2005 Toyota Tacoma
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 707 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Tacoma model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 47 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rear, springs, leaf spring assembly, leafSep 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.
If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 14V604000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsAug 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V337000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalMar 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 DRIVERS AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
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.
Campaign 12V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 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.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 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.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
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.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 09V388000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 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."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsApr 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.
THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 06V096000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 05V302000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeFeb 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 05V050000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
61 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Apr 8, 2021
INTERMEDIATE STEERING ROD LOWER BALL JOINT HAS FAILED , UNABLE TO STEER TRUCK SAFELY THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TOYOTA NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW IN 2005 OFF THE FLOOR
Steering, Jul 14, 2020
AS I WAS DRIVING I WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT AND DOSE NOT RESPOND AS IT SHOULD, TOYOTA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD ME THE STEERING SHAFT MUST BE REPLACED, I ALMOST RAN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF THE STEERING PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES ON CITY STREETS COUNTY ROUTES AND US HIGHWAY ROUTE 22 IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
Steering, May 3, 2020
VEHICLE HAS PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN, SPECIFICALLY IN THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. IT MAKES NOISE WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, May 23, 2019
MY STEERING HAD STARTED TO GET STIFF DURING A TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA. SINCE THEN IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. AFTER ABOUT SIX MONTHS OF THIS IT BECAME NORMAL AGAIN. NOW IT IS GOING BACK TO BEING STIFF AND HARD TO TRANSITION FROM A TURN TO STRAIGHT MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Steering, Dec 22, 2018
STARTED TRUCK AND WHEN PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY STEERING BECOME EXTREMELY STIFF. NO UNUSUAL SOUNDS. STIFFNESS IS NOT ALWAYS THERE, IT PULSATES. FLUID LEVEL AND COLOR ALL WITHIN SPECS. BELT WITHIN SPECS. I PLAN ON PUTTING IT ON A LIFT WHEN I RETURN HOME AND PREFORM AN INSPECTION. SUSPECT U JOINT FAILURE.
Steering, Nov 21, 2018
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT FAILURE. CAUSED STIFF STEERING
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jun 25, 2018
WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR RUST AND CORROSION THAT WE SEEN, PALMERS AIRPORT TOYOTA SAID THEY SEEN NONE, THE A-FRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED TO THE POINT OF SNAPPING AND THE METAL IS CORRODED AND PEELING WITH A CRACK GOING AROUND THE WHOLE A-FRAME. THE TRUCK IS NOW NOT MOVEABLE, THE WHOLE TIRE WILL FALL OFF IF WE DO MOVE IT, WE MADE IT BACK TO OUR HOME WITH IT LUCKILY AND TOYOTA CORPORATE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO.
Steering, Mar 18, 2018
STEERING GETS DIFFICULT AT THE STAR OF TURNS THEN LOOSENS UP AS YOU TURN, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL WHILE TURNING. AS IF POWER STEERING IS TURNING ON AND OFF?
Steering, Mar 12, 2018
WHEN I STEER THE VEHICLE IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE POWER STEERING GIVES OUT. THIS ISSUE DOES NOT OCCUR ALL OF THE TIME.
Steering, Mar 1, 2018
WHEN TURNING, NOTICED STEERING VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. VERY UNNERVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT I NEED TO HAVE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, AS THE UNIVERSAL JOINT GETS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT DUE TO NO PROTECTION FROM ROAD AND ELEMENTS, AND IN TIME, THE STEERING CORRODES. PLEASE FIX THIS!! VERY VERY DANGEROUS. I HAD A CHILD IN THE CAR WHEN I WAS STRUGGLING WITH THIS ISSUE. I WAS HORRIFIED TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN . I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND MAKING SEVERAL TURNS, STEERING WAS UNPREDICTABLE AND UNSAFE.
Steering, May 18, 2017
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS (55 MPH) AND YOU TRY TO MOVE TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THE STEERING APPEARS TO BE STUCK, BUT WITH SOME ADDITIONAL EFFORT I AM ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL.
Steering, Apr 28, 2017
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT RUSTED AND BINDING MY STEERING WAS BECOMING TOUGH TO STEER AND THEN IT WOULD BE FINE. IT FELT LIKE THE POWER ASSIST WAS STOPPING ASSISTING THEN IT WOULD BEHAVE NORMALLY DURING A TURN. THIS CAUSED LOSS OF PROPER STEERING DURING TURNING ARE ANY SPEED. SOMETIMES IT WOULD BE TOUGH TO STEER, (AS IF YOU HAD MANUAL STEERING) AND HALFWAY THROUGH THE TURN, THE STEERING FEEL WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL (POWER ASSIST WORKING) WHICH CAUSED BACK AND FORTH MOTIONS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE PROPER LANE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND " FOUND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT RUSTED AND BINDING". I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, HAVE A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND HAVE THE POWER STEERING FLUID FLUSHED. TOTAL BILL WAS $796.89 THIS ALSO SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO INADEQUATE RUST PREVENTATIVE MEASURES, POSSIBLY SIMILAR TO THE RUSTING FRAME ISSUES. I BELIEVE TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS AND REIMBURSE ANYONE WHO HAS ALREADY HAD THIS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS OR DEATH DUE TO STEERING FAILURE AT HIGH OR SLOW SPEEDS.
