2006 Toyota Tundra

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• Timing belt with no proof it was changed All years

  What to check: Look for a replacement label on the timing cover or engine, and ask for the receipt.

  Eight members across two forum threads tell buyers to check the timing belt. The 4.7L is an interference engine, so a broken belt can ruin it. One owner changes it every 100,000 miles, another about every 80,000.

  Sources ^12,13

• Lower ball joints All years

  What to check: Ask whether the lower ball joint recall was done, and have the ball joints checked.

  Three members across two forum threads name the lower ball joints. One says they separate, and another points to Toyota's recall.

  Sources ^12,13

• Cracked exhaust manifolds All years

  What to check: Look for cracks or leaks at the exhaust manifolds.

  Three owners across two forum threads name cracked or leaking exhaust manifolds.

  Sources ^12,13

• Warped front brakes All years

  What to check: Brake firmly from speed and feel for a shudder.

  Three members across two forum threads name the front brakes. One says they warp, and one owner has had recurring front brake trouble and new calipers under a Toyota service bulletin.

  Sources ^12,13

Rare catches

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

• Rare Darrell Waltrip Edition Trim

  A 2006 edition of the V8 Double Cab³

  2,000 built³

Recalls

• 07V013000 2004–2006

  Front lower ball joints can wear early and, in extreme cases, separate. They are replaced.^14,15,16

• 09V223000 2006–2010

  The load capacity labels required by the federal standard are missing. A new label is sent.^{16,17,18,19,20}

• 15V286000 2003–2006

  The passenger front airbag inflator can rupture in a crash. The airbag is replaced.^21,14,15,16

• 15V285000 2003–2006

  The passenger front airbag inflator can build too much pressure and rupture. The airbag is replaced.^21,14,15,16

• 16V065000 2005–2006

  The airbag control module was programmed wrongly, so the side curtain airbags may go off unexpectedly. The module is replaced.^15,16

• 19V741000 2003–2006

  A replacement passenger airbag inflator can explode. The inflator or airbag is replaced.^21,14,15,16

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

• Sought after: The 4.7L V8 at high miles All years

  Three owners of V8 trucks in two forum threads speak well of them. One calls a 2002 rock solid from 110,000 to 205,000 miles, one calls a 2006 reliable at about 140,000, and one calls theirs a great reliable truck past 200,000.^12,22,13

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.