Toyota Tundra Best and Worst Years Include Award-winning 2013 and 2018 Models, and 2010 and 2016’s High Recall Count

Haroun Adamu
Feb 21, 2022

The Toyota Tundra’s durability is unparalleled. So, no surprise that model years like 2013 and 2018 racked up safety awards. However, 2010’s whopping 16 recalls, and 2012’s serious engine problems mark a few bad years for the popular pickup truck.

2015 Toyota Tundra - Photo by Toyota

Key Points

  • The 2012 to 2017 Toyota Tundras aren’t the worst years, but each did have an NHTSA investigation opened over a longtime problem with malfunctioning airbags.
  • The 2010 and 2016 Toyota Tundras take a turn from the pickup truck’s otherwise solid reputation for reliability, marking the model’s worst years by racking up 10 and 16 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls respectively.
  • Every year from 2012 to 2017, the NHTSA conducted an investigation into the Tundra over malfunctioning airbags.

Worst Years for the Toyota Tundra Include 2010 and 2019’s Excessive NHTSA Recalls

Despite the Toyota Tundra’s overall reputation for reliability, the 2010 Toyota Tundra takes a turn from the norm, marking one of the model’s worst years. The truck racked up a whopping 16 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls.

While the recalls mostly cover relatively minor issues, including inaccurate load carrying capacity labels and malfunctioning tire-pressure monitors, some serious problems do exist.

The three most serious and recurring problems addressed in various NHTSA recalls include:

  • Loss of power steering assist due to a potential oil leak
  • Malfunctioning seat heater electrical wiring that could short circuit and ignite the seat on fire
  • Sticky accelerator pedal that may become hard to depress, slow to return to idle, or get stuck in a partly depressed position

2012-2017 Tundras Each Faced an NHTSA Investigation into Same Faulty Airbag Issue

Another of the Toyota Tundra’s once biggest continuous problems was with its airbags. The NHTSA conducted an investigation into the Tundra every year from 2012 to 2017 over malfunctioning airbags.

The vehicles were at risk of having a faulty occupant sensor that may prevent the Tundra’s airbags from deploying in a crash.

When the 2019 Toyota Tundra rolled around, the issue was resolved and there was no longer an investigation. However, 2019 can be included among Toyota Tundra’s worst years, because it is also the year when the recalls jumped up considerably.

2019 Toyota Tundra - Photo by Toyota

2019 Toyota Tundra has Most Recalls Since 2010, and Most are Safety Risks, Including Sudden Loss of Power Steering and Inoperable Airbags

Because the Toyota Tundra has a longtime solid reputation, there aren’t very many years that you can call its worst. However, when it comes to sheer numbers, the 2019 Toyota Tundra’s 10 recalls is the most since the 2010 model’s 16. For nearly 10 years, the Tundra’s recalls averaged around six.

Although the 2019 model’s 10 recalls include less serious issues like turn signals that do not flash brightly enough, there are quite a few dangerous problems that threaten occupant safety.

Two recalls were launched over an oil leak that may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Possible fuel pump failure led to two more recalls over concerns the problem could lead to the engine stalling while driving.

The 2019 model year’s other notable problems concern inoperable airbags and headlights that may overheat and spark a fire.

2013 Toyota Tundra - Photo by Toyota

Best Years for the Toyota Tundra include High Safety Ratings and Awards from the NHTSA and IIHS for 2013 and 2018 Models

The 2013 Toyota Tundra was awarded a safety rating of four stars out of five by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named the truck a Top Safety Pick.

U.S. News ranked it as the second most reliable used truck, only behind the Ram 1500, and the best full-size pickup truck for the money. Also, Hot Cars called the 2013 Tundra the best-used truck you can buy in 2020.

Nearly 100 real owner reviews on Vehicle History result in a 4.6-star (out of five) overall rating for the 2013 Toyota Tundra.

“It is the best vehicle I have ever owned,” writes one 2013 Tundra owner.

“I haven’t had any major problems,” writes another in their Vehicle History review. “Reliability is great, comfort and features are awesome.”

2018 Toyota Tundra Receives Excellent Ratings from J.D. Power and U.S. News

The 2018 Toyota Tundra was the first model year to get the standard Toyota safety suite seen in models like the Camry and Corolla. This led to the NHTSA giving the pickup truck four out of five stars in its crash test.

The International Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2018 Tundra a near-perfect score of “Good” for crashworthiness.” And U.S. News gave the 2018 Tundra a 7.8 rating out of 10 for high safety standards.

2014-2016 and 2019 Tundras Receive Multiple J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book Awards

The 2014 and 2016 Toyota Tundra model years received the Kelley Blue Book “Best Resale Value” award. Later models further highlight the Tundra’s exceptional reliability with their own awards.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra was listed as the “most dependable truck on the road” in a J.D. Power vehicle dependability study that year.

2018 Toyota Tundra - Photo by Toyota

Toyota Tundra is So Reliable that Finding a Bad Model is a Hassle

The Toyota Tundra has a longtime solid reputation, and there aren’t very many model years that are particularly bad. However, a few years, like 2010 and 2019, had an unusually high number of recalls.

Overall, the Tundra is a reliable and durable vehicle. The newer models, starting with the mid-2010s, are particularly decent trucks. Throughout the years, Kelley Blue Book and J.D. Power have award the Tundra countless safety and reliability awards, confirming the Toyota pickup as one of the best values for the money when it comes to longevity and reliability.

Photos: Toyota

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sarah T on August 12, 2021
No Complaints: 2013 Toyota Tundra
It feels sturdy and strong enough so that if there were ever an accident I would expect to be very safe in it. I drive it every day, like a car. There have never been any problems with it. I get regular oil changes and tire rotations to minimize problems. I added an aftermarket stereo, brush guard, tonneau cover, and running boards.
accountCircle Marine '72 on December 4, 2021
The 2010 Toyota Tundra Has Major Transmission Issues
2010 Tundra, 84000 miles and we had to replace the transmission. Will be my last tundra. 2010 Tundra, 84000 miles and we had to replace the transmission. Will be my last tundra. The mileage is not good. Yes, it is rated for pulling power of 9500 but the transmission won't hold up.
accountCircle Amy A on June 26, 2021
2018 Toyota Tundra: Dependable And Comfortable.
I have an SR5 crew cab and I enjoy the added room. The cab sits 5 people very comfortably and still had room for luggage or groceries. I would recommend this vehicle and add trim to anyone. This truck is very dependable and I am happy with the tundra and it is performance.
accountCircle David C on July 21, 2021
The Things I Dislike About My 2016 Toyota Tundra
One of the few things that I find myself dissatisfied with is how hard it can sometimes be to turn around corners and park the truck. It is a very heavy feeling during the drive and a gas guzzler due to poor acceleration.
accountCircle Anthony Williams on April 23, 2023
Bad motor
Had a motor problem under warranty and 12600 miles motor is junk 2012
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