2016 Toyota Tundra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Toyota › Tundra › 2016
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2016 Toyota Tundra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
6 recalls name the 2016 Toyota Tundra. Newest first.
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.
An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lugnuts that crack and detach may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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 failed to restart and was towed. A service repair had been scheduled. Upon research the contact associated the failure with TSB: 0166-19. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The frame of the truck is extremely rusted. I am unsure if it can be fixed. It is available for inspection. This 2016 Tundra has 71,000 miles and is used as a third car. It has been serviced at the same dealership (Northshore Toyota, Covington, LA) and we were never informed of the damage by the dealership. My safety is at risk because the extensive rust could cause the frame to fail. Previous Tundra models have been recalled because of the same issues. No warnings were issued even after the dealership serviced the truck on a lift numerous times (approximately 9 years). The only previous warning by the dealership was on 1/29/2025 when the dealership informed us of a rusty trailer hitch. The truck was brought to 4 body shops in the local area after the owner went to work on the trailer hitch and saw the damage. All 4 shops confirmed that the rust was extensive. 3 shops would not fix the damage because it would be an expensive/extensive fix. We are waiting on what shop #4 says.
Problem Parts?? At around 70,000 miles I was told that there was an engine oil leak ... camshaft area... and the engine needs to pulled out with a repair cost of about $5,000 dollars. (Reseal both cam towers, replace gaskets, etc.) A bit ridiculous. Is there now a possible engine fire risk? At 70,000 miles there was obviously a manufacturing mistake or a defective part used during assembly.
Peeling paint. White paint is separating from primer on hood, and adjacent to windshield on a pillars and the leading edge if the roof.
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?
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle ran off the road during a thunderstorm, causing the driver's and passenger's side curtain air bags to deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the headliner needed to be replaced; however, the part to complete the repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Seat heater stopped working. Turns out there is a burnt connector leading to part number 87501-0C020, which appears to be a seat heater amp. One pin of the connector is completely melted. I've purchased this truck brand new from Toyota. Nobody has ever touched this part. Scared that it could have caught fire.
I was stopped at a turn light to merge left onto freeway and the truck steering went out when trying to turn, it led me into oncoming traffic that was just coming to a stop light, I was able to crank my wheel with all my strength to get to the side of the uphill freeway merge ramp. There were no warning signs. It was so scary and thank goodness I hadn't merged onto the freeway. The component that failed was the power steering assembly, rack and pinion with inner and outer tie rods. I don't believe the parts will be available for inspection since the truck was towed to repair shop. Overall, I was lucky to be alive. My safety was put at risk being unable to properly steer, if I had been going any faster, or even on the freeway there would be no way to control the vehicle. Initially, I was put into oncoming traffic that was coming to a stop. It put myself and everyone around me in danger. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair shop that truck was towed to. They immediately saw the problem and took several days to fix. Even questioned what I was doing at the time of this event, because something like this just doesn't typically happen. It concerned them so much, that United Wheels and Tires suggested I reach out to Toyota. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone but the dealer and the tow truck services. Insurance was notified of situation and services dispatched, since the truck was not drivable. There were NO warming lamps, messages or anything on truck. Truck is in perfect condition and drove only on roads (no off-roading or towing, etc.).
The integrated brake controller does not apply enough power to the trailer brakes.
Gas tank no longer fills completely in a single squeeze. Each squeeze of the pump only fills up maybe a .25 gallon at a squeeze if I am lucky, but typically less. This results in a complete fill up taking close to a half hour. There are numerous posts on forums such as https://www.tundras.com/threads/gas-filling-problem.38449/, https://www.tundras.com/threads/gas-tank-roll-over-valve-stuck-causes-hard-fuelling-anyone-else.42535/, and many others regarding this issue, with no response from dealers other than sorry. This sounds like a pure manufacturing issue if so many people have issues with their tanks, in a similar fashion.
Fuel gauge provides false inaccurate reading, resulting in stranded situation when fuel runs out. Toyota is aware is issue and has only issued a TSB for limited years when the problem is more wide spread. My daughter has been stranded several times.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while doing a routine check that it was discovered that the power steering assembly was leaking. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, and he stated that the power steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted, and they stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E103000(Steering). The failure mileage was 53,437.
Bought a used 2016 Tundra, unaware of the massive problem they have with their intergrated brake controller, i feel they need to do something about this or reimburse the buyer for buying a aftermarket one to replace the factory unit. Its a very unsafe problem when pulling a trailer, I love the truck otherwise but this issue needs fixed.
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.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.