Best Toyota Tundra Model Years For Reliability

Toyota hasn’t been in the full-size pickup game for nearly as long as America’s Big 3, and that’s reflected in the Tundra’s sales still lagging far behind its Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram rivals. While the Tacoma has found much love in the mid-size pickup segment, the Tundra has had to settle for being a rational but less inspired choice over the decades. The Toyota badge still holds a lot of clout, though, and the Tundra has been a reliable steed across three generations. But which model year for the Toyota Tundra is the best for reliability? Let’s find out.

Toyota Tundra History

The first-generation Tundra went into production in 1999 as a 2000 model, becoming the first Japanese full-size pickup to be built in the USA. It superseded the Toyota T100, a pickup that was limited by its two-door configuration.

That first Tundra arrived with the first 32-valve, double-overhead cam, V8 engine in the class, allowing it to haul 7,200 pounds. V6 engines were offered, too. It also set new standards for safety in the segment, becoming the first full-size pickup to achieve a “Good” overall rating for the frontal offset crash test run by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Late in 2006, the second-gen Tundra went into production, sharing some styling elements with the Tacoma. It was now capable of towing over 10,000 lbs, while the new 5.7-liter V8 engine produced close to 400 horsepower. After a few updates for the 2008 model year, there were over 40 Tundra configurations, ensuring there was a Tundra for every need. The second-gen model overstayed its welcome, though, and was properly outdated by the time it went out of production in 2021.

That made way for the third-gen model, introduced for the 2022 model year. It has much bolder styling, more efficient turbocharged V6 engines, and a super luxurious Capstone trim. We also found the Tundra TRD Pro to be a mightily impressive off-road truck when we drove it.

The Best Toyota Tundra Model Years

We’ve only focused on Tundra models that were at least three years old, as anything newer won’t have enough of a reliability record. In general, any Tundra is a robust vehicle that can last for many years with appropriate maintenance, so even the worst ones on our list shouldn’t be immediately discarded. We’ll start with a few Tundra model years that have the most pristine records, though.

2021 Toyota Tundra

As the last model year of the second-gen Tundra, it’s little surprise that the 2021 model has attracted only a few complaints. By the time it went into production, Toyota had been building the second-gen model for well over a decade, so most issues would have been ironed out. This model year has a reliability and quality rating of 86 out of 100, according to J.D. Power – that’s better than the Ford and Chevy alternatives from the same year, and matches the Ram 1500.

While much more outdated than the third-gen model, the 2021 Tundra is exclusively powered by a thirsty (14 mpg combined with 4×4) but sonorous-sounding V8 making 381 hp. It’s a good off-road pickup and can tow over 10,000 pounds, but it’s hardly the most comfortable truck. However, if you’re wary of the third-gen’s more advanced turbocharged V6 and value simplicity, a 2021 Tundra in more basic guise (such as an SR5) has the potential to last for many, many years.

Three recalls affected this Tundra – one for a headlight electrical connector that could overheat and two related to the power steering – but other model years had far more recalls.

The 2020 Tundra wasn’t far behind with a low number of complaints.

2015 Toyota Tundra

Also part of the second generation, the 2015 Tundra has accumulated under 40 complaints on the NHTSA, which is minimal considering it’s been on sale for a decade. A “great” quality/reliability score of 81/100 from J.D. Power underscores this model year’s trouble-free reputation. Finally, the number of complaints for the 2015 Tundra is one of the lowest for the second-gen model.

This model year did away with the base V6 engine entirely, so you can expect bigger gas bills. The 2015 model benefits from a substantial refresh of the second-gen Tundra, introduced in 2013.

2001 Toyota Tundra

If you’re planning to spend less and go for a first-gen Tundra, all of them have a fair share of recalls and complaints. However, the 2001 model has the lowest number of recalls from this generation and far fewer complaints than the 2000 model from a year before.

In general, first-gen Tundras are considered dependable vehicles, but something to watch out for is excessive rust. Most of the complaints made to the NHTSA are linked to the vehicle’s structure and excessive rust, so if you buy a first-gen Tundra, try to find a garaged example.

