Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Toyota Tundra VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 74 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2000–2026 cover that year.
VIN prefix5TB5TF
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
Toyota Tundra
About the Toyota Tundra
Toyota has sold the Tundra in the US since the 2000 model year, and there have been three generations. Gen 1 first (2000–2006), then Gen 2 (2007–2021), and the Gen 3 took over for 2022–2026. Across those years NHTSA lists 74 vehicle recall campaigns and 6,925 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 1. Its 2000 and 2006 model years alone account for 1,556 of them, with owners bringing up structure and body most often and the brakes after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 14–18 mpg combined, while the Gen 3, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 19–22 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
US model years2000–2026
GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3
NHTSA recall campaigns74
Owner complaints6,925 at NHTSA
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations
Toyota Tundra generations
Three generations since the 2000 model year. The Gen 1 (2000–2006) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 2 (2007–2021) the most recall campaigns (38).
NHTSA has 74 campaigns on file for Tundra model years 2000–2026, and the 2010 shows up in more of them than any other year (15), ahead of the 2009 (13). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
2023
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Owner reports · NHTSA complaints
What Toyota Tundra owners report
Owner summaries + NHTSA data
Complaints peak with the 2000 (1,011 of 6,925). Tap any bar or generation.
6,925NHTSA complaints, 2000–2026
343mention a crash
45mention a fire
262injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearGen 3: 1,354 complaints · most for the 2022 (430)
2000····2005····2010····2015····2020····2025·
Top complaint areas · Gen 3
Mentions in 1,354 complaints, 2022–2026.
Engine and cooling636
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)318
Fuel system257
Electrical system121
Speed control / acceleration120
Brakes89
Crashes 19Fires 8Injuries 20
2022–2026 (Gen 3)
NHTSA data summary
Its first model year, the 2022, drew more complaints than any other (430 of 1,354). Owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (636 mentions), then powertrain (318).
Top complaint areas · Gen 2
Mentions in 1,877 complaints, 2007–2021.
Engine and cooling294
Electrical system265
Structure and body229
Speed control / acceleration218
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)212
Fuel system182
Crashes 102Fires 22Injuries 78
2007–2021 (Gen 2)
NHTSA data summary
The 2007 stands out. On its own it has 390 of the ’s 1,877 complaints (21%). By area, nothing stands out. Engine and cooling leads with 294, with the electrical system (265) and structure and body (229) close behind. Fires come up in 22 complaints, or 1.2% against 0.6% for all Tundra model years, which is the highest rate of any generation.
Top complaint areas · Gen 1
Mentions in 3,694 complaints, 2000–2006.
Structure and body1,510
Brakes721
Suspension686
Air bags403
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)280
Steering200
Crashes 222Fires 15Injuries 164
2000–2006 (Gen 1)
NHTSA data summary
Structure and body owns this generation. Its 1,510 mentions are more than twice the next area, brakes (721). Its first model year, the 2000, drew more complaints than any other (1,011 of 3,694). Of all Tundra complaints, 53% are for the .
What Tundra owners report across recent generations
Owner summary
2022–present (3rd generation)
The twin-turbo V6 draws the main complaints on the 2022. NHTSA owners often describe hesitation or no response when accelerating from a stop or a rolling turn, and some report knocking and engine failure. Recalls cover 2022–2024 trucks whose engines may contain manufacturing debris that can cause main bearing failure and a stall, and 2022 axle shaft flange nuts that can loosen. CarComplaints has only about a dozen reports for 2022, led by a squeak in reverse, poor fuel economy and engine failure. [1][2]
2007–2021 (2nd generation)
Owner trouble is modest for such a long run. Complaints cluster in the first years, and for the 2007 NHTSA reports mention loss of acceleration with warning lights, limp mode and frame rust. CarComplaints ranks air injection pump failure first for 2007, followed by a fuel contaminated charcoal canister and a stuck secondary air pump. A recall covers power steering gear assemblies on 2007–2021 trucks that may leak oil. [3][4]
✓
What to check before buying
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, and on 2022–2024 trucks confirm the engine debris recalls are done, along with the axle nut recall on 2022 trucks.
Ask for records of engine inspection or replacement, and of air injection pump work on 2007 and later trucks.
On the drive, accelerate from a stop and through a turn to check for hesitation, listen for knocking and look under the truck for steering fluid leaks and frame rust.
Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.
Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.
Owner opinions · Reddit
What Toyota Tundra owners say on Reddit
Summarized from public threads
Tundra opinions split sharply by generation. Owners of older 5.7 V8 trucks describe them as near-indestructible workhorses that mostly need routine maintenance, with heavy fuel use as the main trade-off. The 2022 and newer twin-turbo V6 trucks earn praise for power, tech and better mileage, but engine failures and recalls have shaken confidence, and owners still argue over whether later builds are fixed. Some describe long waits at the dealer for replacement engines.
