2021 Toyota Tundra Safety Report
2021 Toyota Tundra Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Toyota Tundra. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (23) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Seats | Compare seats issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Toyota Tundra with 42 complaints and 5 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Toyota Tundra before buying across this generation. |
Toyota Tundra Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Toyota Tundra years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Toyota Tundra | 393 | 13 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Toyota Tundra | 42 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Toyota Tundra | 332 | 13 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Toyota Tundra | 70 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Toyota Tundra | 247 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Toyota Tundra | 95 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Toyota Tundra Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Toyota Tundra, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Seats
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seats issues Toyota onlyUnknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Toyota onlyVisibility/Wiper
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Toyota onlySteering
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Toyota onlyForward Collision Avoidance
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Toyota onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Toyota onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Reliability Score
The 2021 Toyota Tundra receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Toyota Tundra:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Power Assist System Failure Toyota has issued recalls for certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra models due to potential failures in the hydraulic power assist system. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Stall A 2021 Tundra experienced an engine stall with no check engine lights prior to the stall. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Malfunction Airbags did not deploy during a severe accident, despite no warning signs before the incident. |
Medium | Common | N/A miles |
| Sunroof Explosion Two instances of sunroof explosions occurred under weather conditions, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Toyota Tundra:
23% of reported issues involve steering problems, including hydraulic power assist system failures.
1% of reported issues are related to engine and fuel propulsion system malfunctions.
1% of reported issues involve airbag malfunctions.
2% of reported issues are related to sunroof malfunctions.
Recall Details for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Toyota Tundra by NHTSA:
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Toyota Tundra with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
Were were driving, my 2021 Toyota Tundra, just stopped running. 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, Maine 04901. Central Maine Motor -Toyota service just got my truck in to a service bay today 1/29/26 and in formed me the failure was due to the fuel pressure module and...
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
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 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 replac...
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 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 cau...
My moon/sunroof exploded while driving for no apparent reason.
Drivers seat has lateral movement in it associated when vehicle is engaged in a slow speed descending right turn. Dealer claims nothing is wrong.
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.
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...
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
The software in the combination meter's electronic control Instrument Panel LCD display frequently goes blank I have taken my vehicle at least 5 times since I bought it 18 months ago as a new vehicle and it is yet to be remedied. This is the same issue that the 2022 Thundra has, 2021 should be included in the recall as well to remedy this problem
When I was driving and snow accumulating on the windshield put stress on the windshield wiper arm. The arm stopped working and I later found that the arm stripped out. I contacted three different dealerships and Toyota America and was told the wiper arm is no longer made ( part #85221-0C021 ). I told Toyota if it rains or snows I can not drive the vehicle due to laws and safety issues. I thought u...
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V920000 (Steering) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced...
The seats shifts back and forth when brakes applied or hit the accelerator pedal. I’ve taken to two different dealers n made complaints but not results or repairs have been made.
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 on back order a year now or thereabouts. Now I’ve owned the truck for over a year and a half and sti...
Vehicle is now 6 months old from original & new purchase. Within 30-days of ownership, (1) approx 1.5mm in size chip was fully repaired half way up from the front of the windshield. Eight hours ago (1) extremely small pebble, approx 2mm in size, contacted the front windshield 2 inches from lower portion centered in front of the driver and NOT in the area of the previous repair. Now, the same ch...
LED lights are loose and rattle and flash all over the place. While driving over 40+mph or going over any bumps on the road . This only affects TRD PRO tundra’s with factory Ridgid lights . Toyota does not have a toyota approved repair even after going to dealership multiple times and calling toyota USA . They will not do anything for this safety issue besides offer lemon law options . Toyota st...
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.
Showing 20 of 23 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Has the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA have?
The 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 23 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA involve seats (4 complaints), unknown or other (3 complaints), visibility/wiper (3 complaints). Other affected components include steering, forward collision avoidance, engine,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA out of 23 total complaints (4.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA out of 23 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA is generally recommended. It has 23 complaints, 3 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA are: 1. SEATS (4 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 3. VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints), 4. STEERING (2 complaints), 5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints). SEATS is the single most-reported problem area with 4 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
Be cautious of steering and sunroof issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid engine and propulsion system failures. The 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 23 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 23 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Hydraulic Power Assist System Failure and Engine Stall.
What are the known issues with the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
Known issues with the 2021 TOYOTA TUNDRA include: Hydraulic Power Assist System Failure, Engine Stall, Airbag Malfunction, Sunroof Explosion. These are based on patterns found across 23 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Common issues include steering problems, engine stalling, airbag malfunctions, and sunroof explosions.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Yes, there are recalls for hydraulic power assist system failures and exterior lighting issues.
What should I do if I experience steering issues in my 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Contact your dealer immediately to schedule a diagnostic check and potential repair.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and sunroof issues, and ensure regular maintenance to avoid engine and propulsion system failures.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Toyota Tundra
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. The data includes 23 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Toyota Tundra an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16