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: suspension
137 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Structure, Oct 9, 2014
I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR MAINTENANCE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME ON MY 2005 TACOMA X-RUNNER IS RUSTED AND SHOWING SIGNS OF CRACKING. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL OR TSB. THE RUST IS SO BAD THAT I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE COLD WEATHER STATES TO RECOAT OR REPLACE RUSTED FRAMES SO TOYOTA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY HAD THE SAME ISSUE WITH 95-04 TACOMAS. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Engine, Oct 6, 2014
ON MY OLD 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA I GOT THE DEAL ON BUYBACK WHEN THE FRAME RUSTED OUT SO BAD WITH HOLES IN IT.THEN I WENT OUT AND BOUGHT A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THIS TRUCK HAS RUST FROM END TO END ON THE FRAME AGAIN. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN 2006 TOYOTA SAID THEY HAD THAT FIXED BUT THIS 2005 IS ALOT WORSE WITH ALOT MORE RUST THEN THE 1998.I ALSO TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND ALTERNATOR AND AC PUMP REPLACED BECAUSE EVERYTHING WAS RUSTED UP ON THE ALTERNATOR AND AC PUMP AND POWER STEERING SO BAD THE MECHANIC TOLD ME TO KEEP THE PARTS AND SHOW THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND NHTSA.I WAS LUCKY THAT EVERYTHING SHUT DOWN ON THE TRUCK WHEN I GOT IT TO THE BOTTOM OF MY DRIVEWAY AND THEN GOT IT TOWED TO THE MECHANIC AND 1790.00 DOLLARS LATER WITH LABOR AND PARTS LET ME TELL YOU NOT HAPPY WITH TOYOTA.PLEASE NHTSA LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND IF YOU NEED A TRUCK TO TAKE PICS OF MINE IS THE ONE I USED TO WORK AT A BODY SHOP SO I KNOW THIS TRUCK WOULD DO THE JOB FOR NHTSA MY TRUCK HAS 78000 MILES ON IT I WILL TAKE PICS OF IT FOR YOU IF YOU WISH. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Aug 15, 2014
I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KOONS TOYOTA ON SATURDAY, AUG 2ND FOR AN OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER CONTACTED ME AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE HAD A FRAME CONDITION THAT MADE IT TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHEN I GOT THERE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LIFT AND THE FRAME HAD EXTREME RUST AND A LARGE HOLE IN IT AND THE EXACT SAME HOLE WAS DEVELOPING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND RECEIVED THIS RESPONSE FROM THEM: [XXX], WE APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR CONCERN WITH THE FRAME ON YOUR 2005 TACOMA. AT THIS TIME, YOUR TACOMA IS NOT INVOLVED IN ANY RECALLS OR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE FRAME. UNTIL A RECALL OR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT IS ANNOUNCED FOR YOUR TACOMA, THERE IS NOTHING THAT WE CAN DO AT THIS TIME. YOUR EMAIL HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED AT OUR NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS UNDER FILE #1408052561. IF WE CAN BE OF FURTHER ASSISTANCE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
Suspension, Structure, Aug 13, 2014
EXCESSIVE RUST ON VEHICLE FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. *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
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
Suspension, Wheels, Apr 21, 2014
NORMAL DRIVING ON THE STREET I NOTICED A NOISE ON THE REAR RIGHT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE AND I STOPPED TO VERIFY WHAT HAPPEN WHEN AND I REALIZE THAT THE REAR RIGHT SPRING ASSEMBLY WAS BROKEN ( SPLIT APART IN TWO SECTIONS). *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
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
Suspension, Structure, Mar 15, 2014
THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK IS RUSTING OUT AT AN ACCELERATED RATE. THE WELDS ARE RUSTING OUT AT HIGH STRESS POINTS (ENGINE MOUNTS AND SUSPENSION AREAS). TOYOTA HAS A HISTORY OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TACOMA. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Mar 14, 2014
I TOOK MY TRUCK TO GET IT INSPECTED AND THEY SAID THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME A LARGE AS MY HAND. IT WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY 2 LITTLE SONS AROUND IN THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN UNSAFE FOR A LONG TIME. THE HOLES ARE BIG ENOUGH TO HAVE STARTED YEARS AGO AS A SMALL HOLE WHICH MAKE THE TRUCK UNDRIVABLE. I HAVE A NICE LOOKING TRUCK THAT CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE 1ST GENERATION TACOMAS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME REASON. WHAT IS TOYOTA GOING TO DO? *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 17, 2014
