The Lemon Index2017 Toyota Tundra.
The 2017 Toyota Tundra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 42 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 6 recalls, and it gets 15 to 16 mpg combined. The best Toyota Tundra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 78 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Tundra year. 2017 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 1K to 33K miles on the car (45 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 14K–30K 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.
- seats 2018
One of the rear split bench seat leg brackets may not have been properly tightened to the vehicle's floor pan, possibly allowing the seat to move in a crash.
Show all 6 recalls
- equipment 2017
These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels.
- 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.
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 182 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
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and life
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/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/RC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/RC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota Tundra PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Dashboard gauges do not illuminate during the day when the headlights are off. Because of this, it can be very difficult (or impossible) to read the gauges while driving in shady areas, especially while wearing sunglasses.
2017 Toyota Tundra owner · NHTSA complaint 11299242
More owner reports
When driving around at night and use the turn signal, the headlights will shut off and interior dash lights and radio lights will dim, as if it is day time. It typically happens in the mornings when it's cold out.
NHTSA complaint 11286304
Daytime running lights on sr5 option are amber in color and not allowed except as parking lights under co traffic regulations. Toyota is apparently aware of problem but has not standardized headlight options
NHTSA complaint 11105259
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Tundra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2017 Toyota Tundra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (36%), lights (29%) and brakes (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 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 2017 Toyota Tundra get?
15 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 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 2017 Toyota Tundra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,400 and 33,200 miles. The middle report was at 16,000 miles, from 45 complaints.
Does the 2017 Toyota Tundra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Toyota Tundra cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Toyota Tundra have?
4.6L 8-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl.
What Toyota Tundra year is better than the 2017?
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