Which Toyota Tundra years should you avoid?

The Toyota Tundra years to avoid are 2023, 2022, 2010, 2006 and 2000: they have the lowest Year Scores on owner complaints per year on the road, crash and fire reports, and recalls, against the model's other years. The best year is 2021. Graded from 24 model years of NHTSA data.

What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?

Across all years, the most-reported areas are structure (1,704 complaints), service brakes (846 complaints), suspension (831 complaints).

Toyota Tundra years to avoid and best years

Avoid: 2023, 2022, 2010, 2006, 2000 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)

Best: 2021

24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade

Across 27 model years, the Toyota Tundra has 7,270 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 236 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and service brakes. 2000 drew the most complaints (1,032), 1999 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (1).

Model years tracked

7,270

Owner complaints

236

Recalls

155

Median per year

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota Tundra vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $29,104–$45,177.

Which Tundra years have the most problems?

Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most reported
2025	133	5	engine
2024	339	10	engine
2023	407	13	engine
2022	430	13	engine
2021	24	3	electrical system
2020	46	5	engine
2019	72	10	fuel/propulsion system
2018	100	9	electrical system
2017	78	6	electrical system
2016	119	6	service brakes
2015	48	5	service brakes
2014	93	5	electrical system
2013	85	6	engine
2012	155	4	engine
2011	134	11	engine
2010	489	16	suspension
2009	38	13	power train
2008	327	13	vehicle speed control
2007	390	14	power train
2006	545	13	structure
2005	376	14	structure
2004	466	13	structure
2003	411	10	structure
2002	511	6	structure
2001	421	5	structure
2000	1,032	7	structure
1999	1	1	structure

Highest: 2000 (1,032 complaints). Lowest: 1999 (1).

Where owners report problems

structure1,704

service brakes846

suspension831

power train797

engine682

What owners say

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation.

Very frequentPoor fuel economy
11.5-16 MPG reported in real-world use, significantly lower than some competitors.
Very frequentMajor engine failures
Catastrophic main bearing/cam bearing failures leading to seized engines. Described as a "fiasco.".
Very frequentGeneral decline in reliability
Perception that "the days of Toyota reliability are done," linked to the new engine and hybrid system problems.
RecurrentUnstable towing experience
Reports that the truck feels less stable than competitors when towing larger trailers, even within rated capacity.
RecurrentHigh pricing
Criticized for being overpriced relative to the interior luxury and perceived quality offered.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Tundra. Individual model years are broken down above.

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