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Problems with 2005 Toyota Tundra STRUCTURE

On average, the 2005 Toyota Tundra starts to “feel” problems with the STRUCTURE and its various aspects after 49 371 miles.

Components Affected by STRUCTURE Issues

We have classified the 4 complaints from 2005 Toyota Tundra about STRUCTURE into the following categories.

BODY 36 FRAME AND MEMBERS 2

Recently reported STRUCTURE problems on 2005 Toyota Tundra

Main frame of the 2005 tundra is rotten from rust and a chunk of the frame has fallen out. see picture. i contacted local toyota dealer and they said there is nothing they can do as recall has expired and toyota corporate will not do absolutely nothing. this tundra was supposed to be sprayed in 2014 as part of the "fix" but the frame is rusting and rotting apart. more signs of rots are visible on the frame.

I own a 2005 toyota tundra with just 60,000 miles. in 2014 toyota was allowed to put a band-aid on a problem that needed a tourniquet - applying a rust converter coating to a frame that, because of their failure to manufacturer it properly, deserved replacing. i was told by toyota (case number [xxx]) that because the previous owner took the band-aid they were no longer liable until the government forced them via further government safety recall actions to do more. my hope is by writing this that the government can be proactive and solve this safety concern before they have to collect enough death and accident statistics to take notice of this issue. not only that, i see that toyota is being offered the same band-aid solution on a number of new models with the same issue - proving that they didn't learn any lesson just how they can get away with actual murder. the result will be more vehicles in 5 years in worse shape due to the lenient reconciliation mandated by the government. do not put more lives at risk in order to save a multi-billion dollar companies bottom line. the frame which is known to be prone to excessive, premature rust corrosion because the frames were not properly prepared and treated against rust corrosion when they were manufactured should all have to be replaced under this recall to protect american drivers. this excessive rust corrosion compromises the vehicles' safety, stability, and crash-worthiness because important suspension components, engine mounts, transmission mounts, and body mounts anchored to the vehicles' frames are at risk of failure. do you want this vehicle (picture attached) passing your family on a two-lane highway, because i can tell you there are a lot, and soon to be even more, doing it every day. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I went to have my 2005 toyota tundra inspected and it failed due to frame corrosion causing fracture and splintering of the frame supports. the frame of my 2005 toyota tundra has rusted through at 4 points, fracturing and splintering at 3 of the points of failure. the vehicle can not pass the virginia inspection and is now undriveable. it is not save to haul or tow anything, the two main functions of my truck.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. the contact experienced issues with the vehicle's frame ever since it was purchased. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance who stated that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to prime toyota (783 portland road, saco, me 04072, 202 252-6161) where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1912111347. the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered. the failure mileage was 156,000. *tr

Frame is rusting , and will not pass pa state inspection.

Frame has prematurely rusted resulting in the sway bar mounting bracket to break off. frame is close to complete failure which would result in fuel and brake lines severing with catastrophic result.

While driving truck on public road, i heard a loud pop sound. pulled off the road and looked under the truck and looked like the spare tire was loose. removed the spare tire and placed in the bed of the truck and further inspected the rear cross member. it appeared to be cracked. called toyota dealership to have truck frame inspected specifically the rear cross member. i have attached the work order from hickory toyota which states do not recommend driving vehicle. have also attached a couple of pictures where i have had to replace the rear shackle bracket on the rear drivers side and also the rack portion of the rack& pinion steering. i have attached the invoice for the rear bracket and can supply an invoice for the rack if needed.

During annual inspection on july 19, 2019, rust holes found in the frame. one hole was almost 2 inches in diameter. additional perforations found near the leaf spring area. vehicle was subject to lsc in 2014 and treated with crc compound. this just appears to have delayed the onset of the frame cancer. toyota was notified. no support from them - they are saying it is my problem.

