Model year guide

2005 Toyota tacoma

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Toyota tacoma is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 19 on record.

2005 Toyota tacoma — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Toyota tacoma at a glance

Safety recalls10
Owner complaints707
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$13,689

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Toyota tacoma recalls 10

Suspension:rear:springs:leaf Spring Assembly:leaf NHTSA Campaign #14V604000 · 29/09/2014

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly punctu…

Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Seat Belts NHTSA Campaign #13V337000 · 07/08/2013

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen comple…

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws…

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #12V092000 · 07/03/2012

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.

Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #09V388000 · 05/10/2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Fix: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED …

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #09V223000 · 15/06/2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Fix: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.

Parking Brake NHTSA Campaign #05V050000 · 11/02/2005

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CABLE LOCK NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION. IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOCK NUT MAY LOOSEN AND COME OFF, WHICH WILL REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARKING BRAKE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND TIGHTEN THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL CABLE LOCK NUT TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #10V035000 · 03/02/2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #06V096000 · 03/04/2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATE…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Equipment:other:labels NHTSA Campaign #10V036000 · 03/02/2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Air Bags NHTSA Campaign #05V302000 · 28/06/2005

ON CERTAIN REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A BENCH SEAT, THE SEAT POSITION AND SEAT BELT BUCKLE SENSOR CONNECTOR PINS ARE INCORRECTLY POSITIONED DUE TO A WIRE HARNESS MANUFACTURING PROCESS ERROR.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT POSITION AND SEAT BELT FASTENING CONDITION SENSOR CONNECTOR. AN ADDITIONAL SUB-WIRE HARNESS WILL BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT THE CONNECTOR PIN MANUFACTURING ERROR, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-431-4331.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Toyota tacoma common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 707 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2005 Toyota tacoma MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway21 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Toyota tacoma worth?

Low
$7,500
Typical price
$13,689
High
$17,998

From 17 comparable 2005 Toyota tacoma listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Toyota tacoma costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,250
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,050
Total$24,300
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($13,689) with the same model 5 model-years older ($6,632), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Toyota tacoma trims & engines on record

Trims
DLX
Engines
4.0L 6-cyl 236 hp · 2.7L 4-cyl 159 hp · 4.0L 6-cyl 245 hp

2005 Toyota tacoma vehicles on record

Other Toyota tacoma model years

2005 Toyota tacoma — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Toyota tacoma have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls for the 2005 Toyota tacoma. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Toyota tacoma?

Based on 707 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, suspension, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2005 Toyota tacoma get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Toyota tacoma at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 21 highway).

How much is a 2005 Toyota tacoma worth?

Comparable 2005 Toyota tacoma listings run roughly $7,500–$17,998, typically around $13,689 (from 17 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.