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
707 reports, newest first.
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
Vehicle speed control, Apr 28, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED ABNORMALLY AS THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, BUT HE WAS ON SITE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
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
Air bags, Apr 18, 2014
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS MOSTLY STAYED ON FOR QUITE A WHILE. TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE SPIRAL/CLOCKSPRING CABLE ON MY VEHICLE IN MARCH 2012, WHICH ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER, MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE PROBLEM ON MY VEHICLE HAS GOTTEN WORSE. I TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA DEALER SHOP AND THEY INDICATED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE SPIRAL CABLE, AS WELL. SINCE THAT TIME, TOYOTA JUST ISSUED ANOTHER RECALL (APRIL 2014), AGAIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE TACOMA AND OTHER VEHICLES. AGAIN, MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SECOND RECALL. I CONTACTED TOYOTA HQ TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THEY NOTED IT, BUT HAVE TAKEN NO ACTION. MY VEHICLE HAS THE PROBLEM IDENTIFIED IN BOTH RECALLS FOR THE SAME VEHICLE, YET MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY AND OTHERS SINCE THIS PROBLEM CAN PREVENT THE AIRBAG FROM DEPLOYING IN AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THERE COULD BE A GAP IN THE SCOPE OF TOYOTA'S RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. *TR
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
Air bags, Apr 5, 2014
LIKE MANY OTHER TOYOTA TACOMA OWNERS, MY AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED LAST YEAR. AFTER RESEARCHING IT, TOYOTA HAD ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE ACKNOWLEDGING A PROBLEM WITH THE "SPIRAL CABLE" AND INDICATED THEY WERE GATHERING THE PARTS AND WOULD SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS. I NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER AND AFTER INQUIRING, MY VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. AFTER RESEARCHING A BIT MORE, IT APPEARS MANY TACOMA OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT NOW ILLUMINATES CONTINUOUSLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD BE $106 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM (WE ALL KNOW IT'S A SPIRAL CABLE ISSUE) AND FROM ALL ACCOUNTS, THE SPIRAL CABLE REPLACEMENT COST IS NORTH OF $500 (EVEN THOUGH TOYOTA'S PRESS RELEASE INDICATED IT IS A 30 MINUTE FIX). BY THE WAY, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH AS LONG AS THE AIRBAG DASHBOARD LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. THE COST OF REPAIR IS OUT OF RANGE FOR MOST AND IT WAS OBVIOUS THE DEALERSHIP HAD LITTLE CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE NHTSA IS FAILING TO ANALYZE THE DATA AND MAKE A COMPELLING CASE TO TOYOTA TO EXPAND THE AFFECTED RANGE OF VINS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. IT IS YET ANOTHER BLACK EYE FOR TOYOTA FOR DEMONSTRATING A LACK OF CONCERN FOR A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT COULD END UP SERIOUSLY INJURING OR KILLING A VEHICLE OCCUPANT, UNNECESSARILY. GIVEN THE RECENT PUBLICITY OF THE FINE LEVIED AGAINST TOYOTA AND THE GRILLING GM IS NOW TAKING, YOU WOULD EXPECT THE AUTOMAKERS TO STEP UP THEIR GAME. MY OBSERVATION IS THAT THEY SIMPLY DON'T CARE. IF NHTSA IS NOT FORCING THEIR HANDS ON SAFETY ISSUES, IT'S OBVIOUS CAR MANUFACTURERS NO LONGER HAVE INCENTIVE TO DO THE RIGHT THING. NHTSA, WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU TO ANALYZE THIS DATA FOR SAFETY SAKE. *TR
Air bags, Mar 31, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS AS 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V092000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE MANUFACTURE AND DEALER WERE BOTH MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
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
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
Service brakes, Mar 12, 2014, crash