Sept 2014 my trucks frame was recalled for the rust problem. the frame was scaled and sprayed. mileage 134,500. 6/2018 with mileage 164,301 dealer advises me frame is getting rusty! i said you scaled and coated it in 2014 isn't it warranted? there answer was that ended last month. now it's a year later june 2019 it only has 171,000 and only 36,500 miles since the frame was coated. the toyota dealer failed the nh state inspection. i am very upset as i have spent over $4500 in the past 18 months on other repairs and on gone 8k miles. i never would have done those repairs if i was advise how bad ir how fast the rust was going to make my truck unsafe to drive. why did other trucks get new frames because they drove more miles then me and had there frames rust fasted. there are trucks now of the same age with new frames with well over 200k +miles because there frames rusted faster( time wise). this is not fair for those who still have junk frames. all the framed are junk! but many get stuck with them because it took longer to rust to the point of failer because we drove them fewer miles per year! my frame has failed in the same places as every frame that has been replaced,but because it lasted past may 2018 my truck is junk now but the person who's frame rusted out before may 18 gets to continue driving it with there replacement frame! how is this fair???? if my frame wasn't scaled and coated it would have rusted before may 2018 and been replace! they just made it last longer to get past the may 2018 date!

I have only owned this truck for about 6 months now. took my truck to my mechanic to get some brake work done. when he pulled the tire off of the front passenger side he noticed a crack in the frame. some further investigation revealed some very bad rot on the frame and a hole about the size of two fists that somebody had tried to patch with just bondo and painted back over to hide it. it would not have been visible without pulling the tire off. unsure of when this all occurred but appears to have been rotted out for a while. i have no pictures to upload as it is unsafe to drive and still at the garage. i'm concerned about the safety of others driving these later years first generation tundras and toyotas neglect at fixing this safety issue

My 2005 toyota tundra has 217k miles and is, mechanically, in terrific shape, except the frame has rusted out on the drivers side. structurally, it's still drivable safely, but it will no longer pass state inspection (maine, usa). thousands of other toyota tundras of the same style and manufacturing process and similar model year have had frame recalls done for the exact same reason. i do not feel it is fair to skip this year. this is my family's only source of transportation right now, and it is vital to keep it on the road. please allow a frame recall for this model year!

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance at toyota of bedford (18151 rockside rd, bedford, oh 44146), the technician informed the contact that the frame was corroded. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 190,000.

Bought the tundra in late 2014 from toyota of keene in nh. was told frame was check and the rust prevention spray was applied, vehicle framed looked clean and had no visible rust , they couldn't provide me with any record of this . in february of 2016. i took the vehicle to grappone and had noticed some rust on the frame around the gas tank and under the drivers side. graponne told me that the frame service was completed and they couldn't ( or wouldn't) be able to help and noted the spray was intact. after that the power steering rotted away which grappone toyota replaced and at that time i brought the rust to there attention again . they said it looked normal and not to worry. after that i kept my eye on it. brought it to get my annual inspection. the tech brought me out showed me the rust and told me that i had 1 or 2 years left before the frame would need to replaced or repaired due to rust . the tundra has 155.xxx miles on it gets washed regularly . contacted toyota usa they told me they would have someone contact me. toyota of keen called me and told be the truck was old and the person whom i spoke with told me it wast his fault because he wasn't there and the problem areas i described toyota didn't pay the to spray properly, ( parts people cant see unless they really look) but i could drive it in and they could look at it . i called toyota usa after receiving an email the next day that stated i had there position regarding my incident and the rep said it wasn't toyota's problem because the extended service program was not a recall and expired in 2015 i feel that if toyota knew there was a problem with these frames they might included them with all the other models a but they deceitfully covered up the problem with a spray that hides the problem long enough to make them "old " as they put it . many others would agree

Was pulling light duty covered uhaul trailer that was maybe 1/10 full of household items. frame pulled apart. was in my driveway with son in law helping guide backing up to garage.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the frame underneath the driver's side buckled when it was placed on the lift at stoltz toyota of dubois (860 beaver dr, dubois, pa 15801, (814) 371-3333. the dealer stated that there was a voluntary recall on the frame and advised the contact to call the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated that the voluntary recall expired in july of 2015 and they could not assist. the contact did not receive a recall notice. the contact purchased the vehicle in 2009 from the original owner. the failure mileage was 150,000.

Frame is rusting and breaking

My 2005 tundra is rotting out in the frame above the rear leaf spring front connection to the frame. dealer has looked at it twice in the last six years said no perforations. now in 2018 the frame is rotting and buckled. toyota corporate says there is nothing they can do because it outside of the window of service. so now i am stuck with a truck with just over 100k miles, looked at by a toyota dealer in the past and was deemed not in need of a frame replacement. now it is in need of a frame replacement but toyota won't honor any past recalls or inspections done by a toyota dealer and has left it to me to deal with the rot. very disappointed there is no help for customers in this situation from the manufacturer.

