AI Damage2021 Toyota Tundra: common problems
Owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra filed 24 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and seats. The maker issued 134 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 24
- involving a crash
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 134
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 17% of all complaints
- 2 Seats 17% of all complaints
- 3 Visibility 13% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 8% of all complaints
- 5 Forward collision avoidance 8% of all complaints
- 6 Exterior lighting 8% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 8% of all complaints
- 8 Engine 4% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (17% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 41.
- Seats: 4 complaints (17% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Visibility: 3 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
- Structure: 2 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 29.
- Forward collision avoidance: 2 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 3.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.7 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 24 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 41 |
| Seats | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 29 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 43 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Airbag , it was bad accident on freeway , but my car airbag did not work.car did not inspect with dealer , they were not any waring sign
It blew smoke out of the unit that is mounted to the drivers side front windshield. We were able to disconnect USB power to the device and roll the windows down to ventilate the cabin and ultimately remove the device from the windshield and isolate it.
No check engine lights had come on until the engine stalled as we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. We had it towed to the Central Maine Motor in Waterville, [ZIP].
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.
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 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.
My sunroof exploded due to weather conditions while i was driving with my family on highway during heavy rain storm
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,179 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 44% least complained about).
On average one model year of the Tundra has 161 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 24, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Seats. Occupant sensor, power adjustment, seat mounts.
- Visibility. Wipers, mirrors, defrosters, cracked glass.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026
This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
- Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System…
Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
- Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a…
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition…
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air…
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and…
- To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to…
To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to recover MMR data from the head unit. The following steps are instructions on how to retrieve the data from the…
- Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System…
Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software…
- Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without replacing the ECU
Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Global Techstream+ (GTS+) ECU flash reprogramming…
- OBSOLETE NOTICE February 11, 2025
This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0021-25.
- OBSOLETE NOTICE January 23, 2025
This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0011-25.
- When certain vehicle ECUs are replaced, the ECU Security Key must be written in order for that ECU to…
When certain vehicle ECUs are replaced, the ECU Security Key must be written in order for that ECU to communicate on the vehicle network. The GTS+ Software Health Check Results screen has been enhanced to help identify…
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix…
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and…
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used…
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from…
NHTSA lists 134 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, seats, visibility. Total complaints: 24. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (13%), driver assists: adaptive cruise, lane keeping (8%), A/C or heater (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA lists 134 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Tundra from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2021 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.