repaired · 2021 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2005 Toyota TundraProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 377 owner complaints about the 2005 Toyota Tundra, most often about the structure. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-396 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Toyota Tundra has problems
377 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
91Structure4 crash/fire/injury
83Air bags11 crash/fire/injury
76Suspension4 crash/fire/injury
35Power train3 crash/fire/injury
24Vehicle speed control
21Service brakes
21Steering
18Service brakes, hydraulic
17Electrical system
7818 other systems14 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 91 | 4 |
| Air bags | 83 | 11 |
| Suspension | 76 | 4 |
| Power train | 35 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 24 | 5 |
| Service brakes | 21 | 3 |
| Steering | 21 | 4 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 18 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 3 |
| 18 other systems | 78 | 14 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2005 Toyota Tundra 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 · 2021 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2017 Q4
Front assembly: seat heater/cooler
Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Air bags: side/window
Risk. If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
repaired · 2021 Q3
Air bags
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle…
no report yet
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Control arm: lower ball joint
Risk. IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF…
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WILL NOT BE MADE AWARE OF WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVATED AND READY TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANT AS APPROPRIATE.
no report yet
Air bags: on-off switch assembly
Risk. THIS STANDARD ESTABLISHES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER LOCATION AND STRENGTH FOR THE EFFECTIVE SECURING OF CHILD…
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
Risk. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXHAUST PIPE FLANGE MAY RUB AGAINST THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE LINE, WHICH COULD CAUSE BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE.
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?
127kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 56 structure complaints. 34% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles19under 100k miles37100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2005 vs. every other Tundra 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 Tundra median. How we score
'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 Tundra safety ratings
2005 Toyota Tundra Extended Cab in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrierNot rated
- Stability control: Optional
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2005 Toyota Tundra, and the recalls they led to.
- LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURELed to recall 07V-013
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 18V-032
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- FRAME CORROSIONLed to recall 09V-444
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureLed to recall 14V-700
In owners' words
What Tundra owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2005 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Toyota’s frame is completely rusted out, with large rust holes in the frame. At 88,000 miles & is unsafe to drive. Many other people who have the same make and model are having the same problems. Toyota had a recall on the frame but I missed it as I have had a heart attack…
The frame is so rusted in my truck my mechanic said it may snap at anytime and is not safe to drive. I know Toyota tundra’s from 2000-2003 have been recalled for same reason.
This report addresses the critical structural integrity concerns related to excessive corrosion, and frame material loss affecting the main ladder frame chassis. The degradation of the frame members poses a significant and immediate safety risk, including potential catastrophic structural failure,…
Own a 2005 Tundra?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.