BestCarRank
Toyota

2021 Toyota TUNDRA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2021 Toyota TUNDRA has 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 154. The most common issue is other problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: wayne drove the truck to work. it was an icy day in texas so he drove slower than usual. he went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. a few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard . There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports

30

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

6 complaints
20%
  • Wayne drove the truck to work. It was an icy day in Texas so he drove slower than usual. He went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. A few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard
  • I purchase a bren new tondrua 2021, and sain moment q have the I realize I didn’t find the ac drain for condensed wather to drop, And then look around the car a found the cone, yes is cone, because the por desing the ac house star to have electric issue because the m wather, Toyo need to make a re
  • My moon/sunroof exploded while driving for no apparent reason.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

Wayne drove the truck to work. It was an icy day in Texas so he drove slower than usual. He went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. A few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS02/09/2021

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.

Risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Toyota TUNDRA

Live EIA prices
Per year
$3,201
Per month
$267
Per mile
26.7¢
MPG
15
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$3,693/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,824/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Toyota TUNDRA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,654
Full coverage / month
$138
Liability only / year
$598
vs US avg
-1%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating0.98x
× vehicle age1.05x
= Full coverage estimate$1654

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota TUNDRA Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
30 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
120K mi
Cabin air filter
30K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 150K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2021 TUNDRA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)
$500
VISIBILITY(~50K mi)
$500
LIGHTING(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 30 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • OTHER: Wayne drove the truck to work. It was an icy day in Texas so he drove slower than usual. He went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. A few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: Wayne drove the truck to work. It was an icy day in Texas so he drove slower than usual. He went to pick up a part (for work) from another shop, he arrived at the shop, turned off the truck and went inside to retrieve the part for work. A few minutes later he came out to his truck and the hazard

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SEATS/RESTRAINTS: The seat has been loose since I first purchased the truck, first time at the dealer they said it was the cushion which it wasn’t and they ordered part and it didn’t fix the situation. The next oil change I took it in and they said it was the frame, bottom of seat, and they ordered one and it’s been

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • VISIBILITY: Driver side wiper does not work while passenger side works. Has not been into dealer yet, due for state inspection now, June 2022. No warning, would not work when attempting to leave home.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

At a Glance

Complaints
30
Recalls
3
Fire reports
3
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
154

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2021 Toyota TUNDRA