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, Suspension, Apr 11, 2012
SUDDEN ONSET OF STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT U-JOINT SEIZING MAKING STEERING DIFFICULT. ALSO LOST RETURN-TO-CENTER OF STEERING. THIS COULD POSE A SERIOUS RISK OF OVER-STEERING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT A TEE INTERSECTION. THE UNPROTECTED U-JOINT IS EXPOSED TO STRIKING OF ROAD DEBRIS AND SALT SPRAY. THE U-JOINT DOES NOT HAVE GREASE FITTINGS OR ANY OBVIOUS MEANS OF LUBRICATION. INTERNET RESEARCH SUGGESTS THIS IS A VERY COMMON DEFECT FOR TOYOTA TACOMAS WITH APPROXIMATELY 75K OR MORE MILES STARTING WITH MODEL YEARS 2005 AND NEWER. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 17, 2011
I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER 4X4 WITH ONLY 83,000 MILES. THERE IS RECURRING ISSUES WITH THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS GOING OUT. FRONT LEFT HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 YEARS AGO, THEN FRONT LEFT STUB AXLE WAS REPLACED LESS THAN A YEAR LATER UNDER WARRANTY BY TOYOTA. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ALSO WENT OUT 2 YEARS AGO AND WERE REPLACED AND NOW THE LEFT SIDE IS GOING OUT AGAIN. *KB
Steering, May 24, 2010
TL *THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN . HE HAD TO MANUALLY PULL THE STEERING WHEEL BACK IN POSITION WHEN MAKING TURNS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST BUT NOW IT WAS MORE FREQUENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Tires, Wheels, Mar 3, 2010, crash
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA ON THE FREEWAY IN LIGHT RAIN. THE STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND MY TRUCK BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TAPPED ON THE BRAKES LIGHTLY BUT THE TRUCK CONTINUED ACCELERATING FASTER. I ENDED UP HITTING THE CONCRETE BARRIER AND WAS PLACED IN THE AMBULANCE. I NOW SUFFER FROM LOWER BACK AND POSSIBLE TORN LIGAMENTS IN THE NECK. BEFORE THE ACCIDENT THERE HAS BEEN A COUPLE OF INCIDENT WHERE THE STEERING VEERS OF FOR NO REASON AND SOMETIMES THE STEERING SHAKES WHEN I DRIVE. *TR
Steering, May 1, 2009
I NOTICED OCCASIONAL STIFF STEERING FOR A FEW MONTHS WHICH GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE WITH TIME. EVENTUALLY SEEMED LIKE COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER ASSIST STEERING. I FOUND THAT IT WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHICH CONTAINS A UNIVERSAL JOINT THAT HAD BECOME SEIZED. I HAD THIS INTERMEDIATE SHAFT PART REPLACED AT A TOTAL COST OF $885.00. THE NEW PART ORDERED FROM TOYOTA WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINAL IN THAT THE NEW PART HAD A BOOT PROTECTING THE UNIVERSAL FROM DIRT DUST AND DEBRIS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Equipment, Jul 25, 2008
I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD 4X4 THEY HAVE REPLACED MY FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS 6 TIMES KNOW MY FRONT DIFF, THE TRANSMISSION ONCE AND MY REAR END. *TR
Steering, Jul 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT HEARS METAL GRINDING WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. TOYOTA STATED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE FAILURE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY DO NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY HAZARD. TOYOTA STATED THAT THIS IS A FAILURE DEALING WITH THE TRANS-ACTUAL AND TRANSFER CASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Mar 31, 2006
STEERING WHEEL WILL MOVE BACK AND FORTH AS IF A SURGE OF PRESSURE. THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP TWICE WITH OUT CORRECTION THEY SAY THAT IT IS FINE. *NM
Steering, Aug 16, 2005
ON MY BRAND NEW 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA QUAD CAB LONG BED PICKUP TRUCK THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE MAKING A TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC, MAKING STEERING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT AND NEARLY CAUSING ME TO COLLIDE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. TOYOTA IS IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING SYSTEM INCLUDING ALL OF ITS COMPONENT PARTS.*JB
Steering, Jul 28, 2005
PURCHASED NEW 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP, 4 CYLINDER, AUTOMATIC, 4X2. ON FIRST DRIVE OF NEW TRUCK A SHAKE OR SHIMMY WAS NOTICED AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 20 MPH, BUT MOST NOTABLE IN THE 45 TO 70 MPH RANGE. RETURNED TRUCK TO DEALER. WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A DEFECT KNOWN TO TOYOTA, BUT THAT TOYOTA HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OR PROVIDE A FIX. BOBBY RAHAL TOYOTA IN MECHANICSBURG REFUSES TO REFUND MONEY, CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM AND REFUSES TO WORK ON THIS DEFECT CITING NO CURE. CONCERN IS THAT A CONSTANT FRONT END VIBRATION OF THIS SORT WILL LEAD TO SUSPENSION AND / OR STEERING FAILURE RESULTING IS A CRASH.*JB
Steering, Jun 12, 2005
STEERING WHEEL SHACKS FROM APPROXIMATELY 62 TO 75 MILES PER HOUR. HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND THAT THE SHACKING IS NOT A SAFETY CONSERN. THE SECOND VISIT TO THE DEALER THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. VEHICLE HAS 1700 MILES.