2005 Toyota Tacoma
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 177 |
| 1996 | 253 |
| 1997 | 131 |
| 1998 | 300 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 210 |
| 2001 | 396 |
| 2002 | 333 |
| 2003 | 359 |
| 2004 | 414 |
| 2005 | 707 |
| 2006 | 782 |
| 2007 | 540 |
| 2008 | 445 |
| 2009 | 518 |
| 2010 | 290 |
| 2011 | 183 |
| 2012 | 294 |
| 2013 | 124 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2015 | 100 |
| 2016 | 323 |
| 2017 | 237 |
| 2018 | 199 |
| 2019 | 209 |
| 2020 | 85 |
| 2021 | 76 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 138 |
| 2025 | 69 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
19% of complaints: structure — 136 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20230710
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SLIGHT CRASH. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130731
Where the motor mount sits the bracket below collapsed into the Frame itself causing the engine to lower
NHTSA ODI report, 20231028
18% of complaints: suspension — 124 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231212
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 82 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA PRE-RUNNER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMPLETING A THREE-POINT-TURN, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE RPM'S STARTED INCREASED ABNORMALLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130125
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, A CRASH OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT CAUSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GET STUCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121002
10% of complaints: structure — 72 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: steering — 57 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 1-800-331-4
Campaign 05V050000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ERR
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 NECESS
Campaign 05V302000 — check if this car was fixed
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 A
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.
Campaign 06V096000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WH
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
Campaign 09V223000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FL
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. THES
Campaign 09V388000 — check if this car was fixed
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."
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 S
Campaign 10V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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 VE
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 RECAL
Campaign 10V035000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ASSEMB
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-
Campaign 12V092000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies.
Campaign 13V337000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V604000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Toyota Tacoma — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (136 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (124 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (82 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V050000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V302000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V096000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V223000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V036000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V035000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12V092000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V337000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V604000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have?
10 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.