Total Complaints
150 filings
TOYOTA TUNDRA · model year
150 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2016TOYOTATUNDRA carries 150 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 TUNDRA is service brakes with 34 filings, followed by electrical system (24) and structure:body (16). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 51 investigation files overlapping the 2016 TUNDRA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
150 filings
Crashes Reported
4 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | 34 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 16 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 15 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 15 |
| STEERING | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| AIR BAGS | 4 |
| WHEELS | 4 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 3 |
| ENGINE | 3 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| STRUCTURE | 2 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 |
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Tundra vehicles. The affected vehicles have a passenger knee air bag module that was attached to the instrument panel mounting brackets with incorrect bolts.
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tundra vehicles equipped with a resin rear step bumper and resin reinforcement brackets (vehicles with chrome step bumpers are not affected). In the event of an impact to the corner of the bumper, the resin bracket may
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 incorr
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these v
The steering rack internal seal inside the steering rack failed/ "blew" per mechanic and is leaking. I could lose my ability to steer at any time while driving my vehicle and wreck. It is currently at the Toyota services center in Gladstone, OR and has been diagnosed. No other representatives have inspected the vehicle. There were no warnings or signs of failure. I had originally taken my truck in to have an oil change and have it checked for a "slow" start up.
The power steering went out during routine around-town driving. One moment it was steering fine, the next moment it became extremely difficult and sluggish. There were no warning lights or warning of any sort until the steering wheel started jerking unevenly as I tried to turn. I was able to get control of the vehicle and pull it to the side of the road. There was no difference in the engine noise, and I couldn't see any noticeable fluid leak. I was able to drive the vehicle home, make an appointment with the Toyota dealer, and get the vehicle to the dealership for inspection. The dealership told me after inspection, that the rack and pinion steering was binding internally, and that there was seepage from the right boot. Initially, they told me that the pump should be fine. I authorized them to replace the rack and pinion steering. After which, they told me that the problem seemed to still persist some, and that the pump would have to be replaced also. My total bill came to $3,200,
My right front headlamp is getting moisture inside the headlamp assembly. It can be inspected any time. Chance that headlamp will not work. Did not take to a dealer.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while going through prior service paperwork found in the vehicle, he discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact also stated that the vehicle was once sold at a private auction. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 158,000; however, upon discovery of the service paperwork, the contact discovered that the vehicle mileage was once 250,000.
Mileage: 250,000
I have had multiple incidents where the front hood bulge has blown off going down the interstate and nearly hit other cars. Itâs not been worth buying a new one with the risk of them flying off. Itâs definitely a saftey concern and a hazard.
The trailer brake controller went out. It does not supply electronic braking and the truck no longer recognizes the controller on the dashboard. Multiple on line chats and forums, along with my trailer provider, show awareness of this defect. Online individuals learned of the issue during emergency stopping. This appears to be known and wide spread.
The frame of the truck is extremely rusted. I am unsure if it can be fixed. It is available for inspection. This 2016 Tundra has 71,000 miles and is used as a third car. It has been serviced at the same dealership (Northshore Toyota, Covington, LA) and we were never informed of the damage by the dealership. My safety is at risk because the extensive rust could cause the frame to fail. Previous Tundra models have been recalled because of the same issues. No warnings were issued even after the dealership serviced the truck on a lift numerous times (approximately 9 years). The only previous warning by the dealership was on 1/29/2025 when the dealership informed us of a rusty trailer hitch. The truck was brought to 4 body shops in the local area after the owner went to work on the trailer hitch and saw the damage. All 4 shops confirmed that the rust was extensive. 3 shops would not fix the damage because it would be an expensive/extensive fix. We are waiting on what shop #4
The frame of the truck is extremely rusted. I am unsure if it can be fixed. It is available for inspection. This 2016 Tundra has 71,000 miles and is used as a third car. It has been serviced at the same dealership (Northshore Toyota, Covington, LA) and we were never informed of the damage by the dealership. My safety is at risk because the extensive rust could cause the frame to fail. Previous Tundra models have been recalled because of the same issues. No warnings were issued even after the dealership serviced the truck on a lift numerous times (approximately 9 years). The only previous warning by the dealership was on 1/29/2025 when the dealership informed us of a rusty trailer hitch. The truck was brought to 4 body shops in the local area after the owner went to work on the trailer hitch and saw the damage. All 4 shops confirmed that the rust was extensive. 3 shops would not fix the damage because it would be an expensive/extensive fix. We are waiting on what shop #4
Problem Parts?? At around 70,000 miles I was told that there was an engine oil leak ... camshaft area... and the engine needs to pulled out with a repair cost of about $5,000 dollars. (Reseal both cam towers, replace gaskets, etc.) A bit ridiculous. Is there now a possible engine fire risk? At 70,000 miles there was obviously a manufacturing mistake or a defective part used during assembly.
