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: structure
260 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jul 11, 2014
THE FRAME OF MY 2005 TACOMA HAS DEVELOPED A HOLE. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE MARCH OF 2013, AND HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT TO THE DEALER SINCE A MONTH AFTER BUYING IT. THE METAL IS FLAKING OFF ALL OVER THE FRAME AND TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN, BUT THEY ARE CLAIMING THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THEY MOVE THE CAMPAIGN TO MY AREA. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. BUT I HAVE TO, AND WILL NOT EVEN LET MY FAMILY IN IT ANYMORE. I HAVE 4 YEARS OF PAYMENTS AND A TRUCK THAT IS WASTING AWAY. PLEASE HELP PUSH TOYOTA TO MOVE THIS CAMPAIGN ALONG AS FAST AS POSSIBLE, OR MAKE IT A FULL RECALL. *TR
Structure, Jul 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS AND THE BRACKETS WERE CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
Structure, Jul 2, 2014
BOUGHT A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA, AFTER HAVING A LOOK UNDER THE TRUCK I NOTICED SOME RUST ON THE FRAME, AS I LOOKED CLOSER I FOUND THAT THE RUST WAS SO BAD IT WAS CAUSING THE FRAME TO TWIST, I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND IN THE FIRST 2 EMAILS THEY SAID THEY WILL DO NOTHING SO I ASKED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE HIGHER UP TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE THERE IS NO RECALL YET AND I DO NOT KNOW WHY. OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW WITH SAME ISSUE SAME YEAR AND MODEL TRUCK AS MINE HAVE HAD THERE FRAMES REPLACED BY TOYOTA. THE FRAME ON A TRUCK THAT IS 9 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT BE RUSTED OUT! HOW LONG TILL THAT MAKE A RECALL? AFTER SOME ONE IS HURT BAD OR DIES? *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.
Structure, Jun 17, 2014
VEHICLE WAS IN FOR STATE INSPECTION AND FOUND TO HAVE HOLES RUSTED IN FRAME WHICH WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS TOLD AT THE PRESENT TIME THERE IS NO RECALL IN MY AREA WHICH IS PENNSYLVANIA. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BOSTON AREA HAS A RECALL ON 2005 TO 2008 FOR MY VEHICLE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL I NEED HELP.THE VEHICLE IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION OTHER THAN THE FRAME. *TR
Structure, Jun 13, 2014
THE FRAME IS RUSTING AND THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE RUST STAINS BLEEDING ALL OVER THE DOOR. *JS
Structure, Jun 9, 2014
PERFORMING AN INSPECTION ON THE CHASSIS OF MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA AND DISCOVERED RUSTED HOLES IN THE FRAME (ONE ON EACH FRAME RAIL) JUST BEHIND THE FRONT SUSPENSION LARGE ENOUGH TO PUT MY HAND THROUGH. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN E0D TO COAT OR REPLACED ROTTED FRAMES (RELEASED 5/4/14) BUT SINCE I AM A RESIDENT OF THE STATE ON MARYLAND AND THE CAMPAIGN HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED IN MY AREA YET THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO RESOLVE MY SAFETY ISSUE. MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN HELPFUL AND MADE TEMPORARY REPAIRS TO MY FRAME. I HAVE AN OPEN CASE WITH TOYOTA BUT THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO UNTIL THE LSC E0D IS RELEASED IN MY AREA. *TR
Structure, Jun 8, 2014
ON MAY 27TH 2014 I TOOK MY TRUCK TO BE INSPECTED TO FIND OUT THAT THE FRAME HAS A HOLE CREATED BY RUST ON THE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE TRUCK. I CONTACTED TOYOTA TO FIND OUT THERE IS NO RECALL AVAILABLE AND THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS IN THE PAST FOR OLDER YEAR MODELS OF THE TOYOTA TRUCKS. I FEEL WHEN I WAS TALKING WITH TOYOTA THEY WEREN'T WILLING TO TAKE ANY PART IN HELPING ME WITH MY PROBLEMS AND I FEEL IT IS A PRODUCTION ERROR. THANK YOU *TR
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
Structure, May 24, 2014
ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA, BOUGHT NEW IN NOVEMBER 2004. 61000 MILES. VEHICLE MOSTLY GARAGED WHEN NOT IN USE. FRAME AND FRAME SUB COMPONENTS ARE COMPLETELY COVERED WITH RUST. SEVERAL HOLES IN FRAME, INCLUDING ONE IN THE BOXED SECTION THE SIZE OF A COCA COLA CAN. SEVERAL AREAS OF THE FRAME ARE DELAMINATING, I.E. THE LAYERS OF THE METAL ARE SEPARATING. DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE FRAME. HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA CORPORATE BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY RESOLUTION. DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND BASICALLY NOW HAVE A LAWN ORNAMENT IN THE SHAPE OF A TRUCK. THERE WAS A RECALL/SERVICE CAMPAIGN/BUY BACK FOR PREVIOUS MODEL TACOMAS DUE TO POOR FRAMES. TOYOTA HAS OBVIOUSLY NOT CORRECTED THE ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED UPON REQUEST. *TR
