CarBrief

NHTSA has 120 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Tundra[1]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the built-in trailer brake controller, headlights that go dark with the turn signal, and a rear bumper that was also recalled[2][3][4][5].

120owner complaints[1]
5recalls[6]
15–17MPG combined (EPA)[7]
4★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 120 complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 2 mention a crash, 3 mention injuries, and none mention a fire or a death[1]. These are owner reports that nobody has verified, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Steering, fuel and engine groups have few complaints, so they are not a pattern on this page.

We also read a small sample of complaint texts in the larger groups. In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 10 describe the built-in trailer brake controller[2]. Owners say the trailer brakes do not respond when they press the foot pedal, even at the highest setting[2]. Two others describe rear wheels locking up after a differential repair[2]. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 8 describe the same trailer brake controller problem[9]. The rest cover unrelated things, such as rodent damage to wiring and a horn that stopped working in the cold[9].

In a sample of 12 exterior lighting complaints, 10 describe headlights, tail lights and dash lights going off for a moment when the turn signal is used[3]. Two describe a dash that is hard to read in daytime[3].

In a sample of 12 structure complaints, 11 involve the rear bumper, either breaking or coming off, or owners waiting on recall parts[4]. Seven of the 12 mention waiting for recall parts[4]. That matches the bumper recall below[5].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[6]. Newest first[14][15][16][5][17]:

Remove the sentence, or say 'Ask a Toyota dealer whether each recall applies to a specific truck.'

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive type. The 5.7L 8-cylinder is rated 15 combined in both 2WD and 4WD[18][19]. Same swap for the 4.6L and in the specs section and FAQ. City and highway are 13 and 18 in 2WD, and 13 and 17 in 4WD[18][19]. The flex-fuel versions carry the same numbers[20][21].

The 4.6L V8 is rated 17 combined in 2WD (15 city, 19 highway) and 16 combined in 4WD (14 city, 18 highway)[7][22].

EPA estimates yearly fuel cost at $4,450 for the 5.7L, $3,950 for the 4.6L in 2WD and $4,200 for the 4.6L in 4WD[18][7][22]. These costs use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives every tested 2016 Tundra configuration 4 stars overall, 4 stars in frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side crash tests[8][23].

Rollover differs by drive type. The 2WD versions get 3 stars with a 21.9% rollover risk[8][24][25]. The 4WD versions get 4 stars with a 19.8% risk[23][26][27].

Engine and size

EPA lists the 4.6L V8 at 310 hp and the 5.7L V8 at 381 hp[28][29].

The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so US trucks can differ slightly.

Variant Length Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew Max short box 4WD[30] 226 in 146 in 5,633 lb
Double Cab long box 4WD[31] 245 in 165 in 5,600 lb
Double Cab medium box 2WD, 4.6L[32] 226 in 146 in 5,093 lb
Double Cab medium box 4WD[33] 226 in 146 in 5,401 lb
Regular Cab long box 2WD[34] 226 in 146 in 4,916 lb
Regular Cab long box 4WD[35] 226 in 146 in 5,203 lb

Every variant is listed at 80 in wide and 76 in tall[30][31][32][33][34][35].

How 2016 compares with other years

2000: 1,011 complaints, 3 recalls20002001: 415 complaints, 2 recalls2002: 482 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 399 complaints, 7 recalls20032004: 466 complaints, 8 recalls2005: 377 complaints, 12 recalls2006: 545 complaints, 10 recalls20062007: 390 complaints, 12 recalls2008: 327 complaints, 12 recalls2009: 38 complaints, 12 recalls20092010: 163 complaints, 15 recalls2011: 134 complaints, 10 recalls2012: 156 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 85 complaints, 5 recalls2014: 93 complaints, 4 recalls2015: 51 complaints, 4 recalls20152016: 120 complaints, 5 recalls12020162017: 78 complaints, 5 recalls2018: 100 complaints, 8 recalls20182019: 74 complaints, 9 recalls2020: 47 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 24 complaints, 2 recalls20212022: 433 complaints, 13 recalls2023: 413 complaints, 13 recalls2024: 350 complaints, 10 recalls20242025: 142 complaints, 5 recalls2026: 34 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Tundra model year. The 2016 is highlighted[6].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20001,0113
20014152
20024823
20033997
20044668
200537712
200654510
200739012
200832712
20093812
201016315
201113410
20121563
2013855
2014934
2015514
20161205
2017785
20181008
2019749
2020474
2021242
202243313
202341313
202435010
20251425
2026342

The 2016 Tundra has 120 complaints and 5 recalls on file[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so treat the comparison as rough.

The years right around it are quieter. The 2015 model year has 51 complaints, 2014 has 93 and 2017 has 78[6]. Some other years have more than 2016. The 2000 to 2008 years all have over 300, 2010 to 2012 have 163, 134 and 156, and 2022 to 2025 have 433, 413, 350 and 142[6].

Should you buy a used 2016 Tundra?

The complaint count is lower than in several other Tundra years, and no deaths or fires are reported[1][6]. The sample of complaints we read points to a few specific things to check. If you plan to tow with electric trailer brakes, test the built-in trailer brake controller before you buy[2][9]. Try the turn signal with auto headlights at night[3]. Confirm with the VIN that the rear bumper recall (17V051) and the steering gear recall (21V920) are done[14][5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
Brakes have the largest complaint group at 34 of 120 complaints[1][2]. In a sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe the built-in trailer brake controller not applying the trailer brakes[2]. Exterior lighting complaints include headlights going off with the turn signal[3].
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls: power steering gear, knee air bag bolts, accessory wheel lugnuts, rear step bumper and a load label[14][15][16][5][17].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
The 5.7L V8 is rated 15 combined mpg[18][19]. The 4.6L V8 is rated 17 combined in 2WD and 16 in 4WD[18][7][19][22].
How safe is the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, with rollover at 3 stars for 2WD and 4 stars for 4WD[8][23].
Is 2016 a good year for the Toyota Tundra?
It has 120 complaints, fewer than 2010 to 2012 and 2022 to 2025 but more than 2013 to 2015 and 2017 to 2021[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 120 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Toyota Tundra (2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 34 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 15 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,450). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 21 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. Recall 17V051, filed January 24, 2017: Structure › Body › Bumpers. NHTSA recall database
  6. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Tundra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Tundra 2WD, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 26 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 15 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 7 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 6 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 6 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 21V920, filed November 23, 2021: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 17V416, filed June 29, 2017: Air Bags › Knee Bolster. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 17V311, filed May 11, 2017: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 16V420, filed June 9, 2016: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Tundra 2WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Tundra 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Tundra 2WD FFV, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Tundra 4WD FFV, 5.7L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Gasoline or E85, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Tundra 4WD, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Toyota Tundra with 4.6L 8-cylinder: rated 310 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Toyota Tundra with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 381 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUNDRA CREW MAX S/BOX 4WD SR5/PLATINUM: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 146 in, curb weight 5,633 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 245 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 165 in, curb weight 5,600 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 2WD SR5 4.6L: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 146 in, curb weight 5,093 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB M/BOX 4WD SR5 4.6L/SR5 5.7/: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 146 in, curb weight 5,401 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUNDRA REG CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 146 in, curb weight 4,916 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TUNDRA REG CAB L/BOX 4WD: length 226 in, width 80 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 146 in, curb weight 5,203 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.