Good afternoon, i'm writing to report and request assistance with catastrophic frame issues on my 2005 toyota tundra. there are a number of holes in the frame and places i believe to be compromised. the truck has 96,000 miles. i have an open incident ticket with toyota but also wanted to report this issue here.

My 2005 toyota tundra was recalled for rust problems, and in 2013 the toyota dealership applied a coating to the frame which they advised would remedy the problem. on 06/01/18 i noticed i however have holes in my frame near where the suspension attaches, and the frame is not safe for operation on the road. the dealership said they are not liable, and i called toyota and they said they are not liable and no one will fix the issue. the dealership had the option in 2013 to either spray or replace the frame, they sprayed mine but it was not effective and now i believe the vehicle is a hazard due to holes in the frame. i only have 118,000 miles on the truck, and it has been in my family since being brand new. i believe the frame is defective and toyota inc. is not assisting me with fixing the problem, they advised me i need to go talk to a body shop to see if they can weld a piece into the frame.

Toyota has just settled a claim for frame rust for 2007-2008 tundras. i own a 2005 tundra and the frame is completely rusted and must be replaced. i don't understand why i'm having the same problems and it is not covered in the recall.

The frame has rot on it and toyota has recalled years before and after mine for frame replacement but nothing for 2005

Major rusting of frame, rusted brake lines, rusted power steering lines. vehicles is unsafe due to rusting.

Toyota frame rust, 2005 toyota tundra recalled and "inspected" in 2014 by toyota for rust holes. report was that none were found and toyota performed a "goodwill" spray undercoat. please examine pictures of sway bar mount to frame as well as gapping hole in frame discovered two days ago. toyota has an obvious frame problem and has replaced frames in 2000-2003 tundras as well as 2007-2008. why not in 2004-2006 with obvious issues? please help.

On 09/09/17 the frame rusted through causing a me to run over a curb and into a parking lot. toyota treated the frame to prevent rust, but it did not stop it. now it has rusted through and caused an accident. this is dangerous and almost killed us! in addition to the images i have sent, i can provide many many more!

The breakline broke in august 2017 took it to mechanic learned that the frame was too rusted to put it on the lift to fix the brake line - learned it had been under coated by toyota june 2014. didn't work - rusted full of holes and cracks !

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to steve hamlin, an independent mechanic shop, for yearly inspection where it was noticed that the entire frame underneath the vehicle was corroded. the contact also stated that part of the frame that protected the heat shield became detached. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a class action suit for the same issue, but the vin was not included. the approximate failure mileage was 97,012.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. upon inspection, it was discovered that the subframe of the vehicle sustained severe rust and corrosion. the cause of the failure was not diagnosed. the vehicle was not repaired. the local dealer (rochester toyota in rochester, nh) was notified, but the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. while driving various speeds, the contact heard a crushing noise coming from the rear driver side. once he arrived home, the contact looked underneath the vehicle and noticed that the frame had corroded through the entire chassis on the front driver side. the contact also stated that the front of the chassis dropped below the rear part approximately one inch and a quarter. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would not assist with the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 82,000. ..updated 06/27/17 *bf updated 08/22/2017*js

I have a 2005 toyota tundra, which has the entire frame all rusted. i already replaced all brake lines and differential because of the rust. the mechanic said it is rusted so bad that it could fall apart. there was a limited campaign for a recall on our tundra and the spray was done in 2015. obviously it didn't take because of all the continuous issues we are having. i called the corporate office of toyota and opened an claim and the manager i spoke to really could care less and told me that once the warranties are over its no longer their (toyota) problem. i requested a field inspection technician to look at the truck . that request was denied by the manager who stated that he was speaking for toyota. i asked for my claim to be reviewed by some one above him and he stated their was no one higher them himself and his decision was final. i don't understand why they can't look at their products and tells us if it is safe to drive. obviously they new there was a problem or they wouldn't have the limited campaign for a recall. they need to do more.

