Toyota hasn’t been within the full-size pickup recreation for almost so long as America’s Massive 3, and that’s mirrored within the Tundra’s gross sales nonetheless lagging far behind its Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram rivals. Whereas the Tacoma has discovered a lot love within the mid-size pickup phase, the Tundra has needed to accept being a rational however much less impressed alternative over the a long time. The Toyota badge nonetheless holds a variety of clout, although, and the Tundra has been a dependable steed throughout three generations. However which mannequin yr for the Toyota Tundra is the very best for reliability? Let’s dive into the very best and worst years for the Toyota Tundra.
Toyota is a Japanese automaker based in 1937 that has developed a fame for reliability throughout a large number of segments, from sports activities vehicles and household sedans to pickup vans and off-roaders. Well-known fashions from the model embody the Hilux, Land Cruiser, Camry, Crown, and Corolla, the latter being the world’s best-selling automobile nameplate, with greater than 50 million Corolla-badged automobiles being bought because it was first launched. Toyota sometimes competes within the mainstream market, however can be well-known for launching Lexus as a luxurious sub-brand to tackle Mercedes-Benz.
Based August 28, 1937
Founder Kiichiro Toyoda
Headquarters Aichi, Japan
Owned By Publicly Traded
Present CEO Koji Sato
This piece was initially printed in April 2024 however has been up to date with related data, and is right as of November 2024. Specs have been sourced from Toyota straight.
Toyota Tundra Historical past
The primary-generation Tundra went into manufacturing in 1999 as a 2000 mannequin, turning into the primary Japanese full-size pickup to be constructed within the USA. It outdated the Toyota T100, a pickup that was restricted by its two-door configuration.
That first Tundra arrived with the primary 32-valve, double-overhead cam, V8 engine within the class, permitting it to haul 7,200 kilos. V6 engines had been provided, too. It additionally set new requirements for security within the phase, turning into the primary full-size pickup to attain a “Good” total score for the frontal offset crash take a look at run by the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS).
Late in 2006, the second-gen Tundra went into manufacturing, sharing some styling components with the Tacoma. It was now able to towing over 10,000 lbs, whereas the brand new 5.7-liter V8 engine produced near 400 horsepower. After a number of updates for the 2008 mannequin yr, there have been over 40 Tundra configurations, making certain there was a Tundra for each want. The second-gen mannequin overstayed its welcome, although, and was correctly outdated by the point it went out of manufacturing in 2021.
That made manner for the third-gen mannequin, launched for the 2022 mannequin yr. It has a lot bolder styling, extra environment friendly turbocharged V6 engines, and an excellent luxurious Capstone trim. We additionally discovered the Tundra TRD Professional to be a mightily spectacular off-road truck after we drove it.
Toyota Tundra
1st Gen
2nd Gen
third Gen
Mannequin Years
2000 – 2006
2007 – 2021
2022 – current
Engines
3.4-liter V6; 4.0L V6; 4.7L V8
4.0L V6; 4.6L V8; 4.7L V8; 5.7L V8
3.4L twin-turbo V6; 3.4L twin-turbo V6 i-Pressure Max Hybrid
Transmissions
5- or six-speed guide; 4 or five-speed computerized
5- or six-speed computerized
Ten-speed computerized
Physique Kinds
Common Cab, Prolonged Cab, Crew Cab
Common Cab, Prolonged Cab, Crew Cab
Prolonged Cab, Crew Cab
Associated
A few months again, over 100,000 Tundras and LXs had been recalled to repair their 3.4-liter V6s. Sadly for Toyota, there is no such thing as a low cost repair.
The Greatest Toyota Tundra Mannequin Years
We have solely centered on Tundra fashions that had been no less than three years previous, as something newer gained’t have sufficient of a reliability document. Basically, any Tundra is a strong automobile that may final for a few years with acceptable upkeep, so even the worst ones on our listing shouldn’t be instantly discarded. We’ll begin with the very best Tundra years which have probably the most pristine information, although.
2021 Toyota Tundra
Because the final mannequin yr of the second-gen Tundra, it’s little shock that the 2021 mannequin has attracted only some complaints. By the point it went into manufacturing, Toyota had been constructing the second-gen mannequin for properly over a decade, so most points would have been ironed out. This mannequin yr has a reliability and high quality score of 86 out of 100, in accordance with J.D. Energy – that’s higher than the Ford and Chevy options from the identical yr, and matches the Ram 1500.
