Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted and had holes. The parking brake and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the vehicle might not pass a safety inspection due to the position of the holes and rust. The warning lights were repaired but the sub frame was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a frame shop, the frame shop declined to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about an Extended Warranty, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for the state inspection, it was discovered that the subframe had sustained severe rusting and corrosion causing the vehicle to fail the state inspection. The cause of the rusting and corrosion was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously treated with a rust inhibitor coating, but the failure still occurred. The failure mileage was 311,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he was informed at the State Inspection facility that the entire sub-frame of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,518.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while performing a routine inspection, the contact noticed that the subframe was rusted on the front and the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had a spray-on coating however, the vehicle was rusted and the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he was made aware of the vehicle's frame corrosion by an independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
The driver's side front frame has rotted out disconnecting the mount for the anti-roll bar. This has happened despite several reports to the dealership going back many years that the frame was rusting rapidly which, upon examination, they said that it was OK. They did apply a coating which might have delayed the process a bit but ultimately resolved nothing. For trucks that had perforated frames during the first few years, they replaced the frame. I tried to take care of mine, but it has finally failed and they say the replacement program is over. They are unwilling to provide even the necessary frame section and mounting bracket for the sway bar (~$545) for the frame shop to install %(2120).This vehicle has less than 98,000 miles on it and is used for short trips performing farmette duties. …
This vehicle was purchased as a certified used vehicle from Johnston Toyota. It was recalled by Toyota for a rust problem. In October 2014 the vehicle was treated by the dealer (Johnston Toyota) with a rust inhibiting compound due to the rust problem. Approximately 1-2 years ago this vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was badly rusted, and he believed that Toyota had a program to address this issue. I spoke to the Toyota service department and I was told that this vehicle is not covered. Approximately 2 weeks ago an independent mechanic advised the rust problem is extensive and the vehicle will be unsafe to operate. Although Toyota advises that this is a widespread problem for this type vehicle, they refuse to address it. …
I seen that Toyota were recalled for the frame issues on 2004 and up, mine is 2005 tundra with frame issues, like it's sad, such a nice truck, but frame is horrible. Why is mine not being shown as recalled, but yet I have frame problems? I got my truck from a 1 owner who had it since new, it just hit 100,000 miles on it, it was serviced by Toyota dealership, I'm not sure why they didn't do nothing with it over the years to help or fix the rust issue on the frame. It's not just a little rusty, it's really rusty, and it was garage kept too. Did they forget to include my vin number when they started the recalls? Doesn't make sense why they would fix some and not all, all around the same years. Thanks Jim
Original owner. Well known frame rust safety issue as documented by thousands of 2005 Tundra owners. Toyota did an inspection for frame rust several years ago and opted for coating to deal with issue hastily given the long delay/backlog with replacing entire frame. Two wrongs don't make a right. Now major safety/inspection issues with frame area and gas tank. Unable to allow my child to drive back to college. Not safe. Not worth risking kids lives. Would be interested to learn how many owner/operators need to report serious injury/fatalities before NHTSA enforces action against Toyota for corporate greed.
This report addresses the critical structural integrity concerns related to excessive corrosion, and frame material loss affecting the main ladder frame chassis. The degradation of the frame members poses a significant and immediate safety risk, including potential catastrophic structural failure, detachment of critical components, and failure of safety systems (e.g., braking and fuel lines) mounted to the frame. Location: Mid-frame section (beneath the cab) and rear sections (near the leaf spring mounts and rear axle).
Body complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2005 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 91 complaints about the body & structure of the 2005 Toyota Tundra, 24% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is body (71 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Tundra body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2005 Toyota Tundra, though it has 12 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 Tundra body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 128,000 miles, and 2% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to body & structure 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.