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.
Air bags, Sep 1, 2012
JUST STARTED MY TRUCK UP TO GO TO WORK AS USUAL AND AFTER ABOUT 1/2 A MILE THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. MY TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAGS HAVE NEVER BEEN DEPLOYED BEFORE SO I WANTED TO GET IT CHECKED OUT WHEN I GOT TO WORK. AS AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN I HOOKED UP MY SCAN TOOL AND PULLED CODE B1801-OPEN IN D SQUIB CIRCUIT. SO I EXAMINED IT MORE AND PULLED UP AIRBAG OPERATION DATA PASSENGER BUCKLE SW (SEATBELT) UNPLUGGED=UNSET PLUGGED IN=SET D SEAT POS WITH SEATBELT UNBUCKLED=BKWRD BUCKLED=FRWRD DRIVER BUCKLE SW UNPLUGGED=UNSET AND PLUGGED IN=UNSET. I FOLLOWED THE TOYOTA MOTOR SALES USA INC TROUBLE TREE FOR THIS DTC AND CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDS REPLACED. WENT ONLINE AND GOOGLED THE DTC AND HAVE FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS AND QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DTC. SEVERAL FAILURES OF THE SPIRAL CABLE. THIS SEEMS LIKE IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO FAIL. I FEEL TOYOTA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND CORRECT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR
Structure, Aug 29, 2012
LAST YEAR DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION I WAS TOLD MY FRAME HAD RUST. I CHECKED WITH TOYOTA AND THEY HAD A RECALL FOR MODEL YEARS UP TO 2004 FOR FRAME RUST ISSUES. THIS YEAR WHILE MY TRUCK WAS ON THE LIFT FOR MECHANICAL WORK, THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE RUST ON MY FRAME WAS GETTING SERIOUS AND THERE WERE SOME POSSIBLE WEAK AREA'S. AGAIN I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE HAD NO ISSUES NOR SEEN ANY RUST ON THE TRUCK FRAME. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY OF A SPLIT YEAR AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT 2005'S HAD A NEW DESIGN AND FRAME MANUFACTURER. I FILED A CASE WITH TOYOTA CASE #[XXX] JUST SO I WOULD BE ON RECORD. I HAVE ALSO SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET WHEN I DID A SEARCH FOR FRAME RUST 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Aug 28, 2012
REPLACEMENT OF SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, DIAGNOSIS, PAPER WORK TO TAKE 4 HOURS TO SIX HOURS TO COMPLETE. THIS WAS QUOTED TO ME BY YOUR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ( PRECISION TOYOTA) IN THE TUCSON AREA. YET THE NOTIFICATION STATES ONLY 30 MINUTES IS NEEDED TO REPLACE. *TR
Wheels, Jul 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE WOULD DEFLATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE WHEEL DEVELOPED A CRACK AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. UPDATED 08/08/12*LJ UPDATED 08/08/12
Structure, Jul 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE CORROSION WAS SUPERFICIAL AND WOULD NOT CAUSE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ
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.
Air bags, May 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Apr 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A LOUD NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE TRANSMISSION BELL HOUSE, WHICH WAS MADE OF ALUMINUM AND CAUSING THE ABNORMAL NOISE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BELL HOUSE SEVERAL TIMES UNDER THE WARRANTY BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE BELL HOUSE CONTINUED TO EXHIBIT THE LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Structure, Apr 11, 2012
RUST HAS DEVELOPED ON FRAME OF MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. DESPITE PRIOR RUST ISSUES WITH THIS MODEL TOYOTA HAS NO PROGRAM IN EFFECT TO LOOK AT THE TRUCK. *TR
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
Air bags, Jan 29, 2012
SRS LITE CAME ON AND NEVER HAS GONE OUT, FOR THE DRIVERSIDE AIR BAG. AFTER INVESTAGATING THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS THAT HUNDREDS OF THESE TOYOTAS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. AT THE DEARSHIP, DIAGNOSIS, IS ABOUT $115.00 TO PULL THE CODE, AND THEN RUN UP TO ABOUT $500.00 FOR REPAIRS. THE SPIRAL CABLE IN THE STEERING COLOMNE HAS A SHORT LIFE. 35K MILE ON SOME AND UP IN MILES AFTER THAT FOR OTHERS. SRS SYSTEMS SUCH AS THIS I UNDERSTAND IS LIFETIME WARRENTY. THAT MAY BE CUT SHORT IF THE AIR BAG DOES NOT INFLATE IF NEEDED. TOYOTA SHOULD BE RESPONABLE, AND FIX THIS PROBLEM, AS THE COST OF REPAIR IS OUT OF REACH FOR MANY PEOPLE. USING INFERIOR WIRES, THAT IS NOT THE CONSUMERS FAULT. I BOUGHT THIS TOYOTA NEW, THINKING THAT TOYOTA WILL LAST A LONG TIME, IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALERSHIP REGULAR, AND ON TIME. PLEASE HELP IN THIS MATTER, AS IT AFFECTS MANY OWNERS AND LIFE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *TT
Air bags, Jan 19, 2012
AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO REASON. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Jan 6, 2012
