2021 Toyota Tundra Safety Report
2021 Toyota Tundra shows strong crash test performance but faces steering and electrical recalls with notable owner complaints.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Reliability Score
The 2021 Toyota Tundra receives a reliability score of 65 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Steering Failure Loss of power steering assist due to faulty gear assembly, leading to increased crash risk. Subject to two recalls (21V920000, 21V921000). |
High | Occasional | 38000-38000 miles |
| Headlight Overheating/Fire Risk Headlight electrical circuits may power high and low beams simultaneously, causing overheating and increasing fire risk. Subject to recall (21V922000). |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Loose Driver'S Seat Driver's seat exhibits lateral movement or rocks back and forth when braking or accelerating, reported by multiple owners. |
Medium | Common | new-unknown miles |
| Windshield Wiper Failure Wiper arm stripping out or failing to work, with reports of parts being unavailable. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions Issues like radio/AC not coming on, requiring key jiggling, or instrument panel display going blank. |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Sunroof Explosion Sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving, possibly due to weather conditions. |
Medium | Rare | 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:
Multiple complaints regarding loose driver's seats with lateral movement or rocking.
Issues with windshield wipers failing or sunroofs exploding.
Reports of power steering failure, aligning with active recalls.
Erroneous activation of pre-collision warning systems.
Vehicle stalling without warning lights or fuel spill-back during refueling.
Airbags failing to deploy in a crash.
Various electrical glitches including radio/AC issues and instrument panel display problems.
Vehicle hesitation and jolting with transmission warning light illumination.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Toyota Tundra
Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Toyota Tundra received good crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side impact). However, it has 23 complaints, including 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury, and is subject to three safety recalls, two for power steering and one for headlights, which are critical safety concerns.
What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
The most reported issues include problems with the SEATS (17% of complaints), specifically loose driver's seats, VISIBILITY/WIPER issues (13%), including wiper failures and sunroof explosions, and STEERING problems (9%), which are linked to power steering recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Tundra has three recalls. Two recalls (21V920000, 21V921000) address a faulty power steering gear assembly that can lead to a sudden loss of power steering. The third recall (21V922000) concerns headlight electrical circuits that could overheat and pose a fire risk.
How did the 2021 Toyota Tundra perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Tundra performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an Overall 4-star rating, 4 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover.
Should I be concerned about the power steering in a 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Yes, you should be concerned. There are two active recalls (21V920000, 21V921000) specifically for the power steering gear assembly, which can fail and cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. Owners should ensure these recalls have been addressed.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2021 Toyota Tundra has solid crash test ratings, potential buyers should verify that all three safety recalls, especially those concerning power steering and headlights, have been completed by a Toyota dealership to mitigate known risks.
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.