2005 Toyota Tacoma

Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.

68/100

Be careful

AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.

What owners actually report

Owners have filed 707 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, and it carries 10 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.

Complaints by area, from NHTSA records for this model-year
Area	Complaints	Share
Structure	193	27%
Suspension	81	11%
Vehicle speed control	72	10%
Steering	42	6%
Air bags	39	6%
Power train	33	5%
Suspension	28	4%
Unknown or other	28	4%
Tires	21	3%
Electrical system	12	2%

In owners' own words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.

I discovered frame perforation rust, for which Toyota sent letters offering to repair or compensate. I have moved to Florida and the letters didn't forward. So I notified Toyota and they said they would not do anything t
NHTSA complaint: Structure

The frame had rust a lot,had one spot was repaired,still have some need fix
NHTSA complaint: Structure

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale through OfferUp. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage wa
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system

The frame is rusting out substantially. The dealer advised me not to drive because the frame could fail at anytime. I have been driving around unaware of the problem. I could have been killed if the framed failed on th
NHTSA complaint: Suspension

The frame has failed and is well beyond unsafe for the road due to the amount of rust and decay. The vehicle was part of the 'Corrosion Resistance Compound Application to Vehicle Frame' recall. I will bring the vehicle f
NHTSA complaint: Structure

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After a visual inspection of the exterior of the vehicle, the contact observed extreme corrosion on the sub frame. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to t
NHTSA complaint: Structure

Frame failure due to rust. Suspension is detached with springs hitting frame. NOTE: fuel tank partially detached previously due to rusted brackets 3-4 years ago and all components were replaced. Filed NHTSA report at t
NHTSA complaint: Suspension

Where the motor mount sits the bracket below collapsed into the Frame itself causing the engine to lower
NHTSA complaint: Structure

Recalls on record

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.

Suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:leaf 14V604000

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,

Risk: 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.

Seat belts 13V337000

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 scre

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.

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 threa

Air bags:frontal 12V092000

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 DRIVERS AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAM

Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Fix: 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-

Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal 09V388000

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Risk: 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. THES

The seven scores

Reliability	53	average
Longevity est.	71	good
Maintenance	79	good
Depreciation	93	excellent
Performance	71	good
Efficiency	33	below average

How it compares in its class

Percentile ranks against other pickup trucks in the catalog.

Reliability: better than 8% of pickup trucks
Longevity: better than 21% of pickup trucks
Running costs: better than 84% of pickup trucks
Value retention: better than 99% of pickup trucks

Which of these numbers are measured

What stands behind each score for this car:

Reliability 53: from NHTSA recalls and complaints, divided by approximate units sold so it is comparable between models.
Longevity 71: an estimate from powertrain and brand record. No 200,000-mile population exists for a 2005 car yet, so this is a prior, not evidence.
Maintenance 79: repair-cost data where we have it for this model, otherwise a mechanical-complexity estimate from engine size, cylinder count and drivetrain.
Safety: no score. NHTSA crash testing thins out for older vehicles and we would rather show nothing than guess.

Common questions

What goes wrong with the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

Owners have filed 707 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 193 of them (27%). There are 10 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.

Is the 2005 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

AVOIR scores its reliability 53/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.

How long will a 2005 Toyota Tacoma last?

AVOIR scores its longevity 71/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.

Should I buy a 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 68/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.

Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.