The Toyota Tundra has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it sixth out of 17 full-size trucks. It has moderate ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $606. Major repairs are unusual for the Tundra even though they tend to be more complicated than usual because of how infrequently these problems arise.
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Key Points
- Although not the worst years, the NHTSA initiated an inquiry into each of the 2012 to 2017 Toyota Tundra models because of a long-standing issue with defective airbags.
- The Toyota Tundra’s reputation for dependability, which is generally strong, takes a turn in the 2010 and 2016 models, which record the worst years for the model by amassing 10 and 16 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls, respectively.
- From 2012 through 2017, the NHTSA looked into the Tundra’s failing airbags on an annual basis.
What issues are there with Toyota Tundras?
Full-size pickup trucks like the Toyota Tundra have been manufactured since 1999.
While older models had a V8 engine, the most recent model has a potent turbocharged V6 and a hybrid drivetrain.
The Tundra’s excellent performance on and off-road is complemented by a cozy and clutter-free interior.
The Tundra has many excellent qualities, but it also has certain drawbacks. Below, we go over the most typical Toyota Tundra problems.
- Although two Toyota Tundra owners exceeded the million-mile barrier, most drivers should anticipate that their Tundra will achieve its maximum mileage of roughly 300,000.
- Typical issues with high mileage Ball-joint failure and exhaust manifold leakage are Tundra problems.
- For the Toyota truck, repairs are inexpensive.
Which year Toyota Tundra should I avoid purchasing?
Toyota is a respectable company that has produced several dependable vehicles. When the Tundra was first introduced, it appeared to be a pickup truck with features that only Toyota could manufacture. Despite making waves in the industry, it wasn’t without its mistakes, some of which you should be aware of.
You should think about which Toyota Tundra years to avoid if you’re looking for a used Tundra. To give you a better understanding of what you’re getting into, we’ll look at the Tundra over the years below.
Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid
The Tundra is not flawless, despite being a highly coveted truck with numerous favorable evaluations. We’ll explain why you should avoid a few particular years.
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The 2007 Toyota Tundra
Consumer reviews from 2007 revealed that the engine was the main problem, with some people claiming a complete failure. The two concerns most frequently reported in the 537 total complaints in this customer study were air injection pump failure and knocking pistons.
Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received reports of problems with the speed control, engine cooling, and accelerator pedals. Although these are risky problems, they are minor compared to those with other brands.
The 2012 Toyota Tundra
2012 was the Tundra’s worst year to date. Consumer complaints about the electrical, transmission, and engine have been prevalent only this year. The air induction pump, which has a significant repair cost, was the most common problem cited. On average, problems were discovered after 74,000 miles, costing more than $3,000 to fix.
Transmission failure emerged from this year as another significant problem. The transmission is like the beating heart of a car, and when it fails, a host of serious problems follow. In the case of the Tundra, transmission problems first surfaced at about 9,700 miles, which is incredibly low for a vehicle with a reputation as reliable as a Toyota. The average cost to replace a transmission is $5,000.
The Best Toyota Tundra Years
A few Toyota Tundra years should be avoided, but there are many more to watch out for. If you’re looking for a used car, look at the following years to find the most dependable Tundra available.
The 2013 Toyota Tundra
Following all of the significant problems in 2012, the 2013 Tundra debuted with a bang. This particular Toyota Tundra model was highly praised and outperformed all others. Additionally, it earned the title of finest full-size truck of the year and ranked second among the best used full-sized vehicles.
The improvements made by Toyota were a big factor in the 2013 Tundras’ success. They improved the interior and exterior trim options and even installed a GPS system.
The 2015 Toyota Tundra
The Tundra underwent a slight improvement in 2015, particularly inside. The business also produced the TD Pro as a surprise for drivers who enjoy off-roading. The 5.8L engine, which has a 381 horsepower rating and a towing capacity of up to 10,500 pounds, was originally released in this year.
Highway gas mileage was 19 MPG, and starting prices were as low as $16,000. Nothing compares to the Tundra to other full-size trucks on the market, which is why it’s still going strong.
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The 2018 Toyota Tundra
One of the first full-sized trucks to receive a flawless score from Consumer Reports was the 2018 Toyota Tundra. In addition to having a sleek outside, it is also sturdy enough on the interior to tow and pull.
If you can find a 2018 Toyota Tundra with low miles, you’ve struck gold. If not, your truck may still serve you well for a few more years because it is dependable and sturdy.
Common Toyota Tundra Issues
The Tundra has had a few complaints throughout the years when using RepairPal. Despite the fact that nothing significant has occurred, owners frequently cite the following problems:
- Ticking noises have been associated with problems with the exhaust manifold in several Tundra models and are typically heard when the exhaust manifold fails. Additionally, reports said that a cold engine made this more obvious.
- Recall on lower ball joints: Toyota issued a recall for 533,000 trucks and SUVs due to broken lower ball joints. Evidently, the ball joints were prone to premature wear, which led to suspension issues and steering issues.
- Failure of the air injection pump in the engine of the Tundra, which affects 11 model years of the truck, has been the subject of numerous complaints. The air injection pump or the emission control valve replacement is one of the frequent solutions.
- Brake problems – Angry owners complained that their truck would tremble or tremble when they pressed the brake pedal. Rotating the rotors was one solution for this problem, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re better off having your truck serviced.
- Transmission breakdowns are among the most frequent mechanical issues, and the Tundra was not exempt. You might be on the hook for thousands of dollars in parts and labor to fix a broken transmission system.
The most prevalent problem, which finally needed to be corrected or replaced, was the noise coming from the exhaust manifold that had failed. Given the amount of Tundras sold each and every year, 261 people who had this problem did not represent a substantial number of reports. Only 206 people reported the recalled ball joint, which was an item.
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Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid: The Takeaway
The Toyota Tundra is a consistently dependable and tough automobile. The minimal number of documented incidents is one factor in its greatness. Even then, the recall only lasted a little more than a year. The Tundra then returned with a boom and appeared to have all of its problems resolved.
You should know what to look for if you want to buy a used Tundra, though. Making sure you select a year without a significant recall is one of the things to keep in mind. You’re not the only one who doesn’t want to deal with dealerships. We don’t work with dealerships either here at CoPilot. Instead, we compile a list of the top Tundras in your region and give it to you so you may make a choice.
Send us a message; we’d be happy to assist you in getting a look at the best Tundra years in the area. If you’re in the market for one, keep a look out for the best Tundra years available. The Tundra has won awards for a reason.
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F150 or Tundra, which is more dependable?
In terms of dependability and average annual repair costs, the Tundra performs better. However, the Ford F-150 is the best pickup truck overall, and most people will choose it over the competition because of its wide range of options and contemporary design.
The Toyota 5.7 engine is it reliable?
You’ve probably heard of engines like the 22 R-E, 2UZ-FE, and 1GR-FE if you’re a serious Toyota aficionado. The reliability and usability of Toyota’s trucks and SUVs were really cemented by these engines. However, Toyota debuted their largest engine to date in 2006: the 3UR-FE 5.7L V8.
One of the best engines for a full-size pickup truck or SUV is the Toyota 5.7 V8. It has been utilized by Toyota for the past 14 years with good reason: it provides both dependability and outstanding performance data. The engine’s poor fuel efficiency is its sole serious flaw.
The Tundra is more dependable than the Tacoma.
Rating of General Reliability Major repairs are unusual for the Tacoma despite the fact that repairs frequently need to be more extensive than usual due to a small number of problems. The Toyota Tundra has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, placing it sixth out of 17 full-size trucks.
Which truck is having the fewest issues?
Previously Owned Pickup Trucks with the Fewest Issues
- Chevy Colorado 2020 | GM.
- Ford’s 2020 Ranger model.
- GMC | 2020 Sierra 2500HD.
- Honda Ridgeline (2014) | Honda.
- Nissan’s 2017 Frontier model.
- Toyota’s 2017 Tacoma pickup truck.
- Toyota’s 2018 Tundra model.
Are Toyota Tundra repairs expensive?
A Toyota Tundra’s total yearly maintenance and repair costs average $606, compared to full-size trucks’ averages of $936 and all other vehicle models’ averages of $652.
Tundra versus Silverado, which is superior?
Both the 2022 Tundra and 2022 Silverado are fantastic options for anyone looking for full-size pickup trucks. Overall though, the Tundra is a better option. The Tundra benefits from its potent new hybrid powertrain, a stylish new look, and several technology enhancements, even if the Silverado offers superior towing capacity.
Do tundras have issues with the transmission?
Since the 2007 release of the second generation, the Toyota Tundra has been plagued by severe transmission issues. Many Tundra owners assert that their automatic transmission hesitates when changing ratios. (For further information on the sequential manual transmission and the continuously variable transmission, click on these links.)
If your Tundra is showing the same hesitancy, think about the following:
Which truck is the most durable?
Some folks want to go through the truck buying process every two to three years. They appreciate owning a truck with the newest updates, technology, and aesthetics. Another group of folks wants to find a truck that will last for a very long time and then drive those wheels off! Reliability is the main factor to consider if you want a truck that will last for a long time. If you belong to the latter category, you are probably aware that finding a truck that will last requires some investigation. You must identify the vehicles that have been shown to last the longest and experience the fewest problems in order to locate one that will serve you for at least 200,000 kilometers. The top five vehicles with the highest likelihood of lasting 200,000 miles are described below. Statistics on which trucks may have the greatest lifespan are provided by an iSeeCars study.