finances are very tight. Toyota is penalizing me because the frame didn't rust out sooner and on Toyotas time frame.

20240530STRUCTURE: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 the vehicle there were step rails and spray painted portions of the frame, the parts you could see. Also, when looking up the vehicle, I didn't see any recall issues at that time and thought it was a good sign. After driving it for 6th months, I started feeling a slight resistance feel when accelerating and turning at the same time. I took it to a mechanic and they delivered the news that the frame was deemed unfit for the roads. I found out that the vehicle was brought in for the recall when it came out and at that time the frame was labeled 'not exchangeable' and a slight bandage was applied to the unsafe defective body component that was s

20240216STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Mileage: 130,000

20231212SUSPENSION

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.

20231212STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

20231028STRUCTURE:BODY

Where the motor mount sits the bracket below collapsed into the Frame itself causing the engine to lower

20230908STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Mileage: 169,000

20230710CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

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

20230710CrashWHEELS

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

20230710CrashBACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

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

20230605STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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.

Mileage: 250,000

20230227STRUCTURE:BODY

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).

20230223STRUCTURE:BODY

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

20230223UNKNOWN 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

20221022POWER TRAIN

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 drive

20221022SUSPENSION

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 drive

20221022ENGINE

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 drive

Compare 2005TOYOTATACOMA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA have?
The 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA has 870 NHTSA complaints, 64 crashes, 4 fires, 21 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA?
Yes, the 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA?
The most-complained component for the 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA is STRUCTURE:BODY with 135 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.