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2005 Toyota Tacoma

The Verdict

14 Total Klunk

The 2005 Toyota Tacoma has 705 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (527 complaints) and electrical (63 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 14/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Toyota Tacoma, consider the 2023 model year which has 93% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2023 has 93% fewer complaints

View the 2023 Toyota Tacoma dashboard →

14

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 5

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

05V302000 AIR BAGS

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 ...

Risk

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 I...

Remedy

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 NEC...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

14V604000 SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:LEAF

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 a...

Risk

If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Reported Apr 11, 2026

13V337000 SEAT BELTS

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...

Risk

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.

Remedy

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 th...

Reported Jul 8, 2013

12V092000 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 ASS...

Risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER’S SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

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...

Reported Jul 3, 2012

05V050000 PARKING BRAKE

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. ...

Risk

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.

Remedy

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 1-800-33...

Reported Nov 2, 2005

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200015210331411
200133121241316
200227421251525
200326019323920
200431118254019
200552722634251
200653541926050
200733937633365
200831728503018
2009259321302272
201198135787
201271192016321
20135317211221
2014451591111
2015521117146
201686144957117
20176226365756
20184039148520
20193237189032
202024129337
20212411121811
20222261178
202316511106
2024382714949
20253655518

By Category

Body
527
Electrical
63
Transmission
51
Engine
42
Brakes
22

By Severity

1
329
2
324
3
2
4
50

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2005 Toyota Tacoma stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Body 1

I discovered frame perforation rust, for which Toyota sent letters offering to repair or compensate. I have moved to Florida and the letters didn't forward. So I notified Toyota and they said they would not do anything to help. There was a prior class-action lawsuit about this, which prompted Toyota's action. I have sent Toyota mechanic statements and photos of the rust along with m y nice letter requesting help. They offered that I could get my vehicle inspected at a Toyota dealer, at my expense, which would auto-enter it into their warranty database, repair order # [XXX] which I did this week. I am writing them back again, appealing for their help. In the interim, I am making this report. I will also be notifying the Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Body 2

The frame had rust a lot,had one spot was repaired,still have some need fix

10mo ago
Electrical 1

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale through OfferUp. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 139,900. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 339,740.

10mo ago
Body 1

Corrocion en el chasis, el motor se encuentra inclinado

22mo ago
Body 2

The frame is rusting out substantially. The dealer advised me not to drive because the frame could fail at anytime. I have been driving around unaware of the problem. I could have been killed if the framed failed on the highway. There was no warning light. The Vehicle has been into the dealer and no one mentioned the problem until 08/30/2024. The Vehicle has been maintained and garaged. The vehicle is in good condition and has not been in an accident. I called Toyota and was told I was out of luck because the warranty expired even though the frame problem was Toyotas fault. A truck frame should outlast the engine and the body. I plan to keep the truck for 400,00 miles and my finances are very tight. Toyota is penalizing me because the frame didn't rust out sooner and on Toyotas time frame.

22mo ago
Body 2

The frame has failed and is well beyond unsafe for the road due to the amount of rust and decay. The vehicle was part of the 'Corrosion Resistance Compound Application to Vehicle Frame' recall. I will bring the vehicle for inspection ASAP, if requested. There is absolutely nothing safe when a vehicle has a faulty structural issue. When I purchased the vehicle there were step rails and spray painted portions of the frame, the parts you could see. Also, when looking up the vehicle, I didn't see any recall issues at that time and thought it was a good sign. After driving it for 6th months, I started feeling a slight resistance feel when accelerating and turning at the same time. I took it to a mechanic and they delivered the news that the frame was deemed unfit for the roads. I found out that the vehicle was brought in for the recall when it came out and at that time the frame was labeled 'not exchangeable' and a slight bandage was applied to the unsafe defective body component that was sold as 'safe.' I filed a claim with a local dealership and they told me that it was still safe for roads. Right now, the frame clips and portions of the frame are visibly rusting off, visible from solely walking up to the truck. Reaching out to Toyota I am very much hoping that the care for their loyal customers equally matches the product that they produce, superior to the competition. I have owned a Toyota for 10 years and never considered purchasing anything else for life, however, coming to a fair solution on this issue will have a tremendous effect on that statement I know to be true, right now. This truck is in OUTSTANDING condition with VERY little rust to the actually black body of the vehicle and had ONLY 165,000 miles on it. Please don't allow this vehicle to be absent for the roads due to an issue that was already agreed that it needed correcting. Please allow myself to continue to feel that Toyota makes an outstanding product because they care about the customer.

25mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed extreme corrosion on the sub frame. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the corrosion of the sub frame and deemed the vehicle unsafe for driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

29mo ago
Body 1

Frame failure due to rust. Suspension is detached with springs hitting frame. NOTE: fuel tank partially detached previously due to rusted brackets 3-4 years ago and all components were replaced. Filed NHTSA report at that time however had technical issues completing… Still have photos.

31mo ago
Body 1

Where the motor mount sits the bracket below collapsed into the Frame itself causing the engine to lower

33mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while changing the oil and inspecting the vehicle, there was rust on the driver's side frame. The dealer had not been contacted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that a repair was no longer covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.

