Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Intermediate steering shaft rusted and binding my steering was becoming tough to steer and then it would be fine. It felt like the power assist was stopping assisting then it would behave normally during a turn. This caused loss of proper steering during turning are any speed. Sometimes it would be tough to steer, (as if you had manual steering) and halfway through the turn, the steering feel would go back to normal (power assist working) which caused back and forth motions to keep the vehicle in the proper lane. The dealer inspected the truck and " found steering intermediate shaft rusted and binding". I had to replace the intermediate shaft, have a four wheel alignment and have the power steering fluid flushed. Total bill was $796.89 this also seems to be related to inadequate rust preventative measures, possibly similar to the rusting frame issues. …
Steering became very stiff over a period of a about 3 weeks, especially in cold weather. Steering wheel would not return to center on its own making steering difficult and dangerous. Research on the internet turned up hundreds of similar complaints. In some cases people's steering locked up entirely. Problem appears to be a universal joint in the steering column that is unprotected and subject to corrosion. My truck is currently at a dealership for four safety recalls, one of which requires the whole frame to be replaced due to corrosion. I will not get the truck back for about 3 months due to a backlog of parts. The frame is rusted through in two places and is unsafe to drive in that condition. I requested that the steering issue be looked into while it is in the shop and everything is apart. …
I experienced rough (stiff, binding) steering in both directions and within two weeks it was progressively getting worse. I thought I had a steering fluid issue, but the dealership immediately knew of this problem and confirmed it by turning the steering wheel. They knew right away that it was caused by a rusted u-joint on the bottom of the intermediate steering shaft (p/n 4520304020). In addition to the stiff steering going into a turn, the steering would not return to straight and I unexpectedly nearly went into the curb. I believe that this is a very unsafe condition and must be brought to the attention of all 2005 Tacoma owners. I have never been advised of any need to perform any special servicing of this part at any mileage interval. It appears to be a bad design that allows salty water from winter roads to get into the u-joint which then rusts.
Steering got very stiff and I had trouble operation the vehicle. I was almost was in an accident due to this. Once I got the truck to the roadside I checked for a flat tire, broken power steering belt and the power steering fluid level and condition. Everything was OK, but the steering wheel was still very had to turn. I had the trucks steering checked out and the u joint at the bottom of the steering column had sized up. Toyota part number 4520304020 intermediate steering shaft. This is a very dangerous problem and Toyota should do a recall to cover this. The problem comes on suddenly and you lose the ability to control the vehicle.
Less than one year after purchase the rear leaf springs failed on both sides. Two dealers plus Toyota headquarters refused service, so I had to pay for a private spring shop to replace them. They have since been recalled but to date I have not received reimbursement. In 2014 the steering shaft had to be replaced and at the same time the frame was determined corroded beyond repair. Toyota made promise to replace the frame under recall in nov 2014 but to date has not delivered and has not indicated when I can expect the repair to be made. For over six months now I have been left with an unsafe vehicle that I can't sell or replace.
When turning, noticed steering very difficult to control. Very unnerving in heavy traffic. Told by mechanic that I need to have the intermediate shaft replaced. This appears to be an ongoing problem with these vehicles, as the universal joint gets completely rusted out due to no protection from road and elements, and in time, the steering corrodes. Please fix this!! Very very dangerous. I had a child in the car when I was struggling with this issue. I was horrified to think of what could happen . I was driving to school and making several turns, steering was unpredictable and unsafe.
The steering in my Toyota Tacoma began to bind suddenly when turning the steering wheel to the left or right. Upon inspection by the dealership, the intermediate steering shaft and steering yoke both needed to be replaced. The replacement part appears to be an updated part with a rubber boot to prevent corrosion of the shaft joints. I believe the failure of the original part was due to poor design, causing the part to begin to fail. If not replaced and the shaft or shaft joint had broken at speed, this certainly would have caused a crash.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel in order to steer the vehicle. In addition, over time, the steering wheel became extremely loose. The contact had to steer the vehicle in excess to keep the vehicle in position. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I was driving about 40 miles per hour my 2005 Toyota Tacoma on the freeway in light rain. The steering completely went out of control and my truck began fishtailing. I tapped on the brakes lightly but the truck continued accelerating faster. I ended up hitting the concrete barrier and was placed in the ambulance. I now suffer from lower back and possible torn ligaments in the neck. Before the accident there has been a couple of incident where the steering veers of for no reason and sometimes the steering shakes when I drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the traction re-engaged on its own and the vehicle veered to the right when the steering wheel was turned to the left. The failure occurred while driving at any speed, when the gear shifter was placed into four wheel drive, when the traction control was disabled, and when driving over ice, snow, and/or sand. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. Updated 04/05/17 lj
Steering complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, 9% of the model year's 707 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Tacoma steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.