NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Toyota Tundra. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
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.
Suddenly unintended acceleration has happened multiple times with the brake depressed and the accelerator pedal not depressed.
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).
1)Frame is rusting out. Not repairable. 2) Fuel tank strap rusted through and broken.
know issue with Toyota Tundra Frame, and refuse to give option to repair.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive
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.
Frame and suspension is rotted away badly was recall on frame In 2005
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.
Severe rust throughout the frame
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop and crashed into the vehicle ahead. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags did deploy. The contact sustained injuries to his back, neck, right shoulder, and right clavicle. The other driver sustained injuries to his back and neck. The contact sought medical attention from a physical therapist but was unaware if the other driver sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to park on the side of the road but then towed the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 266,313.
Toyota did an inspection for frame rust years ago, but mine is now rusting out I believe it should have been swapped at the time of the recall.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while performing a routine inspection, the contact noticed that the subframe was rusted on the front and the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle had a spray-on coating however, the vehicle was rusted and the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 60,000.
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
i recently purchased the 2005 Tundra I was instructed to take the Tundra to Westbury Toyota for inspection and they didnt even took at the truck they claimed according to the VIN is not eligible for any consideration from Toyota North North America The frame has recessive deterioration. We understand the truck doesnt have lifetime warranty but I am disappointed in Toyota's response
It’s has come to my attention that this is an on going issue with tundra frames rusting out after being sprayed I inherited this truck from a family friend and the truck is getting to where it’s not drivable for frame issues this needs to be addressed by Toyota ASAP!!
The frame is rusted, luckily a mechanic caught it in time, it’s not road worthy.
I own a 2005 Toyota Tundra 4dr. and in January of this year 2022 a recall was sent out on ‘Inadequate Hardness of Ball Joint Housing’. My Tundra is having ball joint problems meaning skeeking on the front wheels, vibrating until over 55 mph., and suspension problems. I called a Toyota dealership to get the truck fixed but they told me that back in 2007 the ball joints were already fixed. I shouldn’t be having this problem if the recall just came out. I’m trying to get this problem corrected on my truck without having to pay the $900 bill they want to charge me to fix it. Whst can I do ??
The driver's side front frame has rotted out disconnecting the mount for the anti-roll bar. This has happened despite several reports to the dealership going back many years that the frame was rusting rapidly which, upon examination, they said that it was OK. They did apply a coating which might have delayed the process a bit but ultimately resolved nothing. For trucks that had perforated frames during the first few years, they replaced the frame. I tried to take care of mine, but it has finally failed and they say the replacement program is over. They are unwilling to provide even the necessary frame section and mounting bracket for the sway bar (~$545) for the frame shop to install %(2120).This vehicle has less than 98,000 miles on it and is used for short trips performing farmette duties. Frame failure can cause catastrophic accidents and should not be ignored by the manufacturer regardless of age. They know they used bad steel and should act accordingly. My action has been delayed by storm damage to frame shop which didn't reopen until December.
Front left wheel fell off. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? FRONT LEFT WHEEL. YES, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? WHEEL FELL OFF Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES. TOWED TO SHOP; THEY AGREED THAT FRONT LEFT WHEEL FELL OFF. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? CAPITOL BODY SHOP, RIDGELAND, MS Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? UKNOWN. VEHICLE HAS MADE NOISE OFF AND ON, BUT WHETHER DUE TO THIS I CANNOT SAY. PLEASE NOTE: THIS VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO Recall Number 07V013000 Recall Date 01/19/2007 lOWER BALL JOINT. THIS VEHICLE HAD THAT SERVICE DONE IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA AT APPROX 12,500 MILES. WHAT FAILED WAS THE FIXED/REPAIRED/REPLACED JOINT. ALL
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated his wife was driving on the highway at approximately 40 MPH when she hit a patch of ice and spun out of control crashing into an embankment on the rear driver side. As a result, the rear driver side tire was pushed back out of place about an inch and a half causing the control arm to become bent. The air bags did not deploy. The wife was not injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was currently being repaired at a body shop for cosmetic repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 215,000
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he was informed at the State Inspection facility that the entire sub-frame of the vehicle was severely corroded. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 148,518.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that he was made aware of the vehicle's frame corrosion by an independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
the frame has rotted to the point the vehicle cannot be driven. rusted with holes all in it unsafe
This vehicle was purchased as a certified used vehicle from Johnston Toyota. It was recalled by Toyota for a rust problem. In October 2014 the vehicle was treated by the dealer (Johnston Toyota) with a rust inhibiting compound due to the rust problem. Approximately 1-2 years ago this vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was badly rusted, and he believed that Toyota had a program to address this issue. I spoke to the Toyota service department and I was told that this vehicle is not covered. Approximately 2 weeks ago an independent mechanic advised the rust problem is extensive and the vehicle will be unsafe to operate. Although Toyota advises that this is a widespread problem for this type vehicle, they refuse to address it. Furthermore, when I asked them why the rust inhibiting compound they used to correct the problem did not solve the issue, they further refuse to respond.
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for the state inspection, it was discovered that the subframe had sustained severe rusting and corrosion causing the vehicle to fail the state inspection. The cause of the rusting and corrosion was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously treated with a rust inhibitor coating, but the failure still occurred. The failure mileage was 311,000.