Structure, May 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Suspension, Structure, May 14, 2014
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD SPORT DOUBLE CAB AND DISCOVERED IT HAD SEVERE AND DANGEROUS FRAME RUST. IT HAS A HOLE RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME IN THE FRONT AND LARGE RUST FLAKES ARE FALLING OFF IN OTHER VARIOUS PLACES. UPON DOING RESEARCH, I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE MASSIVE RECALLS REGARDING FRAME RUST ON TOYOTA TRUCKS. I SPOKE WITH TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THE FRAME WOULD BE REPLACED IF IT WERE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN A COLD CLIMATE STATE. I AM TRYING TO GET THEM TO EMAIL ME THAT STATEMENT SO I CAN HAVE IT FOR MY RECORDS. THE TRUCK CAME FROM A COLD CLIMATE STATE. IT IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN NORTH CAROLINA. THEY SAID THEY WON'T HELP ME ONLY BECAUSE IT IS IN NC, NO MATTER HOW DANGEROUS THE RUST. IS THAT LEGAL FOR THEM EXCLUDE ME FOR THAT REASON? I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE THAT MY FRAME IS JUST AS BAD AS THE TRUCKS BEING REPAIRED. IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IT IS NOT A MATTER OF IF, BUT WHEN THE FRAME BREAKS. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
Structure, May 8, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FRAME WAS PERFORATED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
Structure, May 7, 2014
I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THIS IS MY SECOND TOYOTA TRUCK AND I DO REALLY LOVE MY TRUCK. MY LAST PICKUP WAS A 1999 EXT PICKUP WITH A LOT OF RUST ON IT WHEN I QUALIFIED FOR A BUYBACK DEAL. LAST WEEK I BROUGHT MY 2005 INTO THE KENNY ROSS TOYOTA DEALER IN CORAOPLIS, PA TO HAVE THEM INSPECT MY VEHICLE. THE INSPECTION REVEALED A LARGE STRUCTURAL HOLE IN THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHERE THE FRAME RAIL CURVES DOWN. THIS IS ONE THING THAT IS KEEPING IT FROM GETTING A INSPECTION STICKER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION DUE TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE FRAME. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. IF THIS SECTION OF MY FRAME WAS TO FAIL, WHICH I BELIEVE IS COMPLETELY POSSIBLE; IT WILL RESULT IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE TO BELIEVE THAT I CAN TRUST TOYOTA USA TO TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE. I AM AT THIS POINT BASICALLY LEFT WITH A BEAUTIFUL, GREAT RUNNING AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE TOYOTA TACOMA. I FEEL STRANGLED, VIOLATED, AND TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF. $25,000 PLUS INVESTMENT ON A TRUCK THAT IS A POSSIBLE SCRAP HEAP AT 9 YEARS AND 167K MILES. I CAN'T SELL IT AND GET A FAIR VALUE KNOWING THE FRAME IS ROTTEN. THE DEALER WON'T TAKE IT BACK ON A TRADE IN EITHER. I PUT IN A CLAIM THAT TOYOTA BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FRAME SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. ALL THEY IS OFFERED ME $1500 TOWARD A NEW TOYOTA VEHICLE WHICH DOESN'T HELP MY CURRENT PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP SEEN POTENTIAL FRAME ISSUE AND DIDN'T EVEN TAKE ANY PHOTOS OF IT AND/OR THEN PASS THEM ONTO A FIELD REP. AS I UNDERSTAND, IF THE FIELD REP DEEMS THE PHOTOS OF INTEREST, AN APPOINTMENT WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR WHEN S/HE IS NEXT AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE FIELD REP CAN EITHER THEN REJECT OR ESCALATE IT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, May 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, ONE OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS FRACTURED AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 06/17/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ONE OF THE TWO STRAPS THAT SECURED THE GAS TANK FAILED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE TANK. THE TANK WAS TILTED AS A RESULT. THE STRAP FAILED AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. UPDATED 06/24/14
Structure, Apr 17, 2014
FRAME RUST NOTICED WHILE CONDUCTING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON TRUCK. THE WHOLE FRAME IS NOT RUSTED BUT THERE IS A LARGE WHOLE JUST BEHIND THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE NEAR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TT
Structure, Apr 15, 2014
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
Structure, Apr 11, 2014
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA VEHICLE, FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A HOLE IN THE FRAME. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RUST ON THE ENTIRE FRAME AREA. A PINHOLE WAS DISCOVERED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DENIED A PASSING INSPECTION. WAS SUGGESTED THAT I TAKE IT TO A FRAME WELDING SPECIALIST TO HAVE IT WELDED. TOYOTA NEEDS TO GET IT TOGETHER. THERE ARE MORE TRUCKS LIKE THIS OUT THERE, THEY HAVE ALREADY REPLACED EARLIER YEAR FRAMES DUE TO THE SAME ISSUES. *JS
