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.

- Aspen, CO, USA

I was loading a motorcycle into the back of my 2005 Toyota Tacoma and the tailgate collapsed. I have owned this truck for a year and a half and this is the first time I've ever put any weight on the tailgate of the truck. After doing some research on the internet, it sounds like thousands of people are experiencing the same thing. There is no mention from Toyota in the owners manual or any associated documents that the tailgate is incapable of handling a load. The weight rating for the cargo box is listed at 1000 pounds but there is nothing on the tailgate. I have owned a Ford Ranger and a Chevy S-10 in the past and never had any problem loading a bike in the bed. I have pictures of the collapsed tailgate available. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in this but it could have been potentially fatal in the bike had fallen on one of the men loading the bike. Toyota won't address this problem and is blaming this on the consumers.

- Wichita, KS, USA

We purchased 2 new Toyota Tacoma pick-ups for our motorcycle dealership. We have been in business for 8 years, and owned Ford, Chevy, and Nissan as our delivery trucks. The tailgates on these trucks have never bent until we bought these 2 Toyota. Both new trucks have bent tail gates, due to poor construction. There are no warning signs on the tailgate nor in the owners manual, but southeast Toyota refuses to warranty these items.

- Daytona Beach, FL, USA

New 2005 Tacoma Toyota truck with less than 10K. The tailgate is all bent. Very poorly constructed....Toyota should be ashamed!

- Daytona Beach, FL, USA

Consumer was unloading a motorcycle from his truck and the rear tailgate bent in almost a V. this shifted the motorcycle's weight, and almost resulted in an accident. The motorcycle could have fallen off the tailgate or fallen upon the caller.the owner's manual does not state how much weight the tailgate can support or any precautions on loading onto a tailgate.

- Pleasant Garden, NC, USA