The frame of the truck was recalled for excessive rust. the dealer sprayed on a coating per the recall in 2013. the coating has all flaked off and the frame is losing chunks of rust. toyota know about this problem but won't do anything about it once they spray the defective coating on it. the truck frame needs replaced and they won't do it. somebody is going to be seriously injured or killed in one of these trucks when the frame breaks at speed.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. the contact noticed extensive rust and corrosion near the motor mounts. the vehicle was included in a manufacturer recall, but the contact was informed that the statute had expired to receive the repair. the contact was uncertain if the vehicle would be repaired by a dealer or independent mechanic. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and refused to repair the vehicle. the recall details were not provided. the failure mileage was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was being inspected, it was noticed that the rear frame was corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 129,000. updated 08/16/16*lj *cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. while the vehicle was stationary, the contact noticed severe corrosion on the rear frame of the vehicle. upon inspection, it was diagnosed that the frame was "flaking away" due to severe corrosion. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. the failure mileage was 129,000. updated 10/06/16*lj *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. the contact stated that there was severe corrosion to the subframe of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be inspected. the contact was informed that due to the severe corrosion, the vehicle could not be repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

The entire frame of the truck and every component directly in contact with it including the suspension is and has been oxidizing/rusting/rotting off in layers some fragments of rust scale falling off measure 1/8" in thickness i contacted toyota of north america knowing about the recalls on the toyota tacoma model trucks with alot of detailed photos they said basically too bad. ive kept the undercarriage clean even tried using coatings to slow the deterioration down the truck has 122,000 miles on it and was very well taken care of the problem is toyotas poor quality steel used and improper factory coatings i purchased the truck in 2014 and i glimpsed underneath the day i bought it and thought the frame looked good then a few months go by and i go to do a tune up and i start seeing huge rust scale falling all over upon further investigation noticed the problem and how bad it was as well as the reason i didnt notice it at the dealer was they spray painted the underside black to hide the problem, i am a marine corps veteran i served 2007-2011 active duty every penny i had saved up i used to buy this truck (my first big purchase all in cash) ive put thousands into this truck already replacing suspension components and mounts and its becoming a total loss i cant sell it to a private party knowing how dangerous it can be if the wrong part finally rots all the way thru and i cant afford a new vehicle i can barely find work with the economy and personal struggles i have related to my service, i am beyond upset and i pray someone somewhere can help me i know my truck is not the only tundra with this major problem

2005 toyota tundra. consumer writes in regards to replacement parts not available to repair airbag recall notice. *smd the consumer stated the vehicle was returned damaged from having a recall repair completed. updated 09/14/2017*js updated 09/14/2017*js

I went to a certified toyota dealer for an oil change few days ago and they notified me about the massive corrosion on the frame that do not reflect the age or the overall condition of my vehicle. they strongly recommend me to stop driving the vehicle immediately due to the high degree of damage on the entire body. i just bought this vehicle from grieco mazda of delray beach on 10/13/15. the vehicle was not inspected at all prior to sell it to me becuase grieco mazda did not mention this massive corrosion while doing the business.

2005 toyota tundra. consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame corrosion issues. *smd the consumer stated the bed corrosion was caused by the frame rust. however, toyota refused to cover the cost of the bed corrosion. *jb

We received several recall notices for frame deterioration and the need for inspection, correction and anti-corrosion chemical application. we took it to the toyota dealer as requested. they called the next morning to have us pick up the vehicle and the anti-corrosion spray (black gooey stuff similar to undercoating) that they used was everywhere, including on the wiring harnesses, brake lines, the step bars that we installed aftermarket last year, inside of the wheel wells, the mud flaps - it was still wet and smelled awful. we contacted the service manager who blew us off, we called toyota and they refused to assist, other than to take down the complaint on paper. i can't seem to find an attorney even remotely interested in assisting with this case. toyota says that the coating may never dry so it will attract all dirt and grime that it's exposed to. it looks and smells horrible. we can't even sell it because it smells so bad! toyota won't remove it or even repair it, nor will they replace the vehicle. *tr

Was taking it to have its oil changed and noticed a small puddle of oil under the rear axle setting in my driveway when i took it back to the dealer i ask them to check the rear axle to see were the oil was coming from they told me that the axle housing had rusted through toyota wont cover it under warranty because warranty dosnt cover rust and it is going to cost me 3600.00 for them to fix it . to me i think this is a bunch of bull this truck only has 70192 miles on it there is no way this should of rusted out causing a major safety issue if i didn't notice this the rear axle could have lost all of its oil causing a major malfunction the axle could of locked up broke the axle causing to loose controll creating a bad accident they say it dosnt cover rust but yet i got a recall notice to bring it in to have the frame inspected for extreme rust corrosion. this dosnt make much sence to me they will cover the rusty frame which is great but they wont cover the rusted out rear axle that could cause a catastrophic accident as well as the frame. *tr

