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Toyota has a strong reputation for reliability, and its full-size Tundra pickup truck is no exception. But every vehicle wears out over time; even the mighty Tundra develops issues. Here are the most common problems, and most problematic model years, as reported by hundreds of owners.

What problems do Toyota Tundra trucks have?

The most common Toyota Tundra problem owners reported was a failed air induction pump in a 2012 or 2005 truck. A less common issue was the premature failure of a 2012 transmission. Owners have also reported a ticking noise caused by a leaking exhaust manifold, worn lower ball joints, and a failed oxygen sensor.

A maroon 2006 Toyota Tundra with a four-door cab parked on a dirt parking lot with green trees in the background.
2006 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

My colleague Amanda Cline shared the most common Tundra problems reported to Repair Pal. Across all Toyota Tundra model years, the manifold ticking, steering ball joint wear, and oxygen sensor were reported the most often. In fact, Toyota issued a recall for the steering ball joints.

The website Car Complaints dials down into owner complaints for specific model year Tundras. This publication shares that nine 2012 Toyota Tundra owners and 14 owners of 2005 Tundras reported a failed air induction pump.

Are Toyota Tundra trucks reliable?

Toyota Tundras consistently rank more reliable than the average half-ton truck. But Car Complaints found that owners of the 2005 and 2007 model years reported having the most problems with their trucks. In addition, 10 owners of 2022 Tundras have already reported issues, down from just one or two for each of the previous three model years.

Orange Toyota Tundra pickup truck parked on stage at the Chicago auto show with an ATV in its bed.
2017 Toyota Tundra | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

The 2006 model year was the only ever Toyota Tundra with an average reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Car Complaints logged 11 owner complaints of 2006 Toyota Tundra body and paint problems, eight more for engine problems, and eight for transmission problems. Most of those engine problems are that pesky air pump failure again. Six owners of 2007 Toyota Tundras reported the same air pump problem. Note that no owners of 2008 Toyota Tundras reported the air pump problem, so Toyota must have addressed the issue.

The NHTSA actually opened a file on the 2006 Toyota Tundra’s body problems (mainly frame rust) and received another 145 complaints.

Which Toyota Tundra has the most engine problems?

According to Car Complaints, 21 owners of a 2007 Toyota Tundra, 11 owners of a 2006, and 20 owners of a 2005 reported engine problems. While studying the Toyota Tundra, the NHTSA found 44 owners of 2005s with engine problems and 55 owners of 2006s with engine problems. The consensus isn’t great for any of these model years.

Brown 2022 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition driving in front of a brick building front.
2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota

The average cost of fixing an air injector pump on a 2005 Toyota Tundra is $1,740. The problem also tends to show up at 103,350 miles, on average.

Ten owners of the redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra have reported problems to Car Complaints. Of these, only two are engine problems. That’s actually fairly impressive, considering Toyota completely did away with its 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and replaced it with an all-new turbocharged V6.

Next, find out the most reliable 2022 pickup truck or see the most common 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra issues in the video below:

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.