TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Toyota Tacoma cruise control problems
severe 78 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
78
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
26crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 78 cruise control complaints filed for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 78 cruise control complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Toyota Tacoma in our records for cruise control problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Some 2005 ? 2014 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with 1GR-FE engine (PreRunner and 4WD) and automatic or 6-speed manual transmission may exhibit a vibration felt in the seat, floorboard, and steering wheel between 15 ? 25 mph caused by a second order drivetrain vibration under acceleration. The following Repair Procedure may improve this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2005 ? 2014 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with automatic transmission may exhibit a vibration felt in the seat, floorboard, and steering wheel between 15 ? 25 mph caused by a second order drivetrain vibration under acceleration. The following Repair Procedure may improve this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TOYOTA: ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR ASSEMBLY INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSPECTION, REMOVAL, AND INSTALLATION, IF LUBRICATION OR OIL, IS APPLIED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2005 Tacomas describe sudden, forceful acceleration occurring without throttle input, often while braking at low speeds—in parking lots, at stoplights, and during gear shifts. The engine revs to full throttle, tires screech, and the truck lunges forward. Multiple owners report brake pedal pressure has no effect; some burned out brake pads from extreme pressure. In one incident, the vehicle rolled 3–5 times after acceleration during a curve in wet conditions.
With cruise control engaged on highways, several owners report the truck suddenly accelerates to full throttle when encountering uphill grades—even slight ones—despite no throttle input. The transmission downshifts abruptly, and the speed climbs several mph above preset before finally settling. One owner said this has been consistent since 2005 purchase; another experienced it four separate times after learning to turn off cruise on hills.
Accelerator pedal sticking (remaining pinned to the floor) occurs randomly and requires owners to stomp the pedal repeatedly, shift to Neutral, or kill the engine to stop acceleration. Floor mats are confirmed not involved—owners checked and removed them. Dealers consistently state they cannot duplicate the problem and find no fault. Toyota's response references the 2009 floor mat recall, but owners confirm that is not the cause and the recall did not stop the acceleration incidents. One owner's vehicle was damaged during recall service when the dealership cut the accelerator pedal, making it unsafe to reach.
Same Toyota Tacoma cruise control reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden acceleration with brakes applied
Vehicle accelerates forcefully without driver input on the accelerator, often while braking or at low speeds. Owners report the engine racing, tires screeching, and inability to stop the truck despite firm brake pedal pressure. Occurs in parking lots, at intersections, during reversing, and while shifting gears. Multiple owners describe incidents resulting in collisions.
When: Low-speed maneuvers (parking, reversing, intersection stops); mileage range 11,000–146,000. Incidents reported from 2005 through 2014.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine racing to full throttle with no foot on accelerator; Vehicle lurches or lunges forward despite brakes applied; Tire screeching and squealing; Inability to stop with brake pedal—brakes feel ineffective or 'like a rock'; RPMs spike abnormally when shifting gears or coming to a stop; Engine continues revving even when shift lever moved to Neutral or Park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers repeatedly state they cannot duplicate the problem and find no fault. Owners cite $1,321–$1,700 in collision damage. Floor mat removal did not resolve the issue. One owner reported brake pads burned from repeated hard braking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota references floor mat recall (campaign 09V388000 for vehicle speed control) but owners confirm floor mats are not the cause. Dealers deny finding any defect. Toyota field specialist told one owner: 'If you can't duplicate it, we can't fix it.' Some owners received accelerator pedal modifications under recall; one reported the pedal was cut off during recall work, making it unsafe to drive. No effective remedy provided for the underlying condition.
Cruise control uncontrolled acceleration on hills
With cruise control engaged at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly accelerates to full or near-full throttle when encountering uphill grades or resistance. The transmission downshifts abruptly, and acceleration continues several mph above preset speed before finally slowing. Occurs consistently on slopes despite driver not touching the accelerator.
When: Highway driving with cruise control engaged; mileage not always specified. Incidents reported from 2005 onward, happening repeatedly over vehicle ownership (some spanning multiple years).
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle opens fully or nearly fully on uphill stretches; Transmission downshifts suddenly (e.g., from 5th to 3rd gear); Rapid uncontrolled acceleration past preset cruise speed; Vehicle speed climbs several mph above set speed; Engine roaring or loud revving; Loss of vehicle speed control requiring cruise disengagement to prevent collision
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers dismissed the issue, one claiming it is normal transmission 'passing gear' behavior without test-driving. Owners report this does not occur on other vehicles they own with cruise control.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer in Knoxville, TN dismissed the complaint as normal transmission behavior without investigation. One owner was given a copy of the owner's manual highlighting guidance to turn off cruise on uphills, implying operator error.
Accelerator pedal sticking or jamming
Accelerator pedal becomes stuck in open position, remaining pinned to the floor even after driver releases foot. Occurs randomly during normal operation. Owner must stomp the pedal repeatedly, shift to Neutral, or turn off the engine to disengage the throttle.
When: Various driving conditions; mileage range 11,000–100,000. Incidents reported across vehicle ownership years.
