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, May 3, 2015
I CAN NOT CONTROL STEERING WHEEL,IT GETS TO HARD TO STEERING. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Apr 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WOBBLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,152.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 13, 2015
THE STEERING IN MY TOYOTA TACOMA BEGAN TO BIND SUDDENLY WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALERSHIP, THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING YOKE BOTH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT PART APPEARS TO BE AN UPDATED PART WITH A RUBBER BOOT TO PREVENT CORROSION OF THE SHAFT JOINTS. I BELIEVE THE FAILURE OF THE ORIGINAL PART WAS DUE TO POOR DESIGN, CAUSING THE PART TO BEGIN TO FAIL. IF NOT REPLACED AND THE SHAFT OR SHAFT JOINT HAD BROKEN AT SPEED, THIS CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH. *TR
Steering, Dec 20, 2014
WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION I HAVE EXTREMELY STIFF STEERING. IT SEEMS TO STICK AND IS NOT FLUID WHEN TURNING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE CHECKED THE STEERING POWER FLUID LEVEL AND IT IS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL.
Steering, Structure, Dec 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO RUST UNDER THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS RUST ON THE STEERING COLUMN THAT REQUIRED FREQUENT LUBRICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS RUSTED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE AT THE TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Steering, Oct 27, 2014
THE STEERING SEEMED TO SEIZE UP ALMOST INSTANTLY AS IF THE POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT. ONCE I REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM WASN'T A TIRE ISSUE; I.E. UNDER- INFLATION, I BEGAN TO MAKE ARRANGEMENT TO HAVE TOYOTA IDENTIFY AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP DID AGREE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM FOR $100+ BUT THIS DIAGNOSIS CHARGE WOULDN'T BE APPLIED TO THE REPAIR. THIS,METHOD OF SERVICE SEEMED ODD TO ME SO I USED ANOTHER AUTO REPAIR SERVICE CENTER THAT PROMPTLY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AND SCHEDULE THE REPAIR. IT WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN WITH A NEAR FROZEN U-JOINT. THIS PROBLEM RESULTED IN A VERY ERRATIC STEERING PATTERN. MOST OF THE TIME THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION AFTER MAKING A TURN AND AT OTHER TIMES IT WOULD RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION RESULTING IN OVER STEERING. THE ANTICIPATED LACK OF RETURN TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION CAUSED ME ON OCCASION TO ATTEMPT TO STEER TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION RESULTING IN THE OVER STEERING. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO OTHERS ATTENTION AND POSSIBLY HAVE ANY VEHICLES SUSPECT FOR A SIMILAR STEERING ISSUE INSPECTED SO REPAIRS CAN BE MADE BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Oct 15, 2014
I HAVE 2005 TACOMA 4X4 WITH A FRAME THAT CRACKED AND COLLAPSED INTO ITS SELF WERE THE LEFT MOTOR MOUNT IS WELDED TO THE FRAME. THE MOTOR CAME TO REST ON THE STEERING SHAFT KNUCKLE @ THE RACK AND PINION MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. I CALLED TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HAD HEARD ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. UPON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ON THE WEB THERE ARE WELL OVER 200 COMPLAINTS SAME PROBLEM. IT IS SUCH A PROBLEM THAT A FABRICATION COMPANY DMZ MAKES A GUSSET REPAIR KIT TO REPAIR AND REINFORCE THE FRAME. IT'S A BOUT A 10 HOUR REPAIR. HTTP://DMZFAB.COM/PRODUCT/TACOMA-MOTOR-MOUNT-GUSSET-KIT/. TOYOTA SHOULD CONTACT THEM FOR THE CURE. *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2014
HI, I HAVE AN OPEN FILE WITH THE TOYOTA CORPORATION AT 1-800-331-4331, MY NAME IS [XXX] AND I LIVE IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA. CASE # [XXX]. IN SEPT. OF 2012 MY TRUCK WAS AT 61,000 MILES AND I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR MAINTENANCE AND THEY CHECKED A RECALL ON THE SPIRAL CABLE AND TOLD ME THAT MY TRUCK DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL BECAUSE OF THE SERIAL NUMBER ON THE PART. I DIDN'T MIND I WASN'T HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, AT 65,000 MILES IT IS NOW NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME TO FIX IT. I'VE TRIED TO REASON WITH THEM AND POINT OUT THAT ITS OBVIOUS THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WHEN A TRUCK WITH 65,000 MILE, GARAGED YEAR AROUND AND NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT WOULD BE HAVING PROBLEMS. I HONESTLY THOUGHT SAFETY SYSTEMS HAD LIFE TIME WARRANTIES. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THEY ARE WORKING VERY HARD TO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED TO FIX THE PART AND HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST THE TOYOTA CORPORATION AND THE KENDALL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP LOCATED IN FAIRBANKS, ALASKA. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM AND HOW MANY OTHER SPIRAL CABLES ARE HAVING PROBLEMS THAT ARE NOT WITHIN THE RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME WITH ANY NEEDED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. MY PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Aug 26, 2014
