2005 Toyota Tacoma Owner Complaints

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

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale through OfferUp. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 139,900. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 339,740.

NHTSA ID

11682911

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

Mileage

339,740 mi

Corrocion en el chasis, el motor se encuentra inclinado

NHTSA ID

11613313

Incident

Sep 8, 2024

The frame is rusting out substantially. The dealer advised me not to drive because the frame could fail at anytime. I have been driving around unaware of the problem. I could have been killed if the framed failed on the highway. There was no warning light. The Vehicle has been into the dealer and no one mentioned the problem until 08/30/2024. The Vehicle has been maintained and garaged. The vehicle is in good condition and has not been in an accident. I called Toyota and was told I was out of luck because the warranty expired even though the frame problem was Toyotas fault. A truck frame should outlast the engine and the body. I plan to keep the truck for 400,00 miles and my finances are very tight. Toyota is penalizing me because the frame didn't rust out sooner and on Toyotas time frame.

NHTSA ID

11612615

Incident

Aug 30, 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

In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame inspection, I scoped the frame myself, and noticed abnormal rust forming throughout both sides of the frame. Therefore, I took my Tacoma to Berge Toyota in Mesa AZ. for further inspection and to have some other repairs done. Upon my arrival to Berge Toyota, l informed the service writer of the repairs that were needed done and showed him the request from Toyota for the frame inspection. My vehicle was taken to a lift, where a brief frame inspection was performed with a flashlight only and I was told the frame was fine, and the rust I had witnessed during my personal inspection was within a standard tolerance of "normal". On September 12, 2022 my frame cracked in a horseshoe formation around the driver side motor mount, causing the engine to shift and sink approx. 3/4" towards the driver side. This frame failure has caused numerous problems to occur, such as the fan to continuously rub against the shroud, abnormal shifting of the transmission, ramping up and down of RPM's, vehicle's steering locks up and cannot be safely driven, leaving me without transportation After detailed inspection was performed on my Tacoma, the horseshoe crack around the motor mount was found and it was determined this was the source of all the problems. I contacted Berge Toyota where I was informed by their service manager that Berge Toyota was not certified to do the frame inspection or repair, and further explained the safety recall had expired and instructed me to contact Toyota to see what could be done. The question I had for the Berge Toyota service manager, was if they were not certified to do the frame inspection, or repair why did they inspect my frame and inform me it was fine, when it wasn't?

NHTSA ID

11490424

Incident

Sep 12, 2022

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 driver side seat belt does not go up and down to adjust position. It is attached to the access door. By not being able to adjust it from going up and down, it makes it hard to strap it into place next to the seat. This may wear out the sides of the seat belt in time. I have not had a Toyota dealer look at it yet. Thanks.

NHTSA ID

11480034

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Rusty Frame Issue Toyota Tacoma had a warranty enchantment program that expired in 01/31/2019 . I took the Tacoma July 18 2022 to the dealership for regular maintenance and they told me “THE TECH NOTICED 2 LARGES HOLES IN THE FRAME WHICH IS GOING TO COMPROMISE THE STRENGTH OF THE FRAME”. When I asked why they didn’t change the frame during the inspection back in 2015 if they knew it was going to be a problem. They refused to give a good answer. I took the Tacoma to the dealership back in 2015 for a frame inspection the nonprofessional inspector chose not change the frame. I contacted Toyota Motor Sales USA and basically was told they couldn’t do anything because the warranty enchantment program already expired. I understand that the warranty enchantment program has expired but I don’t understand how I have full responsibility when I did my part as the customer by taking my Tacoma during the time window of the warranty enchantment program. This is not safe for me, my family of the citizens. I believe there are going to be many more Toyota pickups with this problem.

NHTSA ID

11476441

Incident

Jul 15, 2015

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 differential drive housing failed due to corrosion resulting in the differential oil leaking out at a significant rate and in loss of lubrication of the differential gears. The condition was detected before any significant loss of material condition or function but could have lead to a loss of vehicle control if the differential had failed. The local Toyota Dealer has not reviewed the condition as of yet. A review of several Tacoma internet forum sights finds similar corrosion failures described (oil leaking from differential housing). There is no monitoring/warning indicator for the oil level condition in the differential housing in this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11452535

Incident

Feb 16, 2022

My problem was associated with the air bag warning light. It came on and so I took my truck to Big Two Toyota in Chandler AZ. Dealer said I had a faulty clock spring assembly that will prevent the air bag system from functioning properly and was a major safety risk.... So I let Dealer remove and replace it for $511.82. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SAFETY RECALL.... Please look into this issue for me and other Toyota Tacoma truck owners. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11446714

Incident

Jan 7, 2022

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 frame caved in to the motor mounts. The motor mounts on the drive side are intact however the frame has broken and the motor mount has fallen into the frame.

NHTSA ID

11439984

Incident

Nov 10, 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

We took our truck to a mechanic to have it looked over before our 18 year old son takes it to college. The mechanic said the frame had so much rust it is unsafe to keep driving it. Once I searched for this problem, Toyota had an extended warranty to cover it, but a recall had never been issued. Therefore, we did not know about it and the warranty time period is up. Now we have a vehicle too unsafe to drive and we didn't know in time to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11424887

Incident

Jul 13, 2021