What are the complaints about Toyota Tundra?

The most common complaints about the Toyota Tundra center on ride comfort, fuel economy, interior refinement, and technology, with some buyers feeling the price isn’t always matched by the perceived value when compared with rivals.

Since its 2022 redesign, the Tundra has been praised for capability and powertrain options, but reviewers and owners have highlighted several recurring drawbacks across trims. These include a firmer ride, interior materials that feel dated in lower trims, infotainment quirks, and efficiency that lags in certain configurations, especially in non-hybrid models. Understanding these issues can help shoppers weigh whether the Tundra fits their needs and budget.

Common complaints from owners and reviewers

Below is a synthesis of the issues most frequently cited by critics and owners across model years and configurations.

• Ride quality and handling: The Tundra’s suspension tuning prioritizes capability, which can translate to a firmer, truck-like ride on uneven pavement or with larger tires. Some reviewers note more road noise and choppier compliance than many rivals.


• Fuel economy and efficiency: The Tundra is not considered a standout for fuel efficiency, particularly in non-hybrid configurations. Even with the hybrid i-FORCE MAX, real-world mpg can fall short of more efficiency-focused half-ton pickups, depending on driving style and conditions.


• Interior refinement and materials: In lower trims, some buyers perceive harder plastics and a cabin that doesn’t feel as upscale as competing pickups. Even in higher trims, some materials and fit-and-finish comparisons to class rivals draw comments.


• Infotainment and controls: The standard infotainment system has been described as responsive enough in some models, but others report slow or clunky responses, occasional glitches, and menus that aren’t as intuitive as those in rivals. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are generally supported, but experiences can vary by year and software updates.


• Space and practicality: Rear-seat comfort and overall cabin space can feel tight for adults on longer trips, particularly in Access Cab configurations, and cargo-bed practicality can vary based on trim and cab setup.


• Value and pricing: The Tundra’s starting prices and option costs can be high relative to some rivals, especially when loaded with popular tech or premium trim packages. Buyers often weigh the value of Toyota’s proven reliability against the upfront expense.

Overall, these concerns are not universal, and many drivers are satisfied with the Tundra’s capability, durability, and long-term reliability. The issues tend to be more pronounced in certain configurations or trims and can be mitigated with careful shopping and test drives.

Model-year and configuration notes: What to expect

Next, it helps to distinguish how different powertrains and cab/bed configurations influence the nature of these complaints.

• Powertrain differences: The standard non-hybrid 3.5-liter V6 and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid offer different driving experiences. The hybrid delivers stronger torque and brisk acceleration, but some buyers report only modest real-world fuel-economy gains in city driving and at low speeds, depending on load and terrain.


• Ride and weight distribution: Weight varies with cab style (Double Cab vs. Access Cab) and whether the truck is 4x2 or 4x4, which can affect ride quality, steering feel, and handling on uneven surfaces.


• Interior and trim variation: Higher trims (Limited, Platinum) tend to have more refined materials and quieter cabins, while base trims emphasize durability and rugged appeal, with corresponding differences in perceived quality and sound levels.

These configuration-specific nuances help explain why some buyers encounter certain drawbacks more than others, and highlight the importance of test-driving multiple setups before purchase.

What to consider when shopping for a Tundra

If you’re evaluating a Tundra, consider these practical steps to assess the fit for your needs and budget.

• Test multiple configurations: Compare Regular Cab, Double Cab, and CrewMax layouts, as well as 4x2 versus 4x4 drivetrains, to gauge ride comfort, space, and handling across scenarios you’ll actually encounter.


• Demo the infotainment system: Ensure the touchscreen interface is responsive and that CarPlay/Android Auto works reliably, preferably on the software version currently installed in the dealer’s stock units.


• Review payload and towing requirements: Check the exact payload rating and towing capacity for your chosen build and test, if possible, with a realistic load to understand how the truck behaves under load.


• Assess total ownership costs: Compare pricing, insurance, fuel costs, and expected depreciation against rival pickup trucks to determine overall value.

With careful evaluation, buyers can determine whether the Tundra’s strengths—towing capability, powertrain versatility, and Toyota reliability—outweigh the listed drawbacks for their specific needs.

Summary

The Toyota Tundra remains a capable and durable pickup that appeals to buyers who prioritize strength, reliability, and a robust powertrain lineup. The most common criticisms focus on ride rigidity, interior refinement in lower trims, infotainment quirks, and less-than-stellar fuel economy in some configurations. By test-driving multiple configurations, evaluating real-world usage, and weighing total ownership costs, prospective buyers can decide if the Tundra aligns with their expectations and budget.

