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.
Structure, Oct 31, 2006
WIND NOISE IN CAB OF MY 2005 TACOMA EXTRA CAB. THIS IS A EXTREMELY INTOLERABLE NOISE THAT DESTROYS ANY POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A ENJOYABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE IN THIS VEHICLE. CONDITION WAS; PRESENT WHEN DELIVERED, TOLD TODAY AFTER COMPLAINING FROM DAY ONE THAT THE CONDITION IS ONE CAUSED BY ENGINEERING DEFECT AND TOYOTA HAS NO FIX FOR IT. I KNOW THIS IS PRESENT IN ALL TACOMAS OF THIS MODEL, 2005-2007 AS I HAVE DRIVEN ANOTHER NEW TRUCK EXACTLY LIKE MINE WITH THE SAME CONDITION. DEALER IS NO HELP WHATSOEVER. TALKED WITH ANOTHER OWNER 10/30/06 WITH SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP YOU MIGHT BE. CHARLES *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Tires, Aug 25, 2006, crash
I RECENTLY OPENED A CORPORATE CASE AGAINST THE TOYOTA OF STUART DEALERSHIP. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THEM, BUT THIS IS THE MOST RECENT. ON JULY 26, 2006, I NOTICED SOME GREASE ALL INSIDE THE RIM OF MY TIRE. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALERSHIP. I TALKED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TRY AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD, WE KNOW WHAT IT IS, WE WILL ORDER THE REAR SEALS AND CALL YOU WHEN THEY COME IN. NO ONE LOOKED AT MY VEHICLE!!! I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE AND I WOULD GET A PHONE CALL. ON JULY 27, 2006 AT 10:30 AM WHILE IN A LEFT HAND TURN, I APPLIED THE BRAKE LIGHTLY AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE TRUCK VERY QUICKLY SPUN AROUND AND BACKWARDS INTO A GUARD RAIL. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE TRUCK BACK TO THEM. THEY ASSURED ME THAT BECAUSE OF THE GREASE ON THE WHEEL AND BEING MADE TO THINK THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE, THAT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED, FORTUNATELY ON A ROAD WITH MINIMAL TRAFFIC, NOT ON I-95. I OFTEN THINK ABOUT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I COULD HAVE SERIOUSLY INJURED MYSELF, OR SOMEONE ELSE. I COULD HAVE HAD MY 5 YEAR OLD IN MY VEHICLE GOING TO CAMP. ANYTHING SERIOUS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. FORTUNATELY, IT DID NOT. AFTER BRINGING THE TRUCK IN AND MANY PHONE CALLS AND TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD AFTER TWO WEEKS, BY THE MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP THAT I NEEDED TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THIS WAS SO MY INSURANCE WOULD PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. THIS IS TOTALLY WRONG. I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN WORSE! IF THEY WOULD HAVE CHECKED MY VEHICLE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DEEMED UNFIT TO DRIVE. I AM NOT A MECHANIC. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WANTS MY $500.00 DEDUCTIBLE PAYMENT. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I MUST SAY, I AM VERY SORRY THAT I BOUGHT A TOYOTA VEHICLE. IF I HAD TO DO OVER AGAIN, I WOULD NOT DO SO. THIS IS A TERRIBLE WAY TO TREAT A CUSTOMER. *JB
Power train, Aug 3, 2006
