2011 Toyota Tundra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Toyota Tundra has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 11th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 134 complaints, 10 recalls, and 6 crashes, with Engine problems the top complaint area at 30% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 Tundra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 134
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 10
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2011 Toyota Tundra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine40 (30%)
- Electrical System23 (17%)
- Steering19 (14%)
- Other18 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (13%)
- Fuel System15 (11%)
- Brakes14 (10%)
- Structure & Body13 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (6%)
- Airbags6 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some drivers report the power steering seal blowing and fluid leaking rapidly, causing a sudden loss of steering ability.
- Owners describe the driver's side airbag failing to inflate during a head-on collision while the passenger airbags deployed normally.
- Some report the truck rolling backward after being placed in park, requiring the driver to chase and stop it.
- Owners describe a spongy brake pedal that sinks nearly to the floor, making it hard to stop in time.
- Some report the horn failing to activate when pressed, preventing them from warning other drivers.
- Owners describe a loud clicking noise near the column shifter linked to the brake-shift interlock solenoid.
2011 Toyota Tundra recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V920000Nov 23, 2021Steering22,462 vehicles
Steering:rack and pinion
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
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.
- NHTSA 15V689000Oct 22, 2015Visibility & Wipers1,814,284 vehicles
Visibility:power window devices and controls
Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.
Risk: If the sliding electrical contacts are not protected by lubricant, debris and moisture that get into the switch may cause a short circuit and the switch assembly may overheat and melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the switch, applying a lubricant if no abnormality is found. If abnormality is found, the PWMS circuit board will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 20, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is C0M.
- NHTSA 14V743000Nov 19, 2014Structure & Body3,233 vehicles
Seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
2011 Toyota Tundra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Toyota Tundra reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2011 Tundra a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 11th worst among 21 model years of the Tundra. Engine, electrical, and steering issues make up the bulk of the 134 complaints.
- What is the top problem area for the 2011 Toyota Tundra?
- Engine complaints lead with 40 reports, 30% of all complaints, and a median mileage at failure of 62,138.
- Does the 2011 Toyota Tundra have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns tied to this vehicle range, covering steering, structure and body, transmission and powertrain, and suspension components, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2011 Tundra compare to other Tundra years?
- Its Complaint Index of 50 is worse than years like 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2021, which all earn Best verdicts with indexes of 20 or lower, but better than 2006, 2007, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, which are rated Avoid.
- What mileage do 2011 Tundra problems typically appear at?
- The overall median mileage at failure is 69,500, with engine complaints appearing at a median of 62,138 miles and steering complaints at 76,100 miles.