Underbody Shield problems of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma

2005 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame rust. The consumer stated he took the vehicle to the dealer several times, only to be told there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. In 2014, the dealer was amazed at how bad the rust was.

2005 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame corrosion recall problems. The consumer received a recall notice. He took the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection, which revealed there were rust holes in the frame. The consumer was informed it would take three months, for them to receive the frame.

2005 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle frame excessive rusting recall notice issues. The consumer stated Toyota determined there was a problem with the steel used on the frames of the Toyota Tacoma trucks. The consumer stated he was misled about the length of time it would require to complete the recall. The dealer informed the consumer it would be months before the truck would be finished.

2005 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer stated issues with frame of vehicle and brake lines leaking. The dealer informed the consumer the frame had rusted through and needed to be replaced. He was informed, it would be two months, before the parts were available to fix the frame. The consumer stated the brakes were fine, when arrived at the repair shop. The consumer believed the repair shop damaged the brake lines, when they checking the frame. After two months passed, the consumer called the repair shop and was informed the parts had arrived. However, they did not have the kits.

The following is the dealer inspection report for my truck: "found extreme corrosion to frame. Tow hook and driver side sway bar mount unable to re-attach due to frame perforation front cross member missing (rusted off) found hole in left side of frame. Steering rack mounts extremely perforated, ready to detach. Do not recommend driving vehicle due to extreme damage to frame" truck purchased new, single owner, well maintained. . . . Updated 06/10/14.

Original owner of a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, bought new in November 2004. 61000 miles. Vehicle mostly garaged when not in use. Frame and frame sub components are completely covered with rust. Several holes in frame, including one in the boxed section the size of a coca cola can. Several areas of the frame are delaminating, I. E. The layers of the metal are separating. Dealer refused to inspect the frame. Have contacted Toyota corporate but have not received any resolution. Do not feel safe driving the vehicle and basically now have a lawn ornament in the shape of a truck. There was a recall/service campaign/buy back for previous model Tacomas due to poor frames. Toyota has obviously not corrected the issue and needs to be held accountable. Pictures can be provided upon request.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph and making a left turn, an abnormal noise was heard from under the body of the vehicle. The contact later discovered that the metal straps used to secure the fuel tank to the vehicle had rusted and fractured, causing the right front section of the fuel tank to hang from the vehicle. The contact also indicated that the fractured metal strap would make contact with the drive shaft whenever the contact was making a left turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000. . . Updated 04-22-14 the consumer stated the dealer was charging him $1900 to fix the problem. Two more straps broke, when the dealer put the vehicle on the rack, which caused the tank to fall pulling out the gas lines and wiring, as well as cracking the tank. Updated 04/23/14.

I went to get my 2005 Tacoma inspected today and it failed because there is a hole in the frame by the passenger side front wheel. I've been the only owner of this vehicle and was completely surprised that the frame has started to rust to the point where there are holes in it. This truck is primarily driven on the highway and wear and tear is pretty minimal. Inspecting the frame afterwards, the entire frame is rusted. This issue with my truck is only going to get worse. I can provide pictures if needed.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was excessive rust on the frame. The contact called the manufacturer, who stated there was nothing they could do to assist. The failure mileage was 63,000. Updated 02/19/lj the consumer stated as of Feb 10, 2014, he was still waiting on the district rep to inspect the vehicle. Updated 02/24/14.

I took my Toyota Tacoma, 2005 in for a new headlight. The Toyota dealer said that the inspection would run at month's end and would I like to take care of the inspection while I waited rather than making a second appointment. I said "yes", please do the inspection. The technician said the truck failed inspection due to a rusted frame. He called me back to view the rusted out frame, which I did to my shock and horror - there was a large whole! looked unsafe! how is that possible - clearly defective frame. They suggested I take the truck back to the original Toyota dealer which I did - although not sure why they could not deal with 'Toyota" themselves. The original dealer said the frame replacement / repair was not covered under warranty. The cost would be between $10,000 - $14,000. This is completely unacceptable, the truck has less than 53k miles. Toyota is supposed to be an organization that prides itself in safety and customer satisfaction, touting its vehicle longevity status! this experience proves otherwise and puts the public at risk of injury or/and death.

Massive amount of frame rust, worried about safety. Reviewed by Toyota dealership service manager and Toyota rep that happened to be at dealership. Was told that rust was not normal and pictures were taken, told that it was documented but not to expect further action.

I have complained to Toyota now for the past few years about excessive rust on the frame of my 2005 Tacoma. I had even reported it on here before due to the amount of rust. My truck was at the Toyota dealership and the service manager wanted to show me 2 holes in my frame as a result of rust. One hole was about the size of a golf ball and the other about the size of a marble. I have done some more research and near all of the other complaints about rust on the second generation Tacomas are in the same location. The holes are on both the passenger and driver side right next to the cat. Converts. Apparently Toyota has replaced some of the second generation frames but it is on a case by case basis. Ironically that have changed the frame slightly on the 2009-2013 and have including a plastic shield of sorts in the location of my holes. It seems to me they realize there is a serious problem but will not own up to it like they have in the past with the 98-2004 models. Toyota needs to address this problem as their are many others that are in the same situation as I am in right now. The truck looks great on the outside but now is a death trap due to the frame.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the frame was perforated due to rust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000. Updated 12/20/cn.

Last month I looked underneath my truck and discovered significant frame rust. The most significant areas are between steel frame components that are riveted together. Rust has formed between these plates and is pushing them apart. There is up to 3/8" deformation between plates. The plates were originally in contact with each other. The plates are still in contact with each other at rivet points. The conditions of the concealed portions of the rivets are unknown. The rust is located primarily under the truck bed, but there is some under the passenger cab. An internet search indicates this is not an isolated incident. The vehicle has not been mistreated and has followed all manufacturer recommended maintenance. I am also aware of the 2001-2004 Tacoma frame recall. I will be contacting Toyota in the near future with the hope they will properly address this situation.

