Should I buy a 2005 Toyota Tundra with documented airbags problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented airbags issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2005 Toyota Tundra airbags problems

severe 82 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$1,100

Related recalls

moderate NHTSA 05V254000 02/06/2005

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

THIS STANDARD ESTABLISHES REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS TO ENSURE THEIR PROPER LOCATION AND STRENGTH FOR THE EFFECTIVE SECURING OF CHILD RESTRAINTS, TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS' FAILURE, AND TO INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT CHILD RESTRAINTS ARE PROPERLY SECURED AND THUS MORE FULLY ACHIEVE THEIR POTENTIAL EFFECTIVENESS IN MOTOR VEHICLES.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE MANUAL AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH, REPLACE THE OWNER'S MANUAL, AND AFFIX A NEW SUN VISOR AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAN IN EARLY JANUARY 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

severe NHTSA 05V328000 20/07/2005

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND OPTIONAL FABRIC FRONT CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WILL NOT BE MADE AWARE OF WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR BAG IS ACTIVATED AND READY TO PROTECT THE OCCUPANT AS APPROPRIATE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM INDICATOR LENS. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

What owners are reporting 6 most recent

airbags · filed 12/30/2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V286000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

airbags · filed 12/30/2008

I STARTED THE VEHICLE, PROCEEDED FORWARD IN A STRAIT LINE, REACHED +/- 15 MPH AND THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, WAS NOT HIT AND DID NOT ROLL THE VEHICLE. THE GROUND WAS VERY SMOOTH/FLAT. I RECEIVED NECK INJURIES AND HAVE HAD HEADACHES EVER SINCE. MY PASSENGER RECEIVED WHIP LASH AND HAS LOST MOST OF HIS HEARING IN HIS RIGHT EAR PERMANENTLY. IT TOOK 43 DAYS FOR A RE…

airbags · filed 12/17/2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOO…

airbags · filed 12/17/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V350000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 1/21/15…

airbags · filed 12/15/2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN …

airbags · filed 12/14/2015

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIR…

Common questions

How serious is the airbags problem on the 2005 Toyota Tundra?

It's a meaningful issue. 82 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.

At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags 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 airbags?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.