Last updated: 2026-10-10

Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 69/100

Skip the 2022 Toyota Tundra. Owners report engines that fail suddenly at highway speed and a throttle that goes dead for seconds when pulling away from a stop. The 2021 is the year to buy instead.

Verdict

Avoid
2022 57/100
Buy
2021 75/100
Model average
69/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Toyota Tundra average of 69/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202257/100Mixed21386Power Train (90)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Toyota Tundra

Engine failure is the main worry. Owners report engines shutting off or losing power at highway speed, with metal debris found in the oil, and some say a replacement engine failed too. Many also describe a dead pedal for seconds when pulling away from a stop, which continued after an engine swap.

21 recalls386 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Power Train (90), Engine (81), Engine And Engine Cooling (35), Unknown Or Other (29), Fuel Propulsion System (26), Vehicle Speed Control (20)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Toyota Tundra Problems?

POWER TRAIN

240 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Throttle lag from a stop dominates these reports.

ENGINE

215 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Sudden engine failure is the most serious pattern.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

118 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2024

2018: Pre-collision system faults make up most of these reports.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

96 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Pressing the gas from a stop often brings a delay of anywhere from half a second to 4 seconds before the truck responds and then surges.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

74 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Accelerator hesitation from a stop or a creeping start fills most of these reports.

SERVICE BRAKES

74 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

2022: Squealing front brakes and shudder under braking are the main problems, often from new.

Best Toyota Tundra Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 drew 23 owner complaints, against 386 for the 2022. Its filings are scattered across electrical, seat and wiper issues rather than the engine and power train failures that dominate the 2022 and 2023. It is also the last year of the second generation, with several years on the road behind it.

Score: 75/100 (Good)3 recalls23 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Toyota Tundra has 3 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Toyota Tundra Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Toyota Tundra years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2022. It is well below the model's own average, with 386 owner complaints and 21 recalls. Owners report sudden engine failure and throttle lag from a stop. The 2023 is also rated mixed and deserves a careful inspection.
Is the 2023 Toyota Tundra reliable?
It is rated mixed and is among the lowest-rated years. Owners filed 321 complaints, mostly about the power train and engine, plus 5 fire reports. It is not on the avoid list, but check service history and recall work closely before buying.
Which Toyota Tundra years have engine problems?
The 2022 has the worst engine record, with engines shutting off or losing power at highway speed and metal debris found in the oil. The 2023 and 2024 also have engine and power train complaints at the top of their lists.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra a safe used buy?
It is the site's pick, with a good standing and few complaints. Still, owners report loose driver seats, blank instrument panels, wiper failures, and one parked-truck fire. Check the seat for play and the dash before you buy.
Are newer Tundras like the 2025 or 2026 better than the 2022?
The 2025 looks better on paper: it is rated good with fewer complaints, though power train and engine still lead them. The 2026 has no complaints or recalls only because it is new, so it is not proven.

How we score every Toyota Tundra model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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