Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) Problems to Check Before You Bid

The second-generation Toyota Tacoma (2005–2015) might be the best example of a truck that holds its value. People pay strong money for them, salvage title or not, because the drivetrain is known to run a long time. That makes them a good flip, but only if you know about the two big problems: the frame and the springs.

011. Frame rust (2005–2010 especially)

This is the big one. Frames on many 2005–2010 Tacomas rusted badly, especially in salt-belt states. Some rusted through, with holes big enough to put a hand through, near the rear leaf spring mounts and the crossmembers.

Toyota settled a class action over frame rust in 2016, valued at about $3.4 billion. Under the program, Toyota inspected trucks and replaced frames or bought trucks back.

What that means for you at auction:

• Assume the program is over for any truck you're looking at. Coverage ran a set number of years from when the truck was first sold, and those windows have closed for these model years.
• Some trucks got new frames already. A 2005–2010 Tacoma with a replacement frame is a much better buy than one with the original. Look for a frame that looks newer than the rest of the underside.
• Look hard underneath: the area around the rear spring hangers, the crossmembers, and the inside of the frame rails. Flaky, scaling rust or holes are a no.
• 2011–2015 trucks had improved frames and are generally better, but still check them on salt-belt trucks.

If the listing doesn't show the frame and you can't see it in person, assume the worst on a northern truck.

022. Rear leaf spring recall (2005–2011)

In 2014, Toyota recalled about 690,000 2005–2011 Tacomas (4x4 and 2WD PreRunner) because the rear leaf springs could crack from stress and corrosion. A broken leaf could move and puncture the fuel tank.

• Check: run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup for any open recall.
• Look: at the rear springs in photos or in person. Broken leaves, a sagging rear, or one side sitting lower is a sign.
• Fix: if it's done, the springs will look newer than the rest of the suspension.

033. Engines: mostly the good news

The 4.0L V6 and 2.7L four-cylinder in this generation have reputations for running a very long time with basic maintenance. Both use timing chains, not belts.

• Check the oil in person if you can. Milky oil means coolant contamination, which is bad news on any engine.
• High-mileage trucks are normal. A Tacoma with 200,000 miles that ran in is not unusual.

044. Bed cracks

Owners have reported cracks in the composite bed, often near the front corners, especially on trucks that carried heavy loads or went off-road. Check the bed in the photos.

055. The usual truck checks

• Off-road abuse: lifted trucks, aftermarket bumpers, skid plate dents and bent rear differentials. A TRD Off-Road may have been used hard.
• Rust besides the frame: brake lines, the bottom of the doors and the bed supports.
• Front-end hits: radiator, condenser and airbags, as with any truck.
• Title type and keys. See reading a Copart listing.

06How to bid it

Tacomas sell for strong money, so competition at auction is fierce. Don't get caught up in a bidding war on a rusty frame. Know your fixed value, subtract the damage, add a reserve for springs on any 2005–2011 and a big frame reserve on any northern 2005–2010 without a replacement frame, then fees and transport. See pricing a salvage flip and salvage vs. rebuilt title for resale value on a branded title.

A clean-framed second-gen Tacoma is one of the safest flips at auction. A rusty one can be scrap metal with a good engine.

Sources (2)

The Fast Lane Truck: 2005–2011 Tacoma leaf spring recall; NHTSA recall 14V604.

Photo: 2009 Toyota Tacoma crew cab -- NHTSA by U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain.

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