Steering, Feb 28, 2017
INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT U-JOINT IS SIEZING LEADING TO DIFFICULT TO OPERATE STEERING.
Steering, Feb 9, 2017
2005 TACOMA PICKUPS AND OTHERS ARE INCLUDED IN A PENDING SETTLEMENT REGARDING EXCESSIVE RUSTING. NOW MY STEERING IS FREEZING UP WHICH I FIND IS A WELL DOCUMENTED COMPLAINT ON THE INTERNET. THE REASON SEEMS TO ALSO BE RELATED TO A FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY PROTECT AGAINST RUSTING. SUDDEN STEERING FAILURE HAS BEEN REPORTED. I CANNOT SAFELY DRIVE MY VEHICLE DUE TO THIS FAULT. TOYOTA SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BE FORCED TO RECALL ALL THESE DANGEROUS VEHICLES BEFORE THERE ARE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS.
Steering, Feb 3, 2017
STEERING SUDDENLY BECOMES DIFFICULT WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF A SUDDEN HARD TO TURN. INVESTIGATION APPEARS TO BE FAILED BEARINGS IN LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. *TR
Steering, Power train, Traction control system, Jan 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION RE-ENGAGED ON ITS OWN AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, WHEN THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED INTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, WHEN THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS DISABLED, AND WHEN DRIVING OVER ICE, SNOW, AND/OR SAND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 04/05/17 LJ *CN
Steering, Structure, Aug 8, 2016
MAJOR RUST DAMAGE ON FRAME AFTER ONLY 8 YEARS OF VEHILCE BEING RELEASED, A 2 BY 4 INCH WIDE HOLE ON BOTH SIDES FOR THE TRUCKS FRAME CAUSING WARPING AND BENDING AS WELL AS UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP REPAIRS TOOK 9 MONTHS, AND UPON COMPLETION WAS SEND BACK TO OWNERS POSSESSION WITHOUT TEST DRIVING OR VERIFYING PROJECT COMPLETION.
Steering, Apr 27, 2016
I TOO EXPERIENCED THE STIFFNESS WHILE STEERING. I ALMOST SPENT LARGE DOLLARS BUT DECIDE TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. I LEARNED THAT THE CAUSE OF IT WAS A RUSTED JOINT. AFTER SOME HEAVY SPRAYING WITH LUBRICANTS, I REGAINED NORMAL OPERATIONS. BUT ONLY UNTIL NEXT WINTER..UGH! RECOMMEND TOYOTA TAKES NOTE OF THIS AND DECIDE ON A SOLUTION FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED.
Steering, Apr 21, 2016
I EXPERIENCED ROUGH (STIFF, BINDING) STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS AND WITHIN TWO WEEKS IT WAS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING WORSE. I THOUGHT I HAD A STEERING FLUID ISSUE, BUT THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND CONFIRMED IT BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY KNEW RIGHT AWAY THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY A RUSTED U-JOINT ON THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT (P/N 4520304020). IN ADDITION TO THE STIFF STEERING GOING INTO A TURN, THE STEERING WOULD NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT AND I UNEXPECTEDLY NEARLY WENT INTO THE CURB. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION AND MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL 2005 TACOMA OWNERS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN ADVISED OF ANY NEED TO PERFORM ANY SPECIAL SERVICING OF THIS PART AT ANY MILEAGE INTERVAL. IT APPEARS TO BE A BAD DESIGN THAT ALLOWS SALTY WATER FROM WINTER ROADS TO GET INTO THE U-JOINT WHICH THEN RUSTS.
Steering, Apr 15, 2016
STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF OVER A PERIOD OF A ABOUT 3 WEEKS, ESPECIALLY IN COLD WEATHER. STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO CENTER ON ITS OWN MAKING STEERING DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET TURNED UP HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. IN SOME CASES PEOPLE'S STEERING LOCKED UP ENTIRELY. PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE A UNIVERSAL JOINT IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT IS UNPROTECTED AND SUBJECT TO CORROSION. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY AT A DEALERSHIP FOR FOUR SAFETY RECALLS, ONE OF WHICH REQUIRES THE WHOLE FRAME TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. I WILL NOT GET THE TRUCK BACK FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS DUE TO A BACKLOG OF PARTS. THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN TWO PLACES AND IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN THAT CONDITION. I REQUESTED THAT THE STEERING ISSUE BE LOOKED INTO WHILE IT IS IN THE SHOP AND EVERYTHING IS APART. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE STEERING ISSUE, GIVEN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ON LINE AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM MAY WARRANT LOOKING INTO. IT ALSO SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE FRAME CORROSION ISSUE, FOR WHICH THERE IS A RECALL.
