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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 707

Of the 2005 reports, 47 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.

Primary concernStructure260 reports · 37% of complaints
Owner complaints707Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship10 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Structure260
  2. Suspension137
  3. Vehicle speed control93
  4. Steering61
  5. Power train57
  6. Air bags46
  7. Other or unspecified42
  8. Tires26

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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 DRIVER’S 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 DRIVER’S 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  1. Air bags, Nov 8, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06V096000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AT ANYTIME IF A CRASH OCCURRED OR FOR NO REASON AT ALL. THERE WAS ALSO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,600. UPDATED 3/25/08 *CN

  2. Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Nov 6, 2007

    MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA 4DR 2X4 IS EXPERIENCING THE LURCHING ISSUE WHEN A/C IS RUNNING AT A STOP LIGHT. ALTHOUGH IT HAS NOT CAUSED ANY ACCIDENTS THUS FAR, I'VE COME CLOSE IN MANY OCCASIONS AND NERVOUS AT LETTING MY WIFE DRIVE THE VEHICLE. NOW THAT I'VE JUST HAD A CHILD, I'M EVEN MORE INTERESTED IN GETTING THIS ISSUE FIXED. THIS ISSUE OCCURS REPEATEDLY WHEN A/C IS RUNNING. *TR

  3. Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY ACCELERATED. NO PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AT THE TIME. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD REVVING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES. A COMPLAINT HAS NOT BEEN FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ

  4. Vehicle speed control, Nov 2, 2007

    I WAS DRIVING ON A NARROW MOUNTAIN ROAD WHEN I ACCELERATED PAST A VEHICLE IN THE SLOW LANE. WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS IT WAS STUCK TO THE FLOOR. I TOOK MY FOOT COMPLETELY OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND IT CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. MY CRUISE CONTROL WAS NOT ON. I HAD TO USE MY LEFT FOOT TO PRESS THE BRAKES TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ACCELERATING AND ONLY STOPPED AFTER I REPEATEDLY STOMPED ON THE GAS PEDAL. MY WIFE WAS WITH ME AT THE TIME AND WITNESSED IT. I JUST LEARNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM VIA THE NEWSCAST AND HAVE NOT REPORTED IT TO TOYOTA YET. *TR

  5. Tires, Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2007

    2005 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH INDENTATIONS ON THE SPARE TIRE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE SPARE TIRE IS TOUCHING THE CHASSIS WHICH IS CAUSING THE INDENTATIONS. CUSTOMER ALSO STATED THAT THE OTHER SPARE TIRE EXPLODED AND THE NEW ONE IS ERODING. *KB

  6. Vehicle speed control, Sep 11, 2007

    TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD WHEN AT A STOP SIGN. FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, YET TRUCK MOVED FORWARD AN INCH OR TWO. HAPPENS REGULARLY, 4-5 TIMES A WEEK. LAST TIME WAS ON SEP 10TH, 2007. *TR

  7. Power train, Sep 11, 2007

    ALMOST DAILY MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB TRUCK LURCHES FORWARD DURING DECELERATION AND ALSO AT A COMPLETE STOP. A FEW TIMES IT HAS LURCHED FORWARD A FOOT OR MORE WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. *JB UPDATED 10/16/07 *TR

  8. Power train, Aug 9, 2007

    UPON COMING TO A STOP (MOST OF THE TIME...PERHAPS MORE THEN 50%), THE VEHICLE WILL 'LURCH' FORWARD SLIGHTLY...EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. THIS WAS REPORTED TO THE DEALER A YEAR AGO (AND IS ON FILE WITH THEM). I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CONDITION WAS 'NORMAL'. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE DEALER TO CORRECT OR OTHERWISE STOP THIS CONDITION. IT HAS NOT BEEN SO BAD THAT I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE (JUST PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL HARDER). STILL, IF NOT PAYING ATTENTION, A COLLISION MIGHT READILY OCCUR IN STOPPED TRAFFIC. *JB

