NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2021 Toyota Tundra recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Toyota Tundra and 24 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (6), electrical system (4), seats (4). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Tundra model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 7.1 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 3

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 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 systemNHTSA #21E103000 · 12/23/2021

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 systemNHTSA #21V920000 · 11/23/2021

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.

Exterior lighting · headlightsNHTSA #21V688000 · 09/02/2021

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.

Risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.

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

Unknown or other6
Electrical system4
Seats4
Visibility/wiper3
Steering2
Structure2
Forward collision avoidance2
Exterior lighting2

By the numbers

24owner complaints filed
1involved a crash
1involved a fire
1injuries reported

Recent owner reports

08/14/2026 · Tires

The TPMS display went thermal. It blew smoke out of the unit that is mounted to the drivers side front windshield. We were able to disconnect USB power to the device and roll the windows down to ventilate the cabin and ultimately remove the device from the windshield and isolate it. If we would not have been in the vehicle at the time of the failure this could have been a catas…

01/29/2026 · Engine,fuel/propulsion system

Were were driving, my 2021 Toyota Tundra, just stopped running. No check engine lights had come on until the engine stalled as we coasted to a stop on the side of the road. We had it towed to the Central Maine Motor in Waterville, Maine 04901. Central Maine Motor -Toyota service just got my truck in to a service bay today 1/29/26 and in formed me the failure was due to the fuel…

01/06/2026 · Air bags

Airbag , it was bad accident on freeway , but my car airbag did not work.car did not inspect with dealer , they were not any waring sign

Safety ratings

2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/CC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/EC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2021 Toyota TUNDRA PU/CC 2WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Toyota Tundra.

Tundra 2WD

Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L

13city
17hwy
15combined

Regular

Tundra 4WD

Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L

13city
17hwy
14combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Toyota Tundra year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 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 2021 Toyota Tundra?

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (6), electrical system (4), seats (4).

Is the 2021 Toyota Tundra safe?

The 2021 Toyota Tundra earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2021 a good year for the Toyota Tundra?

The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints of any Tundra model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 7.1 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Toyota Tundra get?

EPA ratings for the 2021 Toyota Tundra range from 14 to 15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2021 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.

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