2005 Toyota Tundra

Above average

Owners filed 374 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 14 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
82,450 milesMedian miles at failure

228 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags78
604
Structure › Body65
200
Suspension31
110
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint16
000
Unknown or Other14
000
Vehicle Speed Control13
200
Service Brakes13
202
Electrical System13
111
Steering12
301
Power Train12
201

14 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint22E002000
Filed Jan 14, 202215,200 vehiclesTenneco Automotive

Defect. Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints for 2004-2007 Toyota Sequoia and 2004-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles, MOOG part number K80521, K80522, NAPA part number NCP2601633, NCP2601634, ACDelco part number 45D2344, and 45D2345. The ball joint housing may have inadequate hardness, causing premature failure.

Risk. A ball joint failure may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. DRiV will work with distributors to return unsold parts. Dealers will inspect and replace the ball joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact DRiV customer service at 1-877-489-6659 or at [email protected].

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V741000
Filed Oct 17, 2019928,220 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V883000
Filed Dec 12, 2018168,993 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2002-2005 Lexus SC and Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2005 Toyota Corolla and Tundra, and 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will notify the Pontiac Vibe owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, or replace the air bag assembly that includes an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 23, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for these recalls are J0A (Zone A Toyota), J0B (Zone B Toyota), J0C (Zone C Toyota), JLI (Zone A Lexus), JLJ (Zone B Lexus), and JLK (Zone C Lexus). Note: This recall includes vehicles that have had their air bag previously replaced under an earlier air bag campaign.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler16V396000
Filed Jun 2, 20167,749 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

Air Bags › Side/Window16V065000
Filed Feb 5, 2016320,409 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.

Risk. If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.

Air Bags15V285000
Filed May 13, 20151,973,468 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.

Air Bags15V286000
Filed May 13, 20151,069,055 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V036000
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc

Defect. SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V035000
Filed Feb 3, 2010271,417 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.

Defect. GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint07V013000
Filed Jan 19, 2007533,124 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MINI VANS, DUE TO POSSIBLE IMPROPER FINISHING OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, SOME BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCIDENTAL DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL LUBRICATION. THIS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT TO WEAR AND LOOSEN PREMATURELY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION.

Risk. IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Showing 10 of 14 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 9, 2025VA

The frame is so rusted in my truck my mechanic said it may snap at anytime and is not safe to drive. I know Toyota tundra’s from 2000-2003 have been recalled for same reason.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 29, 2025MD

This report addresses the critical structural integrity concerns related to excessive corrosion, and frame material loss affecting the main ladder frame chassis. The degradation of the frame members poses a significant and immediate safety risk, including potential catastrophic structural failure, detachment of critical components, and failure of safety systems (e.g., braking and fuel lines) mounted to the frame. Location: Mid-frame section (beneath the cab) and rear sections (near the leaf spring mounts and rear axle).

Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2025WA

Suddenly unintended acceleration has happened multiple times with the brake depressed and the accelerator pedal not depressed.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 12, 2025IA

1)Frame is rusting out. Not repairable. 2) Fuel tank strap rusted through and broken.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 22, 2024PA

Know issue with Toyota Tundra Frame, and refuse to give option to repair.

Suspension
Filed Aug 13, 2024PA

Frame is rusted beyond repair both in the front and rear of the truck. fuel tank strap is rusted threw and fuel tank is hanging by one strap and not far from the ground.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 28, 2024OH

We are the first owner of this 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited with only 91K miles. The frame is rusted so badly that we are afraid to drive down the road. This rusted problem could cause potential harm or death to us and others on the road.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jun 12, 2024139,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the sub frame was rusted and had holes. The parking brake and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that the vehicle might not pass a safety inspection due to the position of the holes and rust. The warning lights were repaired but the sub frame was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a frame shop, the frame shop declined to service the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact about an Extended Warranty, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 30, 2024CT

THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR FRAME RUST ISSUES. THE DEALER UNDER COATED THE FRAME IN-LIEU OF REPLACING IT, AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH SO MANY OTHERS. NOW I'M FACING A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH IN CRITICAL AREAS. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS IF THE FRAME SNAPS IN HALF WHILE UNDER HIGH SPEEDS CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY INJURING OTHER AND OR MYSELF. I HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER (240530000550). THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND THEY WERE THE ONES THAT RECOMMENDED CONTACTING THIS ORGANIZATION AS WELL AS THE MANUFACTURER.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2024MO