  9. Power train, Jul 24, 2007

    LATE SHIFTING, SHUDDERING, LURCHING AT IDLE. *TR

  10. Structure, Jul 19, 2007

    MUD GUARDS ARE BREAKING OFF FOR NO REASON, HAS TO BE POOR DESIGN OR DEFECT. *TR

  11. Vehicle speed control, Jul 11, 2007

    THIS IS FOR THE 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. I HAVE NOTICED SEVERAL TIMES WHEN COMING TO A STOP THAT THE TRUCK LOUNGES FORWARD. EVEN WITH MY FOOT COMPLETELY ON THE BRAKE THE TRUCK STILL WILL PULL FORWARD. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN SO MANY TIMES, ONE TIME STOPPING FOR A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME AND THE TRUCK TRYING TO PULL FORWARD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY JUST TOLD ME IT WA S NORMAL OR THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

  12. Steering, Jul 11, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT HEARS METAL GRINDING WHEN MAKING LEFT TURNS. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. TOYOTA STATED THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE FAILURE, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE. THEY ALSO STATED THAT THEY DO NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY HAZARD. TOYOTA STATED THAT THIS IS A FAILURE DEALING WITH THE TRANS-ACTUAL AND TRANSFER CASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 38,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

  13. Seat belts, Jun 13, 2007

    ROUNTREE MOORE TOYOTA DEALER IN LAKE CITY FLORIDA WAS UNABLE TO FIX RECALL SSC 501. SERVICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL WERE UNCOOPERATIVE AND DID NOT WANT TO DO THIS WORK. *AK

  14. Vehicle speed control, Jun 10, 2007, crash

    MAY 30, I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT KIEWIT MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH MY TACOMA. WHILE I WAS APPROXIMATELY 5-10 FEET FROM THE CAR IN FRONT THE ENGINE BEGIN RACING. MY FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT WAS FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED REVVING AND THE BRAKES FINAL GAVE AND I HIT THE CAR AHEAD. AS IT IS I DAMAGED THE FRONT OF MY TACOMA, AS WELL AS THE REAR OF CAR AHEAD OF ME. I AM SURE IF THERE WERE NOT A VEHICLE AHEAD AT SUCH A CLOSE DISTANCE GREAT DAMAGE AND INJURY WOULD HAVE BEEN INCURRED. I DO NOT FEEL THAT CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA, NATIONAL -- THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS OK AND TO TAKE IT HOME. I FELT SO STRONGLY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE THAT I IMMEDIATELY TRADED IT IN FOR A NISSAN -- IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION OF WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH OTHERS THAT SAW WHAT HAPPENED PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I HAVE ALSO KEPT ALL RECEIPTS AND DOCUMENTATION FROM TOYOTA. BTW -- ACCORDING TO TOYOTA -- YOU GUYS DON'T EXIST. -- I STUMBLED UPON YOUR INFORMATION IN THE BACK OF MY NEW NISSAN'S OWNER MANUAL.

  15. Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Apr 25, 2007

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT SMELLED ASPHYXIATE GAS FUMES WHEN COLD STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 8,000, AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE IS UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. *AK THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A COPY OF REPAIR INVOICE. THE DEALER STATED CREAK SOUND CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN DEPRESSED AND DIFFICULTY PUTTING INTO 4WD, BUT FACTORY NEVER ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 07/06/07 *TR

  16. Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2007

    THE PAINT ON MY VEHICLE IS HIGHLY VULNERABLE TO CHIPPING AND PEELING. THE BASE SEEMS VERY THIN AND THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CHIPS IN THE PAINT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUST. IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I LIVE IN THE MIDWEST AND WE DON'T USE SAND WHEN IT SNOWS, SO IT IS NOT ROAD CONDITIONS, JUST EVERYDAY DRIVING THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *JB

