NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 120 owner complaints for the 2016 Toyota Tundra. Most complaints involve service brakes (34) and electrical system (26). The EPA rates it 15–17 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Tundra vehicles. The affected vehicles have a passenger knee air bag module that was attached to the instrument panel mounting brackets with incorrect bolts.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tundra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1,026 |
| 2001 | 421 |
| 2002 | 511 |
| 2003 | 411 |
| 2004 | 466 |
| 2005 | 377 |
| 2006 | 545 |
| 2007 | 390 |
| 2008 | 327 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 135 |
| 2012 | 156 |
| 2013 | 85 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 120 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 100 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 433 |
| 2023 | 417 |
| 2024 | 358 |
| 2025 | 144 |
“The trailer brake controller went out. It does not supply electronic braking and the truck no longer recognizes the controller on the dashboard. Multiple on line chats and forums, along with my trailer provider, show awareness of this defect. Online individuals learned of the issue during emergency stopping. This appears to be known and wide spread.”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while going through prior service paperwork found in the vehicle, he discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact also stated that the vehicle was once sold at a private auction. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 158,000; however, upon discovery of the service paperwork, the contact discovered that the vehicle mileage was once 250,000.”
“Bed is rusting out from the bottom in a fashion that looks very similar to a previous Tundra bed rusting issue that had a TSB and remedy from Toyota. On the driver's side bed bolt closest to the cab, the sheet metal tack welded to the bed has separated and is rusting out. Approximately 7 inches to the drivers side from that bolt. The seam sealer is also cracking. Additionally, the drivers side bed bolt closes to the tailgate has rust bubbling up from underneath approximately 1 inch to the passenger side from the bolt and also along where that sheet metal is tack welded onto the bed.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,650 | 536 |
| Tundra 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,900 | 568 |
| Tundra 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 598 |
| Tundra 2WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 591 |
| Tundra 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 604 |
| Tundra 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 606 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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.
Owners filed 120 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (34), electrical system (26), structure (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Toyota Tundra at 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Toyota Tundra 4 out of 5 stars overall.