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER STATES LOUD NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE AND THAT THE ENGINE WAS OFF KILTER *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE OPENED THE HOOD, HE DISCOVERED THE ENGINE WAS DRASTICALLY LEANING TOWARDS THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS THE ENGINE'S COOLING FAN HITTING THE SHROUD MEANT TO PROTECT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE MOTOR MOUNT WHICH WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE BROKEN FREE AND COLLAPSED INTO THE FRAME ITSELF. THERE WAS ALSO EXTENSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME ON THE REMAINDER OF THE FRAME. A TOYOTA SPECIALIST TOOK PICTURES OF THE FAILED MOTOR MOUNT AND RUSTED FRAME. THE CONSUMER STATED TOYOTA HAS A LONG HISTORY OF FRAME RUST ISSUES, AS A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS MODELS. *JB
Air bags, Dec 28, 2011
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 DBL CAB, 6 CYL, 4.0 ENG. 50K MILES, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, MANUAL TRANSMISSION: DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON AND STAYS ON. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR INFO. ON IT AND HAVE FOUND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM. GOING BY THE INFO. FOUND ON LINE, FROM GOOGLE TO NEWSGROUPS IT SEEMS THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE IN THE STEERING COLUMN IS FAILING AT A ALARMING RATE. THE TOYOTA DEALERS ARE JUST CHARGING FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND NOT ADMITTING A PRODUCT DEFECT. I AM TAKING MINE TO THE DEALER AND IS $117.00 JUST TO DIAGNOSE IT.. AND I KNOW THIS TAKES THEM 10 MIN OR LESS TO HOOK IT UP TO THE COMPUTER AND GET THE ERROR CODES PRINTED. THIS DEALERS ARE CHARGING $90 TO $120 JUST FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC.. AND IT SEEMS THE REPAIRS CAN GO FROM $300 UP TO $800.00. SRS (AIR BAG) ISSUES SHOULD BE COVERED FOR THE LIFE OF A VEHICLE OR SRS (AIR BAGS) SHOULD BE OPTIONAL! IF IT IS A REQUIRED PART LIKE A SEAT BELT TOYOTA SHOULD COVER THE PART FREE. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO REVIEW MY COMPLIANT AND THOSE OF OTHERS. *TR
Power train, Structure, Dec 8, 2011
MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA QUAD CAB SR5 HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. AT A COMPLETE STOP WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE MY TRUCK LUNGES FORWARD IN A VERY DANGEROUS ABRUPT MANNER AS THOUGH SOMEONE REAR ENDED ME. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AT STOP LIGHTS A FEW SECONDS AFTER I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. A SECOND ISSUE IS THAT MY PAINT IS CRACKING AND PEELING ON MY ROOF AND MY CLEAR COAT IS NOTICEABLY BAD ON THE EDGES OF MY HOOD AND DOORS. MY TRUCK IS NOT OF APPROPRIATE AGE OR WEATHER CONDITIONS TO HAVE THESE TYPES OF PAINT PROBLEMS. TOYOTA REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE OR PAY FOR MY ISSUES AND JUST RECOMMENDS THAT I GO PAY A DEALER TO FIX IT OUT OF MY POCKET. I SEE SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS ON MANY BLOGS, CLASS ACTION ANYONE? *TR
Structure, Dec 1, 2011
I OWN A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA, 4X4, 4-CYLINDER, 5-SPEED MANUAL, PURCHASED NEW. IT HAS 92,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE FILED TWO COMPLAINTS, GOING BACK THREE YEARS, WITH MY DEALER AND WITH TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS REGARDING EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME OF MY VEHICLE. BOTH HAVE TOLD ME IT IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE FRAME TO BE RUSTING. I DISAGREE. A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD EASILY LAST OVER 200,000 MILES SHOULD BE BUILT ON QUALITY FRAMES. AT SOME POINT IT WILL CAUSE ISSUES AND COULD BE A DANGER IF JOINTS START RUSTING. I HAVE SEARCHED ONLINE AND SEEN OTHER SIMILAR TRUCKS AND ALL OWNERS COMPLAIN OF THIS ISSUE. THE FRAME AND BRACKETS ARE ALL RUSTING EXCESSIVELY, MUCH MORE EXCESSIVELY THAN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. THIS STARTED OCCURRING SHORTLY AFTER OWNING THE CAR AND IT HAS GOTTEN TREMENDOUSLY WORSE. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN FRAME DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK AND THE TRUCK IS IN EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION, HAS BEEN WASHED WITH REGULARITY AND EVEN GARAGED. I AM SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAIN WITH THE HOPE OTHERS ARE ALSO COMPLAINING. I KNOW TOYOTA DID A RECALL OF THEIR PREVIOUS MODELS DUE TO THIS ISSUE AND NOTHING IN THEIR PRODUCTION HAS IMPROVED THE WAY THESE FRAMES ARE MADE AND I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO REMEDY THESE MODEL YEAR ISSUES TOO. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Nov 22, 2011