34mo ago
Body 4

Drivers the problem drunk speeding Hitman killed man do you watch hard no manslaughters still driving just got another traffic ticket and let go again super unfair

36mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while performing an oil change, he noticed excessive corrosion on the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

37mo ago
Body 1

hello good afternoon my name is [XXX] I have a Toyota Tacoma 2005 could you help me with some information it has a chassis with holes and rotten. Toyota was changing all chassis that had this defect in 2018 to 2020 at no cost, the first owner didn't know about it and I wasn't even warned. I would like to know if I am entitled to a free chassis exchange? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

41mo ago
Body 1

Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, the chassis is rusty and has holes in it. I went to complain at Toyota, they said the car didn't have a Recall but neither the first owner nor I had news that I would have to change the car's frame. I would like help to resolve this. all parts under the car are very rusty

41mo ago
Engine 2

In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame inspection, I scoped the frame myself, and noticed abnormal rust forming throughout both sides of the frame. Therefore, I took my Tacoma to Berge Toyota in Mesa AZ. for further inspection and to have some other repairs done. Upon my arrival to Berge Toyota, l informed the service writer of the repairs that were needed done and showed him the request from Toyota for the frame inspection. My vehicle was taken to a lift, where a brief frame inspection was performed with a flashlight only and I was told the frame was fine, and the rust I had witnessed during my personal inspection was within a standard tolerance of "normal". On September 12, 2022 my frame cracked in a horseshoe formation around the driver side motor mount, causing the engine to shift and sink approx. 3/4" towards the driver side. This frame failure has caused numerous problems to occur, such as the fan to continuously rub against the shroud, abnormal shifting of the transmission, ramping up and down of RPM's, vehicle's steering locks up and cannot be safely driven, leaving me without transportation After detailed inspection was performed on my Tacoma, the horseshoe crack around the motor mount was found and it was determined this was the source of all the problems. I contacted Berge Toyota where I was informed by their service manager that Berge Toyota was not certified to do the frame inspection or repair, and further explained the safety recall had expired and instructed me to contact Toyota to see what could be done. The question I had for the Berge Toyota service manager, was if they were not certified to do the frame inspection, or repair why did they inspect my frame and inform me it was fine, when it wasn't?

45mo ago
Body 1

My 2005 Toyota Tacoma had a recall due to potential frame rusting. I brought my Truck to my local Toyota Dealership for the frame inspection as stated in the recall notice I received. The frame did not need to be replaced and at a later date the frame was sealed per Toyota's remedy. In March of 2022 I had an issue with my truck that required the gas tank to be removed. As it turned out there was major rust to the frame that was located behind the gas tank that was never sealed during the original remedy to the frame rusting issue. I contacted Toyota about the issue and was told that the extended warranty for the Issue had expired. I was told to contact the local dealership. In conversation with the dealership I was told there was nothing they can do. I feel that if this issue has happened to my truck, there must be other trucks on the road with the same issue that the owners have no Idea what is happening to their frames that may cause a safety issue should the frame completely fail. My truck is available for inspection. Neither the dealer or Toyota inspected the Issue. I feel Toyota should have had the hindsight to have the dealers remove the gas tank and seal the frame behind the tank.

46mo ago
Body 1

The driver side seat belt does not go up and down to adjust position. It is attached to the access door. By not being able to adjust it from going up and down, it makes it hard to strap it into place next to the seat. This may wear out the sides of the seat belt in time. I have not had a Toyota dealer look at it yet. Thanks.

47mo ago
Body 1

Rusty Frame Issue Toyota Tacoma had a warranty enchantment program that expired in 01/31/2019 . I took the Tacoma July 18 2022 to the dealership for regular maintenance and they told me “THE TECH NOTICED 2 LARGES HOLES IN THE FRAME WHICH IS GOING TO COMPROMISE THE STRENGTH OF THE FRAME”. When I asked why they didn’t change the frame during the inspection back in 2015 if they knew it was going to be a problem. They refused to give a good answer. I took the Tacoma to the dealership back in 2015 for a frame inspection the nonprofessional inspector chose not change the frame. I contacted Toyota Motor Sales USA and basically was told they couldn’t do anything because the warranty enchantment program already expired. I understand that the warranty enchantment program has expired but I don’t understand how I have full responsibility when I did my part as the customer by taking my Tacoma during the time window of the warranty enchantment program. This is not safe for me, my family of the citizens. I believe there are going to be many more Toyota pickups with this problem.

48mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his vehicle was parked, he noticed that the subframe was extremely rusted. The contact noticed a 10-inch crack on the inside driver’s side rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer dealer and the contact was informed that the subframe needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Consumer stated rust is the worst near the catalytic converters. It is also bad just in front of the rear tires. It’s a manufacturer flaw where they designed the double wall to where water could get in but not get out and the frame rots from the inside out. This truck was garage kept.

53mo ago
Transmission 1

The differential drive housing failed due to corrosion resulting in the differential oil leaking out at a significant rate and in loss of lubrication of the differential gears. The condition was detected before any significant loss of material condition or function but could have lead to a loss of vehicle control if the differential had failed. The local Toyota Dealer has not reviewed the condition as of yet. A review of several Tacoma internet forum sights finds similar corrosion failures described (oil leaking from differential housing). There is no monitoring/warning indicator for the oil level condition in the differential housing in this vehicle.

53mo ago

705 total

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