Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2005-TOYOTA-TACOMA
2005 · Toyota

Toyota Tacoma problems

2 safety recalls. 706 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

body
200 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
suspension
129 reports · avg $900
moderate
cruise control
78 reports · avg $600
severe
steering
61 reports · avg $700
moderate
powertrain
43 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
42 reports · avg $1,100
severe
tires
22 reports · avg $150
moderate
brakes
20 reports · avg $450
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Tacoma · electrical
MY STEREO CHANGES STATIONS ON ITS OWN I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S IN THE BUTTONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE ACTUAL STEREO ITSELF.
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817215.0
2005 Tacoma · electrical
SHORT IN THE BUTTON TO TURN THE CRUSE CONTROL ON SOMETIMES IT WORKS BUT I HAVE TO PUSH IT AT LEAST 200 TIMES. THE SECOND THING IS A SHORT IN THE OVER HEAD COMPAS/TEMPERATURE GAUGE IT JUST DOES NOT WORK ANY MORE.
12/31/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10817210.0
2005 Tacoma · suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V604000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
12/31/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669271.0
2005 Tacoma · cruise control
MY 2005 TOYOTA TACOMA HAS A PROBLEM WITH LURCHING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I END UP RIDING THE BRAKES ALL THE TIME. NUMEROUS TIMES HAS IT LURCHED AT STOP LIGHTS. *TR
12/31/2007 · NHTSA ODI #10213236.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 05V302000 28/06/2005

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

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.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 05V050000 11/02/2005

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

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.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 706 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 200 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota Tacoma has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 706 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →