90 of the 491 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Tundra are about the body and structure — 18% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 126,635 miles.
90
Complaints
3
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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).
NHTSA complaint #11696453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
1)Frame is rusting out. Not repairable. 2) Fuel tank strap rusted through and broken.
NHTSA complaint #11666631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
know issue with Toyota Tundra Frame, and refuse to give option to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11610237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11597528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11593990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame rusted thru to point it is unsafe to drive
NHTSA complaint #11572303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame and suspension is rotted away badly was recall on frame In 2005
NHTSA complaint #11567142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11555176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Severe rust throughout the frame
NHTSA complaint #11550454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11498671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11498365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
NHTSA complaint #11493011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11448270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11445483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11437439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11433998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame is rusted. Whole on front passenger side frame.
NHTSA complaint #11426572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME IS VERY RUSTY. STRAP HOLDING FUEL TANK IS DANGEROUS , REAR SUSPENTION ,AND SHOCKS BROKEN
NHTSA complaint #11426059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11420939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11417915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
DISCOVERED SEVERE RUST THROUGH ON THE UNDERSIDE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11413421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11406794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11406801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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?
NHTSA complaint #11403240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11399878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11383049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I PURCHASED TRUCK 2 YEARS AGO WITH A INSPECTION STICKER GOOD FOR 5 OR 6 MONTHS. WHEN INSPECTION WAS DUE I BROUGHT IT INTO HAVE IT INSPECTED. IT WOULDN'T PASS INSPECTION DO TO THE ADVANCED STATE OF CORROSION. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS RECALL FOR FRAME REPLACEMENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM AND ALL THESE TRUCKS ARE RUSTING OUT AND MANY STILL ON RD PUTTING LIVES IN JEOPARDY AS THOUSANDS ARE UNSAFE GOING DOWN HIGHWAYS. I BROUGHT IT INTO BERLIN TOYOTA IN PORTLAND ME ON RIVERSIDE DR. THEY BROUGHT ME TRUCK IN AND DID THE INSPECTION AND AGREED FRAME WAS NOT SAFE. THEY SAID MY TRUCK HAD TOO MANY MILES ON IT. I ASKED ABOUT THIS SAME TOYOTA THAT THEY BOUGHT BACK FROM A CUSTOMER WITH OVER A MILLION MILES ON IT ORIGINAL DRIVE TRAIN AND THEY HAVE BRAGGED THAT THESE TRUCK GO MORE THAN A MILLION MILES IF MAINTAINED PROPERLY. THEY KEPT TRYING TO TALK ME INTO BUYING A NEW TRUCK AND WERE ADAMANT ABOUT MY MILES BEING TOO HIGH. 220,009 MILES PLUS OR MINUS THIS WAS JUST OVER A YEAR AGO. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I STILL OWED CLOSE TO 10,000 FOR THIS VEHICAL AND THAT THEY NEEDED TO STAND BEHIND IT. WELL LEFT EMPTY HANDED AND WENT BACK TO MY MECHANIC AMD TOLD HIM WHAT WAS SAID. HE INFORMED ME THAT THAT WAS RIDICULOUS BECAUSE HE HAD A CUSTOMER COME IN LAST WEEK THAT JUST HAD THEIR FRAME REPLACED AT 300,000 MILES AND IM JUST GETTING BLOWN OFF BY THEM. A YEAR LATER AMD I CANT EVEN GET TOYOTA TO RESPOND. THEY KEEP SENDING ME RECALL INFO ABOUT AIRBAG RECALL BUT WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE FRAME RECALL. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO MY MECHANIC CALLED ME TO SEE IF THEY REPLACED MY FRAME YET AND TOLD HIM NO. HE SAID THAT REALLY STRANGE BECAUSE HE'S HAD 3 CUSTOMERS OVER PAST 6 MONTHS WITH SAME TRUCK SAME YEAR AMD THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THEIR FRAMES REPLACED BY TOYOTA AND THEIR MILEAGE WAS AROUND THE SAME WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE BEING ALMOST 290,000. IM A SINGLE PARENT WITH CHILDREN AND IM MAKING PAYMENTS ON THIS.
NHTSA complaint #11376469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRAME UNDERNEATH AT SWAY BAR AND SURROUNDING AREA IS RUSTED OUT. IT COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD. THIS IS ON THE RECALL LIST. I AM REQUESTING THIS BE FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11350369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.