Structure, Mar 31, 2014
LAST FALL, I WAS ADVISED BY A PRIVATE GARAGE THAT MY 2005 TACOMA HAD EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST. I BROUGHT IT TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND I SHOULD NOT DRIVE IT UNTIL THE FRAME WAS REPAIRED. I OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. I WROTE LETTERS TO THE GM AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP IN LAKEWOOD, NJ AND THE REGIONAL MANAGER IN NJ, BOTH OF WHICH HAVE GONE UNANSWERED. I CANNOT SELL THE VEHICLE NOR TRADE IT IN THE SHAPE IT IS IN, NOR SHOULD I BE USING IT (ALTHOUGH I MUST). THERE IS A HOLE IN THE BOXED PART OF THE FRAME THAT IS ABOUT 8" LONG AND 2-3" HIGH. THERE MAY BE MORE BY NOW. THE RUST HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT IT IS STAINING MY DRIVEWAY, WHICH IS BLACKTOPPED! I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF TOYOTA'S REPUTATION. THEY DID THE RIGHT THING WITH THE FRAMES ON THE 1ST GENERATION TACOMA, IT ABOUT TIME THEY WERE ENCOURAGED TO DO SO WITH THE NEWER VEHICLES BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Mar 29, 2014
I HAVE NOTICED EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA AND ALSO RUST HOLE THROUGH THE FRAME/LEAF SPRING MOUNT ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I DID CONTACT AND SEND PICTURES TO TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER FILE# STATING THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WONT REPAIR THIS UNSAFE CONDITION THAT SO MANY TACOMA'S ARE HAVING. WHEN ONE OF THESE TACOMA'S GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH THE FRAMES COMPROMISED BY THE RUST IT WILL CAUSE SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANTS AND THIS HAS TO BE FIXED NOW. *TR
Structure, Mar 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HE DID AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE SUBFRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
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
Structure, Mar 20, 2014
WAS ADVISED OF SEVERE RUST PROBLEM ON FRAME OF VEHICLE BY INDEPENDENT GARAGE. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION AFTER OPENING A CASE WITH TOYOTA (1308190057). DEALER SERVICE MANAGER WROTE ON INVOICE "ADVISED CUSTOMER THAT HOLE IN FRAME FRT LEFT SIDE CALL #800 NUMBER FOR TOYOTA NO PROGRAMS OR WARRANTY AT THIS TIME. ADVISE CUSTOMER TO FIX FRAME BEFORE DRIVING CANNOT TELL IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER SPOTS IN FRAME THAT WILL RUST THRU. ADVISE CUSTOMER TO FIX FRAME BEFORE DRIVING VEHICLE." THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF RUST ON THE FRAME AND VARIOUS OTHER PARTS UNDER THE VEHICLE, AS EVIDENCED BY MY INSPECTION AND LARGE RUST STAINS ON MY DRIVEWAY. SENT LETTERS TO TOYOTA REGIONAL OFFICE IN NJ AND TO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, BOTH OF WHICH WENT UNANSWERED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 19, 2014
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PICK UP LISTED ABOVE. BACK IN THE FALL OF 2013 I WAS ADVISED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC THAT MY TRUCK HAD FRAME ROT NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO LIA TOYOTA IN COLONIE, NY AND THEY DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM. SEVERAL MONTHS PAST AND I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING BACK FROM THEM. I CALLED THE NATL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-331-4331, WHO ADVISED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DOCUMENTED, CASE #9735757600. I HAVE BEEN BACK AND FORTH WITH THE LOCAL DEALER BUT TO NO AVAIL. I AM NOT GETTING ANY FEEDBACK. I KNOW THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH FRAME ROT IN THE PAST AND IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY RECTIFIED BUT APPARENTLY NOT. I AM JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT I DO NEXT. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Structure, Mar 16, 2014
I HAD THIS VEHICLE INSPECTED BY TOYOTA AND THEY STATED SURFACE RUST ON FRAME. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 47000 MILES AND THE RUST IS NOT SURFACE RUST, IN MY OPINION, FOR THE MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WILL CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE IF TOYOTA DOESN'T DO SOMETHING ABOUT REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE FRAME. TOYOTA HAS RECALLED 1995.5 THROUGH 2004 AND HAVE REPAIRED OR REPLACED FRAMES. TOYOTA NEEDS TO CONTINUE THEIR RECALL TO INCLUDE LATER VEHICLES WITH RUSTING PROBLEMS. IF TOYOTA DOES NOT STEP UP TO CORRECT THIS RUSTING PROBLEM IT WILL, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY BECOME A NATIONAL SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR