NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering gear assembly may have been made incorrectly, causing oil to leak from it.
This page covers 6 recalls, 116 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Toyota Tundra.
15–16 mpg combined
14.7–15.7 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake and structural complaints dominate the 2016 Tundra owner reports. On the brake side, owners describe reduced stopping performance, brake fade, and pedal feel changes, some reporting the issues appeared without warning during normal driving. Structural complaints center heavily on frame rust and corrosion, with owners describing significant deterioration, particularly on the underside of the truck. The electrical system draws a notable cluster of reports as well, with owners citing power steering loss, sometimes sudden and without any prior warning light, making steering noticeably heavy or erratic. A smaller number of owners report headlamp assemblies collecting moisture, which can reduce light output over time. Fuel system complaints appear in a handful of reports, typically describing stalling at low speeds accompanied by a check engine light, with fuel pump failure cited as the diagnosed cause.
116
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Toyota Tundra has 6 recalls, the most serious involving accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota dealers where the lug nuts can crack and detach, allowing a wheel to separate from the vehicle while driving.
On the steering side, the power steering gear assembly can develop an oil leak that causes sudden loss of power assist, making the truck significantly harder to steer. There is also a safety equipment concern specific to 2016 models: the passenger knee airbag module was mounted with incorrect bolts that can loosen over time, reducing the airbag's ability to protect the occupant in a crash. Two related recalls cover the plastic rear step bumper on trucks equipped with resin reinforcement brackets (chrome step bumper models are not affected): a corner impact can damage those brackets without visible warning, and if someone then steps on that corner, part of the bumper can break away and cause a fall. Finally, certain vehicles accessorized by Southeast Toyota dealers may have an incorrect load carrying capacity label that understates the added weight of installed accessories, which could lead an owner to overload the truck.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering gear assembly may have been made incorrectly, causing oil to leak from it.
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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 →
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 passenger knee air bag module is attached to the instrument panel with incorrect bolts, which could cause it to malfunction during a crash.
What the fix does
Incorrect knee air bag mounting bolts are inspected and replaced with correct bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Rockstar wheels installed on these vehicles may have lugnuts that crack and detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will install new replacement lugnuts at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The resin reinforcement brackets on the rear step bumper can crack or break when the bumper corner is hit, but the damage may not be visible to the owner.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the resin reinforcement brackets with steel ones and install a new rear bumper tread at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The plastic rear step bumper's resin reinforcement brackets can crack after a rear impact. Using damaged brackets risks the bumper breaking and causing someone to fall.
What the fix does
Dealers replace the resin brackets with steel brackets and install new rear bumper tread covers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight capacity label may show incorrect added weight from installed accessories, causing the vehicle to not meet federal tire and rim safety standards.
What the fix does
A corrected label will be provided and placed over the inaccurate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
