One problem related to steering rack and pinion has 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.
I had complete failure to my rack and pinion steering due to excessive corrosion to the component. I was pulling into a business doing about 10 mph and the steering locked up completely. I checked the power steering fluid in the reservoir and it was completely empty. I checked under the truck and on the ground was a puddle of steering fluid. The vehicle was taken to a local garage and when he examined the truck to see what had happened, he stated that the rack and pinion had completed rotted out and broke. I also had him check the frame on my truck, since I received a TSB bulletin about the excessive corrosion due to not enough frame undercoating being applied in cold states. He found a large hole behind the catalytic converter in the frame. The mechanic checked the rest of the frame and found some smaller perforations as well. My questions is if the frame is beginning to rot and they are selectively replacing the frames or vehicle if they are a danger, why are no other components that are attached to these failing parts covered as well and failing due to excessive rot or rusting. If any of these components failed during normal driving conditions on the highway at normal speed the results could have been devastating to all involved, possibly leading to severe injury or death. Something more needs to be done to bring attention to the Toyota motor company not standing behind their vehicles they produce and the safety of the people who own and operate them. Toyota needs to stop playing the "its not covered or applicable" game and take ownership and fix it before someone does get killed. I have owned 5 Toyota's previously and felt very safe up until now, now I am not to sure!.