THE FRAME ON MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PRE RUNNER IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT DUE TO A FLAW IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THE RECALL WAS 3 MONTHS PAST THE DATE OF THE END OF THE RECALL. NOW MY VEHICLE HAS LARGE CRACKS IN THE FRAME AND IS NO LONGER SAFE. THIS ISSUE STILL EXISTS IN THE 2005 MODEL AND MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. THERE WAS A RECALL THAT COVERED THIS PROBLEM UP UNTIL THE END OF 2004. MINE WAS PURCHASED IN THE BEGINNING OF 2005. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS TRUCK AND IS BEING IGNORED BY TOYOTA. THEY ARE FAILING TO REPAIR THIS AND PICKING AND CHOOSING IF THEY INFACT WANT TO REPAIR SOME TRUCKS AND NOT OTHERS. TOYOTAS OPTIONS ON THE FACT THAT MY TRUCK HAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE HELP!! *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jan 13, 2014
DURING A REPAIR VISIT TO TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER I WAS INFORMED THAT MY FRAME WAS RUSTING IN SEVERAL PLACES. I WAS TOLD THAT AT THE PRESENT TIME THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE BUT THAT THE RUST WOULD CONTINUE AND LEAD TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. TOYOTA IS AWARE OF RUSTING PROBLEMS WITH PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS. I SEE THAT THE 2004 AND EARLIER MODEL YEARS WERE RECALLED FOR RUSTING FRAMES. DEALERSHIPS WAS ALSO AWARE OF AN INCREASE IN FRAME RUSTING CASES IN 2005 TACOMA TRUCKS AS WELL. TRUCK ONLY HAS 66,000 MILES AND WAS NOT USED FOR HEAVY HAULING. REPAIR OR REINFORCEMENT IS NOT AN OPTION. ONLY REMEDY OFFERED BY TOYOTA WAS FOR ME TO REPLACE THE FRAME AT A COST OF $13,000. I FEEL THIS IS AN UNSAFE DESIGN FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Suspension, Power train, Structure, Jan 12, 2014
STARTED HEARING RUBBING/GRINDING TYPE NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. INSPECTED AND FOUND LF CV AXLE LEAKING GREASE, SO THOUGHT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THERE. REPLACED LF CV AXLE, AND THE NOISE DID NOT GO AWAY. INSPECTED FURTHER AND FOUND DRIVERS SIDE FRAME WHERE THE MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET IS WELDED TO CRACKED, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO FLEX AND THE FAN TO RUB ON THE FAN SHROUD. CONTACTED TOYOTA, WHO INSTRUCTED ME TO GET IT INSPECTED AT A DEALERSHIP. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER, WHO TOLD ME THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF DRIVER ABUSE, NO RUST, NOT REALLY ANYTHING THAT SHOWED WHY THE WELD HAD BROKEN, BUT THAT TOYOTA DID NOT WANT TO DO ANYTHING DUE TO AFTERMARKET LIFT AND OVERSIZED TIRED. LIFT WAS ALREADY INSTALLED ON VEHICLE WHEN PURCHASED AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. TOYOTA CORPORATE TOLD ME THEY DID NOT WANT TO HELP BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY. THE STEERING SHAFT IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE PART OF THE MOTOR THAT IS SAGGING DOWN, AND I AM AFRAID IF IT WERE TO BREAK COMPLETELY IT MIGHT STOP THE VEHICLE FROM BEING ABLE TO TURN. ALSO, IS THERE NOW EXTRA STRESS ON ANY OF THE WIRING? IS IT FLEXING AND POTENTIALLY BREAKING ANY FUEL LINES? I HAVE DONE SOME REASEARCH ON THIS, AND FOUND A LOT OF PEOLPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR TRUCKS. TOYOTA HAS STARTED PUTTING UPDATED FRAMES WITH MORE SUPPORT FOR THE MOTOR MOUNTS ON THE 2007 MODELS, KNOWING THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE 05/06S, BUT ARE REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE ONES THAT HAVE BROKEN. *TR
Suspension, Oct 9, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SHOCKS HAD BEEN REPLACED MORE THAN EIGHT TIMES DUE TO A RECURRING FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD WARRANTY THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPONENT EACH TIME UNTIL THE CONTACT'S FACTORY WARRANTY HAD BECOME EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BOTH SHOCKS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 172,180.
Suspension, Sep 23, 2013
NOTIFIED BY DEALER TRUCK WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO FRAME BEING CRACKED AND RUSTED. TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER REPAIRS. IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE . SUB FRAME ISN'T DETERIATED LIKE FRAME .
