NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls and 377 owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Tundra. Most complaints involve structure (91) and air bags (83). The EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tundra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1,026 |
| 2001 | 421 |
| 2002 | 511 |
| 2003 | 411 |
| 2004 | 466 |
| 2005 | 377 |
| 2006 | 545 |
| 2007 | 390 |
| 2008 | 327 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 156 |
| 2013 | 85 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 120 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 100 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 432 |
| 2023 | 412 |
| 2024 | 349 |
| 2025 | 141 |
“My 2005 Toyota Tundra 4x4 Toyota’s frame is completely rusted out, with large rust holes in the frame. At 88,000 miles & is unsafe to drive. Many other people who have the same make and model are having the same problems. Toyota had a recall on the frame but I missed it as I have had a heart attack and kidney failure. I have reached out to multiple dealerships and Toyota’s main customer support in 2022 and even in the last week.. They refuse to do anything.”
“Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Tundra. The contact had notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V741000 (Air Bags) however, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to a local dealer for the recall repair. The contact made a local dealer aware of the issue and was informed that they were unable to provide a field technician or towing assistance and the contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
“frame and brake systems are severely rusted. has been undercoated many times but frame is rusting from inside out in the boxed portions and is delaminating from double layered reinforced areas. Toyota had a recall for some of these models but this one was not included for some reason. I have a 1997 model Toyota suv that has no rust compared to this 2005 model. Toyota needs to reopen this recall campaign as there are too many vehicles that have this same issue. This truck only has 119,000 miles. Failed a safety inspection at an independent tire store-frame rust and rear brake backing plates rusted and breaking apart. This truck is from the northern states and is currently in Florida.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Tundra 2WD Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Tundra 2WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Tundra 4WD Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
14 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 377 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (91), air bags (83), suspension (76). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Toyota Tundra at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).