Toyota Tundra research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Tundra is Toyota's full-size pickup, with a reputation for durability and strong resale. 2011-2021 trucks use proven V8s (the 381-hp 5.7L is the favorite) but use a lot of fuel; 2018 added standard automatic emergency braking and 2020 brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 2022 redesign brought twin-turbo V6 and hybrid power, a 10-speed and a smoother ride, but early trucks need an engine recall checked.

Model years covered: 2011–2026. A refreshed Tundra is reported for 2027; verify 2026 trims, specs and pricing against current Toyota data.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Strong durability reputation
High resale value
Proven 5.7 liter V8 through 2021
Powerful i force max hybrid 2022 and later
Standard toyota safety sense 2018 and later
Comfortable coil spring ride 2022 and later
Trd pro off road models

Things to know before you buy

V8 trucks have poor fuel economy
2022 2024 engine recall must be checked
Fewer configurations than domestic rivals
Used prices are high
Check frame rust in snow belt trucks
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 2 (2007–2021)

The second generation used a 270-hp 4.0L V6 (to 2014), 310-hp 4.6L V8 (to 2019) and 381-hp 5.7L V8 with 5- and 6-speed automatics. The 2014 refresh redid the exterior and interior, Toyota Safety Sense P became standard for 2018, and 2020 added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the 5.7L standard.

Buyer takeaway: A 2018-2021 5.7L truck offers the best mix of proven V8 durability and modern safety; budget for fuel.

Generation 3 (2022–present)

The third generation brought a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (348-389 hp), the 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, a 10-speed automatic, coil-spring rear suspension and a new tech-rich cabin; an engine recall covers many non-hybrid 2022-2024 trucks.

Buyer takeaway: Better mpg, towing and ride than earlier trucks; confirm engine recall completion by VIN.

Toyota Tundra by model year

2026 Toyota Tundra

The 2026 Tundra gets small but useful updates: a 32.2-gallon fuel tank on every trim, rear air vents in the Double Cab and new interior materials on Limited and Capstone. Power remains a 348- or 389-hp twin-turbo V6 or the 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid (about 22 mpg combined). Verify 2026 trims and pricing with current Toyota data.

Engines: 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 389 hp 479 lb ft; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 348 hp 405 lb ft sr; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 hybrid i force max 437 hp 583 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

32 2 gallon fuel tank standard on all trims
Double cab rear air vents added
Updated capstone and limited interior materials

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Warranty status and in service date; Engine recall completion for twin turbo V6; Turbo V6 oil change records; 10 speed shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Hybrid system warning lights if i force max; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2025 Toyota Tundra

The 2025 Tundra continues with the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (389 hp; 348 hp on SR) or the 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, a 10-speed automatic and 4x2 or 4x4, rated about 18-20 mpg combined for gas models and about 22 for the hybrid. Confirm recall status and remaining warranty by VIN.

Engines: 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 389 hp 479 lb ft; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 348 hp 405 lb ft sr; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 hybrid i force max 437 hp 583 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover
Trim and package updates verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Engine recall completion for twin turbo V6; Turbo V6 oil change records; 10 speed shift quality; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Hybrid system warning lights if i force max; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2024 Toyota Tundra

The 2024 Tundra continues with the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (389 hp; 348 hp on SR) or the 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, a 10-speed automatic and 4x2 or 4x4, rated about 18-20 mpg combined for gas models and about 22 for the hybrid. The engine-debris recall was extended to non-hybrid trucks built through February 2024, so check the VIN.

Engines: 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 389 hp 479 lb ft; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 348 hp 405 lb ft sr; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 hybrid i force max 437 hp 583 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover
Engine recall extended to trucks built through february 2024 check by VIN

2023 Toyota Tundra

The 2023 Tundra carries over the 2022 redesign: a 389-hp twin-turbo V6 (348 hp on SR) or the 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid, 10-speed automatic and coil-spring rear suspension. Non-hybrid 2022-2023 Tundras are covered by an engine recall for machining debris that can damage main bearings; confirm completion by VIN.

Engines: 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 389 hp 479 lb ft; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 348 hp 405 lb ft sr; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 hybrid i force max 437 hp 583 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover
Covered by twin turbo V6 engine recall check by VIN

2022 Toyota Tundra

The 2022 Tundra is all-new: a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (389 hp, 479 lb-ft; 348 hp in SR trims) or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid (437 hp, 583 lb-ft), a 10-speed automatic, a coil-spring rear suspension and towing up to about 11,200 lb. Non-hybrid 2022-2023 trucks are part of an engine recall for machining debris, so confirm it by VIN.