FELT AS IF POWER STEERING QUIT. GOING AROUND CORNERS THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO STRAIGHT POSITION, BUT REQUIRED ME TO MANUALLY PULL THE WHEEL BACK. WE FOUND IT LOW ON PS FLUID. THAT WAS FILLED AND IT APPEARED THAT TO PRETTY MUCH SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THOUGH NOT COMPLETELY. TWO WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM IS BACK AND THE PS FLUID LEVEL IS FINE. IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN INTO CORNERS AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE PARK IN REASONABLE TIGHT SPOTS DUE TO DIFFICULT TURNING THE WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 14, 2014
WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASE, THE REAR LEAF SPRINGS BECAME SOFT AND THE TRUCK BOTTOMED OUT ON BUMPS. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER (HADDADS, PITTSFIELD, MA) AND THEY REFUSED TO SERVICE IT CLAIMING NOTHING WAS WRONG. I LATER TOOK IT TO A SPRINGFIELD DEALERSHIP AND RECEIVED THE SAME ANSWER. I THEN TOOK IT TO SUPERIOR SPRING IN PITTSFIELD. THEY FOUND BOTH SPRINGS WERE BROKEN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY, CLAIMING I HAD OVER LOADED THE TRUCK. I HAD NOT EVER CARRIED MORE THAN A FEW HUNDRED LBS IN THE BED OF THIS 1/2 TON TRUCK. I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK SINCE NEW AND BEEN THE SOLE OPERATOR. A FEW WEEKS AGO THE STEERING BECAME STICKY. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT AT A COST OF $400. HE STATED THAT TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLE FOR THIS BECAUSE HE SEES THIS PART FAIL OFTEN DUE TO POOR CONSTRUCTION. ALSO, THE FRAME ON THIS TRUCK HAS SIGNIFICANT RUST ALREADY AND DOES NOT LOOK LIKE IT WILL OUTLAST THE BODY AND DRIVE TRAIN. I'M NOT PLEASED. *TR
Steering, Jul 12, 2014
MY TACOMA WAS APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS OLD WITH LESS THEN 50,000 MILES WHEN THE STEERING BEGAN TO LOCK UP UPON MAKING A TURN. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND OTHER TACOMA OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. THE QUICK SOLUTION WAS TO SPRAY LUBRICATING OIL OR PUT GREASE ON THE INTERMEDIATE NO.2 STEERING SHAFT AT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT - WHICH I DID REPEATEDLY UNTIL NOW. THE STEERING ONLY DEGRADED OVER TIME. THE WHEEL BECAME VERY SLOPPING FROM FAILURE OF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT THAT I HAD TO REPLACED IT LAST WEEK AT 95,000 MILES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS SHAFT IN THE COLD CLIMATES WHERE ROAD SALT HAS BEEN USED ALONG WITH THE ROTTING FRAME ISSUES. *TR
Steering, Structure, Jun 20, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BRACKET ON HIS DRIVEWAY AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED, THE STEERING LINKAGE AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE WHEEL MOUNT WERE AFFECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130.000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Engine, Jun 5, 2014
THE FOLLOWING IS THE DEALER INSPECTION REPORT FOR MY TRUCK: "FOUND EXTREME CORROSION TO FRAME. TOW HOOK AND DRIVER SIDE SWAY BAR MOUNT UNABLE TO RE-ATTACH DUE TO FRAME PERFORATION FRONT CROSS MEMBER MISSING (RUSTED OFF) FOUND HOLE IN LEFT SIDE OF FRAME. STEERING RACK MOUNTS EXTREMELY PERFORATED, READY TO DETACH. DO NOT RECOMMEND DRIVING VEHICLE DUE TO EXTREME DAMAGE TO FRAME" TRUCK PURCHASED NEW, SINGLE OWNER, WELL MAINTAINED. ...UPDATED 06/10/14 *BF
Steering, May 26, 2014
WHILE DRIVING STEERING SUDDENLY GOT HARD. THEN IT WAS NORMAL AGAIN FOR A BIT. I NOTICED THAT AFTER MAKING LEFT TURN IT WAS HARD TO STEER RIGHT AND VICE VERSA WHEN TURNING RIGHT. CHECKED POWER STEERING AND WAS GOOD. RESEARCH ON FORUMS SUGGESTED A EXPOSED KNUCKLE ON A PART 45203A CALLED SHAFT, STEERING INTERMEDIATE, NO.2. AFTER LUBRICATION TO THE KNUCKLE AREA THE STEERING HAS IMPROVED THOUGH NOT 100%. PART SHOULD INCLUDE AT A MINIMUM GREASE FITTINGS FOR LUBRICATION, PREFERABLY A TYPE OF PROTECTION FROM EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS SUCH AS A RUBBER BOOT. THIS LOSS OF STEERING MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 28, 2014
WHILE TURNING INTO A MILD CORNER,STEERING STARTED BINDING UP,HAD TO REALLY PULL ON THE WHEEL, AS IF POWER STEERING WENT AWAY. STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN,HAD TO PULL IT BACK TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. I KNOW MY WIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PULL IT TO GET THROUGH CORNER. *JS
