2016 Toyota Tundra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tundra and 120 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (34), electrical system (26), structure (21). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 15–17 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Tundra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (154). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 7.1 per model year.
Recalls 6
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Toyota Tundra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Steering · hydraulic power assist system
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
Steering · hydraulic power assist system
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Air bags · knee bolster
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Tundra vehicles. The affected vehicles have a passenger knee air bag module that was attached to the instrument panel mounting brackets with incorrect bolts.
Risk: The incorrect bolts may cause the air bag module to loosen over time, affecting the performance of the knee airbag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: All of the affected vehicles have been inspected and any incorrect knee air bag mounting bolts have been replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0K.
Wheels · lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.
Risk: Lugnuts that crack and detach may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement lugnuts, free of charge. The recall began June 23, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17A.
Structure · body · bumpers
Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tundra vehicles equipped with a resin rear step bumper and resin reinforcement brackets (vehicles with chrome step bumpers are not affected). In the event of an impact to the corner of the bumper, the resin bracket may be damaged but not be noticed.
Risk: If a person steps on the corner of the bumper that is damaged, a portion of the bumper may break away, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the resin rear bumper reinforcement brackets with steel ones, and replace the rear bumper tread, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0C.
Equipment · other · labels
Problem: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. While driving approximately 65-70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown warning light was displayed after the failure. There was an abnormal fuel odor before and after the failure. The vehicle stalled and fa…
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 repa…
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…
Safety ratings
2016 Toyota Tundra PU/CC 2WD
2016 Toyota Tundra PU/CC 4WD
2016 Toyota Tundra PU/RC 2WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Toyota Tundra.
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L
Regular
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 4.6 L
Regular
Tundra 2WD FFV
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L
Gasoline or E85
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Toyota Tundra, most recently for steering · hydraulic power assist system (12/23/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
Based on 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (34), electrical system (26), structure (21).
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra safe?
The 2016 Toyota Tundra earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Toyota Tundra?
The 2016 ranks #9 of 14 Tundra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (154). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 7.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Toyota Tundra get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Toyota Tundra range from 15 to 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Toyota Tundra in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TUNDRA, Tundra.