Toyota Tacoma: Most Years are Solid, but the 2005-2010 Models Struggle with Rusty Frames & Faulty Leaf Springs

Sherry Bryan
Nov 2, 2021

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular contenders in the midsize-pickup segment. However, there are a handful of model years, 2005-2010 and 2016-2017, to avoid due to rusted, rotting frames, and rear differentials that can leak and cause the wheels to seize.

2019 Toyota Tacoma - Photo by Toyota

Key Points

  • Toyota Tacomas from 2005 to 2010 were recalled for excessive rust and rot impacting the structural integrity of the frame, and airbags that may not deploy.
  • The 2016 and 2017 models scored low across the board for a host of problems, with the most common being a quirky transmission.
  • Overall, the Toyota Tacoma is one of the best midsize pickups in its class, and if you avoid the worst years you should end up a happy owner.

Toyota’s Tacoma Has a Solid Reputation for Reliability, with Just a Few Problem Years, Including 2005-2010’s Struggles with Rusty Frames, Faulty Leaf Springs & Sticky Accelerator Pedals

The Toyota Tacoma debuted in 1995 as a more compact alternative to larger half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150. While it’s now one of Toyota’s most popular models, there have been a few speed bumps along the way, with some years having issues with rusting frames, breaking leaf springs, and faulty transmissions.

Here, we’ll review the second-generation Tacoma onwards, as those are more likely to be found for sale online or on dealers’ lots.

From 2005 to 2010 the Tacoma held a double-digit recall count each year, as well as thousands of combined complaints, many of which pertain to premature rusting issues that could eat holes through the frame, or braking leaf springs.

2018 Toyota Tacoma - Photo by Toyota

Faulty Frames Could Leave the Pickup with Severe Rust that May Eat Holes Through the Frame

Tacomas from 2005 to 2010 Toyota received a number of complaints from drivers who reported their frames had severe rust, rot, and corrosion. Some owners reported their trucks would not pass inspection due to extensive frame damage from rust eating holes into the frame, and extending to other components.

Ultimately, Toyota handled the recall well and was pretty transparent with the information. More importantly, the brand settled the rusted-frame issue with drivers in a $3,000,000,000 settlement. Again, the most affected models were Tacomas from 2004 to 2010.

Corroded Leaf Springs Can Brake and Puncture the Fuel Tank, Possibly Causing Leak or Fire Risk

One recall with the NHTSA involves the leaf springs above the rear axle. Over 710,000 trucks were recalled because of a potential hazard where the springs could break, increasing the risk of a fire. Should a leaf spring fracture due to stress or corrosion while being driven, it could move, contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank, and possibly puncture the fuel tank and cause a leak. Toyota installs new rear leaf spring assemblies on all impacted vehicles and extended the frame-corrosion warranty to 15 years.

Other Issues Include Loose Seatbelt Screws, Airbags that may not Deploy, and a Gas Pedal that May Stick

One issue that affects only certain Access Cab models involves seatbelt screws that can loosen over time, possibly causing the pre-tensioner to detach if too much pressure is applied. This problem reportedly affected over 342,000 Tacomas,

Another recall concerns Toyota Tacomas with a driver’s side airbag that may not deploy in an accident due to a faulty flexible flat cable that could prematurely wear down when turning the steering wheel.

The Tacoma was also part of a widespread recall affecting nearly 4.5 million Toyota vehicles in which the gas pedal could become stuck in the full-throttle position due to an improper design.

2017 Toyota Tacoma

Transmission Woes Were the Most Commonly Reported Complaints for 2016 and 2017 Tacomas

Tacomas from 2016 and 2017 had real issues with their automatic transmission, including delayed engagement of the “Drive” mode in cold climates, hesitating, hard shifts, and lurching.

One registered NHTSA complaint shows the owner experiencing most of these issues, stating “[The transmission] fails to shift correctly (hunting for gears) on the highway and hesitates to accelerate when needed, Also the transmission sometimes has a delayed engagement when putting it into reverse or drive from a standstill.”

Sadly, no recall has been issued yet to resolve the transmission woes, so the repair costs are likely at the owner’s expense if it’s not covered under an extended warranty.

Car Complaints shows a total of 44 mentions about the powertrain, which includes the transmission, in 2016 models, and 24 in 2017, making them the most commonly reported issues for those years.

