Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 differential drive housing failed due to corrosion resulting in the differential oil leaking out at a significant rate and in loss of lubrication of the differential gears. The condition was detected before any significant loss of material condition or function but could have lead to a loss of vehicle control if the differential had failed. The local Toyota Dealer has not reviewed the condition as of yet. A review of several Tacoma internet forum sights finds similar corrosion failures described (oil leaking from differential housing). There is no monitoring/warning indicator for the oil level condition in the differential housing in this vehicle.
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.
Squirk-like sound at the beginning of a trip, specifically when the vehicle reaches 5 MPH. This noise prevails as long as the speed is increased, specifically along the range of 5 to 15 MPH. From 16 MPH it starts a vibration along the entire vehicle body, which augments as long as the speed is increased. These symptoms appeared for first time 5 years ago, approximately. On that first event the propeller shaft spider ant their bearings were replaced by the technician where the vehicle was bought. Nowadays I just scheduled an appointment to bring the vehicle to another Toyota authorized service center for proper diagnosis and repair. It is necessary to highlight that this automotive unit presented symptoms of vibration at cruise speed (55 MPH), since the very first time it was driven on the highway, for the year of 2005. When that occurred, this driver brought the unit to the dealer. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed that the clutch pedal was soft. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the clutch pedal turn spring was defective. As a result, the clutch pedal caused the clutch master cylinder rod to bend. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch master cylinder rod needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but did not offer assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
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.
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 50 MPH, the rear of the vehicle began to vibrate. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed and it took a longer distance to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V604000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 79,000.
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.
2005 Toyota Tacoma (6 speed manual transmission) has experienced excessive transmission noise and clutch judder when starting in first gear since the day of purchase. The transmission has been, at times, excessively difficult to shift and the judder has been, on rare occasions, evident in second gear. Both problems have been intermittent since the vehicle was delivered. On the morning of July 28th, the judder problem was particularly bad and was evident with every start in first gear and sometimes in second gear. It became more violent with each start and at one point, after the clutch pedal was fully released, there was a sudden slip of the clutch disc followed by sudden friction. This resulted in loss of traction of the drive wheels and subsequent total loss of control of the vehicle. …
Transmission complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, 8% of the model year's 707 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Tacoma transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 27,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.