2005 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
70/100
#7 most-complained of 21 Tacoma years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Toyota Tacoma has 707 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 70 out of 100 — #7 highest of 21 Tacoma model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is structure & body (263 complaints, 37% of the total). Complaints report 47 crashes, 4 fires, and 16 injuries.
- Complaints
- 707
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 47 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 16 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18
- 16 city / 21 hwy
Top 2005 Toyota Tacoma problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body263 (37%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires168 (24%)
- Engine121 (17%)
- Steering61 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain57 (8%)
- Other47 (7%)
- Airbags46 (7%)
- Brakes29 (4%)
- Electrical System23 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers20 (3%)
2005 Toyota Tacoma recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V604000Sep 29, 2014Suspension, Wheels & Tires710,711 vehicles
Suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:leaf
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. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 13V337000Aug 7, 2013Seat Belts342,451 vehicles
Seat belts
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 access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 12V092000Mar 7, 2012Airbags495,470 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 tacoma vehicles, manufactured from september 14, 2004, through august 29, 2008. Over time, steering wheel vibration may damage the spiral cable assembly (clockspring) that powers the driverâs air bag module. If damage occurs, the air bag warning lamp will illuminate and the air bag may become deactivated.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the driverâs side air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly, free of charge. An interim letter is expected to be mailed to owners during april 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2005 Toyota Tacoma fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma ranks #7 of 21 among Tacoma model years (Complaint Index 70/100, verdict: Caution). It has 707 complaints and 10 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
- The most reported problem areas are structure & body (263 complaints), suspension, wheels & tires (168 complaints), and engine (121 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 83,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, most recently reported 2014, covering suspension, wheels & tires, seat belts, airbags, and other.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
- EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Tacoma at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.