2016 Toyota Tundra Owner Complaints

2016 flex fuel toyota tundra with 118,00 miles was towed to toyota dealer in Las cruces with a no fuel issue. After the analysis it was determined the fuel pump over heated burning out conector and wiring ,but the pump was still working. According to toyota TSB 0166-19 this is a problem the can arise if the alcohol fuel density ID is not updated. I told the dealer to due repairs on vehicle even though a fuel pump was installed and reflashed at 114,000 miles. Viva toyota of las cruses advicate stated that a reflash is all the vehiles needs and does not desire to change the alchol fuel density to updated ID as per TSB-0166-19, so I am worried I will be operating a vehicle with a fuel pump that will over heat and burn out connectors again. I called Toyota complaints and they told me they cannot make a dealer do any repairs.

NHTSA ID

11752420

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

Bed is rusting out from the bottom in a fashion that looks very similar to a previous Tundra bed rusting issue that had a TSB and remedy from Toyota. On the driver's side bed bolt closest to the cab, the sheet metal tack welded to the bed has separated and is rusting out. Approximately 7 inches to the drivers side from that bolt. The seam sealer is also cracking. Additionally, the drivers side bed bolt closes to the tailgate has rust bubbling up from underneath approximately 1 inch to the passenger side from the bolt and also along where that sheet metal is tack welded onto the bed.

NHTSA ID

11744041

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

The fuel pump component or system failed or malfunctioned the engine tried cranking but would not start. The problem has been reproduced to an independent service center, where I was notified of a safety recall on Toyota Tundra. No other inspections have been performed. There are no warning lamps messages visible on the vehicle in question. The vehicle will not start until repeated starts are performed. Vehicle idles roughly before regaining normal idle. One other past similar incident of this type has occurred. No other

NHTSA ID

11739464

Incident

May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and other fuel pump-related parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID

11732710

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

Mileage

67,000 mi

The steering rack internal seal inside the steering rack failed/ "blew" per mechanic and is leaking. I could lose my ability to steer at any time while driving my vehicle and wreck. It is currently at the Toyota services center in Gladstone, OR and has been diagnosed. No other representatives have inspected the vehicle. There were no warnings or signs of failure. I had originally taken my truck in to have an oil change and have it checked for a "slow" start up.

NHTSA ID

11719220

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

The power steering went out during routine around-town driving. One moment it was steering fine, the next moment it became extremely difficult and sluggish. There were no warning lights or warning of any sort until the steering wheel started jerking unevenly as I tried to turn. I was able to get control of the vehicle and pull it to the side of the road. There was no difference in the engine noise, and I couldn't see any noticeable fluid leak. I was able to drive the vehicle home, make an appointment with the Toyota dealer, and get the vehicle to the dealership for inspection. The dealership told me after inspection, that the rack and pinion steering was binding internally, and that there was seepage from the right boot. Initially, they told me that the pump should be fine. I authorized them to replace the rack and pinion steering. After which, they told me that the problem seemed to still persist some, and that the pump would have to be replaced also. My total bill came to $3,200, which seemed not unfair. But this whole issue seemed like something that should be noticed as part of a recall. I found the NHTSA recall number. 21V-920, and my truck seemed to match exactly the symptoms spelled out is this recall , but Toyota refused to acknowledge it. My VIN number did not fall within the specified VIN for this recall. I've driven several Toyotas, including another Tundra, a Tacoma, 2 Highlanders and a Sienna, and have been pleased with each vehicle. This Tundra is 10 years old with 95,000 miles, and I've only done expected maintenance and a couple of occasional minor repairs. Those being: - Having the brakes resurfaced - Changing out the alternator In the end, it wasn't a devastating amount of money, but it was an issue that I felt Toyota should have taken care of. I did reach out to them, but because I had already paid for the repairs on the vehicle I needed to drive for work, they refused to talk to me any further. I have the estimate and final bill.

NHTSA ID

11705412

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

My right front headlamp is getting moisture inside the headlamp assembly. It can be inspected any time. Chance that headlamp will not work. Did not take to a dealer.

NHTSA ID

11662959

Incident

May 24, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while going through prior service paperwork found in the vehicle, he discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact also stated that the vehicle was once sold at a private auction. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 158,000; however, upon discovery of the service paperwork, the contact discovered that the vehicle mileage was once 250,000.

NHTSA ID

11659434

Incident

May 6, 2025

Mileage

250,000 mi

I have had multiple incidents where the front hood bulge has blown off going down the interstate and nearly hit other cars. It’s not been worth buying a new one with the risk of them flying off. It’s definitely a saftey concern and a hazard.

NHTSA ID

11649615

Incident

Mar 18, 2025

The trailer brake controller went out. It does not supply electronic braking and the truck no longer recognizes the controller on the dashboard. Multiple on line chats and forums, along with my trailer provider, show awareness of this defect. Online individuals learned of the issue during emergency stopping. This appears to be known and wide spread.

NHTSA ID

11643867

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

The frame of the truck is extremely rusted. I am unsure if it can be fixed. It is available for inspection. This 2016 Tundra has 71,000 miles and is used as a third car. It has been serviced at the same dealership (Northshore Toyota, Covington, LA) and we were never informed of the damage by the dealership. My safety is at risk because the extensive rust could cause the frame to fail. Previous Tundra models have been recalled because of the same issues. No warnings were issued even after the dealership serviced the truck on a lift numerous times (approximately 9 years). The only previous warning by the dealership was on 1/29/2025 when the dealership informed us of a rusty trailer hitch. The truck was brought to 4 body shops in the local area after the owner went to work on the trailer hitch and saw the damage. All 4 shops confirmed that the rust was extensive. 3 shops would not fix the damage because it would be an expensive/extensive fix. We are waiting on what shop #4 says.