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA (6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION) HAS EXPERIENCED EXCESSIVE TRANSMISSION NOISE AND CLUTCH JUDDER WHEN STARTING IN FIRST GEAR SINCE THE DAY OF PURCHASE. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN, AT TIMES, EXCESSIVELY DIFFICULT TO SHIFT AND THE JUDDER HAS BEEN, ON RARE OCCASIONS, EVIDENT IN SECOND GEAR. BOTH PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN INTERMITTENT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED. ON THE MORNING OF JULY 28TH, THE JUDDER PROBLEM WAS PARTICULARLY BAD AND WAS EVIDENT WITH EVERY START IN FIRST GEAR AND SOMETIMES IN SECOND GEAR. IT BECAME MORE VIOLENT WITH EACH START AND AT ONE POINT, AFTER THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS FULLY RELEASED, THERE WAS A SUDDEN SLIP OF THE CLUTCH DISC FOLLOWED BY SUDDEN FRICTION. THIS RESULTED IN LOSS OF TRACTION OF THE DRIVE WHEELS AND SUBSEQUENT TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. CONTROL WAS REGAINED RELATIVELY QUICKLY BY DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL TO REMOVE DRIVE POWER FROM THE WHEELS AND A CATASTROPHIC EVENT WAS NARROWLY AVOIDED. TOYOTA HAS ATTEMPTED REPAIR OF THIS JUDDER PROBLEM THREE TIMES INCLUDING A COMPLETE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT AT 6,500 MILES, BUT NOW CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO A DEALER SHORTLY AFTER THE INCIDENT DESCRIBED ABOVE AND THE SHOP FOREMAN SAID AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. HE ALSO CLAIMED THAT PER TOYOTA'S DIRECTIVE, HE IS NOT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE UNLESS HE HAS PRIOR APPROVAL FROM TOYOTA TO DO SO. *JB
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2006
WHEN MY 05' TACOMA GOES BETWEEN 80-85 MPH THEIR IS A WHISTLING SOUND CAN BE AS CLOSE TO CHINESE TORTURE AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. IT IS IN THE "G"-FLAT RANGE AND VERY LOUD. *NM
Structure, Jul 23, 2006
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA TAILGATE IS DANGEROUSLY WEAK, AND IS UNABLE TO SUPPORT WHAT MOST CONSIDER NORMAL WEIGHT FOR A TRUCK TAILGATE. ALTHOUGH SUBSTANDARD DESIGN MAY BE CONSIDERED "BUYER BEWARE", TRUCK BUYERS EXPECT A TAILGATE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF NORMAL TRUCK USE ACTIVITIES. TOYOTA PROVIDES NO WARNING OR CAUTION ANYWHERE THAT THE TAILGATE IS OF INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH TO PERFORM NORMAL 1/2-TON TRUCK DUTIES, AND TYPICALLY (PER INTERNET FORUM THREADS) TELLS THEIR CUSTOMERS THAT IT IS THEIR PROBLEM AND THAT THEY SHOULD NOT EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO SAFELY USE THE TAILGATE FOR ANYTHING MORE THAN HIDING THE INSIDE OF THE BED. SINCE TOYOTA HAS PRODUCED A SUBSTANDARD DESIGNED PART, THEY SHOULD HAVE PROVIDED A VISUAL WARNING ON THE PART TO ALERT CUSTOMERS TO THE DANGER THEIR PRODUCT IMPOSES IF USED IN A TRADITIONAL MANNER. SINCE THEY DID NOT DO SO, THEY SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE TO PROVIDE A REDESIGNED PART TO THEIR CUSTOMERS OR FULL RESTITUTION FOR THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE VEHICLES. A GOOGLE OR SIMILAR INTERNET SEARCH ON "TACOMA TAILGATE FORUM" WILL SUBSTANTIATE MY STATEMENTS BEYOND MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE TAILGATE BENDING. *NM
Suspension, Jul 14, 2006
I HAVE 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB 4X4, VEHICLE HAS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END AS IF THE FRONT TIRES ARE OUT OF BALANCE, THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED TWO TIMES IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS WHICH DOESN'T SEEM TO BE THE ISSUE. THE PROBLEMS SEEMS TO OCCUR AT SPEEDS OF 55 TO 65 MPH. IT COMES AND GOES AND GET TO POINT SOMETIMES IF FEELS VERY UNSAFE TO HANDLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I HAVE TOLD THE DEALER TWICE ABOUT IT AND THEY SAY THERE'S NOTHING WRONG, YEAH RIGHT. *JB
