VehicleVerdict

2005 Toyota Tacoma problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 871 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.9 times the median Tacoma year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 32 Tacoma years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 264 reports (30% of the total).

871

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

0

Investigations

64

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Tacoma years?

See all Tacoma years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Toyota Tacoma problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure26430%
Suspension13816%
Speed Control9311%
Steering617%
Transmission607%
Airbags486%
Other445%
Tires & Wheels354%
Engine324%
Brakes263%
Electrical System233%
Visibility & Wipers202%
Fuel System111%
Seat Belts61%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Lighting30%
Latches & Locks30%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

10 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V604000SuspensionSeptember 29, 2014 · 710,711 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

13V337000Seat BeltsAugust 7, 2013 · 342,451 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 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.

12V092000AirbagsMarch 7, 2012 · 495,470 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 1-800-331-4331.

10V035000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 271,417 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy

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.

10V036000OtherFebruary 3, 2010 · 153,418 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

09V388000Speed ControlOctober 5, 2009 · 4,445,056 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

09V223000OtherJune 15, 2009 · 27,080 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

06V096000AirbagsApril 3, 2006 · 133 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

05V302000AirbagsJune 28, 2005 · 11,592 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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 NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-431-4331.

05V050000BrakesFebruary 11, 2005 · 22,228 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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 1-800-331-4331.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

I WAS PULLING INTO A CURB PARKING SPACE WHEN SUDDENLY THE ENGINE ON MY TRUCK ACCELERATED. MY FOOT WAS ALREADY ON THE BRAKE SO I PUSHED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT I WAS SLOWLY MOVING FORWARD ANYWAY. MY BRAKES WERE SMOKING FROM TRYING TO STOP MY TRUCK. I HIT THE BACK OF A PARKED CAR AND PUSHED IT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 5, 2014 · crash

LEAF SPRINGS BROKE AND SEVERED MY BRAKE LINES.WHEN I CONTACTED A MECHANIC I WAS TOLD THIS IS SAFTEY RECALL E02. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL, I LOST MY BREAKS SMASHED INTO MY GARAGE DOOR. TOYOTA WONT PAY FOR A TOW FOR ME TO GET FIXED. I CANT DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE RECALL CAUSED MY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 26, 2017 · crash

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 23, 2010 · crash

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES PER HOUR MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA ON THE FREEWAY IN LIGHT RAIN. THE STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND MY TRUCK BEGAN FISHTAILING. I TAPPED ON THE BRAKES LIGHTLY BUT THE TRUCK CONTINUED ACCELERATING FASTER. I ENDED UP HITTING THE CONCRETE BARRIER AND WAS PLACED IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 27, 2010 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A THUD COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SLOWED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 22, 2016 · crash

2005 Toyota Tacoma — common questions

Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 871 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 32 Tacoma years. It is one of the Tacoma years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Tacoma problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (264 complaints), suspension (138 complaints), speed control (93 complaints).

Does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Tacoma years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tacoma years to avoid are 2006, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among Tacoma years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.