Problems with 2005 Toyota Tacoma STRUCTURE

There is a hole in the frame below the drivers door due to rust. vehicle may be unsafe due to a faulty frame. prior years had problems with the frame. my husband drives the truck 500 miles a week to work. toyota claims nothing is wrong and will not do anything about it. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. for an extended period of time, there was premature rusting on the frame and the underbody which progressed to the point that the framing may fracture without warning. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for routine repairs. upon the vehicle being placed on a lift, the contact noticed extensive rust on the underbody framing. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not provide a remedy. the failure mileage was not available.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while at the dealer for unrelated repairs, the technician noticed rust throughout the entire frame. the contact was unaware of the necessary repairs to correct the failure. there was a manufacturer's recall for corrosion of the frame however, the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in the recall campaign. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 89,960. updated 4/1/13 *cn the consumer stated he has since traded the vehicle.

Frame falling apart! *tr

I have a hole on the inside of box frame next to the cat. converter on driver side. this was discovered back in january of 2013, and was immediately reported to the toyota rep over the dealership. i've inquired about the situation 3 times since then and have just gotten the answer that its under investigation. this hole which i can almost stick my fist through looks to be located in the crumble zone, and is in a high stressed part of the frame. i know toyota has recalled first generation trucks for frame rot, but why haven't they recalled any of the second generation trucks for the same issues. you can search the web and find that i'm not alone when it comes to frame rot on the second generation tacoma trucks. toyota needs to buck up and fix these issues before someone gets severely injured or killed due to the defective frames. people spend the extra money on toyota vehicles for quality durability and longevity. i work for a toyota production plant and i can't imagine that they are avoiding such a dangerous issue that needs to be resolved asap. i hope that the national highway transportation looks into this and forces a recall before lives are lost! *tr

Inner frame rail on drivers side rotted through. noted on a repair order by toyota dealership as rust perforation on left front inner frame rail near cat converter. vehicle will not pass pa state inspection and unsafe to drive. 2005 tacoma with 70,000 miles. on going issue with toyota frames toyota not responsible recall and buy back only good until 2004 model years. problems still exists on new model years. *tr

To who it may concern: would you be able to research and cover a 2005 toyota tacoma problem plaguing toyota customer. the issues is a problem with the design of the frame. the frames are failing at the engine motor mount(very very dangerous) and causing the cars to be almost be in-repairable(toyota advise me it would be 10,000 fix). toyota is offering no assistance and there are tons of customer feedback online to show there is a problem with their frames. for my truck i heard a noise coming from the engine on 12/24/2012 and took into a dealer on 12/26/2012. they said it was the fan hitting the fan shroad they said they fixed it. i started hearing the noise again and had to take it in on 1/5/2013...they first said it was my motor mounts and would need to order the part..when they were going to install the part they notice a crack in the frame where it connects to the motor mount. they said there was no other signs if damage any where and did not know how that happened...meaning the frame failed from the torque of the engine.. they advise i would need to get new frame ($10,000)...i called toyota and advise they would not assist. *tr

Vehicle was at dealer shop for brake job and technician reported rusted-through failure of frame which renders the vehicle unsafe to drive. this is a second generation tacoma, 2005 model year. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the spare tire fell and detached from the vehicle. the spare tire was located under the vehicle and the contact stated that the entire cross member on the rear of the vehicle became rusted. the contact stated that half of the rear cross member also fractured and detached from the vehicle. the contact also stated that the cross member that was located in the center of the vehicle was also completely rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileage was 145,000.

The frame is rusting. there are hole starting to form. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that he noticed a hole in the frame of the vehicle due to rust. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, who confirmed there was a hole in the frame of the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 98,000.

