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Toyota Tundra Recalls by Year: The Worst Years Flagged

A model-by-model look at Toyota Tundra recalls by year, from the first 2000 trucks through the latest twin-turbo V6 generation, so you know which years to inspect hardest before you buy.

2022-2024 engine recall 2007-2009 suspension & airbags Free repairs by VIN Check before buying
Verdict: Recall-aware, not recall-scared. Across more than two decades the Toyota Tundra has been one of the most reliable full-size trucks on the road, but no year is recall-free. The standouts are the 2022 to 2024 third-generation trucks, hit by a roughly 100,000-unit V35A twin-turbo V6 engine recall, and the 2007 to 2009 second-generation trucks, which carried a cluster of suspension, airbag, and accelerator-pedal recalls. Every recall on this list is repaired free by VIN, so the real risk is buying a used truck whose recall was never closed.

This page breaks down Toyota Tundra recalls by year so you can spot the heaviest years at a glance, understand what was actually wrong, and confirm the fix before money changes hands. We describe recall patterns in general, verifiable terms rather than fabricating exact campaign numbers; always confirm specifics by VIN at the NHTSA recall lookup.

📊 Tundra recalls by year, summarized

The table below groups the Tundra by its three generations and flags the relative recall load for each year range. Counts are approximate and described in ranges because NHTSA, Transport Canada, and Toyota number their campaigns differently.

Model YearsGenerationRecall LoadMain Issues Recalled
2000-20031st gen (4.7L V8)Low to moderateRear cross-member frame rust, ball joint wear, spare tire carrier corrosion
2004-20061st gen (4.7L V8)ModerateFrame corrosion (extended warranty), front suspension lower ball joints
2007-20092nd gen (5.7L V8)HighRear suspension, accelerator pedal entrapment, Takata airbag inflators, tire pressure
2010-20132nd genModerateTakata passenger airbag, brake vacuum pump, seat heater wiring
2014-20212nd gen (refresh)Low to moderateTakata airbag follow-ups, backup camera display, airbag wiring
2022-20243rd gen (V35A V6)HighTwin-turbo V6 engine debris, hybrid issues, software, trim and assembly

If you only remember two numbers: the 2007 to 2009 trucks sit at the top for older Tundras, and the 2022 to 2024 trucks lead the modern era because of one large engine campaign.

🚧 The worst years, and why

2022 to 2024: the V35A twin-turbo engine recall

The headline modern recall covers certain 2022 to 2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks built with the 3.4L V35A twin-turbo V6. Machining debris left in the engine during production could circulate and damage main bearings, leading to knocking, rough running, or a stall. The recall affected roughly 100,000 vehicles and the remedy is dramatic: inspection and, where needed, full engine replacement at no cost. If you are cross-shopping a used third-gen truck and hear a low-frequency knock, treat it seriously and read up on what a P0300 random misfire code can signal alongside it.

2007 to 2009: the second-gen growing pains

When Toyota redesigned the Tundra for 2007 with the 381-horsepower 5.7L V8, the early trucks absorbed several recalls. The cluster included rear suspension lower control arm concerns, the well-known 2009 to 2010 accelerator pedal entrapment campaign that swept many Toyota models, and later Takata airbag inflator actions. None of these makes the truck unbuyable, but a 2007 to 2009 Tundra deserves a careful records check. Watch for clunking when turning, which can point to worn front suspension on high-mile examples.

⚠️ What to watch on every Tundra, recall or not

Some Tundra problems are durability patterns rather than formal recalls. They will not show up in a VIN lookup, but they cost real money, so factor them into any purchase:

  • Frame rust on 2000-2006 trucks: Toyota ran an extended corrosion program on early Tundras after severe rear cross-member rot. Crawl under any first-gen truck and probe the frame near the rear.
  • Secondary air injection pump on 5.7L V8 (2007 onward): A common cold-climate failure that triggers the check engine light. If the light is on, learn what a P2440 air injection code means before you assume the worst.
  • Cam tower oil leaks on 5.7L V8: A slow seep that can become a real repair past 120,000 miles.
  • Takata airbag inflators: Spanning many years; always confirm the passenger inflator recall is closed.

A recall is free. These wear items are not, and they are exactly the kind of thing a seller will not mention.

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🧮 A 4-step buying and ownership checklist

Use this simple framework whether you already own a Tundra or are about to buy one:

  1. Run the VIN. Enter the 17-digit VIN at the NHTSA recall site or Toyota Owners portal. Open recalls are listed truck-by-truck, not just year-by-year.
  2. Match the year to this table. A 2007 to 2009 or 2022 to 2024 truck should raise your inspection effort, not your blood pressure.
  3. Get the closed-recall proof. Ask the dealer to confirm in writing that any open campaign, especially the V35A engine or a Takata airbag, has been completed.
  4. Price the wear items. If a quote comes in for suspension, air pump, or seals, sanity-check it with our repair quote checker before you pay.

Not sure where a noise or warning light fits in? Start with a free diagnosis and let the system rank the likely causes for your exact truck.

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is the worst year for Toyota Tundra recalls?
The 2022 to 2024 third-generation Tundra has drawn the most attention because of a V35A twin-turbo V6 engine recall that affected roughly 100,000 trucks for possible internal engine damage. Among older trucks, the 2007 to 2009 second-generation models carried a heavier recall load tied to suspension, airbags, and accelerator pedal entrapment.
Are Toyota Tundra recalls free to fix?
Yes. Federal law requires automakers to repair recalled defects at no cost to the owner regardless of the truck's age or mileage. You can verify open recalls by VIN on the NHTSA website or through any Toyota dealer, and the repair is performed free even on used Tundras you bought secondhand.
How do I check if my Toyota Tundra has an open recall?
Enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or in the Toyota Owners portal. The lookup shows any open, unrepaired recalls specific to your truck. A general year search only tells you what could apply; the VIN check confirms what actually does.
Did the 2022 Toyota Tundra have engine problems?
Yes. Toyota recalled certain 2022 to 2023 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks with the V35A 3.4L twin-turbo V6 because machining debris could remain in the engine and lead to bearing damage, knocking, or stalling. The remedy involves inspection and, in affected cases, engine replacement at no cost.
Is the Toyota Tundra reliable despite the recalls?
The first-generation 4.7L V8 and second-generation 5.7L V8 Tundras are widely regarded as among the most durable full-size trucks, often running past 250,000 miles. Recalls are a normal part of vehicle ownership; the key is confirming any open recall is closed before you buy or drive a used one.

✅ TL;DR

  • The 2022 to 2024 Tundra leads the modern era on recalls because of the ~100,000-unit V35A twin-turbo V6 engine campaign.
  • The 2007 to 2009 second-gen trucks carried the heaviest older-truck recall load: suspension, accelerator pedal, and Takata airbags.
  • 2000 to 2006 first-gen trucks are mostly about frame rust and ball joints, partly covered by extended programs.
  • Every recall is repaired free by VIN. The real danger is a used truck with an unclosed campaign.
  • Always run the VIN, then price any wear items with the quote checker.