NHTSA ID

11643127

Incident

Jan 29, 2025

Problem Parts?? At around 70,000 miles I was told that there was an engine oil leak ... camshaft area... and the engine needs to pulled out with a repair cost of about $5,000 dollars. (Reseal both cam towers, replace gaskets, etc.) A bit ridiculous. Is there now a possible engine fire risk? At 70,000 miles there was obviously a manufacturing mistake or a defective part used during assembly.

NHTSA ID

11625264

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

Peeling paint. White paint is separating from primer on hood, and adjacent to windshield on a pillars and the leading edge if the roof.

NHTSA ID

11623575

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

1)Over 60 MPH with new tires the vehicle pulses & shakes on front end, checked alignment everything OK per Mechanic. Just started to occur 2)Bluetooth when on iPhone will at any time cut out guaranteed to occur when using at any time been occurring for 2 + years. 3)Trailer brake warning light (Idiot light) comes on dashboard does not recommend trailering due to electrical issue. occurring for 2+ years Bought vehicle used in 2017 with 13k on Truck now 2024 has 91K on truck love the truck but zero recalls for any of the above?

NHTSA ID

11592560

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle ran off the road during a thunderstorm, causing the driver's and passenger's side curtain air bags to deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the headliner needed to be replaced; however, the part to complete the repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ID

11543094

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

Mileage

99,000 mi

Seat heater stopped working. Turns out there is a burnt connector leading to part number 87501-0C020, which appears to be a seat heater amp. One pin of the connector is completely melted. I've purchased this truck brand new from Toyota. Nobody has ever touched this part. Scared that it could have caught fire.

NHTSA ID

11543017

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

I was stopped at a turn light to merge left onto freeway and the truck steering went out when trying to turn, it led me into oncoming traffic that was just coming to a stop light, I was able to crank my wheel with all my strength to get to the side of the uphill freeway merge ramp. There were no warning signs. It was so scary and thank goodness I hadn't merged onto the freeway. The component that failed was the power steering assembly, rack and pinion with inner and outer tie rods. I don't believe the parts will be available for inspection since the truck was towed to repair shop. Overall, I was lucky to be alive. My safety was put at risk being unable to properly steer, if I had been going any faster, or even on the freeway there would be no way to control the vehicle. Initially, I was put into oncoming traffic that was coming to a stop. It put myself and everyone around me in danger. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair shop that truck was towed to. They immediately saw the problem and took several days to fix. Even questioned what I was doing at the time of this event, because something like this just doesn't typically happen. It concerned them so much, that United Wheels and Tires suggested I reach out to Toyota. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the dealer and the tow truck services. Insurance was notified of situation and services dispatched, since the truck was not drivable. There were NO warming lamps, messages or anything on truck. Truck is in perfect condition and drove only on roads (no off-roading or towing, etc.).

NHTSA ID

11537568

Incident

Aug 7, 2023

The integrated brake controller does not apply enough power to the trailer brakes.

NHTSA ID

11530257

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

Gas tank no longer fills completely in a single squeeze. Each squeeze of the pump only fills up maybe a .25 gallon at a squeeze if I am lucky, but typically less. This results in a complete fill up taking close to a half hour. There are numerous posts on forums such as https://www.tundras.com/threads/gas-filling-problem.38449/, https://www.tundras.com/threads/gas-tank-roll-over-valve-stuck-causes-hard-fuelling-anyone-else.42535/, and many others regarding this issue, with no response from dealers other than sorry. This sounds like a pure manufacturing issue if so many people have issues with their tanks, in a similar fashion.

NHTSA ID

11528967

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Fuel gauge provides false inaccurate reading, resulting in stranded situation when fuel runs out. Toyota is aware is issue and has only issued a TSB for limited years when the problem is more wide spread. My daughter has been stranded several times.

NHTSA ID

11509356

Incident

Feb 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the oil change warning light was illuminated. The contact changed the oil however, after changing the oil, the vehicle would not shift into the intended gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 73,400.

NHTSA ID

11507682

Incident

Feb 5, 2023

Mileage

73,400 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while doing a routine check that it was discovered that the power steering assembly was leaking. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, and he stated that the power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and they stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E103000(Steering). The failure mileage was 53,437.

NHTSA ID

11478760

Incident

Jun 11, 2022

Mileage

53,437 mi

Bought a used 2016 Tundra, unaware of the massive problem they have with their intergrated brake controller, i feel they need to do something about this or reimburse the buyer for buying a aftermarket one to replace the factory unit. Its a very unsafe problem when pulling a trailer, I love the truck otherwise but this issue needs fixed.

NHTSA ID

11454363

Incident

Dec 4, 2021

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer - Front and rear wheel bearings. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer - wheels could have locked up while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Answer - Yes. Milton Martin Toyota in Oakwood, GA has confirmed that 3 wheel bearings are bad and need to be replaced. 1x front left wheel bearing replaced on 12/06/21 and both rear wheel bearings are being replaced on 12/14/21. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Answer - Yes, if a dealership qualifies as the manufacturer. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Answer - Yes, noise from the wheels while driving. No warning lamps or messages. I noticed the "roaring" noise around 11/12/2021.

NHTSA ID

11443723

Incident

Nov 12, 2021

My truck is shutting off while driving,can be very dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11426301

Incident

Jul 1, 2021