Toyota Tundra: best & worst years

No Toyota Tundra model year rates as one to avoid in CarVitals data. The strongest years are 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Below is every year (2005–2024) ranked best to worst, with the owner-reported problems behind each verdict.

Every Toyota Tundra year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2021 Recommended 8 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. Full report ↗
2020 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2015 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2014 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2013 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2011 Recommended 7 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. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 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. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.; Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.; Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks). Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.; Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.; Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks). Full report ↗
2024 Caution 5 Twin-turbo 3.4L V35A V6 engine failure caused by machining debris damaging the main bearings, producing knocking, power loss and stalling; subject to a safety recall requiring complete engine replacement.; Ten-speed automatic transmission complaints (harsh shifts, hesitation and debris-related concerns) reported on early third-generation builds. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.; Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.; Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks). Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.; Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.; Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks). Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Frame and underbody corrosion on salt-belt trucks, severe enough that some were declared unsafe; Toyota ran a frame inspection, coating and replacement campaign.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting first-generation trucks.; Automatic-transmission radiator coolant-to-ATF cross-contamination ("pink milkshake") that can destroy the transmission when the internal cooler ruptures. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Frame and underbody corrosion on salt-belt trucks, severe enough that some were declared unsafe; Toyota ran a frame inspection, coating and replacement campaign.; Takata airbag inflator recall affecting first-generation trucks.; Automatic-transmission radiator coolant-to-ATF cross-contamination ("pink milkshake") that can destroy the transmission when the internal cooler ruptures. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 4 Twin-turbo 3.4L V35A V6 engine failure caused by machining debris damaging the main bearings, producing knocking, power loss and stalling; subject to a safety recall requiring complete engine replacement.; Ten-speed automatic transmission complaints (harsh shifts, hesitation and debris-related concerns) reported on early third-generation builds. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 4 Twin-turbo 3.4L V35A V6 engine failure caused by machining debris damaging the main bearings, producing knocking, power loss and stalling; subject to a safety recall requiring complete engine replacement.; Ten-speed automatic transmission complaints (harsh shifts, hesitation and debris-related concerns) reported on early third-generation builds. Full report ↗

Toyota Tundra problems by year

2024 Toyota Tundra Caution

Later-build production reduced but did not fully end the twin-turbo V6 engine-failure recall, which was expanded to include 2024. Modern, powerful and efficient, but verify the recall remedy and watch early 10-speed reports.

  • Twin-turbo 3.4L V35A V6 engine failure caused by machining debris damaging the main bearings, producing knocking, power loss and stalling; subject to a safety recall requiring complete engine replacement.
  • Ten-speed automatic transmission complaints (harsh shifts, hesitation and debris-related concerns) reported on early third-generation builds.

2023 Toyota Tundra Caution

Still inside the V35A twin-turbo engine-failure recall window (debris-damaged main bearings, free engine replacement). Modern and capable, but confirm the recall remedy has been completed.

  • Twin-turbo 3.4L V35A V6 engine failure caused by machining debris damaging the main bearings, producing knocking, power loss and stalling; subject to a safety recall requiring complete engine replacement.
  • Ten-speed automatic transmission complaints (harsh shifts, hesitation and debris-related concerns) reported on early third-generation builds.

2022 Toyota Tundra Caution

All-new third-gen with the twin-turbo V35A V6. A serious engine-failure recall (machining debris damaging the main bearings, requiring complete engine replacement) dominates this launch year; verify recall status before buying.

  • Twin-turbo 3.4L V35A V6 engine failure caused by machining debris damaging the main bearings, producing knocking, power loss and stalling; subject to a safety recall requiring complete engine replacement.
  • Ten-speed automatic transmission complaints (harsh shifts, hesitation and debris-related concerns) reported on early third-generation builds.

2021 Toyota Tundra Recommended

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.

  • 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.

2020 Toyota Tundra Recommended

Near the end of the long second generation with the proven 5.7L V8; low complaint volume and excellent resale make it a strong used buy.

  • 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.

2019 Toyota Tundra Recommended

Widely regarded as one of the best Tundras: fully mature 5.7L i-Force V8 with modern safety tech. Fuel-pump recall aside, complaints are minimal.