Steering, Mar 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, OVER TIME, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE CONTACT HAD TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EXCESS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Jan 30, 2016
STEERING IS DIFFICULT, AS IF NO POWER STEERING EXISTS. I CHECKED ONLINE AND SAW OTHERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I LUBRICATED THE LOWER PART OF INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, AND IT SEEMS TO WORK OK FOR NOW. IF THE PART IS RUSTED, I'M AFRAID THE STEERING WILL GO OUT ALTOGETHER AND CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FRAME HAS BEEN REPLACED DUE TO RUST. IS THIS MORE OF THE SAME PROBLEM?
Steering, Sep 18, 2015
STEERING GOT VERY STIFF AND I HAD TROUBLE OPERATION THE VEHICLE. I WAS ALMOST WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. ONCE I GOT THE TRUCK TO THE ROADSIDE I CHECKED FOR A FLAT TIRE, BROKEN POWER STEERING BELT AND THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION. EVERYTHING WAS OK, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STILL VERY HAD TO TURN. I HAD THE TRUCKS STEERING CHECKED OUT AND THE U JOINT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN HAD SIZED UP. TOYOTA PART NUMBER 4520304020 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND TOYOTA SHOULD DO A RECALL TO COVER THIS. THE PROBLEM COMES ON SUDDENLY AND YOU LOSE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Jun 24, 2015
I HAD COMPLETE FAILURE TO MY RACK AND PINION STEERING DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION TO THE COMPONENT. I WAS PULLING INTO A BUSINESS DOING ABOUT 10 MPH AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP COMPLETELY. I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. I CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND ON THE GROUND WAS A PUDDLE OF STEERING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND WHEN HE EXAMINED THE TRUCK TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED, HE STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION HAD COMPLETED ROTTED OUT AND BROKE. I ALSO HAD HIM CHECK THE FRAME ON MY TRUCK, SINCE I RECEIVED A TSB BULLETIN ABOUT THE EXCESSIVE CORROSION DUE TO NOT ENOUGH FRAME UNDERCOATING BEING APPLIED IN COLD STATES. HE FOUND A LARGE HOLE BEHIND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IN THE FRAME. THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE REST OF THE FRAME AND FOUND SOME SMALLER PERFORATIONS AS WELL. MY QUESTIONS IS IF THE FRAME IS BEGINNING TO ROT AND THEY ARE SELECTIVELY REPLACING THE FRAMES OR VEHICLE IF THEY ARE A DANGER, WHY ARE NO OTHER COMPONENTS THAT ARE ATTACHED TO THESE FAILING PARTS COVERED AS WELL AND FAILING DUE TO EXCESSIVE ROT OR RUSTING. IF ANY OF THESE COMPONENTS FAILED DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING TO ALL INVOLVED, POSSIBLY LEADING TO SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. SOMETHING MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES THEY PRODUCE AND THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE WHO OWN AND OPERATE THEM. TOYOTA NEEDS TO STOP PLAYING THE "ITS NOT COVERED OR APPLICABLE" GAME AND TAKE OWNERSHIP AND FIX IT BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET KILLED. I HAVE OWNED 5 TOYOTA'S PREVIOUSLY AND FELT VERY SAFE UP UNTIL NOW, NOW I AM NOT TO SURE!
Steering, Suspension, Structure, May 31, 2015
LESS THAN ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS FAILED ON BOTH SIDES. TWO DEALERS PLUS TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS REFUSED SERVICE, SO I HAD TO PAY FOR A PRIVATE SPRING SHOP TO REPLACE THEM. THEY HAVE SINCE BEEN RECALLED BUT TO DATE I HAVE NOT RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT. IN 2014 THE STEERING SHAFT HAD TO BE REPLACED AND AT THE SAME TIME THE FRAME WAS DETERMINED CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. TOYOTA MADE PROMISE TO REPLACE THE FRAME UNDER RECALL IN NOV 2014 BUT TO DATE HAS NOT DELIVERED AND HAS NOT INDICATED WHEN I CAN EXPECT THE REPAIR TO BE MADE. FOR OVER SIX MONTHS NOW I HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T SELL OR REPLACE.