I have a 2005 tacoma regular cab. it has roughly 58k on the odo and the frame is rusted from the front to the back inside and out. in some places, such as the rear leaf spring attachment points it is to the point where scale flaking off and rot appears to be taking place. this is unsafe and unacceptable for a vehicle produced in today's day and age! why isn't anything being done as was the case for the pre 2004 trucks? after talking with several other 2005+ tacoma owners, it appears as though the problem was never solved and the new 2nd generation trucks have it just as bad as the early tacomas. again, this is unsafe and i truly hope toyota is willing to stand behind their trucks as they did with the earlier tacomas. *tr

During a routine oil change i noticed a large rust hole in the passanger side frame rail. the hole is roughly 10-12 inches long on the inside of the rail roughly under the passanger side floor board. i have noticed alot of surface rust over the past couple of years and have tried to seal the area..paint or under coat... nothing seems to stop the rust. i took the truck to the dealer where yes they do aknowlage the hole but said since the truck was out of warranty they were not prepared to do any thing about it,,,see ya have a nice day. i understand this has been and still is a mojor problem for toyota. i contacted toyota and logged in a complaint and have yet to hear back. *tr

Last year during vehicle inspection i was told my frame had rust. i checked with toyota and they had a recall for model years up to 2004 for frame rust issues. this year while my truck was on the lift for mechanical work, the mechanic informed me that the rust on my frame was getting serious and there were some possible weak area's. again i contacted toyota and they said they have had no issues nor seen any rust on the truck frame. i asked if there was a possibility of a split year and the dealership told me that 2005's had a new design and frame manufacturer. i filed a case with toyota case #[xxx] just so i would be on record. i have also seen many complaints on the internet when i did a search for frame rust 2005 toyota tacoma. toyota will do nothing to help. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Took the truck in for oil change they found a long crack in the frame told me the truck was unsafe to drive at that time said that they could not do anything because there were no recalls at that time i traded it in on a new one ten thousand was owed on the truck but they only gave me 6000 truck was worth about 14000.00 now there is a recall and toyota says that per your guidelines they do not have to compensate me for my loses and this truck broke two years ago if i still had the truck i would be glad to have them fix it but they said that at that time there was nothing they could do for me we the consumers need your help to fix this problem toyota should not be able to get away with this they had a recall on tacomas in the early 2000,s and were giving book value plus have so that is 150 percent of the value of the truck thank in advance for your time in this matter look forward to hearing from you *tr

While driving the steering became very difficult to turn to the left or the right direction. this is caused by a faulty design of the steering shaft universal joints. the frame is also rusting very badly and i am concerned about the integrity of the vehicle. *tr

2005 toyota tacoma first issue is the steering, on several occasions while turning the steering has "locked up" , the steering gets extremity hard to turn in the middle of driving. after my own research i discovered the universal joint on the steering shaft will lock up or get extremely hard to turn if not greased. the joint is open to the elements and has no protective boot over it. there is no maintenance procedure from toyota for the joint. this is extremely dangerous and could cause a crash. if the operator does not have the upper body strength to force the steering wheel to turn when the joint locks up it may cause an accident. this issue is often misdiagnosed by mechanics cause expensive unnecessary repairs (new steering rack). the second issue is frame rust. the frames are a poor design, have no protective coating and are made of inferior metal. a simple internet search for "tacoma frame rust" will show plenty of horror stories of frames literally rusting away from the bottom of the truck. the oldest 2nd generation tacomas (2005 production year) are now 9 years old, a frame on a 9 year old vehicle having rust issues is completely unacceptable. this is a serious safety hazard. along with the frames rusting away all components attached to the frame can fail. (leaf springs, shocks, motor mounts etc). toyota did the right thing with the 1st generation tacomas that had this issue. they issued recalls and bought back trucks. consumers were led to believe the frame rust issues were corrected on the second generation tacomas but they were not. as of now toyota is handling frame rust issues on a case by case basis. some people are fighting to get new frames and some people are left with a truck that is rusting away with no help from toyota. frames rusting away to the point that a hole the size of a hand can fit is a major safety issue. *tr

I own a 2005 toyota tacoma, 4x4, 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual, purchased new. it has 92,000 miles on it and i have filed two complaints, going back three years, with my dealer and with toyota headquarters regarding excessive rust on the frame of my vehicle. both have told me it is acceptable for the frame to be rusting. i disagree. a vehicle that should easily last over 200,000 miles should be built on quality frames. at some point it will cause issues and could be a danger if joints start rusting. i have searched online and seen other similar trucks and all owners complain of this issue. the frame and brackets are all rusting excessively, much more excessively than any other car i have ever owned. this started occurring shortly after owning the car and it has gotten tremendously worse. there has never been frame damage to the truck and the truck is in exceptional condition, has been washed with regularity and even garaged. i am submitting this complain with the hope others are also complaining. i know toyota did a recall of their previous models due to this issue and nothing in their production has improved the way these frames are made and i believe a recall should be considered to remedy these model year issues too. *tr