  • 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.

2018 Toyota Tundra Caution

Refreshed with standard Toyota Safety Sense, but a Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall (stalling) is the main concern on an otherwise dependable 5.7L truck.

  • 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.

2017 Toyota Tundra Recommended

Dependable 5.7L i-Force V8 with low complaints and strong resale; among the safer used full-size truck choices.

  • 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.

2016 Toyota Tundra Caution

Reliable mid-cycle Tundra, but an uptick in brake (booster) complaints this year is the main blemish on the durable 5.7L V8 package.

  • 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.

2015 Toyota Tundra Recommended

Very low complaint count on the dependable 5.7L V8; a clean, well-sorted mid-cycle truck with outstanding resale.

  • 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.

2014 Toyota Tundra Recommended

Restyled second-gen with the same proven 5.7L V8 drivetrain; reliable and strong on resale, with only minor issues reported.

  • 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.

2013 Toyota Tundra Recommended

Mature, durable 5.7L i-Force V8 with low complaint volume and excellent resale; a reviewer favourite among used Tundras.

  • 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.

2012 Toyota Tundra Caution

Generally dependable 5.7L V8, but the highest engine-complaint count of the mid generation (secondary-air-injection pump) keeps it a notch below its neighbours.

  • 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.

2011 Toyota Tundra Recommended

The bulletproof 5.7L i-Force V8 era hits its stride: very few complaints and class-leading resale make this one of the better used Tundra buys.

  • 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.

2010 Toyota Tundra Caution

Solid mid-second-gen Tundra with the proven 5.7L V8. Few recurring problems beyond the air-injection pump and Takata airbag recall; a dependable used pick.

  • Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.
  • Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.
  • Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks).

2009 Toyota Tundra Caution

One of the cleanest early second-gen years; complaints drop sharply versus 2007-2008. Mainly the residual air-injection-pump and Takata items remain on an otherwise mature, durable 5.7L V8.

  • Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.
  • Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.
  • Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks).

2008 Toyota Tundra Caution

Same strong 5.7L V8 but the peak of the unintended-acceleration recalls plus lingering air-injection-pump and cam-tower oil-leak issues. A good truck that needs its recalls verified.

  • Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.
  • Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.
  • Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks).

2007 Toyota Tundra Caution

Second-gen launch with the new 5.7L i-Force V8. Early engines suffered broken valve springs and secondary-air-injection-pump failures, and it falls in the unintended-acceleration recall era. Capable, but a rocky first year.

  • Broken valve spring on the early 5.7L V8 leading to catastrophic engine damage (2007-2008 builds), addressed by recall.
  • Vehicle-speed-control complaints from the unintended-acceleration recall era (floor-mat and accelerator-pedal recalls), most prominent in 2008.
  • Secondary air-injection pump/valve failure causing check-engine lights and limp-mode; covered by an extended warranty (10yr/150k on many trucks).

2006 Toyota Tundra Caution

Final first-gen year and the highest-complaint of the run: frame corrosion and Takata airbags dominate, plus suspension wear. A robust V8 truck, but only worth buying after a frame inspection.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion on salt-belt trucks, severe enough that some were declared unsafe; Toyota ran a frame inspection, coating and replacement campaign.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting first-generation trucks.
  • Automatic-transmission radiator coolant-to-ATF cross-contamination ("pink milkshake") that can destroy the transmission when the internal cooler ruptures.

2005 Toyota Tundra Caution

First-generation 4.7L V8 truck with a tough drivetrain, but salt-belt frame/underbody corrosion (Toyota frame campaign), Takata airbags and a front ball-joint recall define the year. Durable if you buy one with a clean, inspected frame.

  • Frame and underbody corrosion on salt-belt trucks, severe enough that some were declared unsafe; Toyota ran a frame inspection, coating and replacement campaign.
  • Takata airbag inflator recall affecting first-generation trucks.
  • Automatic-transmission radiator coolant-to-ATF cross-contamination ("pink milkshake") that can destroy the transmission when the internal cooler ruptures.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Toyota models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.