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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Toyota Tundra engine problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The secondary air injection pump and valve assembly fails across this fleet between 50,000 and 97,000 miles. When it goes, the check engine light comes on and the engine drops into limp mode, capping power output at 8–40 mph. Owners describe being stuck crawling uphill at 8 mph on mountain passes during highway traffic, creating serious rear-end collision risk. The problem tends to strike after extended highway driving (2+ hours) or under load while towing.
Dealers and owners attribute the failure to water entering the pump, which corrodes internal components and sends insulation debris into the air switch valves. One dealer quoted $4,200 for repair, with the pump alone running $1,800–$2,300 and labor pushing total cost to $2,777–$3,500. Temporary fixes (disconnecting the battery to reset the computer) exist but don't address the root cause.
Toyota issued recalls and extended warranty coverage (150,000 miles) on 2007+ models but refuses to cover 2005–2006 owners despite acknowledging the defect. Several owners describe this as a safety issue and expect a broader recall.
Two separate narratives report unintended acceleration events, and one owner notes persistent rotten-egg exhaust odor that persists despite four injector cleanings.
Same Toyota Tundra engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Secondary Air Injection Pump and Valve Failure / Limp Mode
The secondary air injection pump and associated air switch valves fail, causing the engine to enter limp mode with severe power loss (limited to 8–40 mph). Check engine light illuminates. Owners report this occurs after extended operation (2+ hours of driving) or under load (towing uphill). Water intrusion into the pump is cited by dealers as the root cause; moisture corrodes internal components and causes insulation to lodge in the valves, triggering the limp-mode failsafe.
When: 50,000–97,000 miles; failures occur after hours of highway driving or under load
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Sudden loss of engine power and acceleration; Vehicle enters limp mode; speed capped at 8–40 mph; Engine feels gutless under throttle; Loud humming or electric vacuum noise at cold startup
Codes mentioned: P2441, P1445, P1442, Code 2445
Repairs/costs cited: Secondary air injection pump replacement: $2,300–$2,777. Replacement of air switch valves and associated vacuum lines: $1,800–$3,500 total repair cost. Intake manifold removal and upper engine disassembly required. One owner reset the issue temporarily (10 minutes) by disconnecting the battery; computer reboot cleared the fault temporarily but did not fix the underlying problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued recalls for 2007+ Tundra models and extended warranty coverage (150,000 miles) on affected 2007–2011 vehicles. Toyota refuses to acknowledge the defect in 2005–2006 models and will not cover repairs under standard or extended warranty. Dealers confirm the design flaw but cite warranty expiration.
Unintended Acceleration
Engine accelerates without driver input. One severe incident occurred in a parking lot when the vehicle lunged forward at high speed; operator was shifting into reverse when the truck suddenly accelerated forward, striking a storefront. Another owner reported sustained acceleration on the interstate for 20 miles despite braking. A third owner notes elevated idle RPM (especially in winter) that causes a forward lurch when shifted into drive if brakes are not firmly applied. Dealer attributed the elevated idle to normal computer control, but owner considers it a hazard.
When: Occurs across various mileages; one incident at ~24,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without throttle input; Elevated idle RPM at startup (worse in winter); Vehicle lurches forward when shifted into drive; Sustained acceleration despite brake pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate the problem in one case. No repairs completed in any narrative.
Rotten-Egg Smell and Rich Fuel Condition
Truck emits persistent rotten-egg odor from the exhaust, indicating unburned fuel or sulfur compounds. Owner reports having had injectors cleaned four times since purchase in 2007 with no resolution. Toyota has issued no recall and denies awareness of the issue.
When: Since original purchase in 2007; chronic throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent rotten-egg smell from exhaust; Likely rich fuel condition or incomplete combustion
Repairs/costs cited: Injector cleaning performed four times; problem persists. No lasting fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota states no recall issued for this defect.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2006 Toyota Tundra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 88,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/Tundra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.