Peeling paint. White paint is separating from primer on hood, and adjacent to windshield on a pillars and the leading edge if the roof.
1)Over 60 MPH with new tires the vehicle pulses & shakes on front end, checked alignment everything OK per Mechanic. Just started to occur 2)Bluetooth when on iPhone will at any time cut out guaranteed to occur when using at any time been occurring for 2 + years. 3)Trailer brake warning light (Idiot light) comes on dashboard does not recommend trailering due to electrical issue. occurring for 2+ years Bought vehicle used in 2017 with 13k on Truck now 2024 has 91K on truck love the truck but zero recalls for any of the above?
1)Over 60 MPH with new tires the vehicle pulses & shakes on front end, checked alignment everything OK per Mechanic. Just started to occur 2)Bluetooth when on iPhone will at any time cut out guaranteed to occur when using at any time been occurring for 2 + years. 3)Trailer brake warning light (Idiot light) comes on dashboard does not recommend trailering due to electrical issue. occurring for 2+ years Bought vehicle used in 2017 with 13k on Truck now 2024 has 91K on truck love the truck but zero recalls for any of the above?
1)Over 60 MPH with new tires the vehicle pulses & shakes on front end, checked alignment everything OK per Mechanic. Just started to occur 2)Bluetooth when on iPhone will at any time cut out guaranteed to occur when using at any time been occurring for 2 + years. 3)Trailer brake warning light (Idiot light) comes on dashboard does not recommend trailering due to electrical issue. occurring for 2+ years Bought vehicle used in 2017 with 13k on Truck now 2024 has 91K on truck love the truck but zero recalls for any of the above?
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle ran off the road during a thunderstorm, causing the driver's and passenger's side curtain air bags to deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the headliner needed to be replaced; however, the part to complete the repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Mileage: 99,000
Seat heater stopped working. Turns out there is a burnt connector leading to part number 87501-0C020, which appears to be a seat heater amp. One pin of the connector is completely melted. I've purchased this truck brand new from Toyota. Nobody has ever touched this part. Scared that it could have caught fire.
I was stopped at a turn light to merge left onto freeway and the truck steering went out when trying to turn, it led me into oncoming traffic that was just coming to a stop light, I was able to crank my wheel with all my strength to get to the side of the uphill freeway merge ramp. There were no warning signs. It was so scary and thank goodness I hadn't merged onto the freeway. The component that failed was the power steering assembly, rack and pinion with inner and outer tie rods. I don't believe the parts will be available for inspection since the truck was towed to repair shop. Overall, I was lucky to be alive. My safety was put at risk being unable to properly steer, if I had been going any faster, or even on the freeway there would be no way to control the vehicle. Initially, I was put into oncoming traffic that was coming to a stop. It put myself and everyone around me in danger. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair shop that truck was towed to. They immed
The integrated brake controller does not apply enough power to the trailer brakes.
Gas tank no longer fills completely in a single squeeze. Each squeeze of the pump only fills up maybe a .25 gallon at a squeeze if I am lucky, but typically less. This results in a complete fill up taking close to a half hour. There are numerous posts on forums such as https://www.tundras.com/threads/gas-filling-problem.38449/, https://www.tundras.com/threads/gas-tank-roll-over-valve-stuck-causes-hard-fuelling-anyone-else.42535/, and many others regarding this issue, with no response from dealers other than sorry. This sounds like a pure manufacturing issue if so many people have issues with their tanks, in a similar fashion.
Fuel gauge provides false inaccurate reading, resulting in stranded situation when fuel runs out. Toyota is aware is issue and has only issued a TSB for limited years when the problem is more wide spread. My daughter has been stranded several times.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the oil change warning light was illuminated. The contact changed the oil however, after changing the oil, the vehicle would not shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,400.
Mileage: 73,400
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.