Buyer's checklist: 2nd gen Toyota Tundra (2007–2021)

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Look for 2

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Failed secondary air injection pump2007–2013Look for a check-engine light or limp mode, and ask whether the air injection pump or valves were replaced.¹
Cam gear noise on a cold start2007Start the engine cold and listen for a rattle or tick.¹

Recalls to ask about 23

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 07V5790002007A wrongly heat-treated slip yoke can break and drop the rear propeller shaft. The shaft is replaced if needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.²
Recall 09V2230002006–2010The load capacity labels required by the federal standard are missing. A new label is sent. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^3,2,4,5,6
Recall 09V3880002007–2010A loose or wrong floor mat can trap the accelerator pedal. The pedal is modified and new mats fitted. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^2,4,5,6
Recall 10V0170002007–2010The accelerator pedal can stick part-way down or return slowly. A reinforcement bar is fitted. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^2,4,5,6
Recall 10V0910002010A bad weld can let the propeller shaft separate. It is fixed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁶
Recall 11V1480002008–2011Tire pressure warnings were not recalibrated and may not light. They are recalibrated and a new label fitted. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,5,6,7
Recall 11V2540002011A propeller shaft slip yoke can break. It is fixed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁷
Recall 12V4910002007–2008The power window master switch can overheat and melt, a fire risk. It is greased or replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^2,4
Recall 14V5560002014Misfitted trim can stop an airbag deploying properly. It is fixed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁸
Recall 15V6890002009–2011The power window master switch can overheat and melt, a fire risk. It is greased or replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,6,7
Recall 17V0510002016–2017Resin bumper brackets can be damaged. Steel brackets are fitted. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^9,10
Recall 17V4160002016The passenger knee airbag was fitted with the wrong bolts, which can loosen. The bolts are replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 17V8310002017–2018The load labels are wrong. They are replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11
Recall 18V1230002017Rear seat brackets may be loose. They are fixed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁰
Recall 18V1220002018Electrical interference can switch off stability control. It is fixed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹¹
Recall 18V6850002018–2019The airbag control unit can wrongly detect faults and turn airbags off. The software is updated. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12
Recall 18V7110002018–2019The load label overstates the weight of added parts the truck can carry. The label is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12
Recall 18V9000002019The load label may show the wrong capacity. The label is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹²
Recall 20V0120002018–2019The fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. The pump is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12
Recall 20V4100002018–2020The front turn signals are not bright enough to meet the federal standard. They are fixed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12,13
Recall 20V6820002019–2020The fuel pump can fail and stall the engine. The pump is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^12,13
Recall 21V6880002018–2021Headlight wiring connectors can overheat, a fire risk. The wiring is repaired. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,12,13,14
Recall 21V9200002007–2021The power steering gear may have been built wrongly and leak, losing assist. The gear is checked and replaced as needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{15,2,4,5,6,7,16,17,8,18,9,10,11,12,13,14}

What buyers avoid 2

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

2007, the first year2007FLEX Automotive says to avoid or inspect the 2007 closely, for air injection pump failures, cam gear noise on cold starts and early brake wear.¹
2012 and 20132012–2013FLEX Automotive says to avoid these years, for air injection pump failures and a hesitant shift from second to third gear.¹

Buyer's checklist: 2nd gen Toyota Tundra 2007–2021

Look for 2

Recalls to ask about 23

What buyers avoid 2

Sources