2005 toyota tacoma. consumer states loud noise coming from engine and that the engine was off kilter *tgw the consumer stated when he opened the hood, he discovered the engine was drastically leaning towards the driver's side of the vehicle. the noise was the engine's cooling fan hitting the shroud meant to protect it. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer. an inspection revealed the motor mount which was attached to the frame of the vehicle broken free and collapsed into the frame itself. there was also extensive rust on the frame on the remainder of the frame. a toyota specialist took pictures of the failed motor mount and rusted frame. the consumer stated toyota has a long history of frame rust issues, as a recall was issued for previous models. *jb

Excessive rust began appearing on the frame of the vehicle at 50,000 miles. reviewed rust with toyota dealership (4 times over the last 3 years) and this vehicle is not included in any recalls for a rusty frames. my concrete driveway is now stained with the rust coming off of the vehicle. frame and bumper is now rusty and getting weaker as the rust continues. vehicle now has 90,000 miles and frame is covered in rust. very concerned about the integrity of the frame. additionally, i needed to replace the steering knuckle on the vehicle -- due to excessive wear - due to extreme rusting. *tr

Truck began making loud noises in engine compartment. truck was diagnosed as having bad motor mounts. at time of repair, motor mount assemblies were noted by mechanic to have broken off the frame due to bad/weakened welds. motor is rubbing on fan/radiator shroud. owner has done independent research, including complaints filed on this site, and has noted that this has been an on-going issue with 2005 tacomas. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact noticed that the entire frame was corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the technicians stated the corrosion was superficial and would not cause a failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 40,000. updated 08/07/12*lj

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that when driving at various speeds, he would hear a loud dragging noise from the vehicle. the vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised him that the frame was fractured and referred him to the dealer. the dealer advised that they would repair the frame at their expense. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 114,000. updated 07/20/11*lj the consumer was informed the frame was cracked at the motor mount. the consumer was informed toyota was offering a goodwill assist with a new frame, but the consumer would have to pay labor for transferring all parts and incidentals which would be approximately $3,000-$4,000. they also offered to have it welded and it would cost $400.00-$500.00. the consumer refused both offered. the consumer stated the frame is the very foundation of the vehicle and should never break or crack under normal use. it was also unreasonable to pay $3,000-$4,000 for a defect that should not have existed if properly engineered in the beginning. updated 08/17/11

My 2005 toyota tacoma quad cab sr5 has an issue with the transmission. at a complete stop with my foot firmly on the brake my truck lunges forward in a very dangerous abrupt manner as though someone rear ended me. this happens often at stop lights a few seconds after i come to a complete stop. a second issue is that my paint is cracking and peeling on my roof and my clear coat is noticeably bad on the edges of my hood and doors. my truck is not of appropriate age or weather conditions to have these types of paint problems. toyota refuses to investigate or pay for my issues and just recommends that i go pay a dealer to fix it out of my pocket. i see several others with the exact same problems on many blogs, class action anyone? *tr

I have a 2005 toyota, tacoma with 30,000 miles. the frame has excessive rusting, no holes yet but certainly very soon. rotors on all 4 wheels bad. (this was told to us today by toyota mechanic) all their bad frames and they will not help us on this as it is a 2005 (the recall was on earlier ones to 2004) the thing is dangerous. *tr

Rust has developed on frame of my 2005 toyota tacoma. despite prior rust issues with this model toyota has no program in effect to look at the truck. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who informed the contact that the body of the vehicle had an excessive amount of rust on it due to owner negligence. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. while having the vehicle examined by an authorized dealer for an unrelated issue, he was informed that the frame was rusting where it holds the spare tire under the truck bed. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 58,050. updated 11/16/10*bf updated 11/26/10

I noticed a rubbing sound coming from the engine compartment of my vehicle. upon investigation of my local mechanic he determined the cause. the left (driver side) motor mount crack at the frame. essentially the frame cracked where the motor mount is welded and started to collapse into the frame. the dealership is in the process of inspecting the vehicle at the time of this report. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the motor mounts collapsed into the frame while he was driving approximately 65 mph and the engine was dropped into the radiator shroud. the vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where he was informed of the failure. the mechanic advised that the framed was what caused the failure and the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer would not assist. the failure mileage was approximately 170,000 and the current mileage was approximately 180,000.

