What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 52,500+ owner reports, the 2012 Toyota Tundra has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak, Cam Tower Oil Leak, Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?
The 2012 Toyota Tundra has 9 known issues documented across 52,500+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tundra problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Tundra issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak, typically costs $0-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak?
Toyota recalled 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles due to defects in the power steering gear assembly that can cause oil leaks. When power steering fluid leaks from the assembly, it can result in sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Cam Tower Oil Leak?
The 5.7L iForce V8 engine is known for developing oil leaks at the cam tower due to Toyota's use of gray RTV silicone sealant instead of a proper gasket from the factory. The sealant degrades over time, particularly at the rear of the cam towers where the engine is slanted. Repairs typically run $2,500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2005-2013 Toyota Tundra Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure?
The secondary air injection pump is prone to failure due to water intrusion. The electric motor is located in the wheel well with moisture exposure, and the rubber boot covering the motor traps water, causing the pump to short circuit. This triggers check engine lights with codes… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2019 Toyota Tundra Exhaust Manifold Cracking and Bolt Failure?
Toyota Tundra V8 engines are prone to exhaust manifold cracking, particularly on the driver side where the air injection tube weld enters the manifold. Additionally, exhaust manifold bolts can corrode and break, causing exhaust leaks. The ticking noise is most noticeable at cold… Repairs typically run $500-$3,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2012 Toyota Tundra Water Pump Bearing and Seal Failure?
The 5.7L V8 water pump is prone to premature failure, often occurring between 40,000-70,000 miles. The water pump uses a spring-loaded seal that can fail, and internal bearing failure is common. If not addressed, this can lead to engine overheating and severe damage. Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra AB60E/AB60F 6-Speed Automatic Torque Converter Shudder?
Second-generation Tundras with the AB60E/AB60F 6-speed automatic commonly develop a torque-converter clutch (TCC) shudder felt as a vibration or 'rumble strip' sensation during light-to-moderate acceleration, typically between roughly 20-45 mph as the converter clutch tries to lo… Repairs typically run $250-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota Tundra Starter Motor Failure (Buried Under Intake Manifold)?
On the 4.6L and 5.7L V8 Tundras the starter is mounted in the engine valley underneath the intake manifold rather than on the side of the bellhousing. When the starter wears out (worn solenoid contacts/brushes) the symptom is a click or no-crank/intermittent crank, and the repair… Repairs typically run $500-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Excessive Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Coking (3UR-FE)?
The 5.7L 3UR-FE is known to develop elevated oil consumption as it accumulates miles, driven by coking/sticking of the piston oil-control rings. Owners report needing to top off oil between changes, with consumption tending to worsen over time. While many trucks consume modest am… Repairs typically run $0-$3,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra VVT-i Intake Cam Gear Cold-Start Rattle?
Tundras with Toyota's VVT-i system can produce a brief (~1 second) rattle or knock at cold start. The cause is the intake-side VVT 'cam gear' (variable cam timing actuator): when oil drains back out of the VVT unit overnight, the lock pin is disengaged and the internal components… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
