The Lemon Index2021 Toyota Tundra.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 19 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 22, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about seats, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 14 to 15 mpg combined. The best Toyota Tundra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 24 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Tundra year. 2021 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.
Recalls 3
- 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.
- lights 2021
The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
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 134 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- A battery in a stored vehicle is subject to conditions that can reduce its performance and…
- When customers have a concern about a discharged battery, no start, or general battery concern
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota TUNDRA PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota TUNDRA PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota TUNDRA PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota TUNDRA PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $4300–4600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.7L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
The seats shifts back and forth when brakes applied or hit the accelerator pedal. Iâve taken to two different dealers n made complaints but not results or repairs have been made.
2021 Toyota Tundra owner · NHTSA complaint 11491083
More owner reports
Drivers seat has lateral movement in it associated when vehicle is engaged in a slow speed descending right turn. Dealer claims nothing is wrong.
NHTSA complaint 11576948
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Tundra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Tundra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are seats (21%), electrical (16%) and wipers & visibility (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?
3 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 2021 Toyota Tundra get?
14 to 15 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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.
Does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Tundra cost in fuel a year?
About $4300 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?
5.7L 8-cyl.
What Toyota Tundra year is better than the 2021?
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