TOYOTA TUNDRA · model year

2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA

491 NHTSA complaints, 47 crash reports, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005TOYOTATUNDRA carries 491 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 47 crashes, 5 fires, 31 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 TUNDRA is air bags with 79 filings, followed by structure:body (70) and suspension (55). 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 14 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 51 investigation files overlapping the 2005 TUNDRA, and 1 remain open. 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.

491
Complaints
47
Crashes
5
Fires
31
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

491 filings

Crashes Reported

47 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS79
STRUCTURE:BODY70
SUSPENSION55
UNKNOWN OR OTHER25
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
STEERING20
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT19
POWER TRAIN19
SERVICE BRAKES19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC13
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION12
ENGINE10
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS10
TIRES9

Recalls (14)

05V12300030/03/2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH BOTH VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL (VSC) AND THE TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEMS. THE TRD DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM MET ALL CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS ON MODELS WITHOUT VSC, HOWEVER THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXHAUST LOCATED IN A POSITION WHERE CONTACT BETWEEN A BRAKE LINE FOUND ONLY ON VEH

06E04900024/05/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.

05V32800020/07/2005

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND OPTIONAL FABRIC FRONT CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICA

07V01300019/01/2007

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MINI VANS, DUE TO POSSIBLE IMPROPER FINISHING OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, SOME BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCIDENTAL DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL LUBRICATION. THIS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT TO WEAR AND LOOSEN PREMATURELY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STEERI

19V74100017/10/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX4

22E00200014/01/2022

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints for 2004-2007 Toyota Sequoia and 2004-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles, MOOG part number K80521, K80522, NAPA part number NCP2601633, NCP2601634, ACDelco part number 45D2344, and 45D2345. The ball joint housing may have inadequate ha

15V28600013/05/2015

AIR BAGS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf

15V28500013/05/2015

AIR BAGS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, T

18V88300012/12/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modul

16V06500005/02/2016

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag c

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.

16V39600002/06/2016

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Priu

05V25400002/06/2005

AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE A MANUAL AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE A CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGE SYSTEM IN THE

Recent Complaints

20251209STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame is so rusted in my truck my mechanic said it may snap at anytime and is not safe to drive. I know Toyota tundra’s from 2000-2003 have been recalled for same reason.

20251029STRUCTURE:BODY

This report addresses the critical structural integrity concerns related to excessive corrosion, and frame material loss affecting the main ladder frame chassis. The degradation of the frame members poses a significant and immediate safety risk, including potential catastrophic structural failure, detachment of critical components, and failure of safety systems (e.g., braking and fuel lines) mounted to the frame. Location: Mid-frame section (beneath the cab) and rear sections (near the leaf spring mounts and rear axle).

20251029SUSPENSION

This report addresses the critical structural integrity concerns related to excessive corrosion, and frame material loss affecting the main ladder frame chassis. The degradation of the frame members poses a significant and immediate safety risk, including potential catastrophic structural failure, detachment of critical components, and failure of safety systems (e.g., braking and fuel lines) mounted to the frame. Location: Mid-frame section (beneath the cab) and rear sections (near the leaf spring mounts and rear axle).

20251028ENGINE

Suddenly unintended acceleration has happened multiple times with the brake depressed and the accelerator pedal not depressed.

20250612STRUCTURE:BODY

1)Frame is rusting out. Not repairable. 2) Fuel tank strap rusted through and broken.

20240822STRUCTURE:BODY

know issue with Toyota Tundra Frame, and refuse to give option to repair.

20240813SUSPENSION

Frame is rusted beyond repair both in the front and rear of the truck. fuel tank strap is rusted threw and fuel tank is hanging by one strap and not far from the ground.

20240813FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Frame is rusted beyond repair both in the front and rear of the truck. fuel tank strap is rusted threw and fuel tank is hanging by one strap and not far from the ground.

20240628STRUCTURE:BODY

We are the first owner of this 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited with only 91K miles. The frame is rusted so badly that we are afraid to drive down the road. This rusted problem could cause potential harm or death to us and others on the road.

20240612STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted and had holes. The parking brake and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the vehicle might not pass a safety inspection due to the position of the holes and rust. The warning lights were repaired but the sub frame was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a frame shop, the frame shop declined to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about an Extended Warranty, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Mileage: 139,000

20240530UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FRAME RUST ISSUES. THE DEALER UNDER COATED THE FRAME IN-LIEU OF REPLACING IT, AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH SO MANY OTHERS. NOW I'M FACING A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN CRITICAL AREAS. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS IF THE FRAME SNAPS IN HALF WHILE UNDER HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY INJURING OTHER AND OR MYSELF. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER (240530000550). THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY WERE THE ONES THAT RECOMMENDED CONTACTING THIS ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS THE MANUFACTURER.

20240530SUSPENSION

THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FRAME RUST ISSUES. THE DEALER UNDER COATED THE FRAME IN-LIEU OF REPLACING IT, AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH SO MANY OTHERS. NOW I'M FACING A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN CRITICAL AREAS. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS IF THE FRAME SNAPS IN HALF WHILE UNDER HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY INJURING OTHER AND OR MYSELF. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER (240530000550). THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY WERE THE ONES THAT RECOMMENDED CONTACTING THIS ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS THE MANUFACTURER.

20240524UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tundra for my son for his first vehicle. After taking it to a professional mechanic to be inspected I was told that the frame is rotted from rust and cannot pass inspection. After researching this issue i found that toyota had a recall on their frames because of how many and how bad the frames were. I believe this tundra rates the recall because of how bad the rust is. Any help getting this recall to fix this known issue with the rusting frames would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time.

20240427UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The frame on this truck is severely compromised by rust. This is a well known problem with early Toyota Tundras, and Toyota issued a recall that ended with model year 2004, despite knowing that it was also an issue with 2005 and 2006 models as well. This is one of these trucks. This particular truck has large rust holes in the frame near the front driver's side wheel, and had multiple very weak spots that are on the brink of failure, all while the body and suspension components are in relatively good shape still. This creates a significant safety hazard. A Toyota dealership in Effingham, IL looked at the frame a number of years ago, but didn't do any work on it, claiming that it was not covered by Toyota's recalls or service bulletins.

20240424SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver’s side front ball joint detached causing the front driver’s side wheel to bend inward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence which caused damage to the fender. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V013000 (Suspension) however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.

Mileage: 290,000

20240419UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Was told my truck would not be able to be inspected next year because of a rotting FRAME! This potentuly means I will not have a safe vehicle. I have not brought my truck to a dealer...but I must say I did have the same problem with my last truck a (Toyota Tundra) and it was taken care of and was PLEASED by the outcome, that is why I bought another of the same. I feel after spending the money a vehicle costs this is something the manufacture should remedy. With the cost of a new vehicle..it is almost impossible to buy. My truck is in good running condition along with being a great truck. If it weren't for the rotting frame I'm sure I would get many more years of service from it. Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you , [XXX] [XXX] PS If pictures are needed I will supply them, just ask. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240216STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive

20240216SUSPENSION

Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive

20240215SUSPENSION

Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend towards the front of the frame. The fuel tank straps are also severely corroded.

20240215STEERING

Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend towards the front of the frame. The fuel tank straps are also severely corroded.

Compare 2005TOYOTATUNDRA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA have?
The 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 491 NHTSA complaints, 47 crashes, 5 fires, 31 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
Yes, the 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 14 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The most-complained component for the 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA is AIR BAGS with 79 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA 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.