2016 Toyota Tundra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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%
- Body & structure2115.0%
- Exterior lighting1510.7%
- 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.
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.
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?
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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.
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?
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
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.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
WHILE CHECKING AIR PRESSURE IN TIRES AND TPMS SENSOR SNAPPED OFF
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .