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 Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
It's has come to my attention that this is an on going issue with tundra frames rusting out after being sprayed I inherited this truck from a family friend and the truck is getting to where it's not drivable for frame issues this needs to be addressed by Toyota ASAP!!
The frame has several holes in it. Toyota said they did the corrosion prevension on it and said the repair is out of warranty. The sway bar has broken free of the frame and there are several hole and flaking spots on the frame.
I was heading up my close friends snow covered driveway in my 2005 Toyota Tundra double cab 4wd. I had the truck engaged in 4h mode because of the slight snow cover. As I was 2/3 the way up I heard a pop and loud bang and the truck came to a stop with the rear wheels spinning I let off of the gas then started to slide backwards into a tree and then into a ditch causing contact with the r/f door and r/f fender removing the mirror in the process. Upon removal of the truck form the ditch I found that the r/f (pass side)wheel was locked up. At this time we were moving the truck off of the road way and then the wheel began to move after going forward and back a few times. I took the truck to the local Toyota dealer where they said that the truck had a broken r/f cv joint. They have refused to fix any body damage but replaced the axle. …
I took this truck into my local Toyota dealer on July 09, 2015 as part of a recall for a frame inspection. The mileage at that time was 295,801. The dealer said the frame was in good shape and applied a corrosion inhibitor as part of the program. In February of this year, (2020) I decided to install new break pads. When I removed the wheel on the driver side, I found a significant hole in the frame and cracking all around the area. In approximately 5 years and 17,000 miles, this developed. I have not driven the truck in the winter for about 8 years as this became a secondary vehicle only for summer project use around the home. I contacted Toyota corporate and they said that there weren't any programs available to remedy the situation and I was basically out of luck. I recently took the trunk to a frame & body shop and was shown much more extensive failure in the frame on both sides. …
The differential housing rusted through so that the lubricating fluid leaked out onto the road. This happened both when the truck was moving and at rest. Toyota had already replaced the vehicle frame as rapid corrosion and rusting caused a recall. The differential transfers power to the rear wheels so the lack of lubrication could have caused the rear wheels to lock while driving with the potential for a rear end collision or complete loss of control at high speed. Used replacement differential housings are unavailable because of high demand due to failure of originals due to rust.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle moved without being prompted. The contact jumped into the vehicle and attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle crashed into a house. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact sustained injuries to her left leg that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unknown.
After stopping at a red light. Made right turn uphill. Truck accelerated quickly like it was floored. Attempted to brake easily to slow down. Truck spun 180 on pavement, crashing sideways into island divider. Right rear wheel was sheered off. Truck was stopped by rear bumper smashing into light standard. Sheered wheel had grind marks as wheels were still under power. This was pointed out at scene by law enforcement. I am a retired firefighter used to driving emergency equipment. My truck accelerated on its own.
2005 Tundra with manual transmission has issue with 3rd gear grinding and popping out of gear when driving can see many complaints online with Tundra and tacoma with 6 speed manual transmissions and some indications Toyota new the issue was bad synchros in transmission and changed transmissions out with ones containing heavy-duty synchros when they were failing with 18000 miles, otherwise once out of warranty your problem. Some pepole stated replacement done more than once. Pops out of gear while driving on street
Tundra had electrical fault in transmission due to wiring harness corrosion. Tundra will drop our of gear while driving and reengage violently. Toyota has refused any assistance and I am unable to repair due to national backlog on necessary parts. My Tundra was part of the rust recall a couple years ago which was never properly rectified and I believe this is a continuation of that problem. Transmission issue seems to occur mostly at speeds up to 45 MPH.
The connector on the cable from the ECU to the transmission failed due to corrosion. This causes the truck to accelerate from a standing stop in a manner where the transmission slams in and out of gear. Thankfully this didn't occur when pulling out on a busy street. The situation is dangerous. The truck already had a frame recall due to corrosion. This issue is similar and represents a design flaw with dangerous consequences.
Transmission complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Toyota Tundra, 9% of the model year's 377 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Toyota Tundra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.