2005 Toyota Tundra Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11704087

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

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, detachment of critical components, and failure of safety systems (e.g., braking and fuel lines) mounted to the frame. Location: Mid-frame section (beneath the cab) and rear sections (near the leaf spring mounts and rear axle).

NHTSA ID

11696453

Incident

Oct 20, 2025

Suddenly unintended acceleration has happened multiple times with the brake depressed and the accelerator pedal not depressed.

NHTSA ID

11696186

Incident

Oct 20, 2025

1)Frame is rusting out. Not repairable. 2) Fuel tank strap rusted through and broken.

NHTSA ID

11666631

Incident

Jun 12, 2025

know issue with Toyota Tundra Frame, and refuse to give option to repair.

NHTSA ID

11610237

Incident

Aug 22, 2024

Frame is rusted beyond repair both in the front and rear of the truck. fuel tank strap is rusted threw and fuel tank is hanging by one strap and not far from the ground.

NHTSA ID

11608286

Incident

Aug 12, 2024

We are the first owner of this 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited with only 91K miles. The frame is rusted so badly that we are afraid to drive down the road. This rusted problem could cause potential harm or death to us and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11597528

Incident

Jun 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted and had holes. The parking brake and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the vehicle might not pass a safety inspection due to the position of the holes and rust. The warning lights were repaired but the sub frame was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a frame shop, the frame shop declined to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about an Extended Warranty, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA ID

11593990

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Mileage

139,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FRAME RUST ISSUES. THE DEALER UNDER COATED THE FRAME IN-LIEU OF REPLACING IT, AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH SO MANY OTHERS. NOW I'M FACING A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN CRITICAL AREAS. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS IF THE FRAME SNAPS IN HALF WHILE UNDER HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY INJURING OTHER AND OR MYSELF. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER (240530000550). THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY WERE THE ONES THAT RECOMMENDED CONTACTING THIS ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ID

11591576

Incident

May 30, 2024

I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tundra for my son for his first vehicle. After taking it to a professional mechanic to be inspected I was told that the frame is rotted from rust and cannot pass inspection. After researching this issue i found that toyota had a recall on their frames because of how many and how bad the frames were. I believe this tundra rates the recall because of how bad the rust is. Any help getting this recall to fix this known issue with the rusting frames would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11590506

Incident

May 24, 2024

The frame on this truck is severely compromised by rust. This is a well known problem with early Toyota Tundras, and Toyota issued a recall that ended with model year 2004, despite knowing that it was also an issue with 2005 and 2006 models as well. This is one of these trucks. This particular truck has large rust holes in the frame near the front driver's side wheel, and had multiple very weak spots that are on the brink of failure, all while the body and suspension components are in relatively good shape still. This creates a significant safety hazard. A Toyota dealership in Effingham, IL looked at the frame a number of years ago, but didn't do any work on it, claiming that it was not covered by Toyota's recalls or service bulletins.

NHTSA ID

11585574

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver’s side front ball joint detached causing the front driver’s side wheel to bend inward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence which caused damage to the fender. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V013000 (Suspension) however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.

NHTSA ID

11584995

Incident

Apr 23, 2024

Mileage

290,000 mi

Was told my truck would not be able to be inspected next year because of a rotting FRAME! This potentuly means I will not have a safe vehicle. I have not brought my truck to a dealer...but I must say I did have the same problem with my last truck a (Toyota Tundra) and it was taken care of and was PLEASED by the outcome, that is why I bought another of the same. I feel after spending the money a vehicle costs this is something the manufacture should remedy. With the cost of a new vehicle..it is almost impossible to buy. My truck is in good running condition along with being a great truck. If it weren't for the rotting frame I'm sure I would get many more years of service from it. Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you , [XXX] [XXX] PS If pictures are needed I will supply them, just ask. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11583974

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive

NHTSA ID

11572303

Incident

Jan 15, 2024

Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend towards the front of the frame. The fuel tank straps are also severely corroded.

NHTSA ID

11572033

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

Frame and suspension is rotted away badly was recall on frame In 2005

NHTSA ID

11567142

Incident

Nov 13, 2023

The frames of Toyota trucks are known for rusting through and perforating causing the vehicle to be unsafe to own/drive. My frame is seperating and rusting through. The dealer "stated" they performed a treatment to prevent this deterioration from happening, however it clearly did not work. I have contacted the dealer to have the frame replaced under the safety recall but the are refusing since they said it was already attempted to be "treated". The vehicle is in excellent working condition and Toyota should honor this safety recall since it was a manufacturing issue that is causing these frames to fail prematurely. I do not feel safe driving my truck in the condition it is in but cannot afford to buy another since Toyota will not replace the failed frame.

NHTSA ID

11566755

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Severe frame rust due to cheap frame material. Earlier year models were recalled but 05 and 06 were not, just a limited campaign. Frame looks like it has been coated before, but this is a known issue with these trucks. I have contacted Toyota and they basically said, sorry, we can't do anything.

NHTSA ID

11555176

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

Severe rust throughout the frame

NHTSA ID

11550454

Incident

Oct 15, 2023

Original owner. Well known frame rust safety issue as documented by thousands of 2005 Tundra owners. Toyota did an inspection for frame rust several years ago and opted for coating to deal with issue hastily given the long delay/backlog with replacing entire frame. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Now major safety/inspection issues with frame area and gas tank. Unable to allow my child to drive back to college. Not safe. Not worth risking kids lives. Would be interested to learn how many owner/operators need to report serious injury/fatalities before NHTSA enforces action against Toyota for corporate greed.

NHTSA ID

11540777

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact had notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V741000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to a local dealer for the recall repair. The contact made a local dealer aware of the issue and was informed that they were unable to provide a field technician or towing assistance and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11515745

Incident

Oct 17, 2019

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop and crashed into the vehicle ahead. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags did deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his back, neck, right shoulder, and right clavicle. The other driver sustained injuries to his back and neck. The contact sought medical attention from a physical therapist but was unaware if the other driver sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to park on the side of the road but then towed the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 266,313.

NHTSA ID

11503983

Incident

Jan 25, 2023

Mileage

266,313 mi

Toyota did an inspection for frame rust years ago, but mine is now rusting out I believe it should have been swapped at the time of the recall.

NHTSA ID

11501973

Incident

Jan 13, 2023

It’s has come to my attention that this is an on going issue with tundra frames rusting out after being sprayed I inherited this truck from a family friend and the truck is getting to where it’s not drivable for frame issues this needs to be addressed by Toyota ASAP!!

NHTSA ID

11500816

Incident

Oct 5, 2022

The driver's side front frame has rotted out disconnecting the mount for the anti-roll bar. This has happened despite several reports to the dealership going back many years that the frame was rusting rapidly which, upon examination, they said that it was OK. They did apply a coating which might have delayed the process a bit but ultimately resolved nothing. For trucks that had perforated frames during the first few years, they replaced the frame. I tried to take care of mine, but it has finally failed and they say the replacement program is over. They are unwilling to provide even the necessary frame section and mounting bracket for the sway bar (~$545) for the frame shop to install %(2120).This vehicle has less than 98,000 miles on it and is used for short trips performing farmette duties. Frame failure can cause catastrophic accidents and should not be ignored by the manufacturer regardless of age. They know they used bad steel and should act accordingly. My action has been delayed by storm damage to frame shop which didn't reopen until December.

NHTSA ID

11498671

Incident

Aug 30, 2022