Motor support on frame tore off while running at 30mph. toyota dealer in p r examined the area and determined that the frame was fractured due to heavy corrosion. they diagnosed that the truck shall not be driven for safety reasons. toyota denied to repair the truck . that is not fair. i could have injured myself or somebody else's. what you guys are waiting for to take care of so many complaints, fatalities good decision. hope is not some of your love ones. *tr

2005 toyota tacoma tailgate is dangerously weak, and is unable to support what most consider normal weight for a truck tailgate. although substandard design may be considered "buyer beware", truck buyers expect a tailgate to support the weight of normal truck use activities. toyota provides no warning or caution anywhere that the tailgate is of insufficient strength to perform normal 1/2-ton truck duties, and typically (per internet forum threads) tells their customers that it is their problem and that they should not expect to be able to safely use the tailgate for anything more than hiding the inside of the bed. since toyota has produced a substandard designed part, they should have provided a visual warning on the part to alert customers to the danger their product imposes if used in a traditional manner. since they did not do so, they should be held liable to provide a redesigned part to their customers or full restitution for the purchase price of the vehicles. a google or similar internet search on "tacoma tailgate forum" will substantiate my statements beyond my personal experience with the tailgate bending. *tr

Engine motor mount to frame support bracket was welded using too high of a current setting on robot welder and weld is undercut into base metal on frame. this has the potential to crack or rust through over time and can cause the engine to break loose from the frame. on 2005 and 2006 toyota tacoma's . toyota has made a correction to the 2007 models by adding a reinforcement plate over the frame in this area before welding in the motor mount support proving they have realized that this is a defect that needs to be corrected to earlier models. pictures showing this can be seem at (www.tacomaworld.com ) showing failed motor mounts and how consumers are repairing the failed frame and have pictures of the corrections made at the production facility the manufactures the tacoma frames for toyota. i would appreciate it if you would consider investigating this before it causes any personal injury to someone.. thank you for your help. *tr

Underside of frame has rust. toyota informed me of the prior recall up to year 2004. that was a bad batch of metal in which they were recalling the trucks due to extensive rust on the frame. 2005 has a different frame (toyota's attempt to correct problem). this problem has not been fixed. my father has a 2006 toyota tacoma and he was the one to alert me to look at mine as his is rusting too. toyota is nonresponsive to this issue. *tr

Mud flaps on all corners of the 2005 toyota tacoma are subject to breaking with normal use. this presents a hazard to surrounding motorists when they separate from the truck and go flying down the road. typically, they tear partially before separating entirely which leaves them banging against the truck and scratching the paint. when the passenger side rear mud flap falls apart, it lays on the exhaust tailpipe, catches fire, and melts onto the side of the truck. toyota corporate customer service and toyota dealership are unresponsive. *tr

Mud flaps on all corners of the 2005 toyota tacoma are subject to breaking with normal use. this presents a hazard to surrounding motorists when they separate from the truck and go flying down the road. typically, they tear partially before separating entirely which leaves them banging against the truck and scratching the paint. when the passenger side rear mud flap falls apart, it lays on the exhaust tailpipe, catches fire, and melts onto the side of the truck. toyota corporate customer service and toyota dealership are unresponsive. *tr

I have a 2005 toyota tacoma 4x4 with extended cab. i've bought it brand new from balise toyota in w.spfld, ma and have had every bit of service performed there (with exception of 1 oil change and a new set of tires). last year i put a claim in with toyota about the frame rusting. twice i have had the vehicle inspected for this during other maintenance. both times i was fed the story of 'surface rust' with no offer from toyota to remedy. my father owns a 2006 toyota tacoma 4x4 with the extended cab. same truck but just a year newer. he was the one who alerted me to look under the truck to see if it was rusting because his was. he too has a claim. from what i've been told, toyota had a recall of frames due to rusting but that was up to the 2004 models. their remedy for 2004 and prior models was a change in frame design starting in 2005. apparently there was a bad batch of metal on those prior years (if what i've been told is correct). none of these trucks have any form of rust prevention under them. nor was that fact divulged during the purchase of this vehicle. i love driving the truck but have become very disappointed in the brand. i will not be purchasing any vehicles from toyota ever again due to their nonresponsiveness to this issue. *tr