Vehicle speed control, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2006
WHILE PASSING SEVERAL RADAR SIGNS, I NOTICED MY TRUCKS SPEEDOMETER WAS READING ABOUT 8% ABOVE THE ACTUAL SPEED I WAS TRAVELING. A CHECK AT A "SPEEDOMETER CHECK" WHERE THEY HAVE MILEAGE SIGNS EVERY MILE FOR SEVERAL MILES ALSO CONFIRMED THIS. A TRIP WITH MY GPS ALSO SHOWED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INACCURATE. THE DEALERSHIP CHECKED MY TRUCK ON THEIR SMOG DYNO AND SAID MY SPEEDOMETER WAS ONLY 1 MPH OFF AT 40 MPH. THEY INFERRED THAT SATELLITES, POLICE RADAR AND MY WRIST WATCH ARE LESS ACCURATE THAN THEIR SMOG TEST DYNO, NOT LIKELY. I'M GETTING RIPPED OFF FOR 8% OF MY WARRANTY! *JB
Structure, Jun 23, 2006
NEW 2005 TACOMA TOYOTA TRUCK WITH LESS THAN 10K. THE TAILGATE IS ALL BENT. VERY POORLY CONSTRUCTED....TOYOTA SHOULD BE ASHAMED! *NM
Structure, Jun 23, 2006
WE PURCHASED 2 NEW TOYOTA TACOMA PICK-UPS FOR OUR MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP. WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 8 YEARS, AND OWNED FORD, CHEVY, AND NISSAN AS OUR DELIVERY TRUCKS. THE TAILGATES ON THESE TRUCKS HAVE NEVER BENT UNTIL WE BOUGHT THESE 2 TOYOTAS. BOTH NEW TRUCKS HAVE BENT TAIL GATES, DUE TO POOR CONSTRUCTION. THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNS ON THE TAILGATE NOR IN THE OWNERS MANUAL, BUT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA REFUSES TO WARRANTY THESE ITEMS. *NM
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2006
I JUST READ A SIMILAR COMPLAINT AND I WANTED TO FILE MY STORY. MY 2005 TACOMA'S SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN READING APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES PER HOUR FASTER THAN ACTUAL. I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY SO MANY CARS WERE PASSING ME ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I WAS DOING AROUND 65! I CHECKED IT BY FOLLOWING MY WIFE IN HER CAR AND ALSO COMPARED AGAINST MILE MARKERS. I TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG - THEY SAID THERE WAS NO FIX. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE REALLY GOING PLUS THE CONDITION SHORTENS THE LIFE OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY (36,000 MILES) BECAUSE THE ODOMETER IS RECORDING MORE MILES THAN ACTUAL. *NM
Vehicle speed control, May 30, 2006
MY IN CAR GPS SYSTEM SHOWS IT DOING 75 MPH WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER (IN DASH)SHOWS IT DOING 80, 66 MPH WHEN DOING 70 ON THE SPEEDOMETER. SO IF DOING A MINIMUM SPEED POSTING OF 45 MPH I WOULD BE DOING ONLY 43 MPH ON THE SPEEDOMETER. TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT THE SPEEDOMETER IS WITH IN TOLLERANCE AND WILL NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *JB
Power train, May 9, 2006
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT WITH MY 2005 TACOMA AUTOMATIC AND I HAD MY FOOT COMPLETELY ON THE BRAKE WHEN THE TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD. IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE REAR ENDED ME. ITS BEEN DOING IT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS SINCE THEN. *NM
Other or unspecified, May 8, 2006