Whereas way more outdated than the third-gen mannequin, the 2021 Tundra is solely powered by a thirsty (14 mpg mixed with 4×4) however sonorous-sounding V8 making 381 hp. It’s a great off-road pickup and might tow over 10,000 kilos, nevertheless it’s hardly probably the most snug truck. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re cautious of the third-gen’s extra superior turbocharged V6 and worth simplicity, a 2021 Tundra in additional primary guise (reminiscent of an SR5) has the potential to final for a lot of, a few years.
Three recollects affected this Tundra – one for a headlight electrical connector that would overheat and two associated to the ability steering – however different mannequin years had way more recollects.
This makes the 2021 mannequin presumably the very best yr for Toyota Tundra vans, and the 2020 Tundra wasn’t far behind with a low variety of complaints.
2015 Toyota Tundra
Additionally a part of the second technology, the 2015 Tundra has gathered underneath 40 complaints on the NHTSA, which is minimal contemplating it’s been on sale for a decade. A “nice” high quality/reliability rating of 81/100 from J.D. Energy underscores this mannequin yr’s trouble-free fame. Lastly, the variety of complaints for the 2015 Tundra is among the lowest for the second-gen mannequin, making it the most effective years for the Toyota Tundra.
This mannequin yr did away with the bottom V6 engine completely, so you possibly can count on greater gasoline payments. The 2015 mannequin advantages from a considerable refresh of the second-gen Tundra, launched in 2013.
2001 Toyota Tundra
For those who’re planning to spend much less and go for a first-gen Tundra, all of them have a fair proportion of recollects and complaints. Nonetheless, the 2001 mannequin has the bottom variety of recollects from this technology and much fewer complaints than the 2000 mannequin from a yr earlier than.
Basically, first-gen Tundras are thought of reliable automobiles, however one thing to be careful for is extreme rust. Many of the complaints made to the NHTSA are linked to the automobile’s construction and extreme rust, so if you happen to purchase a first-gen Tundra, attempt to discover a garaged instance.
The next are a few of the finest Tundra years and all have a lower-than-average variety of client complaints on the NHTSA web site, so are additionally value contemplating:
2019 Tundra 2017 Tundra 2018 Tundra 2013 Tundra 2014 Tundra
The 2017-2019 Tundras could have much less complaints, however they’ve a excessive variety of recollects. Ten recollects are on document for the 2019 mannequin alone, together with a widespread gasoline pump failure concern. Then once more, supplied Toyota has remedied these recollects, they shouldn’t essentially deter you from one among these Tundras.
The 2024 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that provides a compelling mix of energy, consolation, and functionality. Geared up with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a 10-speed computerized transmission, the Tundra delivers robust efficiency and respectable gasoline effectivity. Its spacious inside options snug seating, ample cargo house, and a spread of contemporary facilities. Whereas not class-leading in each facet, the Tundra gives a strong worth proposition and a fame for reliability.
Base MSRP $39,965
Engine 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Gasoline
Horsepower 358 hp
Gas Financial system 18/24 MPG
Develop
The Worst Toyota Tundra Mannequin Years
Even the worst Toyota Tundra remains to be a succesful pickup that has the potential to final for a few years. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re a cautious, risk-averse purchaser, there are a number of Tundra mannequin years that ought to most likely be scrapped out of your shortlist. Based on RepairPal, the most typical Toyota Tundra issues are:
Ticking noise from a failed exhaust manifold Decrease ball joint points Air injection pump failure Defective oxygen sensor
Associated
The fault is on the rear axle, which makes this doubtlessly catastrophic.
Automobile Complaints information mentions the secondary air pump failure on the 2005 Tundra as being probably the most reported total criticism for any Tundra mannequin yr. These are the Toyota Tundra years to keep away from:
2000 Toyota Tundra
Toyota took a second to search out its ft when the Tundra first arrived on the scene. The primary mannequin yr of the full-size pickup has gathered 1,021 complaints on the NHTSA’s website, nearly double that of the next-worst mannequin yr. It additionally has 9 recollects to its title.
Many complaints associated to the automobile construction (particularly rust/corrosion), braking issues, and the suspension. Contemplating that these Tundras are actually properly over 20 years previous, we’d be cautious of them except they’ve been properly maintained or are given a radical inspection.
