repaired · 2017 Q2
Leaf spring assembly: leaf
Risk. If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
2005 Toyota TacomaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 707 owner complaints about the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, most often about the structure. It is covered by 10 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-604 the manufacturer reports only 48% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: BuickCentury04, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has problems
707 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
260Structure8 crash/fire/injury
137Suspension2 crash/fire/injury
93Vehicle speed control31 crash/fire/injury
61Steering1 crash/fire/injury
57Power train1 crash/fire/injury
46Air bags
25Tires
20Electrical system
18Engine
10118 other systems17 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 260 | 8 |
| Suspension | 137 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 93 | 31 |
| Steering | 61 | 1 |
| Power train | 57 | 1 |
| Air bags | 46 | 6 |
| Tires | 25 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 20 | 1 |
| Engine | 18 | 1 |
| 18 other systems | 101 | 17 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
10 recalls
2005 Toyota Tacoma recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Seat belts
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…
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
no report yet
Show 6 more recalls
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Air bags
Risk. THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Air bags
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…
no report yet
Parking brake
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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
109kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 209 structure complaints. 44% were reported before 100,000 miles.
25under 30k miles93under 100k miles116100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Air bags
13 owners mentioned a cost$600median
Middle half: $500 – $798
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other Tacoma year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Tacoma median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2005 Toyota Tacoma safety ratings
2005 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Tacoma owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2005 Tacoma?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.