2005 Toyota Tacoma

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What changed

New generation with a 2.7L four and a 4.0L V6, a composite bed, the X-Runner, and hill-start and downhill assist on automatics.¹

Transmissions: 5-speed manual¹, 4-speed automatic¹, 6-speed manual¹, 5-speed automatic¹
Drivetrains: 2WD^1,3, 4WD^1,3
Trims: Base^1,3, PreRunner^1,3, X-Runner^1,4, Limited³
Packages: SR5^1,3, TRD Sport^1,4, TRD Off-Road^1,2,3, V6 Tow Package^5,6

Buy

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Frame rust 2005–2010 Walk away if found

What to check: Look over the whole frame for rust and holes, and ask whether it was replaced or treated under Toyota's frame campaign.

Toyota inspected these frames in cold-climate states, replacing badly rusted ones and coating the rest. Most of that cover has now run out.

Sources ^10,11
Worn front wheel bearing All years One source so far

What to check: On a test drive, listen for a growl from the front wheels and feel for vibration through the floor at 30 to 45 mph.

Two members of a TacomaWorld buying thread warn of it. One felt grinding and vibration through the floor while accelerating at 30 to 45 mph, and the other warns of a growl from a bad front hub bearing.

Sources ¹²
Valve cover gasket leak All years One source so far

What to check: Look for oil seeping from the valve covers.

Two members of a TacomaWorld buying thread call it common with age. One says everyone seems to have the same leak in the same spot, and the other calls it a simple, easy fix.

Sources ¹³

05V050000 2005
The parking brake cable lock nut may not be tight enough and can loosen.¹⁴
05V302000 2005
A wiring error can misplace pins for the seat position and buckle sensors.¹⁴
06V096000 2005–2006
Side, curtain and knee airbag inflators may have too little heating agent and not inflate properly.^14,15
09V223000 2005–2009
The load capacity label was missing. A new label is supplied.^{14,15,16,17,18}
09V388000 2005–2010
A loose or wrong floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal wide open.^{14,15,16,17,18,19}
12V092000 2005–2009
Steering vibration can damage the clockspring and disable the driver airbag.^{14,15,16,17,18}
13V337000 2005–2011
Slamming the rear access door can loosen the seat belt pretensioner's screws.^{14,15,16,17,18,20}
14V604000 2005–2011
A rear leaf spring can break and puncture the fuel tank.^{14,15,16,17,18,19,20}

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.