Steering, Structure, Mar 24, 2014
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA FIRST ISSUE IS THE STEERING, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE TURNING THE STEERING HAS "LOCKED UP" , THE STEERING GETS EXTREMITY HARD TO TURN IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING. AFTER MY OWN RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THE UNIVERSAL JOINT ON THE STEERING SHAFT WILL LOCK UP OR GET EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN IF NOT GREASED. THE JOINT IS OPEN TO THE ELEMENTS AND HAS NO PROTECTIVE BOOT OVER IT. THERE IS NO MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE FROM TOYOTA FOR THE JOINT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. IF THE OPERATOR DOES NOT HAVE THE UPPER BODY STRENGTH TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN WHEN THE JOINT LOCKS UP IT MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS ISSUE IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED BY MECHANICS CAUSE EXPENSIVE UNNECESSARY REPAIRS (NEW STEERING RACK). THE SECOND ISSUE IS FRAME RUST. THE FRAMES ARE A POOR DESIGN, HAVE NO PROTECTIVE COATING AND ARE MADE OF INFERIOR METAL. A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH FOR "TACOMA FRAME RUST" WILL SHOW PLENTY OF HORROR STORIES OF FRAMES LITERALLY RUSTING AWAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK. THE OLDEST 2ND GENERATION TACOMAS (2005 PRODUCTION YEAR) ARE NOW 9 YEARS OLD, A FRAME ON A 9 YEAR OLD VEHICLE HAVING RUST ISSUES IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. ALONG WITH THE FRAMES RUSTING AWAY ALL COMPONENTS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME CAN FAIL. (LEAF SPRINGS, SHOCKS, MOTOR MOUNTS ETC). TOYOTA DID THE RIGHT THING WITH THE 1ST GENERATION TACOMAS THAT HAD THIS ISSUE. THEY ISSUED RECALLS AND BOUGHT BACK TRUCKS. CONSUMERS WERE LED TO BELIEVE THE FRAME RUST ISSUES WERE CORRECTED ON THE SECOND GENERATION TACOMAS BUT THEY WERE NOT. AS OF NOW TOYOTA IS HANDLING FRAME RUST ISSUES ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. SOME PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING TO GET NEW FRAMES AND SOME PEOPLE ARE LEFT WITH A TRUCK THAT IS RUSTING AWAY WITH NO HELP FROM TOYOTA. FRAMES RUSTING AWAY TO THE POINT THAT A HOLE THE SIZE OF A HAND CAN FIT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Oct 27, 2013
WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD STICK WHEN ROUNDING A CURVE. THEN IT WOULD BE OK . AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND ABOUT 200 MORE MILES THE STEERING WHEEL HAD A LOT OF PLAY IN IT MOVING FROM SIDE TO SIDE WITHOUT MOVING THE TIRES. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THE UNIVERSAL JOINT FOR THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT HAD NO BEARINGS LEFT IN IT. SCARY.. *TR
Steering, Oct 11, 2013
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2013: WHILE MANEUVERING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, AND THROUGH THE 90 DEGREE TURNS OUT OF A SUBURB IN WASHINGTON STATE ON THE WAY TO I-5 NORTHBOUND, THE STEERING OF MY WELL-MAINTAINED 6 SPEED MANUAL 2005 ACCESS CAB TOYOTA TACOMA TRD 4WD FELT ALTERNATELY STIFF AND LOOSE, AS THOUGH THE WHEEL WAS RATCHETING. THE WHEEL FAILED TO RETURN TO CENTER, REQUIRING CONSTANT EFFORT THROUGH ALL POINTS OF STEERING, WITH SPECIAL CARE REQUIRED TO OVERCOME THE HIGH AND LOW PEAKS IN RESISTANCE. NEGOTIATING TURNS HAS BECOME AN IMPRECISE, PHYSICALLY DEMANDING AND THEREFORE UNSAFE EXERCISE. WHILE I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, AT MY OWN EXPENSE, THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT ON THE WWW.ARFC.ORG WEBSITE, AND IS LIKELY ASSOCIATED WITH A FAULTY UNIVERSAL JOINT IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. THE FAULTY PART HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS "STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT," PART# 45203-04020. THE REDESIGNED PART MEANT TO ADDRESS THE DEFECT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS PART# 45220-04020. THE REDESIGNED PART IS SAID TO INCLUDE A PROTECTIVE BOOT MEANT TO PROTECT "UNIVERSAL JOINT #2". THIS PROBLEM SOUNDS TO ME EVERY BIT AS SERIOUS AS THE GAS PEDAL/FLOOR MAT INTERFERENCE RECALL FOR WHICH I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN RECENT YEARS. THIS IS A LOSS-OF-CONTROL HAZARD THAT NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA DIRECTLY AS A SAFETY RECALL. LOYAL CUSTOMERS LIKE MYSELF SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES FOR THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY MATERIALS, POOR ENGINEERING, DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP OR THE UNSAFE CONDITIONS THAT RESULT FROM ANY OF THESE OVERSIGHTS. IGNORING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM, (WHICH IS COMMONLY BEING MISDIAGNOSED AS POWER STEERING OR RACK AND PINION PROBLEMS ON MANY TOYOTA TACOMA FORUMS), COULD RESULT IN FATALITIES OR SERIOUS INJURY. *TR