I HAVE EXCESSIVE PAINT CHIPPING PROBLEMS ON A 2005 SPEEDWAY BLUE TOYOTA TACOMA DOUBLE CAB TRD SPORT SR5 V6 4WD. I'VE OWNED FOR LESS THAN (1) YEAR AND THERE ARE OVER (100) PAINT CHIPS ON: HOOD, FENDERS, BUMPERS, ROCKERS, DOORS, AND BED. THERE ARE (0) SCRATCHES ON THIS TRUCK, AND THE FACTORY SKID PLATES ARE STILL CHIP/SCRATCH/DENT FREE. CHIPS GO DOWN PAST PRIMER. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN OFF-ROAD. ONLY DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS AND CITY STREETS. *JB
Tires, Apr 7, 2006
MY CONCERN IS THAT THE TIRES ON OEM TIRES ON MY VEHICLE (2005 TOYOTA TACOMA X-RUNNER) ARE DEFECTIVE. I HAD A "SPLIT" IN MY TIRE AND I TOOK IT TO BRIDGESTONE AND THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND THEY REPLACED ALL OF MY TIRES, NOT JUST THE PROBLEM ONE WITH NO QUESTIONS. WHERE MY CONCERN COMES IN IS THAT I KNOW OTHER WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AS I HAVE AND THEY EXACT SAME PROBLEM, BUT THE BRIDGESTONE REP. IN THEIR AREA IS TELLING THEM THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IF THE TIRE IS UNSAFE AND SOME AREA KNOW ABOUT THIS AND ARE FIXING IT WHY ARE NOT ALL THE AREAS AWARE OF THIS. I FEEL THAT THEY ARE KNOWINGLY PUTTING LIVES AT RISK BY ALLOWING THIS TO GO ON WITH NO SOLUTION. *JB
Wheels, Apr 7, 2006, crash
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL CAME OFF THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE THE ROAD AND STRIKE OTHER VEHICLES PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE POLICE FILED A REPORT AT THE SCENE. BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER RECEIVED INJURIES, ALTHOUGH BOTH WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE AGENCY. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO DETERMINATION ON WHAT CAUSED THE WHEEL TO DISLODGE. UPDATED 5/2/2006 - *NM
Tires, Apr 4, 2006
I HAVE A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA X-RUNNER. I HAVE TIRES THAT ARE SPLITTING ACROSS THE TREAD. IT SEEM THAT EVERY MODEL OF THIS TRUCK IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND NO RECALL IS BEING DONE. HTTP://WWW.CUSTOMTACOS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=46086&PAGE=17&HIGHLIGHT=TIRE I DO NOT FEEL SAFE WITH MY TIRES SPLITTING. AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. MY AUTO IS ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD, AND I DON'T WANT TO REPLACE 5 $260 A TIRE OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. *NM
Steering, Mar 31, 2006
STEERING WHEEL WILL MOVE BACK AND FORTH AS IF A SURGE OF PRESSURE. THIS CAUSES VEHICLE TO BECOME DIFFICULT TO HANDLE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP TWICE WITH OUT CORRECTION THEY SAY THAT IT IS FINE. *NM
Suspension, Mar 30, 2006
POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD 29 MAR 06 05/06 TACOMA SUSPENSION DESIGN-DESIGN FLAW AND POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THIS IS NOT A QUESTION BUT A DESCRIPTION OF WHAT I AND OTHER PREVIOUS AND CURRENT TACOMA OR TRUCK OWNERS CONSIDER A DESIGN FLAW AND POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. I'M HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE FRONT END METAL SUSPENSION KNUCKLE THAT SITS A 1/2 INCH AWAY FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE. THIS IS ON THE 05 TACOMA CREW CAB 4X4 SHORTBED W/TRD, TOW PKG (OC)OPTIONS. -THIS CAUSES ISSUE THIS COULD CAUSE FLEXING OF THE TIRE DURING NORMAL ON-ROAD AND OFF-ROAD BUMPS CAUSING THE TIRE TO FLEX AND