2005 Toyota Tacoma Body & structure Problems

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)

NHTSA ID

11744962

Incident

Sep 2, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11686155

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

Corrocion en el chasis, el motor se encuentra inclinado

NHTSA ID

11613313

Incident

Sep 8, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11591663

Incident

May 30, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11572427

Incident

Feb 16, 2024

Mileage

130,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11559705

Incident

Dec 7, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11552354

Incident

Oct 26, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11543358

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Mileage

169,000 mi

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 ID

11531246

Incident

Oct 21, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11525383

Incident

Apr 15, 2022

Mileage

250,000 mi

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).

NHTSA ID

11509346

Incident

Feb 10, 2015

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

NHTSA ID

11508816

Incident

Feb 23, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11484712

Incident

Mar 3, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11455547

Incident

Aug 8, 2015

Mileage

170,000 mi

The frame of my truck failed at the motor mount. The motor mount has sunk into the frame shifting the motor and effecting performance and other parts. This can be confirmed by anyone. I never received recall information, I can’t find evidence of one issued for this year or my state.

NHTSA ID

11440418

Incident

Nov 7, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed punctures and corrosion on the main subframe. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact stated that an unknown recall repair was performed to the subframe in August 2014. The failure mileage was approximately 255,000.

NHTSA ID

11435378

Incident

Nov 1, 2014

Mileage

255,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR SERVICE,THE TEC INFORMED ME IT WOULD NOT PASS NYS IINSPECTION DUE TO RUST HOLES IN THE FRAME.

NHTSA ID

11412935

Incident

Apr 15, 2021

Mileage

131,205 mi

FRAME HAS RUST HOLES IN IT AND WILL NOT PASS NEXT NYS INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID

11408481

Incident

Apr 15, 2021

Mileage

131,205 mi

TRUCK WAS TAKEN IN FOR COOLANT LEAK. TECHNICIAN FOUND THE FRAME TO BE RUSTED THROUGH AND WAS ADVISED TRUCK WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE. TRUCK WAS STATIONARY IN DEALERS REPAIR BAY.

NHTSA ID

11384942

Incident

Nov 16, 2020

Mileage

132,127 mi

FRAME RUSTED SEVERELY. HAVE BEEN ADVISED IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

11375609

Incident

Nov 12, 2020

Mileage

138,000 mi

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRAME AND IN 2015 MY FATHER-IN-LAW OWNED THE VEHICLE AND HAD IT INSPECTED AND ALL I KNOW IS IT PASSED. HE IS DECEASED NOW AND I OWN THE VEHICLE AND RECURVED NOTIFICATION ABOUT A RECALL ON THE REAR SPRINGS SO MADE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS TO RUSTED TO SAFELY TAKE SPRINGS OFF TO REPLACE. THE FRAME RECALL HAS EXPIRED BUT THE SPRING RECALL IS STILL IN EFFECT. SO I FEEL THAT TO FIX THE SAFETY ISSUE THEY SHOULD FIX THE FRAME SO THAT THEY CAN FIX THE SPRINGS TO SOLVE THE SAFETY ISSUE. ANY ADVICE OR HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

NHTSA ID

11354655

Incident

Aug 15, 2020

Mileage

162,000 mi

I AM THE SOLE OWNER/PURCHASER OF A 2005 TACOMA. LAST WEEK A LOUISVILLE, KY TOYOTA DEALER, OXMOOR TOYOTA, WAS REPLACING THE REAR U-JOINTS AND NOTICED RUST AND CORROSION THROUGHOUT THE FRAME. IT WAS SO BAD, THE TOYOTA TECHNICIAN CONSIDERED IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE CALLED TOYOTA USA BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO... THERE SEEMS TO BE NEGLIGENCE AND LIABILITY HERE. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11350109

Incident

Aug 12, 2020

TRUCK FRAME WAS INSPECTED FOR RUST DAMAGE BY TOYOTA IN 2016 AS PART OF A RECALL. TOYOTA FOUND THE FRAME TO BE SOUND AND TREATED IT WITH ANTI-CORROSIVE MATERIAL. JUST FOUR YEARS LATER, THE TRUCK FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN SEVERAL SPOTS MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ID

11349075

Incident

Aug 10, 2020

Mileage

104,000 mi

THE FRAME OF THIS TACOMA IS RUSTED AND HAS SIGNIFICANT HOLES, VERY UNSAFE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MIXED MESSAGES BY DIFFERENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP NEEDS TO TAKE CARE IF THIS RECALLED FRAME AND STOP TELLING ME THEY DO NOT COVER MINE. I WILL NOT ACCEPT THE EXCUSE OF THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED. IT'S THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID

11329247

Incident

Jun 15, 2020

Mileage

161,000 mi

THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEXT TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT HAS TWO RUST HOLES THAT ARE CONNECTED WITH A CRACK THAT THE RUST IS STARTING TO WIDEN. THE HOLES ARE APPROXIMATELY 1-2 INCHES IN SIZE. I FIRST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN 2013 AT MY HOME OF RECORD (MINNESOTA) IN-BETWEEN DUTY STATIONS. I'M ACTIVE MILITARY AND I'M STATIONED IN NORTH CAROLINA. I DEPLOYED IN 2017 AND DIDN'T GET BACK UNTIL LATE 2018. IN EARLY 2019 STEVENSON HENDRICK TOYOTA CONTACTED ME TO HAVE RECALLS PERFORMED ON MY TRUCK. I TOOK IT IN AND THEY DID THE SEAT BELT, THROTTLE PEDAL, AND LOAD RATING STICKER. HOWEVER, I WAS NEVER INFORMED THAT MY FRAMED WAS RUSTED THROUGH. I FOUND OUT AFTER I HAD TO TROUBLESHOOT MY O2 SENSORS. AT WHICH POINT I CONTACTED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS IN REGARDS TO UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CASE NO. 2:15-CV-02171-FMO-FFM TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE MY FRAME OR AT LEAST REPAIR IT; AS I UNDERSTOOD THE TIMEFRAME HAD PAST THAT TOYOTA WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION ABOUT THIS AND THAT I WAS DEPLOYED AS WELL DURING THIS TIME. TOYOTA STILL REFUSE TO FIX THE FRAME. WHEN I TAKE THE TRUCK IN TO GET SERVICED SOMETIMES THEY TURN ME AWAY; AS THEY DON'T WANT TO HELD LIABLE BECAUSE OF THE FRAME. FOR THE PRICE TO REPLACE THE FRAME I CAN PURCHASE A USED VEHICLE. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DISPOSE OF MY VEHICLE WHEN IT RUNS FINE AND IS PAID FOR. SINCE THEN I HAVE TRIED TO FIND SOMEONE WITH THE EXPERTISE TO REPAIR MY FRAME, BUT NO ONE WANTS TO DO THE REPAIRS AND POSSIBLY BE HELD LIABLE AFTERWARDS.

NHTSA ID

11312157

Incident

Feb 27, 2019

Mileage

160,000 mi