The following Tundra model years all have a lower-than-average number of consumer complaints on the NHTSA website, so are also worth considering:

• 2019 Tundra
• 2017 Tundra
• 2018 Tundra
• 2013 Tundra
• 2014 Tundra

The 2017-2019 Tundras may have less complaints, but they have a high number of recalls. Ten recalls are on record for the 2019 model alone, including a widespread fuel pump failure issue. Then again, provided Toyota has remedied these recalls, they shouldn’t necessarily deter you from one of these Tundras.

The Worst Toyota Tundra Model Years

Even the worst Toyota Tundra is still a capable pickup that has the potential to last for many years. However, if you’re a cautious, risk-averse buyer, there are several Tundra model years that should probably be scrapped from your shortlist. According to RepairPal, the most common Toyota Tundra problems are:

• Ticking noise from a failed exhaust manifold
• Lower ball joint issues
• Air injection pump failure
• Faulty oxygen sensor

Related

Over 380,000 Toyota Tacoma Trucks Recalled For Loose Nuts

The fault is on the rear axle, which makes this potentially catastrophic.

Car Complaints data mentions the secondary air pump failure on the 2005 Tundra as being the most reported overall complaint for any Tundra model year. These are the Tundra models you should approach with caution:

2000 Toyota Tundra

Toyota took a moment to find its feet when the Tundra first arrived on the scene. The first model year of the full-size pickup has accumulated 1,021 complaints on the NHTSA’s site, almost double that of the next-worst model year. It also has nine recalls to its name.

Many complaints related to the vehicle structure (especially rust/corrosion), braking problems, and the suspension. Considering that these Tundras are now well over 20 years old, we’d be wary of them unless they’ve been well maintained or are given a thorough inspection.

2006-2007 Toyota Tundra

13 recalls and over 500 complaints plagued the final model year of the first-gen Tundra. One of those recalls was for a front suspension lower ball joint that could affect the ability to control the vehicle; over 530,000 models were recalled, including 2004-2005 Tundras. Worryingly, major rust issues continued to affect the 2006 Tundra, yet this model year was not part of a Toyota recall to address the problem. Many customers saw severe subframe rust that could lead to a safety issue. On Car Complaints, body and paint issues were the most prevalent, followed by engine and transmission issues.

Car Complaints lists the 2007 Tundra as having the most complaints overall, led by engine issues like air injection pump failure, piston slap when cold, and a stuck secondary air pump. This model year also has 14 recalls.

2012 Toyota Tundra

Car Complaints lists the 2012 Tundra as the worst model year as it has high repair costs and has been more problematic at lower mileage. Exhaust system and engine problems were most prevalent; specifically, this involved a faulty air induction pump and attracted an average repair cost of almost $3,000. We found more instances of this part failing on the NHTSA’s website, although the overall number of complaints reported here (147) is lower than for many other Tundra model years.

Class Action Lawsuit: 2022-2023 Tundras

Although we’ve focused on older Tundras with more comprehensive reliability histories, it’s worth keeping an eye on newer models embroiled in a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed against Toyota last year, alleging that the automaker sold 2022-2023 Tundras with faulty fuel lines that are a huge fire risk. Toyota recalled over 168,000 Tundras for the issue. According to information on the NHTSA’s site, “the plastic fuel tube routed near metallic brake lines may chafe against the brake lines and become damaged, possibly resulting in a fuel leak.”

A remedy is expected to become available in the summer of 2024.

Summary: A Mostly Trustworthy Pickup

As with any car purchase, you can minimize risk by doing your homework. Even the Tundra model years listed as those to avoid can be safe purchases if some of their specific issues have been addressed. Overall, the Toyota Tundra is a tough full-size pickup and a sensible longer-term purchase; in Kelley Blue Book’s latest Best Resale Value Awards, the Tundra once again led the way in its segment.

If you intend to use your pickup as a daily driver and not just a workhorse, however, older Tundras do suffer from inferior comfort and technology compared rivals, so that’s something to bear in mind.

2024 Toyota Tundra

Model

Tundra

Base MSRP

$39,965

Engine

3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas

Horsepower

358 hp

Fuel Economy

18/24 MPG