2005 Toyota Tacoma Suspension Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 18, 2026 · 137 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, 19% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 102,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “leaf springs” (15% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Leaf springs: mentioned in 20 of 137 complaints (15%)
  • Frame rust: mentioned in 13 of 137 complaints (9%)
  • Took truck: mentioned in 7 of 137 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do suspension problems happen?

Based on 79 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles6 · 8%
10k–25k miles4 · 5%
25k–50k miles6 · 8%
50k–75k miles9 · 11%
75k–100k miles11 · 14%
100k–150k miles25 · 32%
150k+ miles18 · 23%

How serious are the reports?

Of 137 complaints, 2 mention a crash.

Toyota Tacoma suspension complaints by model year

Peak: 2006, with 154 complaints
1995: 9019951996: 871997: 241998: 2819981999: 352000: 522001: 8120012002: 822003: 662004: 8420042005: 1372006: 1541542007: 11820072008: 1242009: 1192010: 9520102011: 602012: 212013: 1420132014: 82015: 42016: 1420162017: 62018: 62019: 420192020: 12021: 32023: 220232024: 52025: 9

n = 1,533 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSuspension complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Tacoma98%—
2024 Tacoma53%—
2023 Tacoma24%—
2021 Tacoma34%—
2020 Tacoma11%2,527
2019 Tacoma42%12
2018 Tacoma63%2,700
2017 Tacoma62%2,000
2016 Tacoma144%30,000
2015 Tacoma44%38,000
2014 Tacoma89%20,500
2013 Tacoma1411%38,423
2012 Tacoma217%55,000
2011 Tacoma6032%96,193
2010 Tacoma9532%44,946
2009 Tacoma11923%78,700
2008 Tacoma12428%78,000
2007 Tacoma11822%96,234
2006 Tacoma15420%95,000
2005 Tacoma13719%102,000
2004 Tacoma8420%120,000
2003 Tacoma6618%136,000
2002 Tacoma8225%131,000
2001 Tacoma8120%168,418
2000 Tacoma5225%155,000
1999 Tacoma3514%133,000
1998 Tacoma289%167,276
1997 Tacoma2418%189,000
1996 Tacoma8734%137,345
1995 Tacoma9051%180,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2015, with 38 complaints
2005: 4200542006: 332008: 1200812009: 222010: 2201022011: 222012: 3201232013: 552014: 232014232015: 38382016: 282016282017: 13132018: 4201842019: 112020: 4202042021: 112022: 1202212023: 112024: 120241

n = 137 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:leafSep 29, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V604000 · 710,711 vehicles

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.

Risk: If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The frame is rusting out substantially. The dealer advised me not to drive because the frame could fail at anytime. I have been driving around unaware of the problem. I could have been killed if the framed failed on the highway. There was no warning light. The Vehicle has been into the dealer and…

Received Sep 4, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11612615

Frame failure due to rust. Suspension is detached with springs hitting frame. NOTE: fuel tank partially detached previously due to rusted brackets 3-4 years ago and all components were replaced. Filed NHTSA report at that time however had technical issues completing… Still have photos.

Received Dec 12, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11559705

In May of 2018, I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. After arrival of new title, I received a safety recall notice from Toyota in regards to possible abnormal frame rust. I was instructed to take my Tacoma to nearest Toyota dealership for frame inspection. Prior to taking Tacoma in for frame…

Received Oct 22, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11490424
Toyota Tacoma
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road with a 2.4-liter I4 photographed in Vauxhall, New Jersey. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Clock38030, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2005 Toyota Tacomas have suspension problems?

No. NHTSA has 137 owner complaints about suspension for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma (19% of the 707 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma suspension?

Yes: 1 safety recall list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do suspension problems start?

The median reported mileage is 102,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about suspension problems on the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?

The most frequent phrase is “leaf springs”, in 20 of 137 complaints, followed by “frame rust” (13).

Other 2005 Toyota Tacoma problems

See all 2005 Toyota Tacoma problems or suspension problems across all Tacoma years.