5 Best And Worst Years For The Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck built to be tough, durable, and dependable.

It has a reputation for being one of the most reliable trucks on the market, and it’s been able to withstand the test of time since its release in 1999.

The Toyota Tundra is a good option if you’re looking for a truck that can tow and haul. It’s one of the most popular trucks on the market, and it has been since its introduction in 1999.

It has proven to be durable and reliable, but there have been comparatively poor models.

Let’s list down the best and worst years for Toyota Tundra:

Best Years for Toyota Tundra:

1. 2009
2. 2019
3. 2020
4. 2021
5. 2022

Worst Years for Toyota Tundra:

1. 2005
2. 2006
3. 2007
4. 2008
5. 2012

These models have been listed in order of their release, so you should not mistake the ones in a higher position for being better than the others.

To find out which is better or worse, you should continue reading the article.

Without wasting any time, let’s get started.

What Are The Worst Years For The Toyota Tundra? Which Years To Avoid

Before we get on to the good stuff, let’s discuss the bad.

The models of the Tundra that will be discussed here are those that have been significantly poor-performing than their newer or older generations. They should be avoided at all costs.

You are about to find out why.

1. 2005 Toyota Tundra

The 2005 Toyota Tundra model had many issues that made it difficult for drivers to get where they needed to go.

One of the most common problems was the failure of the secondary air pump, which is one of the vehicle’s core components.

Another problem was reports of catalytic converter failures, which caused an inability to pass emissions tests.

The transmission can also slip, which is an issue that has been covered further down in this article.

All in all, these issues are pretty serious, and the model itself is old now, so avoiding it is the best thing to do.

2. 2006 Toyota Tundra

The 2006 model was a big letdown for Toyota Tundra owners. It came a year later than the 2005 model and didn’t bring many improvements to the table.

The biggest issue was that the paint on the roof would fade badly, which is a huge problem for any vehicle. There were also issues with rusting under the truck’s body.

The secondary air pump failure issue also persisted in this model, which caused some people to think twice about buying one.

These issues, combined with many others, made the Tundra an unworthy investment. It was and still is faced with many issues, which is why it should not be considered.

3. 2007 Toyota Tundra

The 2007 Toyota Tundra is the highest-complained-about model in the truck’s history.

The most common complaint was the failure of the air injection pump, which can cause a loss of power in affected vehicles.

In addition, some owners reported low-quality paint that would fade after little use. Rusting on the body and contamination of the charcoal canister with fuel were also reported problems.

You may see a pattern here. Toyota did not do anything to address these issues. That is surprising and disappointing too.

These problems were present in the previous models too, and it is best to avoid this one, too, unless you want it to spend most of its time in a garage.

4. 2008 Toyota Tundra

The 2008 model of Tundra had a lot of issues. One of the most common failures was the alternator.

Another common problem was that the power locks would fail to unlock and lock, leaving people unable to enter their vehicles.

The radio was another common issue, as it malfunctioned frequently.

The last major issue with this model of Tundra was peeling clear coat, which could lead to rusting if not addressed quickly and properly.

Toyota did address these issues in newer models, but nothing was done for the unfortunate owners of this model.

5. 2012 Toyota Tundra

The 2012 Toyota Tundra is a great truck and is much better than its predecessors. But there are a few issues that you should be aware of.

The first issue is the air induction pump, which can stop working. There were also reports of the engine producing a knocking sound, which can be due to a serious issue.

Finally, the transmission might also fail prematurely, which no one wants. Replacing or repairing it is extremely costly.

Although it is way better than the 2005 to 2008 models, it should not be considered a daily driver, mainly due to the transmission issue.

What Are The Best Years For The Toyota Tundra? Which Years To Buy

With a lot of bad comes some good too. Now that the worst models of the Tundra have been discussed, it is time to talk about the best ones too. You will be pleasantly surprised by them.

1. 2009 Toyota Tundra

The 2009 Toyota Tundra is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and comfortable truck on a budget. With many bed and cab styles, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

The 5.7L v8 engine provides an amazing drive experience and makes the truck great for long drives or just going out on the town with friends.

It has safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control systems (TCS).

Although it was released over a decade ago, it is worth considering. It may seem a bit behind in the feature department, but that is something aftermarket accessories can solve easily.

2. 2019 Toyota Tundra

The 2019 Toyota Tundra is a great pick for anyone who wants a truck that can tow and haul but also take them on a road trip.

This is one of the more recent models, and it boasts a 4.6L aluminum I-Force V8 engine that gives you decent towing capacity.

The handling is excellent, and the ride is comfortable, making it ideal for long trips.

It also comes with a standard 4×4 system, so you can rely on it in weather conditions. It is packed with the latest technology, such as Toyota’s TSS-P system.

3. 2020 Toyota Tundra

2020 brought many changes to the Toyota Tundra. Firstly, the engine was upgraded to a 5.7L V8 one.

It brought decent power improvements. It could create 381 HP, which is more than enough power for most people.

The 2021 model is a recent model packed with safety features, similar to the 2019 model.

One of the well-received ones is the addition of the pre-collision system, which detects pedestrians on the road.

Toyota also offered a TRD trim for this model, which is perfect for off-roading. Overall, the 2020 model is great and is one of the least complained about models.

4. 2021 Toyota Tundra

Although the 2021 model does not bring many improvements over the previous one, they were not needed. It features the same 381 HP 5.7L V8 engine.

The truck has an impressive towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds, which is a lot. You will not have any issues taking your cargo with you.

The drive quality of the 2021 Tundra is also great. It provided drivers with excellent control and handling. It is also packed to the brim with safety features, making it safe to drive on the road.

5. 2022 Toyota Tundra

The new Toyota Tundra is a beast. The 2022 model has a twin-turbo v6 engine that produces less horsepower before—346, to be exact.

But that’s not necessarily bad because it gives you more torque, which means more power and better fuel efficiency.

It can also tow an incredible 12000 pounds of whatever you want (or need) to haul around.

It also boasts a comfortable driving experience that will make you feel like you’re riding in luxury even as you’re hauling heavy loads through rough terrain.

Toyota has learned a lot from its mistakes over the past two decades and has made great improvements to this pickup truck.

How Reliable Is A Toyota Tundra?

The Toyota Tundra has been around for more than two decades and is one of the most reliable trucks on the road. It has only had 492 total complaints, according to CarComplaints.com.

That’s an exceptionally low number for a vehicle in production for so long—especially because this truck is a full-size pickup and therefore tends to be used for heavy-duty work.

How Long Do Toyota Tundras Last?

A Toyota Tundra’s average lifespan is between 150000 to 250000 miles. Reports of people reaching 300000 miles are common, which is impressive considering how heavy and bulky these pickups are.

An average drive of 15000 miles annually can result in this truck being driven for a minimum of ten years and a maximum of 20 years, given that you maintain it properly.

What To Do To Lengthen The Life Of Your Toyota Tundra

Maintaining any vehicle is the key to its longevity. Many things can be done to ensure the Toyota Tundra can be driven for as long as is physically possible.

Let’s see some of them.

• It’s important to change your oil and filters regularly, so you’re not wasting money on repairs. The Toyota Tundra is a truck, so it will be on the road a lot.
• That means the filters will get dirty more quickly than in most vehicles.
• If you don’t change the oil and filter at least once every 5000 miles, you could have serious engine issues.
• The best way to avoid prematurely replacing your car’s parts is to use high-quality replacement parts.
• You can tell the quality of a part by looking at its price—if it’s cheap, chances are it will break quickly and need to be replaced soon.
• If you want to lengthen the life of your Toyota Tundra, be sure to only use high-quality replacement parts when repairing or servicing the truck.
• It’s also important that you rotate your tires because they wear down at different speeds—the front ones usually last longer than the rear ones because they are used for braking and steering.

That means that if you only rotate them at the beginning of the season and not again until next year, you might be wearing out one side of your car faster than the other.

Rest assured if you are going to follow these steps then you can definitely make sure a longer life.

Things That Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Toyota Tundra

The Tundra is just as susceptible to loss of potential lifespan as other vehicles, regardless of which engine it rocks under the hood.

So, let’s see some of the major things that can shorten the truck’s lifespan.