  17. Visibility, Apr 10, 2007

    EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE ABOVE 65MPH. A CONSTANT LOUD NOISE FROM A FAULTY SEAL SOMEWHERE IN WINDSHIELD AREA OR DRIVER-SIDE DOOR AREA WHEN TRAVELLING AT 65 MPH OR ABOVE. WORSE IF DRIVING DIRECTLY INTO WIND.*AK

  18. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 6, 2007

    I PURCHASED A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PICKUP W/ THE 1 ENGINE. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, I NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE A KNOCK OR A SMALL HOLE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I RETURNED THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER, AND PROVIDED THE INFORMATION. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T HEAR A THING. (THIS WAS IN PHILDELPHIA). WHEN I RETURNED HOME TO NEW ORLEANS AFTER KATRINA, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO A TOYOTA DEALER, WHO SAID IT WAS AN ENGINE KNOCK AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. OVER TIME THE NOISE GOT LOUDER AND I TOOK THE TRUCK TO ANOTHER DEALER TOYOTA OF SLIDELL. THEIR TECHNICIAN TOOK A RIDE WITH ME AND HEARD THE NOISE HIMSELF, BUT INDICATED HE FOUND NO PROBLEM WHEN THE TRUCK WAS CHECKED OUT. AT A LATER DATE I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THE NOISE AGAIN AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT TOYOTA HAD A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ISSUED ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS IN ONE OF THE TWO EXHAUST MANIFOLDS ON THE ENGINE. BOTH EXHAUST MANIFOLDS WERE REPLACED AND THE NOISE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED. AT A LATER DATE, I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THAT THE PROBLEM RETURNED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY HAD COMPLETED EVERYTHING THE COULD BASED ON TOYOTA'S GUIDANCE. I REQUESTED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS BE REPLACED AGAIN SINCE IT SEEMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ELIMINATED WHEN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS WERE REPLACED ORIGINALLY. HE CHECKED WITH THE REGIONAL TECHNICAL REP WHO SAID TO GO AHEAD AND REPLACE THE EQUIPMENT A SECOND TIME, AND THIS WAS DONE. THE NOISE RETURNED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. I RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND THEY STATED THAT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE DONE AND PROVIDED ME WITH THE TOYOTA COMPLAINT HOTLINE NUMBER. I CALLED THE NUMBER, WAS ASSIGNED A NUMBER AND HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE. THE ARE TO SEND ME SOME ARBITRATION FORMS. I FEEL THAT I WAS SOLD A TRUCK WITH A DEFECT THAT WILL DIMINISH THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN I EITHER SELL IT MYSELF OR USE IT AS A TRADE-IN. *AK

  19. Power train, Apr 4, 2007

    WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP FOR SEVERAL SECONDS TO A MINUTE WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE , E.G. AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WILL SURGE FORWARD AS IF THE GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN MOMENTARILY DEPRESSED.*AK

  20. Tires, Mar 11, 2007

    I AM CURRENTLY DRIVING A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA X RUNNER. THERE ARE CRACKS ACROSS THE TREADS OF AT LEAST TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES ON THE TRUCK (BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES). I WENT TO A BRIDGESTONE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE ACROSS THE STREET AND TALK TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH CRACKS ACROSS THE ENTIRE TREAD FACE. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM, NEARLY ALL OF THE X RUNNER DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM; SOME OF WHICH GET THE TIRES REPLACED OR GET THE RUN-AROUND LIKE MYSELF. PLEASE HELP ME. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND I NEED SAFE TRANSPORTATION. *JB

  21. Power train, Mar 7, 2007

    1) 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA "LURCH" WHILE SLOWING OR STOPPED. I HAVE NOTICED IT WITH OR WITHOUT A/C OR DEFROST ON. GENERALLY, I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, AND A FEW SECONDS LATER, IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD SLIGHTLY. 2) WHILE IT HAS NOT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, IT IS SOMEWHAT DISCONCERTING. 3) NO REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEEN EFFECTED. I'VE GUESSED IT IS A TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, AND THE RESULTING INCREASED TORQUE AT THE REAR WHEELS RESULTS IN THE LURCH. THE MORE FIRMLY THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE LESS NOTICEABLE THE PROBLEM. *JB