2006-2007 Toyota Tundra
13 recollects and over 500 complaints plagued the ultimate mannequin yr of the first-gen Tundra. A kind of recollects was for a entrance suspension decrease ball joint that would have an effect on the flexibility to regulate the automobile; over 530,000 fashions had been recalled, together with 2004-2005 Tundras. Worryingly, main rust points continued to have an effect on the 2006 Tundra, but this mannequin yr was not a part of a Toyota recall to deal with the issue. Many shoppers noticed extreme subframe rust that would result in a security concern. On Automobile Complaints, physique and paint points had been probably the most prevalent, adopted by engine and transmission points.
Automobile Complaints lists the 2007 Tundra as having probably the most complaints total, led by engine points like air injection pump failure, piston slap when chilly, and a caught secondary air pump. This mannequin yr additionally has 14 recollects.
2003 – 2006 mannequin yr Tundras had been implicated within the
Takata airbag inflator debacle
. On the time of writing, there may be an open investigation for this airbag concern.
2012 Toyota Tundra
Automobile Complaints lists the 2012 Tundra because the worst mannequin yr because it has excessive restore prices and has been extra problematic at decrease mileage. Exhaust system and engine issues had been most prevalent; particularly, this concerned a defective air induction pump and attracted a median restore price of virtually $3,000. We discovered extra situations of this half failing on the NHTSA’s web site, though the general variety of complaints reported right here (147) is decrease than for a lot of different Tundra mannequin years.
Associated
J.D. Energy charges the Sierra/Silverado as the very best full-size light-duty truck for 2024. However second place is a three-way tie.
Class Motion Lawsuit: 2022-2023 Tundras
Though we’ve centered on older Tundras with extra complete reliability histories, it’s value maintaining a tally of newer fashions embroiled in a category motion lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed in opposition to Toyota final yr, alleging that the automaker bought 2022-2023 Tundras with defective gasoline strains which might be an enormous hearth danger. Toyota recalled over 168,000 Tundras for the difficulty. Based on data on the NHTSA’s website, “the plastic gasoline tube routed close to metallic brake strains could chafe in opposition to the brake strains and change into broken, presumably leading to a gasoline leak.”
Toyota responded by putting in protecting supplies and clamps to stop future put on, in addition to changing the gasoline tubes with upgraded components.
Toyota Tundra V6 Engine Recollects
Toyota’s latest recall of 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX fashions with the V6 engine (V35A engine code) highlights a important manufacturing oversight which led to Toyota recalling 102,092 automobiles, of which 98,600 had been Tundras. Fortunately, the hybrid variants of the engine weren’t affected by the issue, in accordance with Toyota. The problem got here because of machining particles that was left inside the engine throughout the preliminary manufacturing course of. This contamination resulted in potential dangers for extreme engine harm, as metallic fragments can intrude with shifting components, rising the chance of part put on, lowered engine effectivity, and even whole engine failure over time. After recalling the automobiles, Toyota introduced that it might change all of the engines free-of-charge.
The next points regarding this downside could possibly be skilled by homeowners of those V6-equipped automobiles:
Engine knocking Incapability to start out engine Stalling when automobile is in movement Tough working
Toyota has dedicated to changing the engines in all 102,092 automobiles.
This V6 engine from Toyota options the next specs:
3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 349–389 horsepower 405–479 lb-ft
In hybrid guise, the engine delivers 437 hp mixed, however the hybrids are unaffected by the recall.
Importantly, Toyota factors out that solely Tundras manufactured between November 2021 and February 2023 are affected. The problem had been rectified earlier than 2024 and 2025 fashions had been produced, so going for a more moderen Lexus or Toyota mannequin with this V6 is a smart alternative.
Abstract: A Largely Reliable Pickup
As with all automobile buy, you possibly can reduce danger by doing all of your homework. Even the Tundra mannequin years listed as these to keep away from will be protected purchases if a few of their particular points have been addressed. Total, the Toyota Tundra is a tricky full-size pickup and a smart longer-term buy; in Kelley Blue Guide’s newest Greatest Resale Worth Awards, the Tundra as soon as once more led the best way in its phase.
For those who intend to make use of your pickup as a every day driver and never only a workhorse, nevertheless, older Tundras do endure from inferior consolation and know-how in contrast rivals, in order that’s one thing to remember.
