2005 and early 2nd-gen issues -- and how to fix them!

I think these problems only v6 mainly

 

mine blew right after 200k, I kept just topping the radiator off and taking the extra coolant out of the reservoir every 30-45 minutes of driving and it did that for a while. right after that my frame failed at the mount.

 

can't say id recommend an 05/06 v6.

 

I checked the door jam it says June 06 so I guess I'm good? Thanks for the info everyone

 

Yes, definitely, my summary is written from the perspective of an 05 V6 4x4 owner, although I'll strive to consolidate issues with other early 2nd gen models and options here as well!

Sounds like you made if further than many of us! But sorry to hear about the frame failure, I guess it was it out of warranty?

As the frame replacement window continues to shrink, eventually excluding all years of 2nd gen production, I'm afraid this is the fate facing many otherwise functional trucks across the vast swaths of our continent where it snows.

Personally, I would recommend replacing the head gaskets well before daily coolant top-off is necessary, but if your truck's frame is on borrowed time... well, it sounds like you made the right call there!

As a happy '05 owner, I respectfully disagree, but your experience definitely highlights the deficiencies of this model year. It takes proactive and reactive maintainence to keep these trucks on the road, and I'm hoping this thread helps reduce the occurrence of people caught off-guard by these problems.

Sounds like it, and I sure hope so! Make sure to check your engine mounts and consider reinforcing them when convenient, and keep an eye on the transmission cross member too. Hope to see you on the trail someday.

 

I have a 2005 that had the Head Gasket issue around 137,000 miles. I had it fixed. I now have 247,000 miles and I will have this 2005 until the Doors and Fenders fall off of it. If you are afraid of vehicle troubles you better buy a Good Pair Of Shoes because there isn't one out there that isn't going to have any issues. I don't care of the Year or Manufacture they all of Good Ones and Bad Ones.

 

There's a thread on TW asking 2005 owners if the head gaskets had failed. Like EVERYTHING else on the internet the issue is highly exaggerated including in this thread.

 

The dealers near me wouldn’t cover my frame (Colorado Springs at the time) but I was able to find a local shop to repair the frame for $500. Would’ve costed me more to have it towed somewhere where I could get it replaced.

Looking back I wish I could’ve had the frame replaced but I was in a pinch and there’s no rust on the frame just the broken motor mount area

 

We have a 2005 AC 4x4 OR MT with over 230k. This is a working truck hauling 300 gallons of H2O on steep dirt roads daily (CA drought ) It’s needed some front end work and rear differential rebuild but it’s a strong truck with original V6. Maybe we were lucky but I don’t see the problem.

 

My head gasket failed on my 05 but with 398k on it. First noticed the coolant bubbling on Black gap trail in Big Bend NP of all places, held up for a few months after that. Replaced the engine with an 09 that had 90k. Frame was replaced around 250k miles under the recall.

 

Thanks for the post -- this is a good resource I'll hold onto in case I do come across any of these issues. I'm at 177k with no HG or other issues. Slow wheeling and a fair amount of time driving up / down the padre seashore. So far so good. I'm also in a very early one manufactured in Sept 04 that I drove off the lot in Dec 04.

 

Nicely put together sir! I have never really understood the 05 stigma honestly. I have had my 2005 for close to 10 years and I have had several friends with 05’s as well. We have all found the typical “tough as nails” Tacoma reputation to be true !

 

I know this is probably an old tread but on my 06 Tacoma 2.7 there was a plastic hose that was leaking refrigerant and I found out is really common for those years cause in the new tacomas 07 and up is not a plastic hose but a metal one

 

2005 TRD Sport 147k miles and no signs of HG failure. Just chiming in.

 

I just saw this and am laughing because i'm a few posts up noting no issues back in 2021. I now have over 200k ... but did replace my HG at 190 - the common spot between cyls 4 and 6 - about a year ago. All in all, I'm glad I did. Truck runs great. And as the original owner I plan to continue to maintain it and driving it indefinitly.

 

i have an 05 v6 that has spent it's whole life in NJ/PA so rust is always an issue. no major problems, ive owned it since 08 and bought it with ~20k miles.
frame replaced under frame recall in 2015 at ~135k Miles
Rack and pinion rotted out and replaced later in 2015 at 150k Miles
alternator replaced numerous times but the first time i replaced it i got a unit with a lifetime warranty.
obvious wear items over time shocks, tie rods etc
replaced power steering lines due to rust 2x
all wheel bearings have been replaced at least once
no major issues overall, power train is still all original
no HG issues and sitting at ~240k miles today and prepping to sell the truck since i have a 2023 now. i still like the 05 better though

-Chris

 

I loved my 05 TRD off road till I got my 2012, both have been great