IT WAS CLEAR AND DRY ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. THE HOV LANE WAS DRY AND NEWLY PAVED. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65-60 MPG WHEN I SAW BRAKE LIGHTS. I BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND STEP ON THE BRAKES AT ABOUT 300 FEET. SUDDENLY, I NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WAS NOT STOPPING, BUT RATHER THAT IT HAD ALREADY STOPPED! AT APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AWAY FROM THE CAR, I PRESSED MY BRAKE PETAL TO THE FLOOR. AT 20 FEET BEHIND HIM, I SAID TO MYSELF THAT MY VEHICLE HAD ENOUGH ROOM TO STOP BEFORE HITTING HIM. BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED AT THIS POINT. IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE WAS PUSHING MY VEHICLE FROM THE BACK (IT WAS NOT BEING PUSHED), OR THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, OR THAT THE ABS SYSTEM RELEASED THE PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES. THE RESULT WAS THAT I REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH OUR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NEITHER I NOR MY PASSENGER HAD CONTACT WITH THE AIRBAGS. I WAS PROBABLY GOING LESS THAN 15 MPH AT IMPACT. WHEN BRAKING, I NEVER FELT THE TATTLE-TELL FEELING OF A PULSATING BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE ABS SYSTEM GOES INTO EFFECT. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM IN THE PAST WHEN DRIVING IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE IN SNOW AND DRIVING OFF ROAD. THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD TAKE THE BRAKING CONTROL AWAY FROM ME, WHICH HAS CAUSED SOME PROBLEMS. THIS HAPPENED IN 2009 (OFF ROAD) AND 2010 IN DEEP SNOW. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO EXAMINE MY BRAKING AND ABS SYSTEM. THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS. IF THE ABS IS AT FAULT, THIS WOULD BE THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2010 AND THE FIRST TIME ON DRY ROAD. THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR MY VEHICLE SAY THAT IT ONLY TAKES 126 FEET TO MAKE A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND SOLD BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THEY WILL HOLD IT FOR ONLY 4 DAYS FOR INVESTIGATION. THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED AND SERVICED FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE PAST. I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA REGIONAL OFFICE ON 02/27/2014, BUT THEY WILL NOT DO AN INVESTIGATION. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 6, 2014
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT LUNGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MH *TR
Structure, Engine, Feb 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, HE NOTICED THE FRAME UNDER THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS DETERIORATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED, DETERIORATED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. UPDATED 04/17/14*LJ *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Feb 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM UNDER THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE METAL STRAPS USED TO SECURE THE FUEL TANK TO THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED AND FRACTURED, CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT SECTION OF THE FUEL TANK TO HANG FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE FRACTURED METAL STRAP WOULD MAKE CONTACT WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT WHENEVER THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. ..UPDATED 04-22-14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS CHARGING HIM $1900 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. TWO MORE STRAPS BROKE, WHEN THE DEALER PUT THE VEHICLE ON THE RACK, WHICH CAUSED THE TANK TO FALL PULLING OUT THE GAS LINES AND WIRING, AS WELL AS CRACKING THE TANK. UPDATED 04/23/14.
Structure, Feb 21, 2014
TWO YEARS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THIS TRUCK NEW IN DECEMBER OF 2004, I STARTED TO NOTICE RUST ON THE FRAME. NOW HAVING KEPT THE TRUCK GARAGED AT ALL TIMES AND WITH SLIGHTLY OVER 31,000 MILES ON IT THE FRAME IS GETTING VERY RUSTY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Feb 12, 2014, crash
I WAS PULLING INTO A CURB PARKING SPACE WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE ON MY TRUCK ACCELERATED. MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE SO I PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT I WAS SLOWLY MOVING FORWARD ANYWAY. MY BRAKES WERE SMOKING FROM TRYING TO STOP MY TRUCK. I HIT THE BACK OF A PARKED CAR AND PUSHED IT APPROXIMATELY TWO PARKING SPACES BEFORE I THOUGHT TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF. *TR
Structure, Feb 3, 2014
INNER FRAME RAIL ON DRIVERS SIDE ROTTED THROUGH. NOTED ON A REPAIR ORDER BY TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AS RUST PERFORATION ON LEFT FRONT INNER FRAME RAIL NEAR CAT CONVERTER. VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS PA STATE INSPECTION AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. 2005 TACOMA WITH 70,000 MILES. ON GOING ISSUE WITH TOYOTA FRAMES TOYOTA NOT RESPONSIBLE RECALL AND BUY BACK ONLY GOOD UNTIL 2004 MODEL YEARS. PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS ON NEW MODEL YEARS. *TR