POSSIBLY RUB AGAINST THE SUSPENSION KNUCKLE. THIS SITUATION IS COMPOUNDED IF A TIRE RUNS A LITTLE LOW ON AIR PRESSURE AND COULD CAUSE A PREMATURE CUT TIRE OR BLOWOUT. ANOTHER UNRELATED ITEM--THE NEW 05/06 TACOMA REAR SUSPENSION BOTTOMS OUT TO EASY. DURING A RECENT HUNTING TRIP OCT 05 IN COLORADO. I HAD MY HUNTING GEAR DISTRIBUTED EVENLY IN THE CREW CAB AND THE SHORTBED (APPX 100PDS IN THE BACK SEAT, ONLY MYSELF 220PD IN DRIVER SEAT, AND APPX 400 PDS IN THE TRUCK BED. THE TRUCK BED HAD APPX 275 PDS BETWEEN THE WHEEL WELL AND TAILGATE AND OTHER 100-150 MAX IN FRONT OF BED EVENLY DESTROYED. THE TRUCK BOTTOMED OUT QUITE EASILY ON FAIRLY MINOR RUTS ON DIRT ROADS AND ON HIGHWAY DITCHES THAT WERE ONLY MINOR SLOPED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSE THE TRUCK TO BOTTOM OUT. THE TRUCK WAS NOT CLOSE TO THE 50% WEIGHT LIMIT AND THE REAR OF THE TRUCK STANDING STILL WAS NOT SAGGING MUCH AT ALL FROM THE WEIGHT. I WAS REALLY SHOCKED THAT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE TRUCK BOTTOMED OUT ON MINOR SLOW SPEED RUTS AND DURING HIGHWAY ROAD HUMPS OR DIPS. THIS NEVER HAPPENED WITH MY 95 OR 98 TACOMA UNLESS I HAD 75% PLUS OF THE BED CARRY LIMIT MET. I THINK YOU NEED TO BEEF UP OR RETEST/REDESIGN THE SPRINGS AND/OR SHOCKS TO MEET THE NEW TRUCKS WEIGHT AND LOAD CARRY CAPABILITIES BETTER. BILLY ARMOUR. *NM
Power train, Mar 11, 2006
WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, THERE IS AN INCONSISTENT AND UNPREDICTABLE MECHANICAL SENSATION THAT VARIED FROM A MILD YET DISTINCT ROUGH TRANSITION (CREATING THE PERCEPTION THAT I WAS FORCING THE GEARS) TO A DRAMATIC MECHANICAL SENSATION OF GEARS CHANGING (AT TIMES ACCOMPANIED WITH A CLICKING SOUND). I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE MASTER TECHNICIAN (MT) DRIVE THE TRUCK AND SEE IF HE WAS EXPERIENCING WHAT I WAS EXPERIENCING. HE SHARED THAT HE COULD FEEL THE GEARS AND SAID HE COULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IF THE FACTORY TRAINED SPECIALIST (FTS) AGREED IT NEEDED REPLACING. FTS DROVE THE TRUCK WITH ME AND DID NOT FEEL THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING ABNORMAL ABOUT THE SHIFTING (VEHICLE OPERATES AS DESIGNED...). BECAUSE THE PRESENT SHIFTING SENSATION MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE FORCING OR GRINDING GEARS WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE GIVEN I CAN TEND TO BE MORE FOCUSED ON THE SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND THAN ON DRIVING AND IT IS UNCERTAIN WHETHER THE TRANSMISSION WILL POSSIBLY FAIL WHILE I AM DRIVING THE TRUCK. I HAVE OWNED AT LEAST 5 OR 6 FIVE-SPEED VEHICLES. I HAVE ALSO WORKED ON TRANSMISSIONS. IN ALL MY EXPERIENCE WITH 5-SPEEDS I HAVE OWNED, I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED A SHIFTING PROBLEM LIKE I AM PRESENTLY EXPERIENCING. THIS IS A BRAND NEW, SUPPOSEDLY, QUALITY TOYOTA VEHICLE AND IT UNQUESTIONABLY SEEMS THAT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I AM CURRENTLY IN ARBITRATION. *NM
Structure, Mar 5, 2006
2005 TACOMA PRERUNNER HAS A POP OR THUMP THAT OCCURS WHEN THERE IS AN ACCELERATION FOR A DEAD STOP AND THEN ALSO A THUMP WHEN THERE IS A DECELERATION. IT CAN BE FELT IN THE CAB AS THOUGH THERE IS A SPACE BETWEEN THE CAB MOUNTING BOLTS AND THE FRAME I.E., NOT TIGHT ENOUGH AND CAUSES THE CAB TO LIFT FORWARD AND UP WHEN STOPPING OR THE OPPOSITE WHEN ACCELERATING. HAVE TAKEN IT TO TOYOTA OF MANHATTAN BEACH, CA., THEY TIGHTENED THE BOLTS AND IT WAS BETTER BUT IS NOW BACK AS IT WAS IN BEFORE. *NM
