Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The frame of my truck failed at the motor mount. The motor mount has sunk into the frame shifting the motor and effecting performance and other parts. This can be confirmed by anyone. I never received recall information, I can't find evidence of one issued for this year or my state.
In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame inspection, I scoped the frame myself, and noticed abnormal rust forming throughout both sides of the frame. Therefore, I took my Tacoma to Berge Toyota in Mesa AZ. for further inspection and to have some other repairs done. Upon my arrival to Berge Toyota, l informed the service writer of the repairs that were needed done and showed him the request from Toyota for the frame inspection. …
In June 2013 I was approaching an interstate entrance ramp. As I slowed down (foot on the brake) to make the right turn onto the ramp, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing the rear end to "fish tail" around, jumping the curb on the right side of the ramp and sending the vehicle down the embankment. I was able to get the vehicle to stop before hitting the fence at the bottom of the hill. Since this first incident in June 2013, the vehicle has had three more incidents in June, July and August of 2014. The last incident in August occurred as I was pulling into a parking spot. Again, I was slowing down (foot on the brake) when the vehicle suddenly accelerated causing me to strike the parked vehicle in front of me. The incidents in June and July 2014 were also similar parking lot incidents with no other vehicles around. …
I have had the rear end on my vehicle replaced 2x. No hard driving. No signs of abuse or regular wear but has cost me over 2200 each time. The head gasket have now failed and in reading many online sites this is a common problem. My vehicle has been serviced and never over heated. This job is now going to cost me 2500. It started a gurgling noise in the dash and got warm one day. The engine then threw a misfire in cylinder 4 a pressure check confirmed the head gasket. The rear end is a concern along with the head gaskets.
My father has an '05 Tacoma sr5 v6 with the trd off-road package. His truck is a 6-speed manual. When pressing the gas pedal 1/2 way, the engine responds with a semi-violent jerk, and then goes. This scares me, as I couldn't even imagine my father going fully down on the pedal. This is very unsafe. Please fix this Toyota.
Frame cracked at the motor mount welds, specifically the drivers (right) side motor mount. Causes the motor to drop down leading to a serious, and dangerous condition of having the motor fall out. This problem is most noticeable during driving conditions.
The head gasket has caused coolant to leak into the cylinder. According to many other owners this is a common problem with the 2005 and 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4.0l v6 engines and the head gasket was finally revised in 2007
The frame caved in to the motor mounts. The motor mounts on the drive side are intact however the frame has broken and the motor mount has fallen into the frame.
The catalytic converter shield on my 2005 Tacoma fell off while driving and almost caused an accident. After picking up the large metal parts and inspecting under the vehicle, I noticed that near to where the catalytic converter sits, that there was extensive corrosion on the truck's frame and even a large hole. I am extremely worried about the safety of the vehicle and am afraid that the frame May crumple while driving causing an accident or death. Toyota is aware of the issue. I contacted the corporate offices, but was told that Toyota is only replacing the frame on vehicles registered in what they have designated as a "snow state". I purchased my Toyota at a dealership in illinois (a "snow state") and have done a lot of traveling within the "snow states", yet because I live 25 miles away on the missouri side, Toyota is refusing to cover the repair. …
To who it May concern: would you be able to research and cover a 2005 Toyota Tacoma problem plaguing Toyota customer. The issues is a problem with the design of the frame. The frames are failing at the engine motor mount(very very dangerous) and causing the cars to be almost be in-repairable(Toyota advise me it would be 10,000 fix). Toyota is offering no assistance and there are tons of customer feedback online to show there is a problem with their frames. For my truck I heard a noise coming from the engine on 12/24/2012 and took into a dealer on 12/26/2012. They said it was the fan hitting the fan shroad they said they fixed it. I started hearing the noise again and had to take it in on 1/5/2013...they first said it was my motor mounts and would need to order the part..when they were going to install the part they notice a crack in the frame where it connects to the motor mount. …
Engine complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, 5% of the model year's 707 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Tacoma engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Tacoma engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 141,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.