NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Most complaints involve electrical system (4) and seats (4). The EPA rates it 14–15 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 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
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 | 134 |
| 2012 | 156 |
| 2013 | 85 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 120 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 100 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 432 |
| 2023 | 412 |
| 2024 | 349 |
| 2025 | 141 |
“When I turn the key to crank my radio doesn’t come on , A/C won’t blow and I have to jiggle the keys or restart it to end the issue. My husband has witnessed thi happen many times. Scared I might have an electrical issue. Contact me back for assistance to me for this issue please. It doesn’t happen every time either.”
“I've taken my truck in 3 times for a problem with the driver seat having excessive play. Whenever I stop at a light or pull off the seat rocks back and forth. Each time I've taken it in to the dealership they tell me that it is a seat track issue and that if I raise my seat the play will lessen? I've tried that and it still didn't correct the issue. This problem has gotten progressively worse and I'm worried that the seat is going to collapse completely one day when I stop or pull off. I've driven different Tundras of friends and relatives and those trucks don't have this problem. I feel like this is a major safety issue and Toyota should correct this issue or replace the seat track. The first time took it in for this issue was on 7-12-2021 and the last time I took it in for this issue was 23-Jan-2024 .”
“When I was driving and snow accumulating on the windshield put stress on the windshield wiper arm. The arm stopped working and I later found that the arm stripped out. I contacted three different dealerships and Toyota America and was told the wiper arm is no longer made ( part #85221-0C021 ). I told Toyota if it rains or snows I can not drive the vehicle due to laws and safety issues. I thought under the Magnuson-Moss act, a manufacture had to keep parts for items under warranty.”
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, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 601 |
| Tundra 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| 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 |
3 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.
Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (4), seats (4), visibility/wiper (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Toyota Tundra at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Toyota Tundra 4 out of 5 stars overall.