I purchased a 2005 Toyota Tundra for my son for his first vehicle. After taking it to a professional mechanic to be inspected I was told that the frame is rotted from rust and cannot pass inspection. After researching this issue i found that toyota had a recall on their frames because of how many and how bad the frames were. I believe this tundra rates the recall because of how bad the rust is. Any help getting this recall to fix this known issue with the rusting frames would be greatly appreciated, thank you for your time.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 27, 2024IL

The frame on this truck is severely compromised by rust. This is a well known problem with early Toyota Tundras, and Toyota issued a recall that ended with model year 2004, despite knowing that it was also an issue with 2005 and 2006 models as well. This is one of these trucks. This particular truck has large rust holes in the frame near the front driver's side wheel, and had multiple very weak spots that are on the brink of failure, all while the body and suspension components are in relatively good shape still. This creates a significant safety hazard. A Toyota dealership in Effingham, IL looked at the frame a number of years ago, but didn't do any work on it, claiming that it was not covered by Toyota's recalls or service bulletins.

Suspension
Filed Apr 24, 2024290,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver’s side front ball joint detached causing the front driver’s side wheel to bend inward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence which caused damage to the fender. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V013000 (Suspension) however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 290,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 19, 2024PA

Was told my truck would not be able to be inspected next year because of a rotting FRAME! This potentuly means I will not have a safe vehicle. I have not brought my truck to a dealer...but I must say I did have the same problem with my last truck a (Toyota Tundra) and it was taken care of and was PLEASED by the outcome, that is why I bought another of the same. I feel after spending the money a vehicle costs this is something the manufacture should remedy. With the cost of a new vehicle..it is almost impossible to buy. My truck is in good running condition along with being a great truck. If it weren't for the rotting frame I'm sure I would get many more years of service from it. Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you , [XXX] [XXX] PS If pictures are needed I will supply them, just ask. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 16, 2024NC

Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive

Suspension
Filed Feb 15, 2024VA

Frame corrosion through out the entire frame. Recently the steering rack broke away from the frame cross member. Now every time I turn the wheel there is a popping sounds and the steering feels loose compared to what it did before the sound accord. There is also a hole in the back of the frame behind the back tire. My attached tow package ripped sections of the frame and caused crack to extend towards the front of the frame. The fuel tank straps are also severely corroded.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 2024NY

Frame and suspension is rotted away badly was recall on frame In 2005

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 21, 2024MD

The frames of Toyota trucks are known for rusting through and perforating causing the vehicle to be unsafe to own/drive. My frame is seperating and rusting through. The dealer "stated" they performed a treatment to prevent this deterioration from happening, however it clearly did not work. I have contacted the dealer to have the frame replaced under the safety recall but the are refusing since they said it was already attempted to be "treated". The vehicle is in excellent working condition and Toyota should honor this safety recall since it was a manufacturing issue that is causing these frames to fail prematurely. I do not feel safe driving my truck in the condition it is in but cannot afford to buy another since Toyota will not replace the failed frame.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 14, 2023AR

Severe frame rust due to cheap frame material. Earlier year models were recalled but 05 and 06 were not, just a limited campaign. Frame looks like it has been coated before, but this is a known issue with these trucks. I have contacted Toyota and they basically said, sorry, we can't do anything.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 17, 2023IA

Severe rust throughout the frame

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 25, 2023NH

Original owner. Well known frame rust safety issue as documented by thousands of 2005 Tundra owners. Toyota did an inspection for frame rust several years ago and opted for coating to deal with issue hastily given the long delay/backlog with replacing entire frame. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Now major safety/inspection issues with frame area and gas tank. Unable to allow my child to drive back to college. Not safe. Not worth risking kids lives. Would be interested to learn how many owner/operators need to report serious injury/fatalities before NHTSA enforces action against Toyota for corporate greed.

20 of 374 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2000
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202630100Routine
2025130500Routine
20243341030Above average
20234001350Above average
20224281300Above average
202124310Routine
202045510Routine
2019721020Routine
201899930Routine
201778600Routine
2016119600Routine
201548510Routine
201493510Routine
201385630Routine
2012155420Routine
20111341100Routine
20101631600Routine
2009381310Routine
20083271320Above average
20073901453Fatalities reported
20065451300Above average
2005 — this page3741430Above average
20044661311Fatalities reported
20033991030Above average
2002482613Fatalities reported
2001415521Fatalities reported
20001,011751Fatalities reported
19991100Routine

Compare every Tundra year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 14, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.