Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD · 4 NHTSA variants

2010 Toyota TundraRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 16 safety recalls and 163 owner complaints for the 2010 Toyota Tundra. Most complaints involve suspension (31) and structure (25). The EPA rates it 14–17 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
14–17mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
16campaigns
Latest Dec 2021
Owner complaints
163
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$3,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

16 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Steering: hydraulic power assist system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

SteeringReported Dec 23, 2021NHTSA 21E103000

Steering: hydraulic power assist system

Free remedy

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

SteeringReported Nov 23, 2021NHTSA 21V920000

Seats: seat heater

Free remedy

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

SeatsReported Jun 2, 2016NHTSA 16V396000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

163 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2009 – Jun 2026
  1. Suspension31
  2. Structure25
  3. Vehicle speed control25
  4. Power train19
  5. Electrical system16
  6. Engine10
  7. Service brakes10
  8. Air bags9
  9. Engine and engine cooling8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Tundra model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20001,026
2001421
2002511
2003411
2004466
2005377
2006545
2007390
2008327
200938
2010163
2011134
2012156
201385
201493
201551
2016120
201778
2018100
201974
202047
202124
2022432
2023412
2024349
2025141
Crashes reported
13
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

31 reports1 crash
“My understanding is that my vehicle went in for the frame issue. However on both the driver and passenger sides the frame is literally disintegrating. The metal is falling apart in solid chunks, not flakes actual chunks ⅜" x 2" x 3"! This is taking place in the exact same locations on each side. Just aft of the front suspension cross frame and in front of the transmission/transfer case cross support.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2026Suspension, StructureODI 11746857

Structure

25 reports2 crashes
“Rusting frame on the vehicle leading to potential cracks and creating safety concerns. Truck has low miles and been well maintained.This is my second Toyota truck with a rusted frame. No help or support from Toyota on my concerns with the 2010 Tundra.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 1, 2025StructureODI 11645705

Vehicle speed control

25 reports5 crashes
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING FORWARD. THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND SHIFT INTO PARK TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER HAD TO DETACH THE BATTERY TO RESET THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF HOLLYWOOD (LOCATED AT 1841 FL-7, HOLLYWOOD, FL 33021, (866) 332-6839) WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 15V689000 (VISIBILITY), AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER ON DECEMBER 30, 2019 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC FORGOT TO RESET THE SOFTWARE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,605.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 31, 2019Vehicle speed controlODI 11292253
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD, Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl · 4.0L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Automatic (S5)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152017$3,800523
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
151916$4,000555
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141816$4,000555
Tundra 4WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000555
Tundra 4WD FFV
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
131715$4,300592
Tundra 4WD
Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
131714$4,600635
  • Tundra 2WD
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Tundra 2WD
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L
    15 city · 19 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Tundra 2WD
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    14 city · 18 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Tundra 4WD
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Tundra 4WD FFV
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,300/yr
    15
    mpg comb.
  • Tundra 4WD
    Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L
    13 city · 17 hwy · $4,600/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Toyota Tundra as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 5790Vehicle 5791Vehicle 5792
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2010 Tundra questions

How many recalls does the 2010 Toyota Tundra have?

16 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2010 Toyota Tundra problems?

Owners filed 163 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (31), structure (25), vehicle speed control (25). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Toyota Tundra get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Toyota Tundra at 14–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026