2005 Tacoma failed inspection due to a hole in the frame from rust. Vehicle inspected by the dealer from which it was purchased. Had purchased vehicle just less than one year earlier, second owner. No accidents and well cared for. Ironically enough, we bought this Tacoma to replace the 1998 Tacoma we lost due to a frame rust problem in the Toyota buyback program. Dealer did fix at no cost under used car warranty. Reported issue to the Toyota used car salesman who sold us the truck and he stated he was not aware of any frame rust issues on 2005 Tacomas. After a cursory investigation I find this hard to believe. Apparently Toyota has not thoroughly addressed frame rust issues that plagued earlier models. A complaint will be filed with Toyota customer relations. Very concerned about recurring rust problem in future which would likely leave us with a worthless vehicle based on Toyota's unwillingness to acknowledge on-going frame rust problems. Hopefully the local Toyota dealer will step up.

While getting my vehicle worked on a tech stated that there was a significant amount of rust on my frame. The Toyota rep came to look at it and said it wasn't too bad but that I might want to sell the car in a year or two rather than deal with the rust. An 8 year old vehicle should not have a frame that rusted.

Back in July of 2012 I purchased this truck from moritz Chevrolet used cars in ft. Worth, texas. I was unaware of the frame rusting at the time. Rust on a frame is not usually an issue to even have to consider while buying a vehicle that new in texas. I moved to western pennsylvania in June and on my trip up I noticed the truck was vibrating/shimming. I took my truck in for service to barrel Toyota in cranberry, PA to check it out. The service technician noticed it then and took some pictures of the rusted areas. I made my first call to Toyota at this time. Not more than a month later I had to have a barring replaced at guys service station, knob hill, PA. While up on the lift I was actually able to see the rust damage for myself. I did call moritz Chevrolet and spoke to the sales rep. , [xxx], she advised me to trade the truck in. When I called Toyota global I was told that, although they had recalled Tacomas up to 2004, there was nothing they could do for me. All that they could do was assign me a case number. I returned to barrel Toyota to see if they could offer any help or maybe a trade in for another vehicle. They refused. I was told by the service manager there that this is a common problem with Toyota trucks and while he could do nothing for me, he could recommend someone to weld it. He also informed me at this time that I may not be able to get my truck inspected after a winter here in pennsylvania. Now I'm not the smartest person but even I know that the frames of vehicles are designed to collapse a certain way in the event of an accident and if you weld it, it would compromise the integrity of the design. After my fruitless return trip back to barrel Toyota I sent an letter to Toyota. Still no response to this day ! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On may 27, 2013 my wife [xxx] and I were towing my bass boat and I blew out the rear passenger tire and was able to safely get it off of the road to change the tire. In the process of changing the tire in my truck, the frame bent under the pressure of the jack and the truck, came off of the jack, luckily I had the tire partially on that the lug bolts caught the truck. This rusting and unsafe frame issue dates back to 1/16/13 at approximately 7:30 am I was contacted by the Toyota dealership that during a repair to my catalytic converter they noticed that I had a hole in my frame and that it would not pass inspection. I feel terrible now, but I all but called the girl service manager a liar and asked that she take me a photo of the hole and send it to me at work. I want my Tacoma fixed, the frame replaced as I feel it is unsafe and after having experienced the truck falling off of the jack after the frame bent while simply jacking it up, I can't imagine that I am the only one out there with this issue. In my research I am finding volumes of complaints to Toyota in kind regarding frame rot and rust. I have also noticed some instability when driving, it seems to have a constant shake in the steering. I have placed numerous calls to Toyota's customer service explaining in detail my safety concern and the answer I am constantly being given is that my vehicle is not currently part of the recall program. Any way you slice it, I feel this is terrible on Toyota's behalf to subject loyal customers to such potential and eminent safety hazards as a week and inferior frame! god help us if we are ever involved in an auto accident. . . How well will these frames hold up or will we be crushed like a soda can? so much for Toyota's safety rating at that point right? please help me. . . Please help me. Sincerely a concerned Toyota owner, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I have a Toyota Tacoma 2005 that has a very rusty frame last state inspection, was told the frame in two spots is very soft and it more than likely will not pass inspection next year. There are numerous reports on the internet about owners of this year model also having the same problem.

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.

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 the consumer stated he has since traded the vehicle.

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.

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.

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.

2005 Toyota Tacoma. Consumer states loud noise coming from engine and that the engine was off kilter 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.

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/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.

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.

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.

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.

2005 Toyota Tacoma double cab with skid plate. Skid plate causes the vehicle to vibrate at high speeds, 70 mph and higher. It's worse when caught in a cross wind on the highway or on windy days. Very strong and loud vibration. The problem went away when the skidplate was removed. I've read many complaints from online forums about the same problem. The strong vibration could cause loss of control and who knows what damage it could cause to the vehicle. Toyota needs to recall the skid plate.

While driving in inclement weather vehicle started leaking onto the floorboard. This caused a flood inside the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the a post became detached from the main frame of the vehicle. Mechanic informed the consumer that a proxy glue was applied and fixed it.

2005 Toyota Tacoma access cab with the trd package and skid plate 2w drive. E skid plate catches air and causes the vehicle to vibrate violantly at 75 mph and higher, which could possibly cause the loss of control. We removed the plate and now there is no vibration. People will think it is the tires being out of balance, but it is the plate. Toyota needs to redesign this plate and check things in a wind tunnel.