Of the Nine Total Recalls Between 2016 and 2017, Two Were Severe and Could Be Hazardous

As for recalls, the NHTSA only issued four in 2016 and five in 2017. Of these, two are more concerning, including one affecting just under 32,000 units where the crank position can fail and cause the vehicle to stall while driving.

The next is more widespread, a rear differential leak in almost 228,000 2016 and 2017 Tacomas. The issue is that if a leak is present, the rear differential can’t function, which may make it seize and cause loss of control, increasing the chances of an accident.

2017 Toyota Tacoma - Photo by Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is a Reliable, Safe Bet in the Midsize Pickup Market, but 2005-2010 and 2016 & 2017 Models are Best Avoided

So, is the Toyota Tacoma a safe bet? Yes, it is. Provided that you are looking at model years 2011 to 2015, or 2018 to current. 2005 to 2010 models were riddled with recalls and thousands of complaints, while 2016 and 2017 had a number of transmission complaints and two slightly alarming recalls.

Avoid the worst years of the Toyota Tacoma and you should remain a happy owner. Regardless, overall the Tacoma is a reliable vehicle, and if a trusted mechanic gives the go-ahead, even the years to avoid could be worth considering.

Photos: Toyota 

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jared Kreider on September 1, 2022
Frame issue is real
I have been an avid Toyota consumer since 2008. I love my 2008 Tacoma and wish that it hadn’t come to this. I bought it new. In 2015 there was a recall on the structural integrity of the frame. I took it to a dealer to address the recall. 7 years later I cannot obtain an inspection sticker in order to legally drive my vehicle without repairing the frame significantly. My truck has 95,000 miles on it. I have taken immaculate care of it. It is ineligible to pass inspection due to a known, well-documented manufacturer defection and Toyota has graciously told me that I am on my own in order to reconcile the situation. Everything in this review can be validated with some research. Needless to say, they have lost a very loyal customer.
accountCircle Steve Straub on March 2, 2022
Bad clear coat on 2015 Tacoma TRD
My clear coat is failing on the roof and hood of my 2015 Tacoma TRD. I maintain and wax my vehicles regularly. I'm going to go through the process of reporting this to Toyota, but I'm not very hopeful based on what I've read from other's experiences. If Toyota won't cover this defect this will be my last Toyota - and I've owned 3 Toyota Tacomas in the last 20 years.
accountCircle Britt P on November 3, 2021
Issues with my 2009 Tacoma.
Body rust. Seemed to start rusting sooner than other vehicles. Electrical system. Headlights keep going out and are not easily replaced. Have had electrical system issues. Front steering. When making tight turns in either direction, there is a noticeable clunking from the front end. Changing to 4WD. Sometimes there is a definite thud when switching to and from 4WD.
accountCircle Taryn O’Gorman on November 2, 2021
2008 Tacoma 2.7 engine prone to head gasket issues
Water from the rad went through to cylinder #1. In order to work on this, the WHOLE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. Cost then becomes crazy- a hard decision to rebuild that motor, replace for just a little more (but still be prone for head gasket issues), or just toss up and buy another vehicle.
accountCircle Michael H on November 2, 2021
I've had a number of recalls on my 2006 Tacoma
Replaced power window motor on passenger side. Only other problems included a couple of flat tires, dead battery, headlight, turn signal and brake light replacements. A number of recalls including frame, air bag light, seat belts, and floor brake.
accountCircle Rich on November 4, 2021
Work done to my 2005 Tacoma
I replaced front wheel bearings when it was around 95000 miles and rear axle oil seal on passenger side. Toyota replaced frame in 2016. Two sets of brakes and a water pump were changed when frame was being changed.
accountCircle Karen C on November 3, 2021
2005 Tacoma with lots of recalls and poor quality paint
Too many recall issues over the years. Always have problems with wheel balancing. Also, Toyota paint jobs do not last very long under exposure. Hood and roof paint/clear coat went first.
accountCircle john smith on November 2, 2021
Frame issues 2007 Tacoma
Too bad Toyota can't hire qualified engineers to solve their frame issues. Second one. Recalls are a time inconvenience. You don't get paid for your time time spent in shop for recalls.
accountCircle Franco P on November 4, 2021
2016 Tacoma - Transmission hunts for gears