January 28th (2014) i was into york's toyota for diagnosis of a check engine light and rough idle problem. the clerk at york's toyota advised me of (2) recalls on my pickup truck (ball joint & spray frame) and said "we will call you to schedule when to have these completed at no cost to you". february 6th while driving southbound on interstate 95 at the posted speed of 75mph in sherman maine the front driver's side of my 2005 toyota tundra buckled. after pulling to side of the highway i got out of the truck and saw the front driver's side ball joint appeared to have sheered off causing damage to tie rod end, other front steering components and some front quarter panel damage. i called the maine state police which completed an accident report. york's has refused to pay for the repairs to the vehicle. my insurance refuses to pay because the cause of the accident was a recalled part. toyota corp in california has refused to pay for all the repairs to my vehicle stating the ball joint recall was for premature wear and since my truck has 150,000miles it doesn't qualify. this is completely unacceptable. a recall was issued and toyota is refusing to fix the recalls and the damages. *tr

I have been told my truck has excessive rust on the brake line, front brake rotors and power steering unit. they will al need to be replaced. *tr

I brought my truck in on july 13th 2015 to have the frame inspection done by hurlburt toyota in epping nh. they determined that my frame passed inspection and wanted me to bring it back to have crc done. i expressed my concern about the condition of my frame when i dropped it off and handed the service rep two pieces of metal that had basically fallen off in my hand. i was told not to worry and that they would look at it. i knew the frame was in bad shape and was disgusted when i was told that there was nothing wrong with it. i was then contacted a few weeks later 2 days before the recall expired and was encouraged to get my truck in to have crc done, but they could not provide me a loaner that i could tow with so i never went in. i was prepared to undercoat truck myself and while underneath my truck i found a hole in the boxed section of the drivers side(not a drainage hole) i contacted the dealer that inspected and they told me to contact toyota corp which i did and received a case # and after a lot of wasted time was told there was nothing that could be done. something needs to be done about the way this is being handled. there is no way they can get crc in that boxed section which is where my problem is. it is frame rot not rust. applying crc to that area will probably only make the rot worse. i was told that they do a more thorough inspection before undercoating but they had my truck for two days and printed on service slip that it passed. all of the frames are bad on these trucks. im now stuck with a truck that i paid $10,000 two years ago and now feel its worth nothing. i would not sell in this condition and cant get any help from toyota! any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

The frame on my 2005 toyota tundra is rusted to the point of failure. frame recall should include all toyota tundras. additional components have rusted including linkage arms. body looks great. toyota has no comment. *tr

Brought toyota tundra 2005 to dealership to inspect frame for rust. rust hole in frame under driver side, and along seam of frame. dealer declared vehicle unsafe to drive, and took pictures of frame. instructed to call toyota and created case. but toyota said vehicle was out of warranty and they would do nothing. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tundra. the contact stated that the service brake light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact checked the fluid level and noticed that the brake fluid was nearly depleted. the contact replenished the fluid and the light dimmed. when the brake pedal was depressed, it sank to the floorboard. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the technician diagnosed that the entire under carriage was excessively corroded and the brake lines fractured. the manufacturer and dealer were made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 36,121. updated 01/20/15*lj updated 01/10/15. *jb updated 02/05/15*jb updated 03/10/15*lj updated 06/17/2015 *js

Due to excessive heat from bulbs or material too close to heat source, holes were burned into a lens casing located above sliding glass window to rear of driver. *tr

2005 toyota tundra. s10 appropriate handling- letter to the secretary from regarding toyota problems *tgw the consumer stated the oil pan was cracked on the side, the rack and pinion assembly and fan had to be replaced. the drivers side door was loose, the spring was sticking out of the seat cover. the consumer has since sold the vehicle. *jb

Bought this vehicle used in 2010 and it had a lot of corrosion underneath then. currently has 50 k miles. my brakes are squealing due to corrosion preventing the calipers from moving and the wheel was corroded to the hub and it took a lot of effort to remove it. the structural members and all the components have loose layers of rust. the exhaust heat shields fell off. the spare tire restraint system looks too weak so i removed the spare. the spare wheel is so corroded that the bolt holes are no longer smooth for the lugs to bear against evenly. i am concerned that something bad will happen eventually if a weakened critical part were to fail. i doubt the undercoating toyota is offering for 04 to 06 trucks can help much at this point. i don't want to be the guy who drops a fuel tank on the freeway. *tr

Factory defect, part of dashboard melting/sticky. *tr

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