Excessive rust on vehicle frame and suspension components. *tr

Front left motor mount tore from frame, dropping motor. frame has foot long tear where motor mount tore away. toyota denide claim , need help. *tr

1. 2005 toyota tacoma frame rust. i bought the truck locally here in springfield mo, it was purchased here originally. it was certified by toyota. i have found that the frame is rusting from front to back. some of the rust is really eating into the metal (not just surface rust). i know they have recalled many 1995-2000 vehicles, but i fear that they will begin to see frame rot on these 2005 + tacoma's as well (some where the frame busted in half in the front). i have read online of many people complaining about this. *tr

Originally noticed heavy rust stains in driveway and crawled under the truck to inspect. heavy rust was observed over more than 3/4 of the trucks frame. large, chunky pieces of rust were easily separating from the fame. front crossmember showing heavy signs of deep rust. contacted the toyota corp. and informed them of the problem and they saying there is currently no recall or program in place for the 2005+ tacomas dealing with rusty frame issues. i also have many unnatural noises coming from the engine bay that sound if parts are not connected properly or are making contact with other parts. i wanted to file a claim to hopefully promote further attention to this model tacoma. in the past years other tacomas have had similar problems and were eventually addressed. is toyota waiting for someone to die before they acknowledge a serious problem with the vehicles. *tr

2005 toyota tacoma has cracked frame. 05 is a new body/frame style b/c of the 99-04 tacoma defective frames. after taking it to the shop b/c my fan motor was about to fall off, that's when the discovery was made. mechanic stated this vehicle was not safe to drive. it has been reported to toyota hq. my local toyota dealer has also contacted toyota. there are no recalls for 2005. mechanic/body shop owner states it cannot be repaired. frame must be replaced, and he stated most people are not qualified to replace a frame, which may present further safety issues. *tr

I have a 2005 toyota tacoma double cab trd sport. the motor mounts on my vehicle have become "ripped" off the frame of the vehicle somehow as toyota has stated towards me and this to me seem like a safety issue. i have heard of one instance of a guy who was driving down the freeway when his entire frame collapsed due to his motor mounts caving in his frame! this seems like a serious safety issue and my truck has had it happen as well just not cave in my frame and has ripped away from it. making my engine sit crooked and leaning forward in my engine bay. it has been quite scary driving it recently and took it in as soon as i realized the problem. *tr

2005 toyota tacoma front mud flap broken and rubbed through the paint prior to me knowing the flap was broken. happened at about 40,000 miles. never offroad or anything like that. all city/highway miles. *tr

Where do i even begin? took the truck in because it was having all sorts of problems and toyota said it had a bent frame. from what? normal driving after 3 years / 112,000mi? the truck has never been in an accident. first the bed side body panels started cracking then a panel inside the front tire well started to crack. then when turning engine radiator fan hit shroud around it. another unrelated to the frame problem but worth mentioning is the flimsy tin can tail gates toyota is putting on these trucks. mine along with thousands of others have had theirs fold in half. it is no secret toyota has had problems with the toyota tacoma frames on older models (1995-2001) either. legal action needs to be brought against this company for their cheap building practices before some one gets injured or killed on the road. i've got a 1990 chevrolet suburban with 170k mi. and a 1994 toyota camry with 91k. mi. and they don't have bent frames or cracking panels. i wouldn't expect a truck with 112k mi. to have a bent frame from normal highway driving." *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that the hitch and subframe of the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 toyota tacoma. the contact stated that while parked, he notice a corroded hole in the frame. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000. *tr

When loading heavy (but within the rated capacity of the truck) equipment into this truck, the tailgate collapses under the load, causing the equipment to become off-balance and fall over, sometimes onto the person or persons loading said equipment. *tr

Rock chips on rear fender falrs, no rock guard in place.*tr

Dealers inspection, 3/14/2005, indications of frame failure. truck has no signs of abuse or impacts. cracks in frame, at motor mounts , defected welding. *tr