NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Tundra Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Tundra scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 23 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota Tundra achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, positioning it within the Strong safety band. This represents an eight-point improvement over the 2020 model, a significant gain. This year's Tundra is supported by strong crash-test results and earned full marks for its integrated avoidance technology.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra received a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 and an NHTSA NCAP overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Tundra ranks 51 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 19.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 23 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 51 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
The 2021 model year marks a notable inflection point for the Tundra in MotorCaliber's safety tracking. The Safety Index jumped eight points to 87/100 from the 2020 score of 79/100, moving the truck from the Average band into the Strong band. The improvement is supported by a near-maximum crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect avoidance-technology score of 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across this model year. The defect record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20 reflects the two recall campaigns, both concentrated in the hydraulic power steering system, which is the defining safety story for this year. Neither campaign carried a park-outside or do-not-drive severity level based on available data, but the repeated focus on power steering across two separate campaigns is a concrete, year-specific concern shoppers should not overlook. The 5-star side-crash result is the strongest individual rating in the NCAP profile and pulls the overall score upward, while the 4-star frontal and rollover results remain competitive for a full-size pickup.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Tundra perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Tundra earned a 5-star side-crash rating from NHTSA, a standout result. Its overall safety score was 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also garnered 4 stars. Rollover protection rated at 4 stars, with NHTSA measuring a 20 percent rollover risk and recording "No Tip" in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15854
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Tundra was subject to two recall campaigns, both targeting the hydraulic power steering system. One campaign covered power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles, and a second broader campaign covered 2007-2021 Tundra and related models for a power steering gear concern. A third campaign in the data covers headlight electrical circuits on 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has received 23 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues (6 reports), Electrical System (4), Seats (4), Visibility and Wipers (3), Steering (2), and Structure (2). One alleged crash, one alleged fire, and one alleged injury are among the unverified allegations on file.
23 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
Shoppers considering a used 2021 Tundra should verify the recall status of any individual vehicle through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool prior to purchase. The presence of two distinct power steering recall campaigns alongside a headlight recall creates year-specific safety concerns. Confirmation that remedies for all three have been completed represents a concrete, actionable safety step for prospective owners.
- The 2021 Tundra's Safety Index of 87/100 represents an eight-point year-over-year gain from the 2020 model's 79/100, the largest single-year jump in recent Tundra safety tracking.
- Two separate recall campaigns in this model year both targeted the hydraulic power steering system, making steering-component remedy verification a priority check for any 2021 Tundra.
- A third recall campaign specific to 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles addressed headlight electrical circuits that may lose power, adding a lighting safety concern unique to this generation window.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the single strongest NCAP result in this year's profile, while the 20 percent rollover risk figure and No Tip dynamic result provide additional context for a vehicle of this body type.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Tundra places
The 2021 Toyota Tundra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Tundra safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Tundra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Tundra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Tundra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 19.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Tundra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Tundra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 23 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15854), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Tundra 2021.
- 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 51 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.