The transmission is the only problem for me. It hunts for gears sometimes and will rev very high before changing gears. Also the Bluetooth system has some problems sometimes.
accountCircle Summer D on November 2, 2021
Transmission in my 2006 Tacoma has had issues
This 2006 Toyota has had minor transmission issues in the past. The other only thing that may break is the glove box and the inside compartment breaks pretty easily.
accountCircle Bruce Miller on November 3, 2021
Frame recall and clutch replacements in my 2005 Tacoma
Toyota has been very good servicing recalls including a new frame. The one con that I have is that I have had to change the clutch twice already.
accountCircle jack w on November 3, 2021
Cost of repairs is high for my 2006 Tacoma
Very reliable but a few electronics problems that happened too early. Cost of any repairs are too high unless you can buy parts and do yourself.
accountCircle Mr Smith. on February 18, 2023
Rusted frames were not recalled!Now that the Fix is no longer available,Toyota claims it was a recall?
Have a 2010 Tacoma.Told there was never a recall .Now that the date of replacement is over,The company says there was a registered recall.BS.
accountCircle Jonathan F on November 3, 2021
2008 Toyota Tacoma reliable but has issues with power steering
There have been issues with the power steering pump and the power steering hoses. This has totaled about 2,000 dollars to fix.
accountCircle Joe A on November 3, 2021
2005 Tacoma needed a new frame
Toyota gave me a new frame on my third try, and the dealership apologized because I should have gotten one on my first try.
accountCircle David L on November 2, 2021
My 2006 Toyota Tacoma
I have had few problems with it. I did have excessive frame corrosion but Toyota replaced the frame at no cost to me.
accountCircle Shana B on November 2, 2021
I like my 2016 Tacoma if it weren't for the failures after a few years.
I loved it at first but after a few years I have had quite a lot of problems and currently need a new transmission.
accountCircle Trever B on November 3, 2021
Radiator leak due to hose on my 2006 Tacoma
I have only had one issue since I bought it and that is a radiator leak. It was easily fixed by replacing a hose.
accountCircle Tom k on February 2, 2024
Bed paint by the windows is down to aluminum no pain
I have a 2018 Toyota Tacoma, Trd, 4 x 4, off-road paint on top of the bed by the windows. It’s all worn out.
accountCircle Gabriel S on November 2, 2021
Frame recall on my 2005 Tacoma
Had a bunch of recalls over the years, it ended up getting a new frame among other parts replaced at no cost.
accountCircle Ken s on November 4, 2021
2008 Tacoma needs paint, clutch, drive shaft.
It badly needs a paint job, and there some other minor problems with it. It has a new clutch & drive shaft.
accountCircle Cyrrus E on November 4, 2021
2017 Tacoma transmission performance is poor
The transmission seems to have a difficult time figuring out which gear it should be during uphill climbs.
accountCircle Eileen K on November 3, 2021
Water leak when it rains -2010 Tacoma
The only problem is there is a seal leak somewhere and the floor mats get a little damp when it rains.
accountCircle Gary T on November 3, 2021
2010 Toyota Tacoma access cab recalls
It has had three recalls, airbag replaced, seat belt attachment upgraded, and leaf springs replaced.
accountCircle Cali P on November 3, 2021
2009 Toyota Tacoma
I have had a tiny rear differential leak that is very common for a Tacoma of this age.
accountCircle Nick A on November 4, 2021
2006 Tacoma had frame replaced
Toyota made good on a major recall issue. . . They replaced the frame at no charge.
accountCircle Kevin on November 6, 2022
Chasis
A donde hay q comunicarse para cambiar el chasis de una Toyota 2005 en Boston ma
accountCircle Beth W on November 3, 2021
Red 2010 Toyota Tacoma
Only complaint is the vehicle was recalled to do an issue with a spiral cable.
accountCircle Robert S on November 2, 2021
Rusty frame on the 2006 Tacoma
Had a frame rusting issue but the manufacturer fixed it.
accountCircle Carl M on November 2, 2021
Frame rust out and the manufacturers denial.
Dislike the treatment of me for frame rust out.
avatar Sherry Bryan
Sherry Bryan is a freelance writer and editor from New York. For the last five years, she has covered all manner of the automotive industry as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle, enthusiast, and culture publications. Her specialties are industry trends, history, design, automotive oddities, drag racing, interviews, and features. Bryan's work has been featured on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Team Speed, and other popular automotive websites.
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