Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 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 the highway. There was no warning light. The Vehicle has been into the dealer and no one mentioned the problem until 08/30/2024. The Vehicle has been maintained and garaged. The vehicle is in good condition and has not been in an accident. I called Toyota and was told I was out of luck because the warranty expired even though the frame problem was Toyotas fault. A truck frame should outlast the engine and the body. I plan to keep the truck for 400,00 miles and my finances are very tight. Toyota is penalizing me because the frame didn't rust out sooner and on Toyotas time frame.
I got a recall on my 2005 Toyota frame for rust problem. I took it to magness Toyota in Harrison Arkansas they checked the frame and said it was ok. 2 years later when I had my 2005 toyota serviced they found on both sides the frame was severely rusted through and can and will be a dangerous circumstance
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 that time however had technical issues completing... Still have photos.
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. While driving at an unknown speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact also heard a thud coming from the transmission when the vehicle was being slowed to a stop. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V604000 (suspension). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 08/17/16 the consumer checked there was a crash and it was reported to the police. No further information was provided. Updated 08/22/16.
Our 2005 Toyota Tacoma's gas tank had fallen off the frame due to corroded straps while the vehicle was moving at slow speed on our property. The vehicle has less than 140,000 miles on it. The vehicle needed to be towed to a local Toyota dealership. There was no serious injury. However, had the tank separated while being driven it is very possible and probable that this could have resulted in ignition, fire, explosion and loss of control of the vehicle, serious injury or death. The dealership had given us an an initial estimate of $1,800 out of pocket expense to pay for the repairs stating that the corrosion is 'part of winter driving' this is far from a plausible and acceptable explanation. Gas tanks should not fall off vehicles and pose such a significant safety threat. Toyota corporate refused to pay for more than roughly $400 in repairs to the out of pocket expenses. …
I recently purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma needing a new battery and alternator. I'm a mechanic the price was right so I bought it without a second thought when installing the alternator I saw rust hole in the frame in front of the drivers side tire a little more inspection showed there is not much frame left there is a whole cross member missing the frame is broken in front of the rear spring hanger and one of the struts is separating from the frame the whole frame seems to be delaminating but no rust in the body anywhere I noticed anyway I was under the impression that Toyota had fixed this problem I checked the service report 2/9/16 169000 miles rust present but no perforation found. OK at this time. …
I was driving down the road when I heard a loud noise ! I thought some kids threw. Rock at my truck! That is what it sounded like to me. A loud whack!! Looked around,saw no one. I later read after receiving notice from Toyota about a leaf spring recall. This was one of the symptoms that was reported by others with this problem. Took it in for an inspection and they called me a day later and the dealer told me it was unsafe to drive and that it needed a new frame! Said I needed to leave it there ,since it was unsafe to drive and gave me a corolla to drive. Dropped it off jan 4,2016. I stopped into the service dept 7 weeks later to see if the frame was in yet and they told me it was on order. After further questioning the admitted to me that the manufacturer of the frames had to get so many orders on record to even get started producing them. I have a truck that I can't even drive!!
The vehicle has significant frame rust. There are several areas on the frame where large sections of metal have delaminated. This presents a structural integrity issue in key supporting areas of the frame assembly for major components to include drive train, braking and suspension. The overall crash worthiness is in question due to the structural integrity issue presented by the frame design, metal composition and premature rusting and metal fatigue. Toyota has started a limited service campaign to apply a corrosion resistance protection, but this issue should be a safety recall. Based on the magnitude of damage from rusting in my case the only resolution would be a full frame replacement. I have pictures of the frame damage and rust available. I will also be sending Toyota a letter requesting an inspection by the regional factor representative prior to any repairs.
I received several recall notices from Toyota and took my vehicle to the dealer multiple times, but the repair dept kept informing me that a fix hasn't been finalized yet. Contradicting to to recall notice, they told me this issue was not a "big deal." according to the recall, there is a possibility that a leaf could fracture due to stress and corrosion. And, if this occurs and the vehicle continues to be operated, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank. If the broken leaf contacts the fuel tank repeatedly, it could puncture the tank and cause a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire. Toyota claimed they would replace the leaf springs with newly designed ones, bit this has yet to happen.
Related recalls
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.
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.
Suspension complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 137 complaints about the suspension of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, 19% of the model year's 707 complaints. The component named most often is front (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-604 (leaf, Sep 29, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.