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED APPROXIMATELY 2 1/2 YEARS AGO, HE EXPERIENCED HIS FIRST SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE HAD HIS RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE FELT AS THOUGH IT WANTED TO CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED HOME, HE CHECKED THE FLOOR MAT, BUT IT WAS FOUND TO BE PROPERLY SECURED. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE REGARDING SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUES. WHEN HE CONTACTED THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND HE WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN THEY ARRIVED. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN THE ENGINE SUDDENLY BEGIN TO REVVED UP WITH THE REAR WHEELS SPINNING AND HOPPING WHILE SLOWLY MOVING FORWARD. THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION IN THE OVER DRIVE POSITION AND THERE WAS SOME DIFFICULTY TRYING TO PLACE THE SHIFTER IN THE PARK POSITION. THE CONSUMER FINALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED. HOWEVER, TWO MONTHS LATER,WHILE SLOWING DOWN, WITH HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV AGAIN. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ACCELERATION SEVERAL MORE TIMES. *JB
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2011
SPIRAL CABLE, AIR BAG, STEERING COLUMN, CHARGED $609.82 BY DEALER TO REPAIR, WAS IN OTHER REPAIR SHOP THIS WEEK, HEARD ANOTHER CUTOMER COMPLAIN OF SAME PROBLEM, ALSO HAD 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. EVERY SINGLE LIGHT CAME ON, ON THE DASH, SCARED THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF ME. MANUAL SAYS TAKE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER. WHAT A RIP OFF. *TR
Air bags, Oct 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,261. UPDATED 10/27/11*LJ
Air bags, Sep 17, 2011
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN DRIVING ONE DAY. AS I DID RESEARCH, IT SEEMS THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE IN THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE NEWER TACOMAS ARE FAULTY. THERE ARE ENTIRELY TOO MANY OF THESE THINGS GOING BAD. A SIMPLE SEARCH ON GOOGLE FOR TACOMA SPIRAL CABLE BRINGS UP SCORES OF PEOPLE WITH THESE THINGS GOING BAD, SOME AT 30-40 THOUSAND MILES! IT IS REDICULOUS THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD THIS ONGOING PROBLEM AND DONE NOTHING! AFTER ALL THE CRAP ABOUT UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND FLOORMATS I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, BUT APPARENTLY SAFETY SYSTEMS ARE'T THAT IMPORTANT TO THEM. NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE CHRONIC FAILURES, BUT THE DEALERSHIPS ARE MORE THAN HAPPY TO CHARGE $100 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH ALMOST EVERY CASE IS THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE TOTAL BILL COMES TO ANYWHERE FROM 4-500 DOLLARS DEPENDING ON THE DEALERSHIP, FOR A REPAIR THAT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN IN THE FIRST PLACE. NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR IS ONE THING, BUT SINCE WHEN IS THERE NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON AIR BAGS? *TT
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
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Sep 9, 2011
TRUCK BEGAN MAKING LOUD NOISES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TRUCK WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING BAD MOTOR MOUNTS. AT TIME OF REPAIR, MOTOR MOUNT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOTED BY MECHANIC TO HAVE BROKEN OFF THE FRAME DUE TO BAD/WEAKENED WELDS. MOTOR IS RUBBING ON FAN/RADIATOR SHROUD. OWNER HAS DONE INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, INCLUDING COMPLAINTS FILED ON THIS SITE, AND HAS NOTED THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING ISSUE WITH 2005 TACOMAS. *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
Air bags, Aug 3, 2011
MY AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON FOR NO REASON - NO SERVICE OR IMPACT TO TRIGGER THE SENSOR. I PAID A TOYOTA DEALER $112 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND THEY FOUND CODES B1660 & B1801, REQUIRING ME TO REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE COST WAS ABOUT $570 BEFORE TAX. I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO DO THE REPAIR, SO THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS STILL ON. THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT FUNCTION IN A CRASH IF THIS WAS NOT REPAIRED. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA WHETHER I AM UNDER WARRANTY OR NOT BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE, AND OTHER MECHANICS WILL NOT WORK ON AIR BAGS. *KB
Visibility, Jul 26, 2011
DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR BRACKET BREAKS AND VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP OUT OF THE WAY AND BLOCKS DRIVER'S VIEW. *TR