Engines: 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 389 hp 479 lb ft; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 348 hp 405 lb ft sr; 3.4 liter twin turbo V6 hybrid i force max 437 hp 583 lb ft
Transmissions: 10 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

All new third generation
Twin turbo V6 replaces the V8
I force max hybrid option
Coil spring multi link rear suspension
Available 14 inch touchscreen

2021 Toyota Tundra

For 2021 every Tundra uses the 381-hp, 401 lb-ft 5.7L V8 and a 6-speed automatic (about 13/17 mpg 4x4). It is the last V8 Tundra and the last of the second generation, with standard Toyota Safety Sense P and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers who want a naturally aspirated V8 should look here; the 2022 redesign switched to twin-turbo V6 power.

Engines: 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Last year of the second generation
Last V8 tundra

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2020 Toyota Tundra

For 2020 every Tundra uses the 381-hp, 401 lb-ft 5.7L V8 and a 6-speed automatic (about 13/17 mpg 4x4). New this year: an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start and a Double Cab TRD Pro. Toyota Safety Sense P remains standard. It pairs proven V8 durability with modern phone integration.

Engines: 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

4.6 liter V8 dropped 5.7 liter standard
8 inch touchscreen with apple carplay and android auto
Trd pro offered as double cab
Smart key push button start

2019 Toyota Tundra

The 2019 Tundra continues with standard Toyota Safety Sense P and the 4.6L or 5.7L V8 with a 6-speed automatic in Double Cab and CrewMax bodies. It is the last year of the 4.6L V8. The 381-hp 5.7L remains the pick for towing. Confirm the engine, cab, bed and any TRD packages by VIN.

Engines: 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2018
Trd pro returns verify by VIN
Last year of the 4.6 liter V8

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2018 Toyota Tundra

For 2018 Toyota Safety Sense P became standard, adding pre-collision braking, lane departure alert and radar cruise. The Regular Cab and TRD Pro were dropped for the year and a TRD Sport added. Engines remain the 310-hp 4.6L and 381-hp 5.7L V8s with a 6-speed. It is the first Tundra with standard automatic emergency braking.

Engines: 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Toyota safety sense p standard
Regular cab dropped
Trd sport added
Trd pro paused for 2018

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2017 Toyota Tundra

The 2017 Tundra continues with a 310-hp 4.6L V8 or 381-hp 5.7L V8 and a 6-speed automatic in Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax bodies with 4x2 or 4x4. The 5.7L tows the most but is rated only about 13/17-18 mpg. It is a simple, durable truck; inspect for towing wear, rust and V8 oil seepage.

Engines: 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover
Trim and package updates verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2016 Toyota Tundra

The 2016 Tundra continues with a 310-hp 4.6L V8 or 381-hp 5.7L V8 and a 6-speed automatic in Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax bodies with 4x2 or 4x4. The 5.7L tows the most but is rated only about 13/17-18 mpg. It is a simple, durable truck; inspect for towing wear, rust and V8 oil seepage.

Engines: 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover
Trim and package updates verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2015 Toyota Tundra

For 2015 Toyota dropped the V6, so every Tundra has a V8: the 310-hp 4.6L standard or the 381-hp 5.7L, both with a 6-speed automatic. The new TRD Pro added off-road suspension tuning and styling. Fuel economy is about 14-15 mpg city and 18-19 highway for the 4.6L. These trucks are known for durability when maintained.

Engines: 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

V6 dropped 4.6 liter V8 becomes standard
Trd pro off road model introduced

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2014 Toyota Tundra

The 2014 refresh brought a bolder exterior with a larger grille, higher hood and new tailgate, plus a fully redesigned, more ergonomic interior and the Western-themed 1794 Edition alongside the Platinum. Engines carry over: 270-hp V6 (its last year), 310-hp 4.6L V8 and 381-hp 5.7L V8. It is a good-value way into the refreshed look.

Engines: 4.0 liter V6 270 hp 278 lb ft; 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic V6; 6 speed automatic V8
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Refreshed exterior with larger grille and higher hood
Redesigned interior
New 1794 edition and platinum luxury trims
Last year of the V6

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2013 Toyota Tundra

The 2013 Tundra is a second-generation full-size pickup. Engines are a 270-hp 4.0L V6 (5-speed automatic, about 16/20 mpg), a 310-hp 4.6L V8 or a 381-hp, 401 lb-ft 5.7L V8 (both 6-speed automatics; the 5.7L is about 13-14/17-18 mpg). Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax bodies are offered. The 5.7L is the towing choice; check towing wear and rust.

