NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Toyota Tundra Safety Ratings
The 2020 Toyota Tundra scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Toyota Tundra's below-average rollover rating is notable, as it is one of the few areas where its crash-test profile falls short. This is balanced against an otherwise solid performance in other categories. The model registers four recall campaigns. Overall, the Tundra earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Toyota Tundra ranks 87 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 87 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
A concentration of steering-related recall campaigns defines the 2020 Toyota Tundra's safety profile. This model year registered four recall campaigns in total, two of which address hydraulic power steering gear failures across a range of model years, including 2020. An additional recall concerned a headlight electrical circuit, and another involved the fuel pump. This record contributes to the vehicle's defect record sub-score of 12.25 out of 20. The 2020 Tundra achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, placing it within the Average band. This represents a 3-point increase over the 2019 model's 76/100. Its crash protection earned 57 of a possible 70 points, including a 5-star rating for side impact. However, the 3-star rollover rating, reflecting a 22 percent rollover risk, reduced its overall crash protection score. The avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard equipment across all trims for 2020.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Toyota Tundra perform in crash tests?
Side-impact protection is a clear strength for the 2020 Toyota Tundra, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's evaluations. Overall, the vehicle received 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal protection also rated at 4 stars. The weakest area in testing was rollover resistance, which scored 3 out of 5 stars and carried a 22 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test itself did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14731
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
Yes. Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Two address hydraulic power steering gear assemblies, one targets headlight electrical circuits that may lose power, and one involves the gasoline fuel pump delivery system. No park-outside or do-not-drive language is noted in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM21V920000
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Reported 2021-11-23
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS21V688000
Risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.
Reported 2021-09-02
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V682000
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer
Reported 2020-11-04
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL20V410000
Risk: If the turn signals or hazard lamps do not flash brightly enough, other drivers may fail to see that the turn signal or hazard lamp functions have been activated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB12/20TA12.
Reported 2020-07-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
Owners have filed 44 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues, the Fuel and Propulsion System, and the Engine. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
Shoppers considering a used 2020 Tundra should prioritize verifying recall remedies before purchase. Two open steering recalls, alongside a headlight recall, require attention. Confirm that all four campaigns have been remedied and request documentation from the seller.
- The 2020 Tundra carries four recall campaigns, two of which target the hydraulic power steering gear assembly, making steering system remedy verification the top safety priority for this specific model year.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars and a 22 percent rollover risk figure are the weakest points in the 2020 NHTSA crash-test profile and directly suppress the crash protection sub-score.
- The Safety Index improved 3 points over the 2019 Tundra, driven partly by a full 10 out of 10 avoidance technology score reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control for this model year.
- NHTSA has received 44 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with alleged fuel and propulsion system issues appearing as the second most cited component category, a detail worth cross-referencing against the fuel pump recall campaign.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Toyota Tundra places
The 2020 Toyota Tundra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Toyota Tundra safety questions
Was the 2020 Toyota Tundra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Toyota Tundra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Toyota Tundra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Toyota Tundra earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Tundra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Toyota Tundra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Toyota Tundra. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Tundra years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14731), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tundra 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 87 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.