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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-TOYOTA-TUNDRANHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Toyota
2016 Toyota Tundra problems
The 2016 Toyota Tundra has 119 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Toyota Tundra has 119 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 25 complaints, typically surfacing around 45,365 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Tundra?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Toyota Tundra PU/CC 2WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Toyota Tundra? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 25 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,365 mi · ~$850 to fix
brakes — 23 owner reports
· tends to show around 7,469 mi · ~$450 to fix
body — 20 owner reports
· tends to show around 38,455 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
lighting — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 38,986 mi · ~$250 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: body is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 38,455 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
On my 2016 Toyota tundra 1794 edition, with headlights in "auto" position, when I use turn signal, the headlights, taillights and dash lights all occasionally turn off. Once turn signal shuts off, lights come back on . It typically happens at night when it's cold out. It has…
2016 Toyota tundra , purchased brand new , after 3000 miles truck start leaning towards the passenger side. I expressed issue to the dealer, technician took for a drive test and noticed the same issue , I dropped my vehicle with dealer for a couple of days and nothing was done…
The power steering went out during routine around-town driving. One moment it was steering fine, the next moment it became extremely difficult and sluggish. There were no warning lights or warning of any sort until the steering wheel started jerking unevenly as I tried to turn.…
Had a problem with your 2016 Toyota Tundra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Tundra vehicles
The incorrect bolts may cause the air bag module to loosen over time, affecting the performance of the knee airbag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: All of the affected vehicles have been inspected and any incorrect knee air bag mounting bolts have been replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0K.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Toyota Tundra is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Toyota Tundra does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Toyota Tundra?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 25 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 45,365 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 119 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 45,365 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 25 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 45,365 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 45,365 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota Tundra has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Toyota Tundra?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 119 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Toyota/Tundra.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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