Engines: 4.0 liter V6 270 hp 278 lb ft; 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic V6; 6 speed automatic V8
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Flex fuel e85 capability on some 5.7 liter trucks verify by VIN
Regular double cab and crewmax bodies

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2012 Toyota Tundra

The 2012 Tundra is a second-generation full-size pickup. Engines are a 270-hp 4.0L V6 (5-speed automatic, about 16/20 mpg), a 310-hp 4.6L V8 or a 381-hp, 401 lb-ft 5.7L V8 (both 6-speed automatics; the 5.7L is about 13-14/17-18 mpg). Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax bodies are offered. The 5.7L is the towing choice; check towing wear and rust.

Engines: 4.0 liter V6 270 hp 278 lb ft; 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic V6; 6 speed automatic V8
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Flex fuel e85 capability on some 5.7 liter trucks verify by VIN
Regular double cab and crewmax bodies

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

2011 Toyota Tundra

The 2011 Tundra is a second-generation full-size pickup. Engines are a 270-hp 4.0L V6 (5-speed automatic, about 16/20 mpg), a 310-hp 4.6L V8 or a 381-hp, 401 lb-ft 5.7L V8 (both 6-speed automatics; the 5.7L is about 13-14/17-18 mpg). Regular, Double Cab and CrewMax bodies are offered. The 5.7L is the towing choice; check towing wear and rust.

Engines: 4.0 liter V6 270 hp 278 lb ft; 4.6 liter V8 310 hp 327 lb ft; 5.7 liter V8 381 hp 401 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed automatic V6; 6 speed automatic V8
Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive 4x2; Four wheel drive 4x4
Body style: Regular cab; Double cab; Crewmax

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2007 design
Flex fuel e85 capability on some 5.7 liter trucks verify by VIN
Regular double cab and crewmax bodies

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact cab bed engine and drivetrain by VIN; Secondary air injection system codes on 5.7 liter; Cam tower or valley oil seepage on V8; Water pump and coolant leaks; Towing history and hitch wear; 4x4 transfer case operation if equipped; Frame and underbody rust; Rear axle and differential leaks; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Maintenance history.

Known issues and what to check

Twin-Turbo V6 Engine Machining-Debris Recall (2022–2024)
Toyota recalled non-hybrid 2022-2023 Tundras because machining debris left in the 3.4L twin-turbo V6 could cause crankshaft main bearing failure, engine knocking, rough running or loss of power while driving. The recall was later extended to non-hybrid Tundras built through February 2024. The remedy is an engine replacement.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the engine recall is complete, or that the truck is not affected, before buying.
5.7L V8 Secondary Air Injection Faults (2011–2021)
Second-generation 5.7L V8 Tundras are well known for secondary air injection pump or valve faults, which can put the truck into limp mode with a check-engine light. Toyota has extended coverage on some trucks in the past; ask a dealer whether anything applies to the VIN.
What to do: Scan for codes and test a cold start on a 5.7L Tundra.
V8 Oil Seepage and Water Pump Leaks (2011–2021)
High-mileage 4.6L and 5.7L V8s can show cam tower or valley oil seepage and water pump coolant leaks. These are known repairs on long-lived engines rather than certain failures.
What to do: Inspect for leaks and value documented repairs.
Frame, Underbody and Brake-Line Rust (2011–2026)
Trucks driven in salted-road areas can develop frame, underbody and brake-line corrosion. Earlier Toyota frame programs covered older Tundras outside this period; inspect any truck from the snow belt.
What to do: Inspect the frame and underbody carefully on trucks from northern states.
Towing and Work-Truck Wear (2011–2026)
Many Tundras tow heavy trailers. Heavy use wears brakes, transmission fluid, rear axle seals, 4x4 components and hitch hardware faster.
What to do: Have a pre-purchase inspection on any truck that has towed regularly.
Tundra Engine, Cab and Generation Disambiguation (2011–2026)
Tundra engines changed by year: 4.0L V6 (through 2014), 4.6L V8 (through 2019), 5.7L V8 (through 2021), and from 2022 a 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (348 or 389 hp) or the 437-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Cabs and beds also vary.
What to do: Confirm engine, cab, bed and drivetrain before comparing towing or price.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, cab and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls, especially the 2022-2024 twin-turbo V6 engine recall, and confirm completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Toyota Tundra?
What engine does this Tundra have?
Has the twin-turbo V6 engine recall been done on this Tundra?
Which Tundra years have the 5.7L V8?
What changed in the 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2022 Tundra?
How much can the Tundra tow?
What fuel economy does the Tundra get?
Is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid worth it?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar trucks should I consider?