RoadVitals

2016 Toyota Tundra Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
119
Latest Jul 23, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Tundra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes3525.0%
  • Electrical2517.9%
  • Fuel system75.0%
  • Steering75.0%
  • Powertrain (other)53.6%
  • Engine53.6%
  • Airbags42.9%
  • Driver assistance42.9%
  • Other / unspecified42.9%
  • Suspension32.1%
  • Tires & wheels21.4%
  • Seat belts10.7%
  • Interior & seats10.7%
  • Visibility10.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 20, 2025

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 · filed Jun 5, 2024
All 35 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 7, 2025

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 · filed Jun 5, 2024
All 25 reports naming electrical

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jun 14, 2026

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 · filed Mar 20, 2025
All 21 reports naming body & structure

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 24, 2025

HEADLIGHTS IN THE ON OR AUTO POSITION RANDOMLY GO OUT WHEN BLINKER RETURNS TO NEUTRAL POSITION AFTER BEING ENGAGED. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION AT LOW AND HIGHSPEEDS ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS AND COMING OUT OF A COMPLETED STOP. CANNOT DETERMINE IF THIS IS A SHORT IN WIRING HARNESS OR IF TRIGGERED BY FAULTY COMPONENT.

NHTSA ID 11396158 · filed Feb 14, 2021
All 15 reports naming exterior lighting

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 23, 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 · filed May 22, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 19, 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 · filed Dec 16, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 16, 2023

Under acceleration the truck hesitates during shifting. Took to dealership and they can’t find anything however it continues intermittently. During speeds on highway it does the same. No codes so the dealership said it would just have to continue until something triggered or became more frequent. To date this continues. Started seeing the random issue around Feb 2021

NHTSA ID 11419066 · filed May 30, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 23, 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 · filed Apr 21, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK DURING COLLISION. *LD *JS

NHTSA ID 11290515 · filed Dec 30, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 62 MPH, BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS ERRONEOUSLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHELOR TOYOTA (2260 ROANOKE ST, CHRISTIANSBURG, VA), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ID 11082189 · filed Mar 30, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING ON 8/13/17. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW AGREED TO FIX IT THROUGH OUR INSURANCE CLAIM AND PROVIDES A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. SEE THE ATTACHED LIST OF DAMAGES, WHICH WERE PROVIDED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 1/15/18. WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF I INDICATED THE VEHICLE WAS MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN WITHOUT THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. THE DEALERSHIP CALLED TODAY AND VERY RUDELY STATED THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF SOME OF THE ISSUES. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER, THE RECEPTIONIST REFUSED AND SAID THEY WILL NOT FIX MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11063272 · filed Jan 17, 2018

I HAVE A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN REGARDING THE LACK OF DAYTIME VEHICLE INSTRUMENT ILLUMINATION ON MY NEW 2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA (WHILE DRIVING, STATIONARY AND ON ALL ROADS) DURING THE DAY. AS AN ELDER ADULT WHO WEARS SUNGLASSES TO PROTECT THEIR EYES (ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION) THE DASH BOARD (SPECIFICALLY THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATOR) IS BARELY DISCERNIBLE. EVEN WITHOUT SUNGLASSES THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS VERY DARK. I AM SURE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE INSTRUMENTS AND OPERATE THEIR VEHICLES IN A SAFE AND LAWFUL MANNER DURING THE DAYTIME OR WITH SUNGLASSES ON. I AM SURE THE DECISION, BY TOYOTA, TO NOT ILLUMINATE THE DASH IN THE DAYTIME SAVES A FEW PENNIES AND ADDS UP FOR THE MANUFACTURER WHEN YOU SELL THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES? BUT. . . NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE A DARK INSTRUMENT PANEL IS BOUND TO CAUSE MORE THAN A FEW ACCIDENTS.

NHTSA ID 10926116 · filed Nov 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED (BUT STILL FUNCTIONAL) AT 17000 MILES. WHEELS STILL ROTATE BUT THERE IS A VERY LOUD DRONING NOISE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH A SLIGHT SQUEAL AT LOWER SPEEDS. NON-TOYOTA MECHANICS HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS BEARINGS CAN FAIL ALTOGETHER AND SEIZE THE WHEELS.

NHTSA ID 11338408 · filed Jul 9, 2020

WHILE CHECKING AIR PRESSURE IN TIRES AND TPMS SENSOR SNAPPED OFF

NHTSA ID 11306162 · filed Jan 30, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Dec 14, 2021

2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA , PURCHASED BRAND NEW , AFTER 3000 MILES TRUCK START LEANING TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE. I EXPRESSED ISSUE TO THE DEALER, TECHNICIAN TOOK FOR A DRIVE TEST AND NOTICED THE SAME ISSUE , I DROPPED MY VEHICLE WITH DEALER FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND NOTHING WAS DONE TO IT DUE TO THERE IS NO RECALLS TO IT, BUT I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE PREVENTED .

NHTSA ID 10936684 · filed Dec 21, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO ROAD VENTURES TIRES, SIZE: 275/65R/20 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERE SHAKING DUE TO THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE TREAD SHIFTED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE DOT NUMBER AND TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ID 11048725 · filed Nov 27, 2017

ON OUR 2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4X4 CREW CAB TRUCK MY TIRES ARE ALREADY WORN OUT. THEY ONLY HAVE 17000 MILES ON THEM. THE TREAD ON THE TIRES ARE 5/30 2ND. WE ROTATE EVERY 3000 TO 5000 MILES. WE PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FOR TOWING OUR 20 FT TRAILER AND HAVE TAKEN 3 SHORT VACATIONS (ABOUT 1 WEEK EACH) AND THERE IS HARDLY ANY TREAD LEFT ON THEM. WE ARE SENIOR CITIZENS AND DO NOT DRIVE RECKLESSLY. PLEASE ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO WITH TAKING THESE ON MORE TRIPS. I DO HAVE PICTURES OF MY TIRES IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ID 10994496 · filed Jun 12, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA. CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK DURING COLLISION. *LD *JS

NHTSA ID 11290515 · filed Dec 30, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TOYOTA TUNDRA. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST ON THE FRAME OF THE REAR SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERTRICH TOYOTA OF MILFORD (1367 BAY RD, MILFORD, DE 19963, (877) 458-0609) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO MOISTURE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CLEANED THE RUST, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH EVEN MORE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

NHTSA ID 11203198 · filed Apr 23, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WIPER SPEED, WHILE ON HIGH IS NOT FAST ENOUGH FOR A MODERATE RAINFALL. I WAS CAUGHT IN A SLIGHTLY ABOVE AVERAGE DOWNPOUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAD TO REDUCE MY SPEED BY ALMOST 40MPH TO GET A LITTLE VISIBILITY BACK. ALL OTHER VEHICLES NEAR ME FLEW RIGHT PAST WITH THEIR WIPERS ON HIGH WITHOUT ANY ISSUE. THEY NEED TO SPEED UP THE WIPER MOTOR.

NHTSA ID 10819783 · filed Jan 12, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .