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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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.
What year of the Toyota Tundra is the most dependable?
There is no avoiding the subject in this case. For many years, Toyota Tundra has been praised by Consumer Reports as a dependable truck. In fact, Consumer Reports has frequently given the Tundra a reliability rating of 5 out of 5.
Consider the 2019 Toyota Tundra as an illustration. Consumer Reports gave the 2019 Toyota Tundra a reliability rating of five out of five. And that’s not all. According to Consumer Report’s data, the 2019 Toyota Tundra is also the most dependable vehicle of the year.
Both the 2016 and 2013 Toyota Tundra received good reliability ratings from the organization. Both pre-owned Toyota pickups are regarded as the most dependable used models of that specific model years. And if you’re looking for a different used Tundra model year? Most likely, Consumer Reports also gave it a favorable review.
Key Points
- 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.
Is a Toyota Tundra a good investment?
Full-size trucks like the 2019 Toyota Tundra are made to be durable enough for most jobs. For individuals searching for a dependable vehicle for business or daily commuting, this truck is a solid option. For hauling and towing, it offers a lot of power and torque. Additionally, it provides a ton of comfort for travel on a daily basis. To accommodate most purposes, it is available in a number of cab and bed combinations.
Strangely, the TRD Pro trim level was not included in the 2018 lineup. It returns in the 2019 Toyota Tundra with some noticeable improvements. This year, the wheels, springs, and shocks are all overhauled. Toyota is currently equipping this specific model with BBS wheels. The external and interior appearance have also seen some changes. This year, the grille receives a clean facelift, and the new LED headlights have stylish, black trim.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Toyota TundraThe Pros
1. V-8 engines deliver excellent performance.
The 4.6 liter V-8 base engine for 2019 vehicles produces 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque. For most light- to medium-duty tasks, that’s more than enough power. This truck engine can be utilized for both work and towing in addition to general transit. Toyota has a 5.7 liter V-8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque if you need a bit extra oomph. This particular model can tow a trailer or big load with ease and has exceptional performance for a car of its size. Both engine options deliver good on- and off-road performance.
2. Sufficient Towing Power
One of the biggest reasons to buy a full-size vehicle is its capacity to tow. The Toyota Tundra from 2019 delivers in this regard. The standard engine’s maximum towing capacity is 6,800 pounds when fully equipped. It is capable of towing an amazing 10,100 pounds with the improved 5.7 liter.
3. Excellent handling and steering
On the Toyota Tundra, handling and steering are excellent. The steering is precise and precise. The truck boasts a remarkable 44-foot turning circle for a vehicle of its size. Both engines provide strong acceleration. Strong and hard braking is used. Even when you’re not on paved surfaces, it performs well thanks to an optional 4X4, off-road kit.
4. A Luxurious and Comfortable Interior
The inside of the 2019 Toyota Tundra is roomy and welcoming. Passengers get plenty of head and leg room, even in the back seats. No matter what setup or trim package you choose to buy, this is true. The Tundra has luxurious interior features while being a big, robust truck designed for hard labor. You can choose wood-grain trim and leather upholstery, depending on the package. For even greater comfort, heated and cooled front seats are an option.
5. Cutting-edge safety features
The Standard Toyota Safety Sense P system, or TSS-P for short, is now standard on the Toyota Tundra. When you are utilizing cruise control, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control warns you when you approach an item. On lengthy drives, a lane departure alert helps you maintain a steady course. A pre-collision system uses sensors, radar, and an onboard camera to reduce the risk of hitting objects or persons. Cameras also aid in identifying potential blind spots.
6. Excellence and Dependability
The Toyota Tundra from 2019 is a dependable vehicle. For all of its vehicles, Toyota has a solid reputation for dependability and a high rating for durability of life. This is not any different in the Tundra. Compared to the majority of full-size trucks in its class, it performs better in this category. A Tundra should have a long lifespan and consistently reliable performance.
7. Advanced Console Functions
Modern, high-tech features are included in all models, including the entry-level ones. When reversing, a rear-view camera improves your field of vision. To warn you, sensors and warning devices also have an auditory component. You can go where you’re going with the aid of an integrated navigation system. A 7-inch touchscreen with excellent, high-definition visuals shows all of this. You may see information on your fuel economy, remaining gasoline, and average speed on another tiny display located directly on the center cluster.
8. A Classy Infotainment Device
The infotainment touchscreen on the 2019 Toyota Tundra is excellent. The speakers in this truck produce excellent sound. You can connect your smartphone to the Toyota Entune function to merge numerous systems. Even accessing numerous smartphone apps and features for hands-free use while driving is possible via the center console.
9. Fun Off-Road
Another factor driving the popularity of trucks with consumers is their ability to go off-road. Off-road travel is more than possible for this full-size truck. The Toyota Tundra can traverse even the most difficult terrain because to its strong engine and torque. Off-road, the suspension system performs admirably. The Tundra is a true beast in this class because to its 4X4 setup and unique off-road kit.
