VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Tundra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Toyota Tundra is among the quieter years of the Tundra on NHTSA's books: 30 complaints (86% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (6), seats (4), and electrical system (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

30

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Tundra years?

Tundra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,334 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 1,334 complaints2001: 542 complaints2002: 645 complaints2003: 524 complaints2004: 652 complaints2005: 491 complaints2006: 677 complaints2007: 535 complaints2008: 460 complaints2009: 53 complaints2010: 218 complaints2011: 184 complaints2012: 214 complaints2013: 105 complaints2014: 115 complaints2015: 58 complaints2016: 154 complaints2017: 112 complaints2018: 153 complaints2019: 103 complaints2020: 54 complaints2021: 30 complaints2022: 619 complaints2023: 580 complaints2024: 479 complaints2025: 218 complaints2026: 22 complaints
Tundra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tundra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Toyota Tundra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other620%
Seats413%
Electrical System413%
Visibility & Wipers310%
Fuel System27%
Lighting27%
Driver Assistance27%
Steering27%
Body & Structure27%
Engine13%
Airbags13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21E103000SteeringDecember 23, 2021 · 151 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.

21V920000SteeringNovember 23, 2021 · 22,462 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.

21V688000LightingSeptember 2, 2021 · 158,489 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Wayne drove the truck to work. It was an icy day in Texas so he drove slower than usual. He went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. A few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 3, 2022 · fire

“The seats shifts back and forth when brakes applied or hit the accelerator pedal. I’ve taken to two different dealers n made complaints but not results or repairs have been made. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · April 11, 2022

“Wayne drove the truck to work. It was an icy day in Texas so he drove slower than usual. He went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. A few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2022 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 4, 2023

“Were were driving, my 2021 Toyota Tundra, just stopped running. No check engine lights had come on until the engine stalled as we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. We had it towed to the Central Maine Motor in Waterville, Maine 04901. Central Maine Motor -Toyota service just got my truck…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 18, 2026

2021 Toyota Tundra — common questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 30 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Tundra year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Tundra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (6 complaints), seats (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Tundra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tundra years to avoid are 2000, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2022, 2023, 2001, 2007, 2003, 2005, 2024, 2008. The cleanest record among Tundra years belongs to 1999.

How safe is the 2021 Toyota Tundra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Toyota Tundra earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.