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ProblemsByVinFile / 2005-TOYOTA-TACOMANHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Toyota
2005 Toyota Tacoma problems
The 2005 Toyota Tacoma has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 707 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2005 Toyota Tacoma has 707 NHTSA owner complaints and 10 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is body at 201 complaints, typically surfacing around 109,400 miles (~$1,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
1
Critical
8
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Tacoma?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Cruise-control: 78 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–78,000 mi
Reliability score 4.6/10 — below the segment average
10 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2005 Toyota Tacoma? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
body — 201 owner reports
· tends to show around 109,400 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
suspension — 129 owner reports
· tends to show around 106,804 mi · ~$900 to fix
cruise control — 78 owner reports
· tends to show around 58,427 mi · ~$600 to fix
steering — 61 owner reports
· tends to show around 113,543 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 58,427 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 10 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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.
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…
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
Had a problem with your 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Fix: 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. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine Toyota or Lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and Lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331, Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
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
If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
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
If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.6 out of 10 based on 707 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.
Should you avoid the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
The 2005 Toyota Tacoma is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Cruise-control: 78 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–78,000 mi; Reliability score 4.6/10 — below the segment average; 10 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
Inspect the body first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 201 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 109,400 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 707 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is body. Typical failure occurs around 109,400 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 201 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 109,400 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 109,400 miles. 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 707 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Tacoma.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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