The 2021 Toyota Tundra exhibits notable reliability concerns, particularly with its steering and exterior lighting, as indicated by the three recalls and numerous complaints. Given the average failure mileage of 26,750 miles, issues may manifest early in ownership.
Key Factor:Steering system vulnerabilities
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (3) than the average TOYOTA vehicle (1.5). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
3 recalls for this vehicle1.5 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
The presence of three NHTSA recalls on the 2021 Toyota Tundra highlights vulnerabilities in key systems such as steering and exterior lighting. The recall regarding the hydraulic power assist steering can lead to significant safety issues, including oil leaks which could compromise steering performance, posing a risk to drivers. Similarly, electrical issues with headlights could decrease visibility during driving conditions, further affecting safety. For a vehicle marketed as durable and reliable, these defects raise alarms for both current owners and potential buyers.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.5)
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Summary: Toyota has maintained a strong reputation for manufacturing quality; however, the reliability track record for this specific model year is concerning given the recalls reported. While historically better than average in terms of safety performance, this model's vulnerability to early failures deviates from expectations for an established brand like Toyota.
Safety & Reliability Score
70/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-1.05
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 TOYOTA Tundra
Model Year2021
MakeTOYOTA
ModelTundra
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
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Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
4 complaints (19% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
✅
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 21 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
4(19%)
🟡Medium
3(14%)
🟢Low
14(67%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
With peak failure occurrences noted between 0-20k miles for this Tundra model year, it suggests that underlying problems may surface shortly after purchase. Owners should remain vigilant during initial vehicle operation or consider preemptive inspections within this mileage range to mitigate future complications.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 4 of 21 complaints (19% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (50%)
20k-40k
1 reports (25%)
40k-60k
1 reports (25%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSTEERING
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power Steering System
Issue: Potentially faulty power steering gear assembly resulting in oil leaks.
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Immediately check for any oil leaks around the power steering assembly and consult with a qualified technician if necessary.
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Request detailed service history focusing on any repairs related to the power steering system before purchase.
Campaigns:21V-12321V-456
2
Headlight System
Issue: Risk of headlight electrical circuits overheating due to simultaneous powering of high and low beams.
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Inspect headlight function regularly and report any flickering or dimming issues to a technician immediately.
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Verify that all headlight components have been inspected or repaired according to recall notices prior to completing a purchase.
Campaign:21V-789
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your TOYOTA dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (3)
Campaign: 21V688000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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Summary
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V920000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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Summary
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21E103000
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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Summary
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Tundra.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Tundra performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 47,614
Consumer Complaints
21 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Tundra.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning19%
Explode10%
Accident10%
Hesitate5%
Display5%
Blank5%
Acceleration Issues5%
Crack5%
Rattle5%
Fire5%
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I turn the key to crank my radio doesn’t come on , A/C won’t blow and I have to jiggle the keys or restart it to end the issue. My husband has witnessed thi happen many times. Scared I might have an electrical issue. Contact me back for assistance to me for this issue please. It doesn’t happen every time either.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jolted, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING
The power steering failed at around 38,000 miles. The dealership indicated the entire assembly needs to be replaced which cost more than $6,000. This is apparently a known manufacturing issue as they recalled a significant portion of the vehicles made in 2021.
Body/Interior⚠️ High
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My sunroof exploded due to weather conditions while i was driving with my family on highway during heavy rain storm
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that after inserting the fuel nozzle into the vehicle, fuel spilled back out of the vehicle onto the leg of the contact. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The failure reoccurred approximately one year later, and the dealer was unable to duplicate or determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that during the failures the fuel tank had approximately a quarter tank of fuel and the vehicle had been driven for approximately six hours on an extremely hot day while the air temperature was above 105 degrees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My moon/sunroof exploded while driving for no apparent reason.
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Pre collision warning has erroneously activated numerous (>10) times on the same section of roadway. No other vehicles, pedestrians or animals were present on roadway.
Body/Interior🔵 Low
SEATS
Drivers seat has lateral movement in it associated when vehicle is engaged in a slow speed descending right turn. Dealer claims nothing is wrong.
Body/Interior🔵 Low
SEATS
I've taken my truck in 3 times for a problem with the driver seat having excessive play. Whenever I stop at a light or pull off the seat rocks back and forth. Each time I've taken it in to the dealership they tell me that it is a seat track issue and that if I raise my seat the play will lessen? I've tried that and it still didn't correct the issue. This problem has gotten progressively worse and I'm worried that the seat is going to collapse completely one day when I stop or pull off. I've driven different Tundras of friends and relatives and those trucks don't have this problem. I feel like this is a major safety issue and Toyota should correct this issue or replace the seat track. The first time took it in for this issue was on 7-12-2021 and the last time I took it in for this issue was 23-Jan-2024 .
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 recol to solve this problem o ac house drain
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common issues found in the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
The most frequent issues reported for the 2021 Toyota Tundra involve problems with its steering system and exterior lighting components. Specifically, recalls have focused on potential oil leaks from hydraulic power assist systems and overheating electrical circuits affecting headlights.
How does recall history affect my decision to buy a used Toyota Tundra?
'Recalls offer insight into potential defects that may not be apparent upon initial inspection. A thorough review of recall repairs can reveal whether past owners addressed these concerns effectively or if they remain unresolved risks that could lead to safety hazards or costly repairs.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
📈Improving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 40%.
🧭What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified TOYOTA service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in TOYOTA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.