Pros
Older V8 trucks known for lasting with basic maintenance
Newer V6 trucks get noticeably better fuel economy and tow well
Well-equipped, comfortable cabin on upper trims
Cons
Engine failures and recalls on 2022 and newer V6 trucks
Long dealer waits for engine replacements
Older V8 trucks are very thirsty
Wind noise and small tech glitches on some newer trucks
EPA lists 161 Tundra versions for model years 2000–2026 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 407 g/mi, for the 2026 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
Gen 12000–2006
14–18 mpg · CO₂ 494–635 g/mi
Gen 22007–2021
14–18 mpg · CO₂ 494–635 g/mi
Gen 32022–2026
19–22 mpg · CO₂ 407–468 g/mi
2025
20combined MPG
442CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$3,350EPA yearly fuel cost
4/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
4/10Greenhouse gas rating
Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 · OtherEmission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2025: 2WD · Auto (S10), 6 cyl, 3.4 L, Turbo — 20 MPG · 442 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
GasHybrid
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Compare rivals
Tundra vs Ford F-150 vs Chevrolet Silverado
NHTSA + EPA data
Take 2022–2026. NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the Tundra, against 61 for the Ford F-150 and 19 for the Chevrolet Silverado. Pick a range to compare.
Toyota TundraGen 1
Model years 2000–2006
NHTSA recall campaigns
18
NHTSA owner complaints
3,694
EPA combined mpg
14–18
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 3.4, 4.0 L · 8-cyl 4.7 L
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Structure and body 1,510
Brakes 721
Suspension 686
Ford F-150
Model years 2000–2006
NHTSA recall campaigns
20
NHTSA owner complaints
7,280
EPA combined mpg
11–17
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.2 L · 8-cyl 4.6, 5.4 L
Also listed
supercharged
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Engine and cooling 1,377
Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 1,171
Electrical system 725
Chevrolet Silverado
Model years 2000–2006
NHTSA recall campaigns
26
NHTSA owner complaints
11,404
EPA combined mpg
10–17
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.3 L · 8-cyl 4.8, 5.3, 6.0 L
Also listed
hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Brakes 5,398
Electrical system 1,616
Engine and cooling 827
Toyota TundraGen 2
Model years 2007–2021
NHTSA recall campaigns
38
NHTSA owner complaints
1,877
EPA combined mpg
14–18
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 4.0 L · 8-cyl 4.6, 4.7, 5.7 L
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Engine and cooling 294
Electrical system 265
Structure and body 229
Ford F-150
Model years 2007–2021
NHTSA recall campaigns
91
NHTSA owner complaints
21,383
EPA combined mpg
12–25
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 2.7–4.2 L · 8-cyl 4.6–6.2 L
Also listed
turbo, diesel, hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 7,657
Engine and cooling 4,272
Electrical system 2,210
Chevrolet Silverado
Model years 2007–2021
NHTSA recall campaigns
93
NHTSA owner complaints
13,737
EPA combined mpg
14–27
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.7 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 4.3 L · 8-cyl 4.8–6.2 L
Also listed
hybrid, turbo, diesel
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Air bags 2,697
Engine and cooling 2,355
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 2,183
Toyota TundraGen 3
Model years 2022–2026
NHTSA recall campaigns
23
NHTSA owner complaints
1,354
EPA combined mpg
19–22
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 3.4 L
Also listed
turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Engine and cooling 636
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 318
Fuel system 257
Ford F-150
Model years 2022–2026
NHTSA recall campaigns
61
NHTSA owner complaints
1,915
EPA combined mpg
12–25
Engines (EPA)
6-cyl 2.7, 3.3, 3.5 L · 8-cyl 5.0, 5.2 L · Electric
Also listed
turbo, hybrid, supercharged
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 561
Electrical system 522
Exterior lighting 223
Chevrolet Silverado
Model years 2022–2026
NHTSA recall campaigns
19
NHTSA owner complaints
1,965
EPA combined mpg
14–26
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.7 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 5.3, 6.2 L · Electric
Also listed
turbo, diesel
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, RWD
Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)
Engine and cooling 784
Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 542
Electrical system 427
NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.
Toyota Tundra VIN number location
Where to find the VIN on a Tundra
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
Tundra's VIN plate sits at the base of the driver's side windshield. The frame rail near the front crossmember carries a secondary stamp, particularly important on the 2022 redesign, which introduced a new independent rear suspension that changes the frame geometry from prior generations. Door jamb sticker and cab corner complete the four standard check points for this full-size truck. The Gen 3 generation starts with the 2022 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (N for 2022) shows which side of that line a car falls on.
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ
Common Toyota Tundra VIN questions
Which Toyota Tundra model years have the most owner complaints?
The 2000 leads with 1,011, ahead of the 2006 (545) and 2002 (482). Those first two alone make up 22% of the 6,925 Tundra complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.
How many recalls has the Toyota Tundra had?
NHTSA’s recall records show 74 vehicle campaigns for model years 2000–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 2 leads with 38. Then come the Gen 3 (23) and Gen 1 (18), and a campaign can span two generations.
Which Toyota Tundra recalls are high risk?
18V-883 and 19V-741 cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 16V-396, 12V-491, 15V-689, 21V-688 and 23V-566. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.
Which Tundra generation am I looking at?
By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2000–2006 and the Gen 2 2007–2021. Gen 3 spans 2022–2026. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (N is 2022).
What fuel economy does the Toyota Tundra get?
It varies. EPA rates the 2022–2026 Gen 3 at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 14–18 mpg for the 2000–2006 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).
How does the Toyota Tundra compare with the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado on recalls?
For 2022–2026 models the Tundra has 23 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Ford F-150 has 61, the Chevrolet Silverado 19. Complaints run 1,354, 1,915 and 1,965 in that order, with no sales adjustment.
What crash rating does the Toyota Tundra have?
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Tundra 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, PU/CC 4WD and PU/CC RWD, get that score. NHTSA lists 4 versions for that year, 2 of them rated.