10. Superior Crash-Test Safety Scores
We’ve already talked about the 2019 Toyota Tundra’s extensive list of safety features. Additionally, it does very well in crash tests. This shows you that the Tundra is a reliable and secure car to be in in the sad event that you are ever in an accident. In front-crash tests, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration awards it four out of five stars. In tests for side impact, side barrier, and pole crashes, it receives a flawless score of five out of five.
buying advice
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Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Toyota TundraThe Cons
A Difficult Ride
For a truck in this class, the ride quality isn’t terrible. However, the trip is rough. To some extent, this is actually true of all full-size trucks. It is something to take into account if you have never owned and operated a truck before. Although the Tundra isn’t necessarily worse than the competition in this area, you should be aware of this before choosing your next car.
It’s a Big Truck, too.
This is a drawback for all full-size trucks, not just the 2019 Toyota Tundra, to reiterate. For certain drivers or passengers, getting in and out of it may be challenging due to how high it sits. It appears to be very big on the road and can be challenging to park in some locations.
3. Unacceptably Low Fuel Economy
One more category remains where no full-size truck does exceptionally well. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Toyota Tundra trails its rivals slightly. You may anticipate a combined fuel-economy estimate of about 15 mpg from the 5.7 liter engine. Only slightly better results are obtained if you choose the smaller engine. Your truck’s setup may determine whether you notice a boost of only 1-3 mpg.
4. There are fewer exterior options than the competition.
You have a good selection of box length and cab size options with the 2019 Toyota Tundra. A 2-door cabin is not a possibility at this location. There are several interior and performance options that are extremely comparable to those of rival vehicles. Your selection of exterior colors, though, strikes me as being one area that is lacking. There are nine different color options available, however many bundles only offer three or six. All of the hues are rather neutral and traditional. That might be perfect for you, but this truck just cannot accommodate something bolder.
The market for full-size trucks has always been extremely competitive with the Toyota Tundra. Large trucks are among the most popular cars in North America right now. The market-dominating American automakers like Chevy, Ram, and Ford are the main source of the fierce competition.
The Ford F-150 is the full-size truck that sells the most. Here, the costs between Ford and Toyota are comparable. In terms of power and towing capacity, Ford triumphs. When it comes to general reliability, the Tundra prevails. When it comes to body type and engine options, the Ram 1500 provides a few more options. Again, these two vehicles are fairly close, with the Tundra having a slight dependability advantage. Additionally, the Chevy Silverado offers more alternatives, such as a V-6 variant with higher fuel efficiency ratings. In terms of reliability and safety, the Tundra performs better.
Anyone shopping for a full-size truck should consider the 2019 Toyota Tundra. The Tundra’s efficiency and dependability are unmatched. Additionally, it has a lot of safety features to protect you and your passengers. It’s a wonderful pickup for routine or sporadic work duty and is cozy enough to drive every day. It also has excellent off-road capabilities for those that are more daring.
What are the Toyota Tundra’s worst years?
The 2010 Toyota Tundra departs from the norm, making it one of the model’s poorest years, despite the Toyota Tundra’s general reputation for dependability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a whopping 16 recalls for the truck.
While the majority of the recalls deal with relatively minor problems like incorrect load carrying capacity labels and broken tire-pressure sensors, there are some more serious difficulties as well.
The three most severe and persistent issues mentioned in various NHTSA recalls are as follows:
- power steering assistance lost as a result of a possible oil leak
- electrical wiring in the seat heater that is defective and could cause a short circuit and set the seat on fire
- Sticky accelerator pedal that may become difficult to depress, take longer than usual to return to idle, or become stuck partially depressed.
Tundras Each Faced an NHTSA Investigation into Same Faulty Airbag Issue
The airbags on the Toyota Tundra were another one of the truck’s most persistent troubles in the past. From 2012 to 2017, the Tundra was the subject of yearly NHTSA investigations over faulty airbags.
The potential occupant sensor issue in the cars might have prevented the Tundra’s airbags from inflating in the case of an accident.
The problem had been rectified by the time the 2019 Toyota Tundra arrived, thus there was no longer a probe. However, 2019 might be listed as one of the worst years for the Toyota Tundra because it is also the year in which the number of recalls increased significantly.
Toyota Tundra has Most Recalls Since 2010, and Most are Safety Risks, Including Sudden Loss of Power Steering and Inoperable Airbags
There aren’t many years that you can categorize as the Toyota Tundra’s worst because it has a history of having a great reputation. However, the 2019 Toyota Tundra has had 10 recalls, which is the highest since the 2010 model had 16. The average number of recalls for the Tundra over nearly ten years was six.
The 10 recalls for the 2019 model include less critical faults like turn signals that don’t flash brightly enough, but there are a lot of hazardous flaws that endanger occupant safety.
Over an oil leak that might result in a sudden loss of power steering assistance, raising the danger of a collision, two recalls were initiated.
Concerns that the issue could result in the engine stalling while driving prompted two more recalls related to a potential fuel pump failure.
Other major issues with the 2019 model year include malfunctioning airbags and potentially fire-starting lighting.
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.
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.
Which year has the fewest issues for Tundra?
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.
You’re looking to buy a used car, then. We have already prepared a list of crucial inquiries to make while purchasing a secondhand car.
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 mileage, 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 numerous Tundra models and are often heard after 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 troubles and steering concerns.
- 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 can be on the line 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.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
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.