10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
103,888 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Toyota Tundra:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #33

Mar 032021

Tundra

  • 219,000 miles
Catastrophic ball joint failure (driver side upper ball joint) while driving at slow speed.

- Madera, CA, USA

problem #32

Mar 082020

Tundra

  • 300,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the driver's side front ball joint bent underneath making the vehicle difficult to steer. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the part himself. The failure recurred with the front passenger's side ball joint being bent. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

- Guyton, GA, USA

problem #31

Nov 092020

Tundra

  • 225,000 miles
Significant frame corrosion in multiple areas to include one area with a hole all the way through the frame rail, and most acutely where the rear leaf spring connects to the frame with only 50% of the contact area appearing to be structurally sound. Dealer states nothing they can do. Two auto restoration shops state the frame is going to fail and cause an accident.

- Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA

problem #30

May 132020

Tundra

  • 275,600 miles
At speeds above 50+ the rear end constantly rumbles and shakes the whole truck. And when pressing the break it does as well. Seat belt locks when trying to put it on. Parking brake doesn't work. Whining and squeaky noise in the rear end. Clunking noise at lower speeds. Engine light is on & won't go off. Tire pressure sensor doesn't work. Rear end seal leak. Driver side window feels like it's gonna fall out. Truck is way too loud and everything is stock. Ac/heat being on makes loud noise.

- Jellico, TN, USA

problem #29

Jul 152020

Tundra

  • 313,000 miles
I took this truck into my local Toyota dealer on July 09, 2015 as part of a recall for a frame inspection. The mileage at that time was 295,801. The dealer said the frame was in good shape and applied a corrosion inhibitor as part of the program. In February of this year, (2020) I decided to install new break pads. When I removed the wheel on the driver side, I found a significant hole in the frame and cracking all around the area. In approximately 5 years and 17,000 miles, this developed. I have not driven the truck in the winter for about 8 years as this became a secondary vehicle only for summer project use around the home. I contacted Toyota corporate and they said that there weren't any programs available to remedy the situation and I was basically out of luck. I recently took the trunk to a frame & body shop and was shown much more extensive failure in the frame on both sides. He determined the frame is unrepairable because of the amount of rot and the truck will need a complete new frame. I can't believe that in 5 years driving, averaging 3,400 miles a year that the frame went from good (as the dealer described it) to being undriveable. Toyota new the steel was bad in many of their trucks and SUV's but has refused to repair all that were affected by the bad steel and lack of protection applied during manufacturing. I have had to pull the truck off the road as it has become unstable and hazardous to drive.

- Williamsburg, OH, USA

problem #28

Apr 082020

Tundra 8-cyl

  • 175,000 miles
Significant frame corrosion in multiple areas to include one area with a hole all the way through the frame rail, and most acutely where the rear leaf spring connects to the frame with only 50% of the contact area appearing to be structurally sound. Inspected by Toyota dealership who rated damage as just barely better than unsafe to drive, however not covered under recall. Vehicle has 175K miles on it, and has spent the majority of its life in SC and md where road salt usage is low. Frequently cleaned undercarriage, and periodic application of corrosion preventative compounds did not alter outcome which implies poor materials and/or manufacturing defects.

- Lexington Park, MD, USA

problem #27

Jun 032014

Tundra

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while having a routine inspection for an oil change the dealer (loyalty Toyota 2000 walthall center dr, chester, va 23831, (804) 796-1800) notice corrosion around the driver side rear wheel well. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The contact mentioned NHTSA campaign number: 09V444000 (structure) as a possible solution to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was not available.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #26

Sep 202019

Tundra

  • 103,000 miles
The frame rusted to the point that it will not pass a state inspection. The brakes would not stop the vehicle when in forward motion, which caused an accident.

- West Milton, PA, USA

problem #25

Jan 072020

Tundra

  • 330,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving at 40 mph, when the front passenger side tire detached and rolled away on the road. The contact stated the front passenger side door and fender hit a curb. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated he did not sustain any injuries or seek medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that the lower ball bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired as of yet awaiting the part. The contact called local dealer maita Toyota of sacramento located at 2500 auburn blvd, sacramento, ca 95821, (916) 481-0855 and notified that the vehicle was repaired previously under NHTSA campaign number: 07V013000 (suspension) back in 2007. The manufacturer was not informed of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 330,000.

- Roseville, CA, USA

problem #24

Sep 302019

Tundra

  • miles
On September 30, 2019, my 2005 Toyota Tundra (purchased new in 2004) did not pass inspection due to rust holes on the frame; mileage was 81,147. I looked up VIN number on NHTSA and there is only one recall dated October 2019 not fulfilled for my vehicle. A local dealer investigated my VIN number, and told me there was a D zero D/limited service campaign (expired 2015) regarding rust problems with this vehicle. I was not notified by Toyota about this. I have not moved/changed address since I purchased this vehicle, and I did receive and fulfill the 2016 and 2007 recall notices. I called NHTSA and told the woman on phone about the D0D/lsc and she found it for me under 'manufacturer communications'. I have taken good care of it and have all of my service records. I expected it to last and am disappointed Toyota did not notify me. I am requesting NHTSA make these limited service campaigns for vehicles visible with the other recalls. I look forward to hearing back from you and a resolution of this problem.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

problem #23

Sep 042019

Tundra

  • 125,000 miles
Frame has prematurely rusted resulting in the sway bar mounting bracket to break off. Frame is close to complete failure which would result in fuel and brake lines severing with catastrophic result.

- Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA

problem #22

Mar 052019

Tundra

  • 165,743 miles
Service bulletin P2445 for secondary air ingection system then notes the frame is corrosion and mounts are braking off

- Amsterdam, NY, USA

problem #21

Nov 042018

Tundra

  • 216,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. While driving 5 mph, the front driver's side wheel fractured and the lower ball joint fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 07V013000 (suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 07V013000 (suspension). The dealer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.

- Meadow Vista, CA, USA

problem #20

Sep 042018

Tundra

  • 103,000 miles
My 2005 Tundra is rotting out in the frame above the rear leaf spring front connection to the frame. Dealer has looked at it twice in the last six years said no perforations. Now in 2018 the frame is rotting and buckled. Toyota corporate says there is nothing they can do because it outside of the window of service. So now I am stuck with a truck with just over 100K miles, looked at by a Toyota dealer in the past and was deemed not in need of a frame replacement. Now it is in need of a frame replacement but Toyota won't honor any past recalls or inspections done by a Toyota dealer and has left it to me to deal with the rot. Very disappointed there is no help for customers in this situation from the manufacturer.

- Uxbridge, MA, USA

problem #19

Jun 012018

Tundra

  • 118,000 miles
My 2005 Toyota Tundra was recalled for rust problems, and in 2013 the Toyota dealership applied a coating to the frame which they advised would remedy the problem. On 06/01/18 I noticed I however have holes in my frame near where the suspension attaches, and the frame is not safe for operation on the road. The dealership said they are not liable, and I called Toyota and they said they are not liable and no one will fix the issue. The dealership had the option in 2013 to either spray or replace the frame, they sprayed mine but it was not effective and now I believe the vehicle is a hazard due to holes in the frame. I only have 118,000 miles on the truck, and it has been in my family since being brand new. I believe the frame is defective and Toyota Inc. Is not assisting me with fixing the problem, they advised me I need to go talk to a body shop to see if they can weld a piece into the frame.

- Eau Claire, WI, USA

problem #18

Jan 142017

Tundra

  • 105,000 miles
I have a 2005 Toyota Tundra, which has the entire frame all rusted. I already replaced all brake lines and differential because of the rust. The mechanic said it is rusted so bad that it could fall apart. There was a limited campaign for a recall on our Tundra and the spray was done in 2015. Obviously it didn't take because of all the continuous issues we are having. I called the corporate office of Toyota and opened an claim and the manager I spoke to really could care less and told me that once the warranties are over its no longer their (Toyota) problem. I requested a field inspection technician to look at the truck. That request was denied by the manager who stated that he was speaking for Toyota. I asked for my claim to be reviewed by some one above him and he stated their was no one higher them himself and his decision was final. I don't understand why they can't look at their products and tells us if it is safe to drive. Obviously they new there was a problem or they wouldn't have the limited campaign for a recall. They need to do more.

- Cheshire, CT, USA

problem #17

Nov 122017

Tundra

  • 180,000 miles
I was driving my 2005 Toyota Tundra on the interstate. I came upon road work and slowed to the 45 mph speed limit. All of the sudden the truck dropped to the front left with a loud crash. Sparks were flying and I lost control of the vehicle for a brief time. I was able to slow and steer the truck to safety. I got out of the truck to see the front drivers side wheel buckled underneath the truck and major damages to that side of the vehicle. I'm very lucky to have slowed for road work. If I had of been doing interstate speeds of 70 mph I would not have been able to handle the vehicle and could have had severe and fatal consequences. Every day for the prior week or so I noticed the trucks steering being weird (pulling a little to the right side and not being able be steered with the normal ease) and it making a loud squeaking sound when turning.

- Cleveland, TN, USA

problem #16

Oct 282017

Tundra

  • 174,000 miles
My 2005 Toyota Tundra's control joints messed up while I was driving.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #15

May 052017

Tundra

  • 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. While driving 10 mph, the lower ball joint separated without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact replaced the lower ball joint. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer (american tire & wheel Inc, 115 mall St, hot springs, ar 71913) and they checked and replaced all the parts at the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-331-4331 and stated that the recall had already been repaired. Case number: 1709200139 was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

- Mountain Pine, AR, USA

problem #14

Feb 092016

Tundra

  • 108,000 miles
The entire frame of the truck and every component directly in contact with it including the suspension is and has been oxidizing/rusting/rotting off in layers some fragments of rust scale falling off measure 1/8" in thickness I contacted Toyota of North America knowing about the recalls on the Toyota Tacoma model trucks with alot of detailed photos they said basically too bad. Ive kept the undercarriage clean even tried using coatings to slow the deterioration down the truck has 122,000 miles on it and was very well taken care of the problem is Toyota poor quality steel used and improper factory coatings I purchased the truck in 2014 and I glimpsed underneath the day I bought it and thought the frame looked good then a few months go by and I go to do a tune up and I start seeing huge rust scale falling all over upon further investigation noticed the problem and how bad it was as well as the reason I didnt notice it at the dealer was they spray painted the underside black to hide the problem, I am a marine corps veteran I served 2007-2011 active duty every penny I had saved up I used to buy this truck (my first big purchase all in cash) ive put thousands into this truck already replacing suspension components and mounts and its becoming a total loss I cant sell it to a private party knowing how dangerous it can be if the wrong part finally rots all the way thru and I cant afford a new vehicle I can barely find work with the economy and personal struggles I have related to my service, I am beyond upset and I pray someone somewhere can help me I know my truck is not the only Tundra with this major problem

- Naugatuck, CT, USA

Read the next 13 complaints »