Steering, Structure, Sep 27, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT DIRECTION. THIS IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY DESIGN OF THE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINTS. THE FRAME IS ALSO RUSTING VERY BADLY AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Structure, Apr 12, 2013
EXCESSIVE RUST BEGAN APPEARING ON THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE AT 50,000 MILES. REVIEWED RUST WITH TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (4 TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS) AND THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS FOR A RUSTY FRAMES. MY CONCRETE DRIVEWAY IS NOW STAINED WITH THE RUST COMING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. FRAME AND BUMPER IS NOW RUSTY AND GETTING WEAKER AS THE RUST CONTINUES. VEHICLE NOW HAS 90,000 MILES AND FRAME IS COVERED IN RUST. VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME. ADDITIONALLY, I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLE ON THE VEHICLE -- DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR - DUE TO EXTREME RUSTING. *TR
Steering, Apr 11, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A COUNTY TWO LANE ROAD. AS I APPROACHED A SLIGHT CURVE, THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO FAIL AND THE TRUCK RAN OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED THE VEHICLE, AND WITH LOTS OF MUSCLE I STEERED THE VEHICLE BACK ONTO THE ROAD. I JUMPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE TO CHECK FOR DAMAGE SUCH AS A LEAKING STEERING HOSE OR BROKEN SERPENTINE BELT. NOT SEEING ANY IMMEDIATE DAMAGE, I SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT A MILE AND A HALF TO MY HOME. AFTER A THROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM, I DISCOVERED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT THAT ATTACHES THE STEERING COLUMN TO THE RACK & PINION, HAD A FROZEN/BINDING UNIVERSAL JOINT. THIS UNIVERSAL JOINT IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS AND DOES NOT HAVE A LUBRICATION FITTING. THIS ITEM IS NOT MENTIONED IN THE MANUAL UNDER PERIODIC MAINTENANCE. UNDER A DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCE, SUCH AS MY WIFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THIS INCIDENT MY HAVE CAUSED A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE OCCUPANTS AND OTHERS AROUND THE VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Apr 6, 2013
THE TOYOTA TACOMA BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, AS THOUGH THE POWER STEERING WAS FAILING. TO NEGOTIATE THE VEHICLE THROUGH A BEND IN THE ROAD I HAD TO EXERT SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND HAD TO MANUALLY FORCE THE WHEEL BACK TO CENTER. THIS MOMENTARILY INHIBITED ME FROM KEEPING THE VEHICLE CENTERED IN THE LANE. THIS PROBLEM HAS SINCE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ON INSPECTION I WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE IMPAIRED STEERING CONTROL TO BE CORROSION OF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT #2 STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PART # 45203-04020. ON SEARCHING FOR A REMEDY I LEARNED THIS PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, AND THE REPLACEMENT PART IS 45220-04020. APPLICATION OF PENETRATING OIL TO THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT HAS REDUCED THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM BUT NOT PERMANENTLY RESOLVED IT. IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE A YOUNGER, OLDER OR OTHERWISE PHYSICALLY WEAKER OPERATOR WAS DRIVING THEY MAY HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY KEEPING THE VEHICLE IN ITS LANE. *TR
Steering, Mar 11, 2013
THE STEERING ALL OF A SUDDEN BECAME SURPRISINGLY HARD TO TURN AS IF THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRING PROBLEM IN THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF TRUCK AND IS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE ONSET OF THIS PROBLEM IS INCREDIBLY FAST WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS CRASHES AND INJURIES!!! THE CAUSE IS A FAULTY PART DESIGN (PART IS EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS AND SEIZES) AND NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED ASAP. THE FAULTY PART # 45203 - 04020, INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. *TR
Steering, Feb 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WERE RUSTED COMPONENTS WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Nov 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND COMPLETING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SLOWLY RETURNED TO A STRAIGHT POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.