The Lemon Index2016 Toyota Tundra.
The 2016 Toyota Tundra is better than average by owner complaints: 79 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 68, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 15 to 17 mpg combined. The best Toyota Tundra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 120 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Tundra year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 35K miles on the car (81 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- brakes complaints mostly came at 1K–13K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 2K–64K miles
Recalls 6
- steering 2021
An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
- steering 2021
The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
- airbags 2017
The affected vehicles have a passenger knee air bag module that was attached to the instrument panel mounting brackets with incorrect bolts.
Show all 6 recalls
- wheels 2017
The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.
- body structure 2017
In the event of an impact to the corner of the bumper, the resin bracket may be damaged but not be noticed.
- equipment 2016
The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 228 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Vibration/pulsation during light to hard braking
- "a battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
- While a vehicle is in inventory, the battery is subject to conditions that can reduce its…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The integrated break controller does not function correctly. Dealer stated it is a known problem and Toyota does not have a repair for the factory defect.
2016 Toyota Tundra owner · NHTSA complaint 10957662
More owner reports
The integrated elecric brake controler for towing a trailer does not work.
NHTSA complaint 10911004
The integrated elecric brake controller included in my platinum edition options for towing a trailer does not work. According to dealer, there is no fix from Toyota although they are aware of the issue.
NHTSA complaint 10916440
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 68; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Tundra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2016 Toyota Tundra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (37%), electrical (22%) and body structure (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have?
6 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Tundra get?
15 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Toyota Tundra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,000 and 35,500 miles. The middle report was at 15,000 miles, from 81 complaints.
Does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Tundra cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have?
4.6L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Toyota Tundra year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2011 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works