Suspension, Structure, Aug 21, 2013
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION, NOTIFIED THAT THE FRAME HAS EXCESSIVE CORROSION (RUST) ON THE ENTIRE FRAME WITH SIGNS OF METAL SEPARATION. A CRACK WAS ALSO NOTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE FRONT AND BACK PARTS OF THE C-FRAME ARE WELDED TOGETHER. WHEN THE SURFACE RUST WAS GROUND AWAY, THE CRACK WAS 5" LONG AND THE BOTTOM OF THE C-FRAME HAD TWO LARGE PERFORATIONS. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS THE INSPECTION. THE DEALER CONTACTED REGIONAL REP AND OWNER CONTACTED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE - BOTH ADVISED NO ASSISTANCE AND THE FRAMES WERE OF A DIFFERENT PRODUCTION LOT THEN THE PRIOR RECALL (2ND GEN VS 1ST GEN). ALSO CITED AGE AND MILEAGE BEING A FACTOR. OTHER THAN THE FRAME, THE VEHICLE IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. 2005 TACOMA WITH 131000 MILES SHOULD STILL BE A PASSABLE VEHICLE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Jun 27, 2013
AS I WAS LEAVING WORK I SLOWLY DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP. THE REAR END OF MY TRUCK BEGAN TO BOUNCE LIKE A BOAT IN CHOPPY WATER. I GOT OUT AND LOOKED TO SEE IF I HAD A LOW TIRE. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FINE SO I KEPT LOOKING. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION TO THE LEFT REAR WHEEL WELL, I NOTICED THAT THE SHOCK ROD HAD BROKEN OFF AT THE THEADED END AND SHOT STRAIGHT THROUGH THE BED OF MY TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO GLENN TOYOTA FOR INSPECTION. INITIALLY THEY TOOK GREAT INTEREST UNTIL AFTER THEY LEARNED THAT TOYOTA MANUFACTURING WOULD NOT COVER THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. NOW THE TRUCK RIDES LIKE A BOAT IN CHOPPY WATER AND EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP IN THE ROAD CAUSES AN EXAGGERATED RESPONSE IN THE SUSPENSION MAKING IT DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THERE IS NO PREVIOUS HISTORY OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE NOR HAS IT BEEN MISTREATED. *TR
Suspension, Structure, May 25, 2013
THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY NEW 2005 TACOMA 7 YRS AGO, INFORMED ME MY TRUCK WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO HOLES RUSTED THROUGH THE FRAME. THE LARGEST OF THE HOLES WAS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE ON THE INSIDE OF THE MAIN BOX FRAME COMPONENT. THERE ARE SIMILAR HOLES ALONG OTHER BOX STYLE FRAME PARTS. THESE RUST HOLES ORIGINATED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE BOX FRAME AND NOT FROM WHERE ANY RUST PREVENTATIVE COULD BE APPLIED BY THE OWNER. ANY POST PRODUCTION APPLICATION OF UNDERCOATING OR UNDERBODY OIL BY THE OWNER TO THE INTERIOR OF THESE BOXED AREAS IS NOT POSSIBLE SINCE THEY ARE INACCESSIBLE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY CAN DO WITHOUT TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS APPROVAL. I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER RELATIONS LINE AT 1-800-331-4331 AND AFTER A LONG CONVERSATION WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRUCK MODEL WAS NOT COVERED BY EITHER A VEHICLE WARRANTY OR A REMEDIAL ACTION BY TOYOTA. RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT TOYOTA TACOMA MODELS HAVE HAD FRAME RUSTING PROBLEMS CONSISTENTLY SINCE THE MID 90'S. MY OPTIONS FROM TOYOTA, ALL AT MY OWN EXPENSE, ARE TO: 1. FIND A FRAME SHOP THAT CAN PATCH THESE HOLES BUT MOST LIKELY THE PATCH WILL ONLY LAST A YEAR. 2. HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED WHICH THE DEALERSHIP ROUGHLY ESTIMATED IT TO BE CLOSE TO $12,000. 3. JUNK THE TRUCK AND GET A NEW VEHICLE. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK EXPECTING TO GET AT LEAST 300-400K MILES. THE TRUCK LOOKS NEW, THE BODY HAS NO RUST, IT HAS NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND RUNS GREAT. I HAVE RELIGIOUSLY FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE SCHEDULE. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Dec 19, 2012
VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER SHOP FOR BRAKE JOB AND TECHNICIAN REPORTED RUSTED-THROUGH FAILURE OF FRAME WHICH RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS A SECOND GENERATION TACOMA, 2005 MODEL YEAR. *TR
Suspension, May 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL TICKING NOSE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE U-JOINT NEEDED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
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
Suspension, Sep 11, 2011
2005 PRERUNNER SR5 HAD GRINDING SOUND FROM RIGHT FRONT AT ABOUT 40MPH WHEN TURNING LEFT. NO SOUND WHEN TURNING RIGHT. DEALER CHECKED AND DETERMINED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. REPLACED LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ($516.32). WHEN LEAVING DEALER LOT AFTER PICKING UP THE TRUCK I NOTICED THE SOUND STILL CAME FROM THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL . BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER WHO CHECKED AGAIN AND DETERMINED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. ALSO SAID LEFT REAR MAY BE GOING BAD. COST TO REPLACE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING $337.01 (DEALER DIDN'T CHARGE LABOR THIS TIME). ABOUT 1 YEAR AFTER BEARINGS REPLACED THE GRINDING SOUND HAS RETURNED. VEHICLE NOW HAS ABOUT 107K MILES. RELUCTANT TO RETURN TO DEALER AND PAY ANOTHER $800-$1000 TO REPAIR WHEEL BEARINGS THAT APPEAR TO BE EITHER POOR QUALITY OR INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. DEALER CLAIMS REPLACING WHEEL BEARINGS AT 80K MILES IS NOT ABNORMAL. *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