  22. Power train, Jan 27, 2007

    THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT REGARDING DIFFICULTY SHIFTING PARTICULARLY FROM 1ST TO 2ND. AFTER SENDING THREE CERTIFIED LETTERS TO TOYOTA (THE LAST SENT TO THE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE) I FINALLY, MORE THAN 6 MONTHS LATER, RECEIVED A WRITTEN RESPONSE. PERHAPS BECAUSE OF THE REASONS I CITED FOR MY FAILED MEDIATION ATTEMPT (IN PARTICULAR BEING GIVEN BAD ADVICE, WHICH, AT THE TIME, I NAIVELY ACCEPTED, BY THE TOYOTA FACTORY TRAINED SPECIALIST ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE MEDIATION) I WAS GRANTED A SECOND ATTEMPT AT MEDIATION. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUES TO BEHAVE IN THE FASHION I PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED. I SIMPLY CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS "NORMAL" FOR THE GEARS TO INTERMITTENTLY CLASH (AND THE COLDER IT IS, GRIND) WHEN SHIFTING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING 5 SPEEDS FOR MORE THAN 2 DECADES. *JB

  23. Vehicle speed control, Dec 11, 2006

    WHILE USING THE CRUISE CONTROL AT FREEWAY SPEED, DRIVING UP AN INCLINE. THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED VIOLENTLY TWO GEARS FROM 5TH TO 3RD. ACTUAL SPEED ACCELERATION HAPPENED ENOUGH TO NEARLY CAUSE A REAR END COLLISION. I HAD TO MANUALLY CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL TO REGAIN SAFE CONTROL....*JB

  24. Structure, Dec 4, 2006

    I WAS LOADING A MOTORCYCLE INTO THE BACK OF MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THE TAILGATE COLLAPSED. I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER PUT ANY WEIGHT ON THE TAILGATE OF THE TRUCK. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, IT SOUNDS LIKE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING. THERE IS NO MENTION FROM TOYOTA IN THE OWNERS MANUAL OR ANY ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS THAT THE TAILGATE IS INCAPABLE OF HANDLING A LOAD. THE WEIGHT RATING FOR THE CARGO BOX IS LISTED AT 1000 POUNDS BUT THERE IS NOTHING ON THE TAILGATE. I HAVE OWNED A FORD RANGER AND A CHEVY S-10 IN THE PAST AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEM LOADING A BIKE IN THE BED. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE COLLAPSED TAILGATE AVAILABLE. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THIS BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN POTENTIALLY FATAL IN THE BIKE HAD FALLEN ON ONE OF THE MEN LOADING THE BIKE. TOYOTA WON'T ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM AND IS BLAMING THIS ON THE CONSUMERS. *JB

  25. Structure, Nov 27, 2006

    WIND NOISE - I EXPERIENCED THE SAME INTOLERABLE WIND NOISE IN THE VEHICLE AS OTHERS. IT WAS MOST APPARENT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS IN A CROSS WIND. THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE WAY THE WINDSHIELD WAS SEALED AND REPLACED IT BUT TO NO AVAIL. AFTER SEVERAL VISITS THEY CALLED IN A FACTORY TECHNICIAN WHO QUICKLY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS AN IMPROPER FITTING FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND SEAL. DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED HE APPLIED LIGHT OUTWARD PRESSURE TO THE UPPER PORTION OF THE DOOR FRAME AND THE NOISE WOULD OCCUR. EXAMINING THE EXTERIOR FIT OF THE DOOR THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY A 3/16" MISMATCH TO THE REAR DOOR THAT ALSO INDICATED AN IMPROPER FIT. THIS PROBLEM WAS INCREDIBLY ANNOYING AND TOOK APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS TO RESOLVE. SINCE, I HAVE HAD AN OCCASIONAL WHISTLE BUT NOT THE PERSISTENT SOUND AS BEFORE. *NM