2021 Toyota Tundra VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Toyota Tundra has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Seats (4), Unknown Or Other (3).
Tundra reliability snapshot
75/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$606
Avg annual repair cost vs $936 category avg
#6/17
Ranking in fullsize trucks · better than 65% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Toyota Tundra before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System4
Seats4
Unknown Or Other3
Visibility Wiper3
Steering2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect power steering for responsiveness and check for recall completion
☐Test driver's seat for excessive movement during braking and acceleration
☐Check combination meter display for blanking issues
☐Verify proper operation of wipers and inspect windshield for chips or cracks
☐Ensure LED lights are secure and not flickering on TRD PRO models
☐Test adaptive cruise control and confirm brake lights illuminate during operation
What owners reported
2021 Toyota Tundra owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report several issues related to the electrical system. Commonly mentioned problems include the combination meter's electronic control instrument panel LCD display going blank, which persists despite multiple dealership visits. Another reported issue involves the radio and A/C failing to activate unless the key is jiggled or the vehicle is restarted, with symptoms occurring intermittently. Additionally, TRD PRO models experience loose and flashing LED lights that can pose a safety risk. A serious incident involves a fire originating in the dashboard, leading to significant damage without prior warning signs. These issues have been observed across various timelines, with some owners experiencing them soon after purchase.
Owners report issues with the driver's seat in the 2021 Toyota Tundra, primarily involving lateral movement and excessive play. Complaints frequently mention the seat shifting back and forth during braking or acceleration, with some owners describing a rocking motion when stopping or starting. These issues are noted shortly after purchase and persist despite multiple dealer visits, with some owners experiencing delays in receiving replacement parts. There are concerns about the seat's stability in the event of an accident, although no actual incidents are reported. Buyers should be aware of these seat movement issues, particularly if considering a vehicle with similar symptoms.
Owner complaints3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues primarily related to the vehicle's sunroof and air conditioning system. One owner describes an incident where the moonroof unexpectedly exploded while driving, posing potential safety risks due to sudden exposure to the elements. Another complaint highlights a design concern with the air conditioning system, specifically the absence of a visible drain for condensed water, which reportedly leads to electrical issues due to water accumulation. These issues appear to occur early in the vehicle's life, as indicated by the mention of a "brand new" purchase. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly regarding the sunroof's structural integrity and the air conditioning system's drainage design.
Owner complaints3
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues with the vehicle's wiper system and windshield durability. Complaints frequently mention the driver-side wiper arm malfunctioning, either stopping completely or failing to work while the passenger side remains operational. One owner describes a wiper arm that stripped out due to snow accumulation, and another notes a driver-side wiper failure without prior warning. Additionally, windshield fragility is a concern, with one owner experiencing a small chip that expanded into a full-length horizontal crack after minor impact, suggesting potential material vulnerability. These issues emerge early in the vehicle's life, with one report occurring within six months of ownership, highlighting potential safety implications during adverse weather conditions due to impaired visibility.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues related to the power steering system, particularly noting failures around 38,000 miles. Symptoms include the complete failure of the power steering, necessitating a costly replacement of the entire assembly. Additionally, some owners mention receiving recall notifications for steering-related issues, but parts for the repair are not yet available, leading to delays. While no incidents of crashes or loss of control are reported, the power steering failure could potentially impact vehicle handling. These issues may be relevant for used car buyers considering the availability and cost of repairs.
Owner complaints2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, specifically with erroneous activation of the pre-collision warning. One owner notes this occurs frequently, over ten times, on the same section of roadway without any apparent hazards such as vehicles, pedestrians, or animals present. Another complaint highlights a problem with the adaptive cruise control system, where the vehicle slows down independently without illuminating the rear brake lights, posing a potential safety risk by not signaling to drivers behind. This issue is reported at approximately 3,000 miles. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding the risk of rear-end collisions due to unlit brake lights during adaptive cruise control operation.
2021 Tundra recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Tundra. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
STEERINGNHTSA 21E103000Dec 23, 2021
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
STEERINGNHTSA 21V920000Nov 23, 2021
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
Consequence: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.
Used-market value
2021 Toyota Tundra resale snapshot
89.3%estimated value retained after 5 years
320listings in the model-level benchmark
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
With an 81/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2021 Toyota Tundra rates above average for reliability. The data points to a generally stable ownership profile rather than a model dominated by widespread defects. As the final year of its generation, the results align with a mature platform showing fewer surprises than newer launches.
Complaints are not concentrated in a single system. The leading categories are split between seats and the electrical system, with additional reports spread across visibility/wiper concerns, forward collision avoidance, and miscellaneous items. That distribution suggests scattered problem areas rather than one defining weak link. Recall activity is limited, indicating fewer factory-corrected issues relative to models with elevated recall totals.
Overall risk level: low to moderate, with reliability above the segment norm.
What you get in a 2021 Toyota Tundra report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
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2021 Toyota Tundra — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra reliable?
With an 81/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2021 Toyota Tundra rates above average for reliability. The data points to a generally stable ownership profile rather than a model dominated by widespread defects. As the final year of its generation, the results align with a mature platform showing fewer surprises than newer launches.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Toyota Tundra problems?
The most-reported 2021 Toyota Tundra problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Seats (4), Unknown Or Other (3).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Toyota Tundra, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
