Two problems related to power steering failed have been reported for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma based on all problems reported for the 2005 Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma became difficult to steer, as though the power steering was failing. To negotiate the vehicle through a bend in the road I had to exert significant amount of force on the steering wheel and had to manually force the wheel back to center. This momentarily inhibited me from keeping the vehicle centered in the lane. This problem has since reoccurred intermittently. On inspection I was able to determine the cause of the impaired steering control to be corrosion of the universal joint #2 steering intermediate shaft part # 45203-04020. On searching for a remedy I learned this part has been redesigned to address the problem, and the replacement part is 45220-04020. Application of penetrating oil to the steering intermediate shaft universal joint has reduced the severity of the problem but not permanently resolved it. If this problem occurred while a younger, older or otherwise physically weaker operator was driving they may have had difficulty keeping the vehicle in its lane.
The steering all of a sudden became surprisingly hard to turn as if the power steering failed. This is a common occurring problem in this make and model of truck and is a safety concern. The onset of this problem is incredibly fast which could lead to serious crashes and injuries!!! the cause is a faulty part design (part is exposed to the elements and seizes) and needs to be remedied ASAP. The faulty part # 45203 - 04020, intermediate shaft.