Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid
We analyzed 1672 owner complaints and 85 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Toyota Tundra model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2022 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in engine & cooling.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Engine & Cooling
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Toyota Tundra Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Toyota Tundra Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Tundra | 156 | 4 | 66/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Toyota Tundra | 85 | 6 | 69/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Toyota Tundra | 93 | 5 | 50/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2015 Toyota Tundra | 51 | 5 | 45/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2016 Toyota Tundra | 120 | 6 | 54/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2017 Toyota Tundra | 78 | 6 | 49/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2018 Toyota Tundra | 100 | 9 | 89/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Toyota Tundra | 74 | 10 | 86/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Toyota Tundra | 47 | 5 | 48/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2021 Toyota Tundra | 24 | 3 | 27/100 | Exercise Caution | Report → |
| 2022 Toyota Tundra | 432 | 13 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Toyota Tundra | 412 | 13 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Toyota Tundra: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Toyota Tundra years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Toyota Tundra model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring engine & cooling issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Toyota Tundra?
The most reliable used model year for the Toyota Tundra is 2021 (as well as 2021), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Toyota Tundra?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Toyota Tundra are Engine & Cooling, Powertrain & Transmission, Electrical System. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Toyota Tundra?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 85 safety recall campaigns and recorded 1672 official owner complaints for the Toyota Tundra.