2021 Toyota Tundra: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The final, most-refined second-generation Tundra and the lowest-complaint year of the whole run. The pick of the used Tundras if you want the legendary 5.7L V8. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Toyota Tundra ranged from $34,125 to $49,345 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The final, most-refined second-generation Tundra and the lowest-complaint year of the whole run. The pick of the used Tundras if you want the legendary 5.7L V8.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/tundra
- realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-toyota-tundra/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
Known issues
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Denso low-pressure fuel-pump failure causing engine stalling, addressed by a recall on 2018-2019 trucks.
occasional · 24 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–80k miles · fuel
-
Secondary air-injection pump and switching-valve failure on the 5.7L V8 triggering check-engine and limp-mode (Toyota extended the warranty); tapers off later in the generation.
occasional · 33 NHTSA complaints · typically 60k–150k miles · engine
-
Brake-system complaints (booster/actuator and warped rotors causing vibration) reported at an elevated rate mid-cycle.
occasional · 23 NHTSA complaints · typically 0k–80k miles · brake
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=tundra…
- cherishyourcar.comhttps://www.cherishyourcar.com/toyota-5-7-engine-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Strong towing and payload, with comfortable, roomy cabs.
- Exceptionally durable 5.7L i-Force V8 with a reputation for going 250,000+ miles.
- Outstanding resale value and easy, predictable servicing.
Cons
- Interior design and tech aged noticeably late in the long generation.
- Large size and wide turning circle make it unwieldy in tight spaces.
- Early builds carried air-injection-pump issues and 2018-2019 trucks a fuel-pump recall.
- Poor fuel economy compared with domestic rivals.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR | $34,125 | $41,260 | — | — |
| SR5 | $35,815 | $46,510 | — | — |
| Limited | $42,840 | $54,860 | — | — |
| TRD Pro | $49,125 | $72,565 | — | — |
| 1794 Edition | $49,345 | $64,380 | — | — |
| Platinum | $49,345 | $63,695 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-toyota-tundra-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-tundra-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($34,125). Higher trims started higher (up to $49,345), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 21% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-tundra/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/tundra
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/toyota-tundra-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?
Documented issue patterns include: Denso low-pressure fuel-pump failure causing engine stalling, addressed by a recall on 2018-2019 trucks; Secondary air-injection pump and switching-valve failure on the 5.7L V8 triggering check-engine and limp-mode (Toyota extended the warranty); tapers off later in the generation; Brake-system complaints (booster/actuator and warped rotors causing vibration) reported at an elevated rate mid-cycle. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra reliable?
The final, most-refined second-generation Tundra and the lowest-complaint year of the whole run. The pick of the used Tundras if you want the legendary 5.7L V8.
How much did the 2021 Toyota Tundra cost new?
Between $34,125 and $49,345 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Toyota Tundra expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.