Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2021 Toyota Tundra Reliability Report

Name: 2021 Toyota Tundra
Brand: Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Tundra scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

2.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$606

Annual Fuel Cost

$4,000–$4,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity77/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity82/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

SEATS (4)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2021 is the last model year of the Second generation (XK50).

Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
7 years after the last refresh (2014).
2nd generation Tundra (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2007: Second generation (XK50) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2010: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2014: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is the last model year of the Second generation (XK50).

Should You Buy the 2021 Toyota Tundra?

At 75/100, the 2021 Toyota Tundra lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is the last model year of the Second generation (XK50).

Owners log 23 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (4). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 Toyota Tundra, which scored 18 points lower. See also the 2020 Toyota Tundra for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+$330 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize trucks
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Below-average complaint rate for Truck

Cons

−Moderate recall count
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report several issues related to the... (4 complaints)
−SEATS: Lateral movement and excessive play (4 complaints)

Compare 2021 Toyota Tundra With

2021 Chevrolet Silverado

Reliability: 67/100

Good

2021 Ram 1500

Reliability: 63/100

Good

2021 Ford F-150

Reliability: 58/100

Mixed

2021 Ram Promaster

Reliability: 58/100

Mixed

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK

SEATS (4)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

2.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 15.1

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Toyota Tundra Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21E1030002021-12-23

STEERING

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.

21V9200002021-11-23

STEERING

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.

21V6880002021-09-02

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Toyota Tundra? Check its history first

Every 2021 Toyota Tundra has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2021 Toyota Tundra NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 21.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota TundraRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$606

vs $936 avg for fullsize trucks

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

18%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Tundra

$606

Category Avg

$936

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Toyota Tundra Resale Value

The Toyota Tundra is estimated to retain about 89.3% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Toyota Tundra model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.

Value Retained: 89.3%
Depreciation: 10.7%
Listings Analyzed: 320

Listings observed in May 2021. This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Toyota Tundra depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

14–15 MPG

Running cost: $4,600–$4,900/yr

Fuel + repair

13 city / 17 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
Tundra 2WD 5.7L 8-cyl	Rear-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	15	$4,000
Tundra 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Automatic (S6)	13	17	14	$4,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Toyota Tundra.

Inspect power steering for responsiveness and check for recall completion
Test driver's seat for excessive movement during braking and acceleration
Check combination meter display for blanking issues
Verify proper operation of wipers and inspect windshield for chips or cracks
Ensure LED lights are secure and not flickering on TRD PRO models
Test adaptive cruise control and confirm brake lights illuminate during operation

2021 Toyota Tundra Common Problems by Component

23 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

SEATS (4)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)STEERING (2)ENGINE (1)AIR BAGS (1)Other (3)

SEATS

4 complaints

Owners report issues with the driver's seat in the 2021 Toyota Tundra, primarily involving lateral movement and excessive play. Complaints frequently mention the seat shifting back and forth during braking or acceleration, with some owners describing a rocking motion when stopping or starting. These issues are noted shortly after purchase and persist despite multiple dealer visits, with some owners experiencing delays in receiving replacement parts. There are concerns about the seat's stability in the event of an accident, although no actual incidents are reported. Buyers should be aware of these seat movement issues, particularly if considering a vehicle with similar symptoms.

4 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report several issues related to the electrical system. Commonly mentioned problems include the combination meter's electronic control instrument panel LCD display going blank, which persists despite multiple dealership visits. Another reported issue involves the radio and A/C failing to activate unless the key is jiggled or the vehicle is restarted, with symptoms occurring intermittently. Additionally, TRD PRO models experience loose and flashing LED lights that can pose a safety risk. A serious incident involves a fire originating in the dashboard, leading to significant damage without prior warning signs. These issues have been observed across various timelines, with some owners experiencing them soon after purchase.

4 complaints total1 fire

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues with the vehicle's wiper system and windshield durability. Complaints frequently mention the driver-side wiper arm malfunctioning, either stopping completely or failing to work while the passenger side remains operational. One owner describes a wiper arm that stripped out due to snow accumulation, and another notes a driver-side wiper failure without prior warning. Additionally, windshield fragility is a concern, with one owner experiencing a small chip that expanded into a full-length horizontal crack after minor impact, suggesting potential material vulnerability. These issues emerge early in the vehicle's life, with one report occurring within six months of ownership, highlighting potential safety implications during adverse weather conditions due to impaired visibility.

3 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues primarily related to the vehicle's sunroof and air conditioning system. One owner describes an incident where the moonroof unexpectedly exploded while driving, posing potential safety risks due to sudden exposure to the elements. Another complaint highlights a design concern with the air conditioning system, specifically the absence of a visible drain for condensed water, which reportedly leads to electrical issues due to water accumulation. These issues appear to occur early in the vehicle's life, as indicated by the mention of a "brand new" purchase. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding the sunroof's structural integrity and the air conditioning system's drainage design.

3 complaints total

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, specifically with erroneous activation of the pre-collision warning. One owner notes this occurs frequently, over ten times, on the same section of roadway without any apparent hazards such as vehicles, pedestrians, or animals present. Another complaint highlights a problem with the adaptive cruise control system, where the vehicle slows down independently without illuminating the rear brake lights, posing a potential safety risk by not signaling to drivers behind. This issue is reported at approximately 3,000 miles. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding the risk of rear-end collisions due to unlit brake lights during adaptive cruise control operation.

2 complaints total

STEERING (2 complaints)

STEERING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues related to the power steering system, particularly noting failures around 38,000 miles. Symptoms include the complete failure of the power steering, necessitating a costly replacement of the entire assembly. Additionally, some owners mention receiving recall notifications for steering-related issues, but parts for the repair are not yet available, leading to delays. While no incidents of crashes or loss of control are reported, the power steering failure could potentially impact vehicle handling. These issues may be relevant for used car buyers considering the availability and cost of repairs.

2 complaints total

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2026-01-18

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 in to a service bay today 1/29/26 and in formed me the failure was due to the fuel pressure module and a fuel pump failure. Toyota has other years of vehicles that they have issues recalls for and my truck has the same fuel system and fuel pump as in those year vehicles, but no recalls for my truck, a 2021 Toyota Tundra built in Sept/Oct of 2020. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related

2025-12-26Crash reported1 injury

Airbag , it was bad accident on freeway , but my car airbag did not work.car did not inspect with dealer , they were not any waring sign

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

2025-03-21

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jolted, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.

STRUCTURE (1 complaints)

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

2024-11-05

My sunroof exploded due to weather conditions while i was driving with my family on highway during heavy rain storm

When Do 2021 Toyota Tundra Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

38,000 milesSteering failures

48,000 milesTransmission issues

Best & Worst Toyota Tundra Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Toyota Tundra Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Toyota Tundra year is 2026 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (75/100) and 2020 (74/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

2026

0Recalls

0Complaints

Good

2021

(Current Model)

3Recalls

23Complaints

Good

2020

5Recalls

42Complaints

Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid

The worst Toyota Tundra year is 2022 with a score of 57/100, primarily due to power train (90) issues.

Mixed

2022

21Recalls

386Complaints

See full Toyota Tundra years-to-avoid analysis

Toyota Tundra Reliability Score Trend

Toyota Tundra reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 69/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Tundra reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	69/100	Good
2019	70/100	Good
2020	74/100	Good
2021	75/100	Good
2022	57/100	Mixed
2023	59/100	Mixed
2024	65/100	Good
2025	73/100	Good
2026	82/100	Excellent

Toyota Tundra Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	82/100	+9	Excellent	0	0
2025	73/100	+8	Good	6	88
2024	65/100	+6	Good	14	235
2023	59/100	+2	Mixed	22	321
2022	57/100	-18	Mixed	21	386
2021(selected)	75/100	+1	Good	3	23
2020	74/100	+4	Good	5	42
2019	70/100	+1	Good	10	69
2018	69/100	—	Good	9	94

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra reliable?

The 2021 Toyota Tundra has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tundra?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Toyota Tundra include: SEATS (4 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?

The 2021 Toyota Tundra has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra expensive to maintain?

The 2021 Toyota Tundra has estimated annual repair costs of $606/year, which is $330 less than the fullsize trucks average of $936. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Toyota Tundra without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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