What is the most common problem with Toyota Tundra?

Common Reliability Issues

• Transmission problems.
• Frame rust and corrosion.
• Air injection pump failure.
• Exhaust manifold leaks.

What are the best and worst years for Toyota Tundra?

The best Toyota Tundra years are generally considered to be 2019-2021 due to high reliability and safety features, or older models like 2013 for its perfect reliability score from olive.com. The worst years are 2007 and 2012, which had significant engine issues, and the 2022-2023 models of the new generation have been cited as less reliable due to various quality control problems and recalls.
 
This video discusses the best and worst years for the Toyota Tundra: 56sCars & TrucksYouTube · Sep 14, 2025
Best years to buy

• 2019-2021: The final years of the second generation, known for high reliability, safety features, and a spacious cabin. The 2021 model year, in particular, had very few reported complaints. 
• 2013: Received a perfect 5/5 reliability score from olive.com and a high score for customer satisfaction. 
• 2014-2021: A strong period to consider, as this range includes models with proven V8 engines and modern interiors. 
• 2009: Had the fewest complaints of the second generation on CarComplaints.com. 
• 2002: Received 5-star ratings for safety and reliability from HotCars. 

This video explains why the 2017 Toyota Tundra is a good model year to buy: 1mTundraDude34YouTube · Jun 14, 2025
Worst years to avoid

• 2007: The first model year of the second generation, which received a high number of complaints, particularly regarding engine issues like a failing air injection pump and knocking pistons. 
• 2012: Also cited as a poor model year due to engine problems. 
• 2005: Had numerous complaints, mainly related to secondary air pump failures. 
• 2022-2023: The initial years of the third generation have shown lower reliability due to quality control issues, including a recall for engine problems and other manufacturing defects. 

What Tundra to avoid?

You should generally avoid the 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022, and 2023 model years of the Toyota Tundra due to issues like rust, engine problems, and poor reliability ratings. Specific issues vary by year, with early second-generation models (2007-2013) often cited for rust and engine/air pump failures, while the 2014 model year has complaints about premature brake wear and transmission problems. The third-generation 2022 and 2023 models have also received lower reliability scores and recalls due to potential engine issues.
 
Model years to avoid

• 2007: A high number of complaints regarding engine problems, including air injection pump failure and knocking pistons. 
• 2012: Considered one of the worst years, with high repair costs and issues with the engine and air induction pump. 
• 2013: Reports of gearbox issues, lower fuel efficiency, and frame rust problems. 
• 2014: Complaints include premature brake wear, drivetrain vibrations, and infotainment system glitches. 
• 2022 and 2023: These third-generation models have lower reliability ratings from sources like Consumer Reports, with recall notices issued for potential engine failure. 

General considerations

• High mileage: Avoid any Tundra with over 200,000 miles, as components may be nearing the end of their lifespan. 
• Rust: Be particularly cautious of early second-generation models (2007-2013) due to a documented issue with frame rust. 

Which Tundra engine is having problems?

The 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engines in the 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra and 2022-2024 Lexus LX SUVs (plus 2024 Lexus GX SUVs) are having problems due to manufacturing debris that can cause knocking, rough running, or engine stalling. Toyota has issued a recall for these models, though a permanent fix is still under development. 
This video discusses the engine problems in the Toyota Tundra and potential causes: 1mUntamed MotorsYouTube · Nov 7, 2025
Problem description

• Cause: Machining debris left inside the engine during manufacturing can cause the main bearings to fail. 
• Symptoms: The engine may run rough, make knocking noises, not start, or stall while driving. 
• Affected models: This recall affects the 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine in the following vehicles: 
  • 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra
  • 2022-2024 Lexus LX
  • 2024 Lexus GX
• Note: The hybrid i-Force Max models are not affected by this specific issue. 

This video explains the expanded recall of Toyota Tundra engines: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Nov 6, 2025
What to do if your vehicle is affected

• If you experience issues: Stop driving the vehicle safely and contact a Toyota or Lexus dealer for assistance.
• Recall status: A fix is still being developed, but owners will be notified when a remedy is available.
• Prior recall: Some vehicles that were part of an earlier recall for the same issue may be recalled again in this latest campaign. 

This video discusses the implications of the recall for Toyota Tundra owners: 1mThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Nov 13, 2025