MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Toyota Tundra

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Toyota Tundra

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

2Recalls
23Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE TOYOTA TUNDRA

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck aimed at buyers who need genuine hauling and towing capability without sacrificing everyday usability. Competing against the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, the Tundra has long positioned itself as a rugged but refined choice in one of America's most competitive and consequential vehicle segments. From work-site haulers to family road-trippers, the Tundra draws a wide and loyal audience.

VERDICT

The 2021 Toyota Tundra earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 2 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Toyota Tundra as a capable and well-rounded full-size pickup that delivers a composed driving experience for the segment. Most praise its build quality and powertrain refinement, though some note it trails segment leaders in certain technology and feature areas. Overall, professional opinion tends to land the Tundra as a solid, competitive choice rather than a class benchmark.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 19.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15854

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
1reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 6Electrical System 4Seats 4Visibility/Wiper 3Steering 2Structure 2

Other Tundra years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15854), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Toyota Tundra 2021. Class rank 51 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure