What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 32,000+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Toyota Tundra has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak, Cam Tower Oil Leak. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?

The 2021-2021 Toyota Tundra has 2 known issues documented across 32,000+ 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.

2021 Toyota Tundra Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2021 Toyota Tundra Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

20,000 owners

On the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra, 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.

Common Symptoms

Power steering fluid leak
Increased steering effort
Sudden loss of power steering assist
Squealing noise when turning
Low power steering fluid warning

How to Fix

Toyota dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge under recall 21V920. Out-of-recall replacement costs $800-$1,500.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 20,000+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDIY repairs can save significantly - dealer charges $800-$1,500 but DIY costs are typically 50-70% less
NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
UpgradeInner and outer tie rod ends for steering precision restoration (Moog Tie Rod End)
View on Amazon
UpgradeRemanufactured power steering rack for complete steering system repair (Cardone Remanufactured Steering Rack)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,500

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20,000+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence20,000 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

12,000 owners

On the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8, 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.

This issue also affects: BMW 8 Series, BMW i3, BMW M3

Common Symptoms

Oil residue visible in wheel wells
Burning oil smell
Oil spots on driveway
Low oil level between changes
Shiny wetness around cam tower area

How to Fix

Repair requires removing the top of the engine, timing chain, and cam tower to reseal with proper RTV. This is labor-intensive and typically costs $2,500-$4,000 at a dealer. DIY is possible for experienced mechanics.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 12,000+ owners who fixed this issue

TipDIY repairs can save significantly - dealer charges $2,500-$4,000 but DIY costs are typically 50-70% less
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Toyota Tundra forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$2,500 - $4,000

Research This Issue

12,000+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence12,000 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

⚠️NHTSA Recalls15 recalls

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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.

Campaign #21V68800002/09/2021

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Campaign #21V92000023/11/2021

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Campaign #21E10300023/12/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V68200004/11/2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Campaign #20V41000015/07/2020

+ 10 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

2021 Toyota Tundra Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2007-2021 Toyota Tundra: Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2007-2021 Toyota Tundra: Cam Tower Oil Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Toyota Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Tundra problems?

Is the Toyota Tundra reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Tundra problems?

What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Power Steering Gear Assembly Oil Leak?

What is the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra Cam Tower Oil Leak?