Did the Toyota Tundra fail the crash test?
No. In the latest publicly released crash-test results from major safety agencies, the Toyota Tundra has not failed. It has earned high safety ratings overall, with most tests showing strong protection for occupants. The specifics can vary by model year and trim, so buyers should check the exact configuration they are considering.
The following article summarizes how the Toyota Tundra performed in the principal crash tests conducted by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), what those results mean for real-world safety, and how to interpret them when shopping.
Overview of crash-test results
Before diving into the details, this snapshot highlights where the Tundra stands in major agency assessments. The summary below reflects results published for recent model years by IIHS and NHTSA. Ratings can vary by year, trim, and drivetrain, so consult the latest official reports for your exact configuration.
- IIHS crashworthiness results: The Tundra has earned strong ratings in most tests (Good or Acceptable in several categories), with no widely reported disqualifications in core crash tests. Some configurations may differ in headlight and certain assist-system ratings.
- NHTSA overall rating: The Tundra has typically received high overall star ratings, with most configurations achieving four or five stars across frontal and side-crash assessments. Variations by trim or cab/bed configuration can occur.
- Practical takeaway: In aggregate, the Tundra’s safety performance is competitive with other modern full-size pickups, and it generally does not fail the major crash tests.
In short, the main takeaway from the latest official crash tests is that the Toyota Tundra performs well overall and has not failed the primary crash-test evaluations. Always verify the exact year, trim, and drivetrain you’re considering, since results can differ across configurations.
IIHS results
IIHS tests are considered among the most stringent for crashworthiness and include small overlap, moderate overlap, side impact, roof strength, and seat/head restraint evaluations. The Tundra’s performance across these tests has been strong in recent years, with most categories rated Good or Acceptable. Specific ratings can vary by year and option package, so buyers should review the official IIHS results for their exact model.
What IIHS tests cover
IIHS publishes separate ratings for several crash categories. The results help buyers compare how well a vehicle protects occupants in different crash scenarios and how available safety features contribute to protection.
- Small overlap front (driver-side): Assesses protection when a portion of the front corner collides with another vehicle or object. The Tundra generally scores well, though results may vary by year and trim.
- Moderate overlap front: Measures protection in a full-width frontal crash. The Tundra has typically earned Good or Acceptable ratings in this category.
- Side impact: Evaluates occupant protection in a side crash. The Tundra’s side-impact ratings have been consistently strong in recent reports.
- Roof strength: Tests the vehicle’s ability to withstand roof crush in a rollover. The Tundra has shown solid roof-strength performance in current results.
- Head restraints & seats: Assesses protection against whiplash and related injuries. The Tundra’s stabilization and seat design contribute to favorable outcomes in this area.
Concluding note: IIHS results for the Tundra reflect modern safety engineering and active safety features; however, exact ratings depend on the model year and configuration. Check the most recent IIHS report for the precise category-by-category scores for the trim you’re considering.
NHTSA results
NHTSA publishes five-star safety ratings that cover overall performance as well as individual frontal and side-crash assessments. For the Tundra, recent model-year results have generally reflected high overall safety ratings, with some variation by configuration. Again, the exact star ratings can differ depending on factors like cab style and drivetrain supply.
Overview of NHTSA evaluations
Key NHTSA ratings include the overall five-star rating and sub-scores for frontal and side crashes. These results help quantify occupant protection in real-world crash scenarios and are widely used by consumers and insurers.
- Overall rating: The Tundra has earned a high overall star rating in most recent publications for several configurations.
- Frontal crash rating: Typically strong, contributing to top-line scores across many trim levels.
- Side crash rating: Generally favorable, reflecting robust protection in side-impact tests.
- Fragments by configuration: Some trims or drivetrains may show minor variations; always check the exact setup you're interested in.
Conclusion: Based on current NHTSA results, the Toyota Tundra does not fail crash tests and often achieves four or five stars overall, with strong frontal and side-crash performance. Always reference the precise year and configuration for an apples-to-apples comparison.
What this means for buyers
For prospective buyers, crash-test results are one piece of the safety puzzle. While the Tundra generally demonstrates strong crashworthiness and protection, you should also consider supplemental safety features, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), airbags coverage, and options like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. The availability and performance of these features can vary by trim and year.
When evaluating a Tundra, check the specific IIHS and NHTSA reports for the exact year, trim, and configuration you’re considering. If possible, look for trims with higher HDR (headlighting and visibility) scores and the latest safety-systems packages to maximize protection in various crash scenarios.
Summary
In summary, the Toyota Tundra has not failed major crash tests according to the latest publicly available results from IIHS and NHTSA. It generally earns high safety ratings across a range of tests, with some variation by year and configuration. For the most accurate picture, review the specific year, trim, and drivetrain you’re interested in, and consult the official IIHS and NHTSA reports.
Did the Toyota Tundra really pull the space shuttle?
In October 2012, the world took notice when an unmodified half-ton Toyota Tundra towed a space shuttle and assisting dolly across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge and 405 Freeway to its new home at the California Science Center.
Did the Toyota Tundra pass the crash test?
The Tundra earned a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 4-Star Overall Safety Rating for the 2020 model year, and scored well on its Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tests too.
What year to stay away from Toyota Tundra?
Years to avoid for the Toyota Tundra include 2007-2013, especially 2007 and 2012, due to rust issues, engine problems like faulty air induction pumps, and transmission issues. Additionally, the 2022-2023 models should be avoided due to lower reliability ratings and numerous reported problems with things like the infotainment system and engine.
This video discusses common problems of the Toyota Tundra between 2008 and 2022: 59sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 29, 2023
Years to avoid
- 2007-2013:
- 2007: Was the first model year of the second generation, with many complaints about engine issues, such as faulty air induction pumps and knocking pistons.
- 2012: Was labeled the "Worst Model Year" by CarComplaints.com due to high repair costs associated with engine and transmission problems, especially at lower mileage.
- 2007-2013: These years are also associated with ongoing rust problems.
- 2022-2023:
- The current generation's first model years received lower reliability ratings compared to previous generations.
- Reported issues include infotainment glitches, engine problems, transmission failures, and various other quality control issues like leaks and broken parts.
What is the safety rating of the Toyota Tundra?
The safety rating for the Toyota Tundra is excellent, with the 2025 CrewMax model earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it one of the safest half-ton pickups. This top rating is a result of excellent performance in all crashworthiness tests, including an updated moderate overlap front test that specifically addresses rear-seat occupant protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also previously awarded the 2020 model a 4-Star Overall Safety Rating.
IIHS ratings
- The 2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax has earned the highest possible Top Safety Pick+ award.
- This rating is based on its high performance in crashworthiness tests, including the updated moderate overlap front test, which specifically improved rear-seat occupant protection.
- To achieve this, the vehicle must earn a "Good" rating in six crashworthiness evaluations and have acceptable or good headlights.
NHTSA ratings
- The 2020 model received a 4-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
- Individual test results for the 2020 model were:
- Frontal Crash: 4-Star
- Side Crash: 5-Star
- Rollover: 4-Star