Gas tank Strap rusted thru and broke. Brake lines rusted thru and leaked Differential rusted thru and leaked. Frame excessively and extensively rusted.
FRAME IS VERY RUSTY. STRAP HOLDING FUEL TANK IS DANGEROUS , REAR SUSPENTION ,AND SHOCKS BROKEN
Frame is rusted. Whole on front passenger side frame.
I seen that Toyota were recalled for the frame issues on 2004 and up, mine is 2005 tundra with frame issues, like it’s sad, such a nice truck, but frame is horrible. Why is mine not being shown as recalled, but yet I have frame problems? I got my truck from a 1 owner who had it since new, it just hit 100,000 miles on it, it was serviced by Toyota dealership, I’m not sure why they didn’t do nothing with it over the years to help or fix the rust issue on the frame. It’s not just a little rusty, it’s really rusty, and it was garage kept too. Did they forget to include my vin number when they started the recalls? Doesn’t make sense why they would fix some and not all, all around the same years. Thanks Jim
Perforations in frame along seams due to rust isolated to the driver side front frame rail. Toyota is aware of this problem and refuse service and repair.
The frame has several holes in it. Toyota said they did the corrosion prevension on it and said the repair is out of warranty. The sway bar has broken free of the frame and there are several hole and flaking spots on the frame.
DISCOVERED SEVERE RUST THROUGH ON THE UNDERSIDE FRAME.
I PURCHASED A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA UNAWARE OF THE WIDE-SPREAD RUST ISSUES THIS MODEL FROM TOYOTA IS SUFFERING. THE VEHICLE CAME WITH AN INSPECTION STICKER FROM THE DEALER SO IT WAS WELL PAST THE DEALER'S WARRANTY WINDOW TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ONCE I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MAINE AND WAS SOLD TO ME IN NEW YORK. I WAS INFORMED BY MY MECHANIC THAT THERE ARE 4 SERIOUS RUST ISSUES PRESENT ON THE VEHICLE THAT PREVENT IT FROM PASSING INSPECTION. 1) A LARGE SEVERAL SQUARE INCH PERFORATION IN THE CENTER OF THE FRAME MEMBER 2) "PANCAKING" PRESENT ON A LARGE SECTION OF THE FRAME 3) A LARGE PERFORATION IN ONE OF THE FRAME'S CROSS MEMBERS 4) A SIGNIFICANTLY RUSTED BODY MOUNT SOMEHOW, ONLY MODEL YEARS 2000-2003 WERE RECALLED FOR THE TUNDRA BY TOYOTA, AS IF THE REST OF THE GEN 1 TUNDRAS DIDN'T HAVE THE EXACT SAME FRAME PART NUMBER. WORSE YET, I REGISTERED ON TOYOTA.COM AND FOUND THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER REQUESTED A FRAME REPLACEMENT 60,000 MILES AGO IN 2014. TOYOTA DID NOTHING AND INSTEAD APPLIED A "CRC" OR CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND TO THE TRUCK. BASED ON WHAT I'VE READ ONLINE THE APPLICATION OF THIS COATING THIS CAN MAKE YOUR TRUCK INELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL SERVICE THIS ISSUE EFFECTIVELY TOTALS THE TRUCK AS IT WON'T PASS A SAFETY INSPECTION WITHOUT RECTIFYING THIS ISSUE. I AM IN QUITE AN UNFORTUNATE SITUATION AS A RESULT AS THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE.
LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN DSD 2004-11006 TUNDRA FRAME INSPECTION. I BOUGHT AN 05 TUNDRA LAST YEAR. CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THIS RECALL IS OVER. MY FRAME NEEDS REPAIRING. THEY ARE NOT HELPING. DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE?
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY SPARE TIRE MOUNT FAILED DO TO RUST CORROSION CAUSING MY SPARE TIRE TO FALL OFF OF MY VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION THE ENTIRE REAR FRAME AS WELL AS PARTS OF THE FRONT ARE CORRODED AND FLAKING CHUNKS OF METAL OFF. THIS RUSTING ALSO AFFECTS SUSPENSION MOUNTS AND THE ENTIRETY OF THE REAR AXLE.
CATASTROPHIC BALL JOINT FAILURE (DRIVER SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT) WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED.
The leaf springs have broken and frame is showing serious rust damage. Brake lines were leaking and had to be replaced.
2005 TUNDRA FRAME IS RUSTED IN MANY PLACES. VERY BAD WHERE FRAME SECTIONS MEET AND NOW THE FRAME IS RUSTING THROUGH THE MAIN HORIZONAL FRAME ITSELF AS THE ATTACHED PICTURE INDICATES. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR YEARS BUT IS BAD ENOUGH NOW THAT IT IS NOT SAFE AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS FRAME AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS OK WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE RECALL. I T HAS BEEN RUSTING EVER SENSE. WE HAVE ONLY PURCHASED TOYOTAS AND LEXUS VEHICLES FOR THE LAST 20 OR MORE YEARS AND THIS IS THE THIRD TRUCK RUST HAS TOTALED. PLEASE HELP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, HE LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED DCH AUTO GROUP (955 U.S. 9, SOUTH AMBOY, NJ 08879; (877) 324-2886) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PARTS OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND OPENED CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.*DT *TR*DT*JB
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026