• First, make sure you follow timely maintenance. If your car starts making strange noises or smells funny, don’t ignore it!
• Get it checked out immediately so any issues can be addressed before they become serious.
• You can also help prevent issues by keeping an eye on the gas level and checking your tires’ air pressure regularly.
• One of the most important things to remember is that you should only use the type of fuel that your car needs.
• If you don’t, then you could end up damaging your engine, which would cost more than just getting the correct fuel.
• Another thing to beware of is using cheap parts in your vehicle. You might think they’ll save money in the long run, but they actually tend to do more harm than good.

This is because they’re not as durable or reliable as higher quality parts would be and will eventually fail or break down much quicker than their OEM counterparts.

Make sure to avoid the above factors so you could get a better life of your Toyota Tundra.

3 Most Toyota Tundra Common Problems You Should Know

The Toyota Tundra is a pretty reliable truck, but that does not mean that it is unaffected by issues.

This section will take a look at some of the more common issues that owners of the Tundra have had to face over the years.

1. Failure Of The Air Injection Pump

The air injection pump is an important part of your Toyota Tundra. Without it, your engine won’t be able to function properly, and you’ll likely get a lot of trouble codes.

If you notice that your check engine light goes on when you turn off the ignition or when you start up the truck, then this is probably what’s causing it: a malfunctioning air injection pump.

Other symptoms include slow acceleration and engine stalling.

2. Exhaust Manifold Failure

One of the most common Toyota Tundra problems is the failure of the exhaust manifold.

The exhaust manifold is part of the engine, and it’s responsible for directing exhaust gases away from the engine.

If you notice that your engine produces more smoke than usual after driving, or if there are any hissing sounds coming from the engine, it could be due to a faulty exhaust manifold.

This problem will require immediate attention so that you don’t end up damaging other parts of your vehicle’s engine.

3. The Strawberry Milkshake Problem

The strawberry milkshake problem is a common problem among Toyota Tundra’s.

The problem occurs when the transmission fluid and coolant mix, creating a milkshake-like substance that can cause the vehicle’s transmission to slip.

It can also result in the engine overheating. So, you should be on the lookout for this issue, especially in the models that were introduced between 2001 and 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Toyota Tundra A Good Truck?

The Toyota Tundra is a great truck. It has a lot of power and is very comfortable to ride in. The Tundra also has a lot of features that make it more fun to use.

It is also very affordable, which makes it a good choice for many people who need a new vehicle but don’t want to spend too much money on one.

Q2: Do Toyota Tundras Hold Their Value?

The Toyota Tundra has a pretty decent depreciation rate. After five years, the truck will have lost 36% of its value.

That means it’s not the best choice for someone who wants a truck that holds its value over time, but it’s still a pretty good choice for someone looking for a strong truck that won’t depreciate too much after use.

Q3: How Many Toyota Tundras Have Been Sold?

Although there is no exact number, because of the number of sales increasing all the time, what I can tell you is that the Tundra is a pretty popular truck.

Over the course of its lifetime, it has had more than 100000 sales for the majority of the years., with them touching almost 200000 in 2007.

Q4: Which Toyota Tundra Engine Is The Most Reliable?

The 5.7L V8 engine is one of the most reliable engines in the Toyota Tundra’s lineup, with a history of being sturdy and strong.

The 5.7L V8 engine is also one of the newer options and has been around since 2007, so it has had plenty of time to prove itself as a reliable option for drivers.

Q5: Is Toyota Tundra Expensive To Maintain?

The Toyota Tundra is a popular truck for many reasons, but one of the main ones is its reliability. It’s known to be very easy on the wallet, especially when it comes to maintenance.

According to CarEdge, owners can expect to spend $6,783 on maintenance over the first ten years of ownership—a whopping $3,583 less than the industry average!

Conclusion

So, you’ve made it through the whole article. Congratulations! We hope that you learned a lot and that it was helpful to hear my take on the best and worst years for Toyota Tundra.

The Toyota Tundra has been around for a long time and has had some ups and downs. It’s been a best-seller in the past, but it’s also seen some rough years.

Although it has improved quite a lot in recent years, when it comes to buying a used truck, you should be wary.

But if you follow what is written in the article above, you will not run into any issues with the model you buy. Good luck with your purchase!

References:
https://www.car-buying-strategies.com/Toyota/2022-Tundra.html
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/tundra/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tundra/