Here Are The Toyota Tundra Years To Avoid
We've identified two Toyota Tundra years to avoid. See why you should steer clear — and which Tundra years are considered best instead.
Toyota is a reputable brand that’s behind the release of a ton of reliable models. When they released the Tundra, it looked like a pickup with specs that only Toyota could produce. Though it made waves in the industry, it has had its slip-ups, some of which you should know.
If you’re in the market for a pre-owned Tundra, you should consider which Toyota Tundra years to avoid. Below, we’ll take a look at the Tundra throughout the years to help you have a better idea of what you’re getting into.
Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid
Though the Tundra is a sought-after truck with many positive reviews, it’s not perfect. There are a few years that you should avoid, and we’ll tell you why.
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The 2007 Toyota Tundra
In 2007, consumer reports showed that the engine was the biggest issue, with some reporting a complete failure. Among the 537 complaints collected from this consumer report, air injection pump failure and knocking pistons were the two complaints.
In addition, there were reported issues with the speed control, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting issues with speed control, engine cooling, and accelerator pedals. These are dangerous issues, but they appear on a small scale compared to other brands.
The 2012 Toyota Tundra
The worst year to date for the Tundra was 2012. This year alone saw several consumer reports with issues, including the engine, the transmission, and electrical systems. The top issue reported was the air induction pump, which has a high repair cost. Problems were reported, on average, around 74,000 miles, and the price was over $3,000 to repair.
Another critical issue that came out of this year was transmission failure. The transmission is like the heart of a vehicle, and when it gives out, it comes with a number of significant issues attached to it. In the case of the Tundra, issues with the transmission started showing up around 9,700 miles, which is very little for a car with a reputation like Toyota. Average costs for transmission replacement are about $5,000.
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The Best Toyota Tundra Years
There are a few Toyota Tundra years to avoid, but there are many more to look out for. If you’re on the hunt for a preowned, check out the following years to get the most reliable Tundra on the market.
The 2013 Toyota Tundra
After all of the major issues in 2012, the 2013 Tundra came out with a bang. This model of the Toyota Tundra received a ton of praise and performed better than any of the others. On top of that, it took the prize for the best full-size truck of the year and even scored the number two spot on the list of best used full-sized trucks.
Much of the success of the Tundras from 2013 had to do with the enhancements that Toyota did. They even added a navigation system and enhanced the interior and exterior trim options.
The 2015 Toyota Tundra
In 2015, the Tundra received a slight upgrade, especially with its interior. There was also a surprise for drivers that love off-roading as the brand released the TD Pro. This was the first year that the 5.8L engine was introduced, with 381 horsepower and up to 10,500 towing capacity.
Gas mileage reached 19 MPG on the highway, and the price tag started as low as $16,000. Compared to other full-size trucks on the market, nothing comes quite close to the Tundra, which is why it’s still going strong.
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The 2018 Toyota Tundra
The 2018 Toyota Tundra was one of the first full-sized trucks to get a perfect score from consumer reports. Not only does it have a sharp look on the outside, but it is tough enough on the inside to tow and pull.
You hit the jackpot if you can get your hands on a 2018 Toyota Tundra with low mileage. If not, you may still have some good years to use your truck, as it’s reliable and durable.
Common Toyota Tundra Issues
When checking out RepairPal, the Tundra has had a few complaints over the years. Though there hasn’t been anything major, a few common issues reported by owners are:
- Noise from exhaust manifold (usually when failed) - Ticking noises have been reported from several Tundra models connected to issues with the exhaust manifold. Reports also indicated that this was more apparent with a cold engine.
- Lower ball joint recall - Toyota sent out a recall order for 533,000 trucks and SUVs due to malfunctioning lower ball joints. Apparently, the ball joints were prone to premature wear, resulting in steering problems and other suspension issues.
- Air injection pump failure - Numerous complaints were reported about the Tundra’s faulty air injection pump in the engine, which affects 11 model years of the truck. Some of the common fixes include replacing either the air injection pump or the emission control valve.
THE MOST RELIABLE TOYOTA TUNDRA YEARS
Let’s take a look at every generation of this popular pickup truck and determine the most reliable Toyota Tundra year in each lineup.
- Brake issues - Frustrated owners reported that their truck would shake or shudder while stepping on the brake pedal. One person fixed this issue by rotating the rotors, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re better off taking your truck to a mechanic.
- Transmission failure - Transmission failures are some of the most common mechanical problems, and the Tundra wasn’t spared. Repairing a faulty transmission system may leave you on the hook for thousands of dollars in parts and repairs.
The highest reported issue was the noise from the failed exhaust manifold, which eventually had to be fixed or replaced. 261 people reported this issue, which is not a very large number considering the number of Tundras sold each and every year. The ball joint was an item that was recalled, though only 206 people reported it.
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Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid: The Takeaway
The Toyota Tundra is an all-around reliable and durable vehicle. One of the things that makes it so great is the low number of incidents reported. Even when they did have a recall, it only spanned over a year. After that, the Tundra came back with a bang and seemed to have all of its issues fixed.
The Tundra is a good choice for a used car, but you need to know what you can look for. One of the things to pay attention to is the year, making sure you choose one that didn’t have a major recall. If you don’t want to deal with dealerships, you’re not alone. Here at CoPilot, we don’t deal with dealerships either. Instead, we gather up a list of the best Tundras in your area and present them to you so you can decide.
For a look at the best Tundra years around you, give us a shout; we’d love to help out. The Tundra is an award-winning vehicle for a reason, and if you’re in the market for one, keep your eyes open for the best Tundra years around.
Frequently Asked Questions: Toyota Tundra Years to Avoid
Q: What are the Toyota Tundra years to avoid?
A: The 2007 and 2012 Toyota Tundra models are the years you should avoid. The 2007 Tundra had numerous complaints about engine problems, including complete engine failure, air injection pump failure, and knocking pistons. The 2012 Tundra was the worst year to date, with several reported issues related to the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
Q: Why is the 2012 Toyota Tundra considered the worst year for this model?
A: The 2012 Toyota Tundra is considered the worst year due to numerous consumer reports of engine, transmission, and electrical system issues. The most significant problem was the air induction pump, which had a high repair cost averaging over $3,000. Transmission failure was another critical issue, with problems as early as 9,700 miles and replacement costs averaging around $5,000.
Q: What are some of the best Toyota Tundra years to consider when buying used?
A: Some of the best Toyota Tundra years to look for when buying used include the 2013, 2015, and 2018 models. The 2013 Tundra received praise for its performance and was named the best full-size truck of the year. The 2015 model introduced a new 5.8L engine with 381 horsepower and a towing capacity of up to 10,500 pounds. The 2018 Tundra was one of the first full-sized trucks to receive a perfect score from Consumer Reports.
Q: What are some common issues reported by Toyota Tundra owners?
A: Some common issues reported by Toyota Tundra owners include noise from the exhaust manifold when it fails, a recall on lower ball joints due to premature wear, air injection pump failure affecting 11 model years, brake issues causing shaking or shuddering while braking, and transmission failure, which can be costly to repair.
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