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2017 Toyota Tundra: problems, recalls and fuel economy

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on NHTSA and EPA records. Published by Humblebee.

The 2017 Tundra has fewer owner complaints than most Tundra model years, with 78 on file at NHTSA[1][2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe headlights that cut out with the turn signal, a weak built-in trailer brake controller and hard starting[3][4][5], and five recalls apply, so check that each one was done[6][7][8][9][10].

78owner complaints[1]
5recalls[2]
15–16MPG combined (EPA)[11]
4★NHTSA overall rating[12]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 78 owner complaints for the 2017 Tundra[1]. Two mention a crash and one mentions injuries. None report a fire or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Complaints by component group:

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Electrical system[13] 27 23,500
Exterior lighting[3] 17 23,600
Fuel/propulsion system[5] 14 not listed
Brakes[4] 13 755
Unknown or other[14] 10 4,400
Power train[15] 6 not listed
Steering[16] 5 not listed
Engine[17] 5 not listed

Power train, steering and engine have only a handful of complaints each, so we do not treat them as common problems[15][16][17].

Headlights going dark. In a sample of 12 exterior lighting complaints we read, 8 owners describe the same thing[3]. With the light switch on auto, the headlights and dash lights shut off when they use the turn signal, sometimes the left one, and come back when they move the stalk[3]. The same complaint shows up in 6 of 12 electrical system complaints we read[13]. Owners describe it happening while driving at night[3]. Two lighting complaints describe a front turn signal that stopped working[3]. Two electrical complaints describe rodents chewing the wiring[13].

Trailer brake controller. In 9 of 12 brake complaints we read, owners describe the built-in trailer brake controller giving weak or no braking to electric trailer brakes[4]. Some say turning the gain all the way up does not help[4]. Two of them say the dealer or Toyota had no fix[4]. Two identical reports describe a strong shake in the steering wheel and brake pedal at highway speed[4]. If you tow, test the controller with your own trailer before you buy.

Hard starting and fuel pumps. In 7 of 12 fuel/propulsion complaints we read, owners describe long cranking, no-starts or a failed fuel pump, sometimes with an engine computer software update as part of the repair[5]. None of the recalls in our data cover the fuel pump[6][7][8][9][10]. Two complaints describe failed evaporative emissions parts[5].

Recalls

Five recalls in our data apply to the 2017 Tundra. All list a free repair. Ask the seller for records, or have a Toyota dealer check the VIN.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for the 2017 Tundra, all with the Automatic (S6) transmission:

Version City Highway Combined Yearly fuel cost
4.6L 8-cyl, 2WD[11] 15 19 16 $4,200
4.6L 8-cyl, 4WD[18] 14 18 16 $4,200
5.7L 8-cyl, 2WD[19] 13 18 15 $4,450
5.7L 8-cyl, 4WD[20] 13 17 15 $4,450

The 5.7L flex fuel versions, which run on gasoline or E85, have the same ratings as the regular 5.7L ones[21][22]. The 4.6L saves about one mpg combined[11][19]. EPA figures the yearly cost with its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from 2017.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives every rated 2017 Tundra body style 4 stars overall, 4 stars in the frontal crash test and 5 stars in the side test[12][23][24][25][26][27].

Rollover scores differ by drive type. The 2WD versions get 3 stars with a 21.9% rollover risk[12][23][24]. The 4WD versions get 4 stars with a 19.8% risk[25][26][27].

Engine and size

The 4.6L 8-cylinder is rated at 310 hp[28]. The 5.7L 8-cylinder is rated at 381 hp[29].

The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Reg Cab L/Box 2WD[30] 226 in 80 in 76 in 146 in 4,916 lb
Reg Cab L/Box 4WD[31] 226 in 80 in 76 in 146 in 5,203 lb
Double Cab M/Box 2WD 4.6L[32] 226 in 80 in 76 in 146 in 5,093 lb
Double Cab M/Box 4WD[33] 226 in 80 in 76 in 146 in 5,401 lb
Double Cab L/Box 4WD[34] 245 in 80 in 76 in 165 in 5,600 lb
CrewMax S/Box 4WD[35] 226 in 80 in 76 in 146 in 5,633 lb

How 2017 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 recalls2017: 78 complaints, 5 recalls7820172018: 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 2017 is highlighted[2].
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

With 78 complaints, 2017 ranks 7th lowest of the 27 Tundra model years from 2000 to 2026[2]. Only six years have fewer: 2021 (24), 2026 (34), 2009 (38), 2020 (47), 2015 (51) and 2019 (74)[2].

The years right around it have more. 2016 has 120 complaints and 2018 has 100[2]. The 2022 to 2024 trucks each have between 350 and 433 complaints, and 2000 has the most at 1,011[2].

The 2017 has 5 recalls, the same as 2013, 2016 and 2025, and fewer than 2018 (8) and 2019 (9)[2].

Keep in mind that these counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, and the newest years have had less time to collect complaints.

Should you buy a used 2017 Tundra?

The 2017 Tundra has a lower complaint count than most Tundra years, and the engine and power train groups have only a handful of complaints[2][15][17]. The issues owners describe are the headlights cutting out with the turn signal, the built-in trailer brake controller and hard starting or fuel pump trouble[3][4][5]. If you tow, test the trailer brakes yourself, and on any truck, check that it starts easily when cold. Confirm that all five recalls were done, especially the power steering gear fix[6]. Expect 15 to 16 mpg combined, depending on engine[11][19].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2017 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 78 complaints, led by the electrical system with 27 and exterior lighting with 17[1][13][3]. In the complaints we read, owners describe headlights and dash lights shutting off when the turn signal is used on auto, a weak built-in trailer brake controller and hard starting[3][4][5].
How many recalls does the 2017 Tundra have?
Five: power steering gear (21V920), rear seat leg bracket (18V123), load capacity label (17V831), lug nuts on accessory Rockstar wheels (17V311) and rear step bumper brackets (17V051). Each lists a free repair[6][7][8][9][10].
What gas mileage does a 2017 Tundra get?
The 4.6L 8-cylinder is rated 16 mpg combined and the 5.7L 8-cylinder is rated 15 mpg combined[11][19]. City figures run from 13 to 15 mpg and highway from 17 to 19 mpg depending on engine and drive[11][18][20].
Is the 2017 Toyota Tundra reliable?
By NHTSA complaint count it does better than most Tundra years, ranking 7th lowest of 27 with 78 complaints[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide.
Is 2017 a good year for the Tundra?
It has fewer complaints than 2016 (120) and 2018 (100) and fewer recalls than 2018 and 2019[2]. Years with even fewer complaints include 2015, 2019, 2020 and 2021[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Toyota Tundra (2 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota Tundra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 17 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 13 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 755). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 14 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. Recall 21V920, filed November 23, 2021: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V123, filed February 20, 2018: Seats › Mid / Rear Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 17V831, filed December 20, 2017: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 17V311, filed May 11, 2017: Wheels › Lugs / Nuts / Bolts / Studs. NHTSA recall database
  10. Recall 17V051, filed January 24, 2017: Structure › Body › Bumpers. NHTSA recall database
  11. EPA rating for Tundra 2WD, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  12. 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
  13. 27 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 10 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 4,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 5 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 5 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  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 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Toyota Tundra with 4.6L 8-cylinder: rated 310 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Toyota Tundra with 5.7L 8-cylinder: rated 381 hp. www.epa.gov
  30. 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
  31. 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
  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 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
  35. 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

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.