Power train, Electrical system, Mar 3, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS SHIFTED FROM FOUR WHEEL DRIVE HIGH OR LOW, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ALWAYS SHIFT. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE AUDIBLE ALARM STATING THE VEHICLE HAS NOT SHIFTED CAME ON. AN ADDITIONAL 5 ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED. THE TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER DROVE THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THIS WAS NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. ALSO, WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES WERE BELOW ZERO DEGREES THE KEYLESS ENTRY WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP TESTED THE KEY FOB AND REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THIS DID NOT REPAIR THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 3/22/2006 - *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Feb 9, 2006
DURING RECENT COLD WINTER WEATHER, HAD COUPLE INCIDENTS WHERE BRAKES APPEARED TO NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY ON MODERATE ICE/SLUSHY ROAD CONDITION AND THIS CAUSED ON ONE OCCASION TO RUN THROUGH INTERSECTION DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BEING FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER TRAFFIC WAS PRESENT AT THE TIME. THIS ALL COMES AFTER A TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT AT 6271 MILES AND REAR BRAKE WORK ON THE VEHICLE AT 6558 MILES. THIS TRUCK IS LIKE A LEMON. *NM
Parking brake, Power train, Feb 9, 2006
AFTER HAVING TRANSMISSION REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE AT 6271 MILES, LESS THAN 2 WEEKS LATER AGAIN HEARD A CLINKING SOUND EMANATING FROM THE REAR TRANSMISSION WHEEL AREA. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER AND DURING TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE WITH SPOUSE REAR END LOCKED UP. DEALER DISCOVERED ISSUE WAS BOLTS ON RIGHT REAR E-BRAKE CABLE INSIDE DRUM CAME OUT AND BRAKE SHOE WAS LOCKING UP REAR AND THEN MAKING IT HARD TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND BOLT WAS MAKING THE GRINDING NOISE AT LOWER 1ST GEAR. DEALER REMOVED AND CLEANED AXLES, INSTALLED NEW BOLTS ON E-BRAKE CABLE, REMOVED AND REPAIRED REAR BRAKE SHOES AND MACHINED BOTH REAR DRUMS. *NM
Power train, Feb 8, 2006
AT AROUND 6150 MILES, TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND OCCASIONAL ISSUES ENCOUNTERED GETTING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO 1ST GEAR. TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY IDENTIFIED THAT BEARING HAD SLIPPED LOOSE IN TRANSMISSION. DEALER ORDERED AND INSTALLED A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION INTO 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PICK UP. *JB
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2006
2005 TOYOTA TACOMA XTRA CAB 4X4. PASSENGER SIDE CARPET AREA WAS DISCOVERED WET AT AROUND 1379 MILES. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT HOSE CONNECTION ON THE EVAPORATOR BOX HAD CRACKED OFF WHERE THE DRAIN HOSE CONNECTS TO THE BOX. HAD TO ORDER AND REPLACE THE LOWER PART OF THE BOX, WHICH REQUIRED COMPLETE REMOVAL OF FRONT DASH. SUBSEQUENT PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD VENTS WAS REPAIRED AFTER RETURN AND DISCOVERY THAT VENT WAS NOT PROPERLY RECONNECTED WHEN FRONT DASH WAS REINSTALLED. *JB