2005 Toyota Tacoma Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 9%of 707 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,200miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, 9% of the 707 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As I was driving I went to make a turn and the steering becomes very difficult and dose not respond as it should, Toyota is aware of this problem and told me the steering shaft must be replaced, I almost ran into oncoming traffic because of the steering problem. This problem has occurred numerous times on city streets county routes and us highway route 22 in the state of new jersey.”
NHTSA complaint #11339305, filed 2020-07, 84,000 miles“Started truck and when pulling out of driveway steering become extremely stiff. No unusual sounds. Stiffness is not always there, it pulsates. Fluid level and color all within specs. Belt within specs. I plan on putting it on a lift when I return home and preform an inspection. Suspect u joint failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11163063, filed 2018-12, 220,000 miles“I too experienced the stiffness while steering. I almost spent large dollars but decide to do some research on the internet. I learned that the cause of it was a rusted joint. After some heavy spraying with lubricants, I regained normal operations. But only until next winter..ugh! Recommend Toyota takes note of this and decide on a solution for those who are not mechanically inclined.”
NHTSA complaint #10861733, filed 2016-04, 150,000 miles“Steering is difficult, as if no power steering exists. I checked online and saw others had the same problem. I lubricated the lower part of intermediate steering shaft, and it seems to work ok for now. If the part is rusted, I'm afraid the steering will go out altogether and cause loss of control. This is a safety issue. The frame has been replaced due to rust. Is this more of the same problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10823221, filed 2016-01, 142,000 miles“When turning the steering wheel in either direction I have extremely stiff steering. It seems to stick and is not fluid when turning. I am concerned that this can cause an accident while driving. I have checked the steering power fluid level and it is at the correct level.”
NHTSA complaint #10667412, filed 2014-12, 177,392 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10123422Oct 30, 2017Region Email: Toyota has received a number of reports regarding Propeller Shaft Universal Joints on certain 2005 ? 2011 model year Tacoma vehicles. In these reports, customers…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 9% |
| 2024 | 4 | 3% |
| 2023 | 9 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% |
| 2020 | 4 | 4% |
| 2019 | 10 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 1% |
| 2015 | 4 | 4% |
| 2014 | 8 | 9% |
| 2013 | 14 | 11% |
| 2012 | 12 | 4% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 19 | 6% |
| 2009 | 39 | 8% |
| 2008 | 41 | 9% |
| 2007 | 54 | 10% |
| 2006 | 40 | 5% |
| 2005 | 61 | 9% |
| 2004 | 29 | 7% |
| 2003 | 12 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 3% |
| 2001 | 20 | 5% |
| 2000 | 4 | 2% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 12 | 4% |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% |
| 1996 | 9 | 4% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma
260 complaintsSuspension
137 complaintsVehicle speed control
93 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
57 complaintsAir bags
46 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsTires
25 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
20 complaintsEngine
18 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology