2005 Toyota Tacoma: loss of power steering

8 of the 707 complaints about the 2005 Toyota Tacoma describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 112,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2025
3
2021
1
2020
1
2018
1
2016
1
2013
2
2012
2
2011
3
2010
3
2009
5
2008
4
2007
11
2006
6
2005
8
2004
2
2001
5
1999
2
1998
1
1996
4

What owners say

Filed Apr 15, 2016 · Steering · 112,000 miles · VA

Steering became very stiff over a period of a about 3 weeks, especially in cold weather. Steering wheel would not return to center on its own making steering difficult and dangerous. Research on the internet turned up hundreds of similar complaints. In some cases people's steering locked up entirely. Problem appears to be a universal joint in the steering column that is unprotected and subject to corrosion. My truck is currently at a dealership for four safety recalls, one of which requires the whole frame to be replaced due to corrosion. I will not get the truck back for about 3 months due to a backlog of parts. The frame is rusted through in two places and is unsafe to drive in that condition. I requested that the steering issue be looked into while it is in the shop and everything is apart. It seems to me that the steering issue, given the number of complaints on line and the seriousness of the problem may warrant looking into. It also seems to be related to the frame corrosion issue, for which there is a recall.

Filed Jan 30, 2016 · Steering · 142,000 miles · KY

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?

Filed Sep 18, 2015 · Steering · 184,565 miles · DE

Steering got very stiff and I had trouble operation the vehicle. I was almost was in an accident due to this. Once I got the truck to the roadside I checked for a flat tire, broken power steering belt and the power steering fluid level and condition. Everything was ok, but the steering wheel was still very had to turn. I had the trucks steering checked out and the u joint at the bottom of the steering column had sized up. Toyota part number 4520304020 intermediate steering shaft. This is a very dangerous problem and toyota should do a recall to cover this. The problem comes on suddenly and you lose the ability to control the vehicle.

Filed May 26, 2014 · Steering · 85,000 miles · MI

While driving steering suddenly got hard. Then it was normal again for a bit. I noticed that after making left turn it was hard to steer right and vice versa when turning right. Checked power steering and was good. Research on forums suggested a exposed knuckle on a part 45203a called shaft, steering intermediate, no.2. After lubrication to the knuckle area the steering has improved though not 100%. Part should include at a minimum grease fittings for lubrication, preferably a type of protection from exposure to the elements such as a rubber boot. This loss of steering may result in the operator losing control of vehicle.

Filed Apr 15, 2014 · Body · 105,462 miles · NY

Safety inspection revealed extreame corrosion of the frame and weakening around the motor mount area of the frame, where the mounts are welded to the frame rails. Potential for loss of steering control if motor mount collapses through the frame rail and motor rests on steering shaft. I have done research about this problem and have discovered that there was an issue with the frames for model years 2005 and 2006 tacoma's and in 2007 the frame was reinforced where the motor mounts are welded to the frame with extra steel plate on all frames made since 2007. There are after market repair kits that can be purchased for repairing this defect that can be welded around the existing motor mount to repair cracked frames or ones that have already caved in. The after market has seen the need to supply a kit for such a defect and toyota has seen the need to install reinforcements to the frames of all the newer models. How long are they going to wait before they admit there is an issue? I'm sure there are internal memo's on this that they are not sharing with the government. Please look into this before some one is injured from this. Thank you for you help.

Filed Sep 27, 2013 · Body, Steering · 75,000 miles · IL

While driving the steering became very difficult to turn to the left or the right direction. This is caused by a faulty design of the steering shaft universal joints. The frame is also rusting very badly and I am concerned about the integrity of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 11, 2013 · Steering · 160,000 miles · PA

The steering all of a sudden became surprisingly hard to turn as if the power steering failed. This is a common occurring problem in this make and model of truck and is a safety concern. The onset of this problem is incredibly fast which could lead to serious crashes and injuries!!! The cause is a faulty part design (part is exposed to the elements and seizes) and needs to be remedied asap. The faulty part # 45203 - 04020, intermediate shaft.

Filed Aug 16, 2005 · Steering · 13 miles · OH

On my brand new 2005 toyota tacoma quad cab long bed pickup truck the power steering failed without warning while making a turn across traffic, making steering the vehicle very difficult and nearly causing me to collide with oncoming traffic. Toyota is in the process of replacing the entire power steering system including all of its component parts.