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal remains fully depressed despite driver releasing foot; Engine continues accelerating uncontrollably; Owner must stomp pedal repeatedly (6–10 times) to free it; Accelerator appears mechanically stuck, not electronic; Loud engine noise and revving
Repairs/costs cited: No repair parts or procedure identified in narratives. Dealers unable to find a cause. One owner noted floor mat was not involved; pedal was clearly visible and not obstructed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or service bulletin addressing this sticking condition. Dealers offer to replace accelerator pedal at owner expense if needed (per one narrative), but no effective fix mentioned.
Engine revving when shifting or applying brakes
Abnormal engine RPM increase when shifting gears (especially into Reverse), applying brakes to stop, or tapping brake to disengage cruise control. Engine races despite brake pedal being depressed and no throttle input. Occurs at various speeds and maneuvers.
When: Shifting gears, braking, or disengaging cruise control. Mileage range 30,000–78,000. Multiple incidents per owner in some cases.
Symptoms owners cite: RPMs increase abnormally when shifting (e.g., to Reverse or Drive); Engine revs when brake pedal is applied; Vehicle lurches forward even with brake pressure; Anti-lock brakes may activate during the event; Fish-tailing or loss of vehicle control; Rolled vehicle in one incident (3–5 rolls)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had truck rolled in an accident; dealership found no cause. Other owners report dealerships cannot diagnose or duplicate the failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers advise they found no defect. One owner's vehicle was previously subjected to NHTSA campaign 09V388000 (vehicle speed control) but the revving issue recurred afterward. No repair provided.
Accelerator pedal mechanical engagement issue
Brake pedal design allows driver's foot to engage both brake and accelerator simultaneously if the brake is not pressed far enough down. Brake pedal sits lower than accelerator, so partial brake application still allows throttle input, causing acceleration. Issue occurs when driver's foot position or seating angle changes (e.g., backing up while twisted to look over shoulder).
When: When shifting seating position or entering vehicle; occurs with age and wear. One owner reported three occurrences in driveway over past year.
Symptoms owners cite: Both brake and accelerator pedals engaged when foot moves from gas to brake; Acceleration increases as brake pressure increases; Harder braking results in more engine revving; Issue linked to brake pedal design—sits lower than throttle
Repairs/costs cited: No factory repair available. Owner suggests design change: brake pedal engagement point should be higher than throttle to prevent dual-pedal engagement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or design change mentioned in narrative.
Floor mat attachment hook failure
Driver's side floor mat hooks are poorly designed, allowing hooks to rotate fully on a 3-inch radius. Hooks engage only in one direction, permitting floor mat to shift forward when driver steps in or out of the vehicle, potentially trapping under accelerator pedal.
When: During entry/exit from vehicle; reported at 69,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Floor mat hooks rotate excessively (3-inch radius rotation); Floor mat slides forward under accelerator during entry/exit; No unintended acceleration occurred, but owner concerned about entrapment potential
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer aware of frequency of hook failure but could not provide a remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged the design issue but provided no repair solution.
Accelerator pedal modification causing unsafe pedal design
During floor mat recall service, accelerator pedal was modified (cut) at dealership. Modification rendered pedal unsafe: lower half removed, making pedal unreachable for some drivers. Driver must slide seat so far forward that chest contacts steering wheel, creating airbag safety hazard.
When: After recall service in September 2010.
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal cut off, physically shortened; Driver's foot cannot reach accelerator at safe seat position; Foot slips off shortened pedal while driving; Driver must position seat unsafely close to steering wheel (airbag risk)
Repairs/costs cited: Unsafe repair cost unknown; owner reports Toyota refused to correct the modification.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota repeatedly stated via phone and email that nothing could be done to address the unsafe recall repair. No remedy offered.
Brake pedal ineffectiveness during acceleration event
During unintended acceleration episodes, brake pedal fails to stop the vehicle. Owner reports braking with full pedal pressure to no avail; brakes feel unresponsive ('like a rock') or lose effectiveness. Regular brakes and emergency brake both fail to slow acceleration.
When: During sudden acceleration incidents at various speeds and maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes unresponsive despite full pedal pressure; Brake pedal feels hard or unresponsive; Brake pads burned from extreme pressure attempts; Emergency brake also ineffective; Vehicle continues accelerating despite brake application
Repairs/costs cited: No brake system failure found in dealer inspections. Brakes test normal when vehicle brought in after incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers and independent inspectors found no brake defect. Toyota independent inspector sent to one owner's vehicle confirmed no fault in brakes or accelerator.
Synthesized from 78 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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
Pulled into my driveway to park my 2005 tacoma and all of a sudden my tacoma accelerates forward and plunges into the rear end of my 2000 corvette which was parked in my garage, and does $1321.22 in damage. The force from the tacoma knocked my corvette about 3 feet forward into a freezer in the garage. I was approximately 6 feet behind the corvette, and the corvette was in gear and the emergency…
2005 Toyota tacoma. Consumer is expressing discontent with the service received for the floor mat interference recall. *kb the consumer stated according to the invoice, the accelerator pedal was modified. The consumer stated when he questioned the service tech about replacing the all weather floor mats, she was unaware of that portion of the recall. The consumer showed her a copy of the…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the cruise control problem on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
It's a meaningful issue. 78 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 61 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 28,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 53,995. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Toyota/Tacoma.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.