What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

Structure has the most complaints, followed by suspension and speed control. See the problems section for what owners describe.

Does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?

Yes. The by-year facts list 10 recalls for this year. The recalls section on this page has the details.

How reliable is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

NHTSA has 707 owner complaints on file. These are unverified reports, so read them alongside the recall and by-year sections.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma get?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the official figures.

Is 2005 the best year for the Toyota Tacoma?

Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how 2005 sits next to the other years.

2005 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 707 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma^[1]. The structure group is the biggest, with 260 complaints^[2].

707owner complaints^[1]

10recalls^[3]

16–21MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the truck. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Structure. 260 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe loud popping and banging from the cab area, a shaking truck at highway speed, a leaking cab and a tailgate that let go while driving.
Suspension. 137 complaints^[5]. Owners describe paint that chips easily, rubbing noises from the front end, worn wheel bearings and a truck that sways in wind or near passing trucks.
Speed Control. 93 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a speedometer that reads off from GPS, rough shifting while on cruise control, an engine that revs on its own and a truck that creeps forward at a stop.
Steering. 61 complaints^[7]. Owners describe a wheel that shakes at highway speeds, power steering that quit without warning and grinding noises in turns.
Power Train. 57 complaints^[8].
Air Bags. 46 complaints^[9].
Unknown Or Other. 42 complaints^[10].
Engine. 32 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2005 Tacoma is necessarily included.

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Leaf (14V604), September 2014. About 710,711 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire.^[12]
Seat Belts (13V337), August 2013. About 342,451 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal (12V092), March 2012. About 495,470 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Equipment › Other › Labels (10V035), February 2010. About 271,417 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Equipment › Other › Labels (10V036), February 2010. About 153,418 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal (09V388), October 2009. About 4,445,056 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death.^[17]
Equipment › Other › Labels (09V223), June 2009. About 27,080 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Air Bags (06V096), April 2006. About 133 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury.^[19]
Air Bags (05V302), June 2005. About 11,592 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, an air bag that may not work as intended.^[20]
Parking Brake (05V050), February 2005. About 22,228 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	18 / 24 / 21	$3,200
Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[22]	18 / 25 / 20	$3,350
Tacoma 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Tacoma 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[24]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Tacoma 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	17 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	16 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[27]	14 / 18 / 16	$4,200

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: EXTENDED CAB None^[28], REGULAR CAB None^[29], 4 DR None^[30].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
TACOMA ACCESS P/U EXT CAB S/BOX 4WD/V6^[31]	208 in	75 in	70 in	128 in	3,948 lb
TACOMA ACCESS P/U EXT CAB S/BOX RWD^[32]	208 in	72 in	66 in	128 in	3,455 lb
TACOMA DOUBLE P/U EXT CAB L/BOX 4WD (AUTO)^[33]	221 in	75 in	70 in	141 in	4,129 lb
TACOMA DOUBLE P/U EXT CAB S/BOX 4WD (MANUAL)^[34]	209 in	75 in	70 in	128 in	4,050 lb
TACOMA PRERUNNER P/U EXT CAB L/BOX RWD^[35]	221 in	75 in	70 in	141 in	3,896 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tacoma model year. The 2005 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	177	2
1996	253	1
1997	131	0
1998	300	1
1999	249	0
2000	211	0
2001	396	4
2002	333	3
2003	360	3
2004	414	3
2005	707	10
2006	782	11
2007	541	10
2008	449	11
2009	519	13
2010	294	13
2011	186	9
2012	295	7
2013	125	6
2014	93	4
2015	101	4
2016	324	4
2017	243	5
2018	209	3
2019	219	4
2020	90	1
2021	81	0
2022	59	3
2023	54	4
2024	154	6
2025	111	5
2026	11	0

NHTSA's counts for the Tacoma show 707 complaints and 10 recalls for 2005^[3]. Among the 32 model years listed, 30 have fewer complaints than 2005 and 1 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (11) and the most are for 2006 (782)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2005 Tacoma?

The 2005 Tacoma has a large pile of owner complaints on file^[1]. Structure and suspension lead the list, so those are the places to look closely on any truck you consider^[2]^[5]. Speed control has its own group of complaints, and a test drive is worth the time^[6]. Remember that these are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales. Recalls also exist for this year, so check the recall section on this page^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?: Structure has the most complaints, followed by suspension and speed control^[2]^[5]^[6]. See the problems section for what owners describe.
Does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?: Yes. The by-year facts list 10 recalls for this year^[3]. The recalls section on this page has the details.
How reliable is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?: NHTSA has 707 owner complaints on file^[1]. These are unverified reports, so read them alongside the recall and by-year sections.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota Tacoma get?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the official figures.
Is 2005 the best year for the Toyota Tacoma?: Check the by-year comparison on this page to see how 2005 sits next to the other years^[3].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Toyota Tacoma

2005 this page
2010 294 complaints, 13 recalls
2015 101 complaints, 4 recalls
2016 324 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 243 complaints, 5 recalls
2025 111 complaints, 5 recalls
2026 11 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Toyota Tacoma

Other Toyota models from 2005

2005 Toyota Avalon 228 complaints, 7 recalls
2005 Toyota Sequoia 352 complaints, 9 recalls
2005 Toyota Sienna 1,130 complaints, 12 recalls

All Toyota models

Similar cars from 2005: pickup trucks

2005 Chevrolet Colorado 356 complaints, 3 recalls
2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup 470 complaints, 6 recalls
2005 Ford Ranger 289 complaints, 9 recalls
2005 Nissan Frontier 532 complaints, 3 recalls

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 707 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma (47 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 16 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
260 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 109,450). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Tacoma model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
137 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 101,500). NHTSA vehicle records
93 complaints name the speed control component group (31 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,500). NHTSA vehicle records
61 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,200). NHTSA vehicle records
57 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,420). NHTSA vehicle records
46 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,000). NHTSA vehicle records
42 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 119,500). NHTSA vehicle records
32 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 138,750). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 14V604, filed September 29, 2014: Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Leaf. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V337, filed August 7, 2013: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
Recall 12V092, filed March 7, 2012: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V035, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 09V388, filed October 5, 2009: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 09V223, filed June 15, 2009: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
Recall 06V096, filed April 3, 2006: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V302, filed June 28, 2005: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V050, filed February 11, 2005: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Tacoma 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 2.7L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Tacoma 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, EXTENDED CAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS P/U EXT CAB S/BOX 4WD/V6: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA ACCESS P/U EXT CAB S/BOX RWD: length 208 in, width 72 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,455 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE P/U EXT CAB L/BOX 4WD (AUTO): length 221 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,129 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA DOUBLE P/U EXT CAB S/BOX 4WD (MANUAL): length 209 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,050 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TACOMA PRERUNNER P/U EXT CAB L/BOX RWD: length 221 in, width 75 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 3,896 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2005 Toyota Tacoma: problems, recalls and fuel economy