NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 7 recalls, 134 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Toyota Tundra.
14–16 mpg combined
14.7–16.8 L/100km
Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 Toyota Tundra, a US-market vehicle, received an overall NHTSA New Car Assessment Program rating of 4 out of 5 stars. In frontal crash testing, it earned 4 stars. Side crash protection was rated at 5 stars, and side pole crash testing also resulted in 5 stars. Rollover resistance received a 3-star rating. This NHTSA rating applies to the 2011 model year until a redesign occurs.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2011 Tundra spread across several systems, with engine and steering drawing the most reports. On the engine side, owners describe hesitation or failure to accelerate normally, particularly when pulling away from a stop, with no warning lights appearing beforehand. Steering complaints center on loss of assist or unusual steering behavior that owners notice at various speeds. A recurring concern across many reports involves frame and undercarriage corrosion, owners describe severe rust affecting the frame, bed floor, fuel tank mounts, and rear bumper hardware, sometimes to the point where structural integrity feels compromised. Paint complaints also appear with some frequency, with owners reporting premature chipping and peeling down to bare metal in areas not obviously exposed to road debris.
134
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Toyota Tundra has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the driveshaft on certain trucks: a slip yoke in the propeller shaft can break and cause the shaft to separate, drop to the road surface, and leave the driver with no power and reduced control.
On the steering side, the power steering gear assembly can develop an oil leak that causes sudden loss of power assist, making the wheel significantly harder to turn without warning. Related to visibility and cabin safety, the power window switch assembly on certain vehicles can trap moisture and debris, short circuit, and overheat to the point of melting, which raises the risk of fire or loss of window function.
Two recalls address the tire pressure monitoring system, covering different regional distributor groups but describing the same problem: the system may not alert the driver when one or more tires drop below safe pressure, meaning the truck can be driven on underinflated tires without any dashboard warning. Underinflated tires run hotter, wear unevenly, and are more prone to sudden failure at highway speeds. Rounding out the list, certain trucks distributed through Gulf States Toyota carry an inaccurate load-carrying capacity label, which can lead an owner to load the truck beyond its actual safe limit and stress the tires to the point of failure.
At a glance
What can fail
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The power steering gear assembly may have been made incorrectly, causing oil to leak from it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the power steering gear assembly and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power window master switch may have inconsistent grease lubrication on its sliding electrical contacts, potentially causing the switch to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the switch and apply lubricant if needed, or replace the circuit board if abnormalities are found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The load carrying capacity label on certain 2011 Tundra vehicles is inaccurate, which means it doesn't correctly show how much weight the truck can safely carry.
What the fix does
Gulf States Toyota will provide a corrected label and install it free of charge at a dealer if you choose.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure monitoring system may not be properly calibrated, so the low tire pressure warning light might not turn on if tire pressure drops below safe levels.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the tire pressure monitoring system at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The propeller shaft slip yoke can fail, allowing the shaft to separate at the joint and drag on the road, potentially causing loss of control or propulsion.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the propeller shaft assembly and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The slip yokes on the propeller shaft may be improperly cast and break, causing the shaft to separate at the joint and contact the road.
What the fix does
Toyota will inspect the propeller shaft and replace it for free if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure monitoring system may not be properly calibrated, so the low tire pressure warning light might not turn on if tire pressure drops below safe levels.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the tire pressure monitoring system at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
