The 2006 Tundra represents the last year of the first-generation model (2000-2006), and these trucks are showing their age with serious powertrain concerns, particularly secondary air injection failures that cascade into catastrophic engine damage on the 4.7L V8.
Secondary Air Injection System Failure Leading to Engine Damage (4.7L V8)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0410/P0418 codes (air injection system), Rattling noise from engine bay on cold starts, Sudden catastrophic engine failure with metal shavings in oil, Loss of power and severe knocking after ignored air pump codes
Fix: The air injection pump fails and breaks apart, sending metal debris through intake runners directly into cylinders. By the time owners notice, piston ring damage is done. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. Prevention is key: replace air pump at first sign of noise or codes (3-4 hours labor). Once internal damage occurs, expect 25-35 hours for engine rebuild or 15-20 hours for used engine swap.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Frame Rust and Perforation (Midwest/Northeast Vehicles)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Visible rust scaling on frame rails, especially rear crossmember, Perforation or holes visible through frame, Failed state inspections in rust-belt states, Flaking rust chunks accumulating under truck
Fix: Toyota issued a frame replacement program through 2016, but most 2006 models are now outside that window. Frame rust on these trucks is aggressive and structural. Inspection is critical before purchase. Frame replacement is 40-50 hours labor if you can source a frame; most vehicles are totaled at this point. Minor surface rust can be treated preventively.
Estimated cost: $8,000-12,000
Lower Ball Joint Failure (Front Suspension)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Steering wander or loose feeling at highway speeds, Visible grease leaking from ball joint boot, Excessive play when prying on tire with bar
Fix: NHTSA recall addressed some units, but many fall outside VIN ranges. Ball joints wear prematurely and can separate catastrophically. Requires replacement of entire lower control arm (ball joint is not serviceable separately on most applications). 2-3 hours per side, always do both sides and alignment. This is a safety-critical item.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Transmission Cooler Line Failure and Pan Rust
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from cooler lines at radiator, Rust perforation on transmission pan, Low fluid level causing delayed engagement or slipping, Pink fluid spots in driveway
Fix: Transmission cooler lines corrode where they connect to radiator and at frame contact points. Pan rust is common on salt-exposed trucks. Cooler line replacement is 2-3 hours; pan replacement adds another 2 hours with fluid service. Catching this early prevents transmission damage from low fluid. Always replace pan gasket and filter during pan work.
Estimated cost: $400-900
Exhaust Manifold Crack and Stud Failure (4.7L V8)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking noise from engine that increases with RPM, Exhaust leak smell in cabin with heat on, Visible soot streaks on manifold, Check engine light with O2 sensor codes
Fix: Manifolds crack between runners and studs break off in head. Requires manifold removal, often with drilling/extracting broken studs from aluminum heads (add 3-4 hours if studs are seized). Figure 6-8 hours per side for manifold replacement with stud extraction. Aftermarket manifolds available but OE quality varies.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Fuel Pump Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 140,000-200,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling especially when fuel level is low, Whining noise from fuel tank area, Hesitation or stumbling under acceleration
Fix: In-tank pump assembly fails. Access through bed removal (preferred, 1.5 hours) or cutting access panel in bed floor. Pump replacement itself is straightforward once bed is off. Total job is 3-4 hours with bed removal. Always replace fuel filter simultaneously (inline filter under frame).
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Starter Motor Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Single click when turning key, no cranking, Grinding noise during start attempt, Intermittent no-start requiring multiple key cycles, Starter spins but doesn't engage flywheel
Fix: Starter contacts wear internally or bendix fails. Access is tight on 4.7L V8, requires removal from underneath. 2-3 hours labor. Test battery and cables first before condemning starter. Remanufactured starters have good service life.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Owner tips
Inspect frame thoroughly before purchase using a wire brush and hammer tap test—rust is a deal-killer
Address secondary air pump codes immediately on 4.7L V8 to prevent catastrophic engine damage
Flush transmission every 30-40k miles with Toyota WS fluid—these A750 5-speeds are sensitive to fluid condition
Apply oil-based rust preventive coating to frame annually if in salt-exposed regions
Budget for ball joint replacement as routine maintenance around 100k miles
Buy only if you find a southern/western truck with clean frame and documented air pump replacement; the 4.7L engine damage pattern makes high-mileage examples a gamble unless you're comfortable with engine swaps.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Labor Times — 2006 Toyota Tundra
No labor entries for this vehicle.
Repair Procedures — 2006 Toyota Tundra
🔧
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2006 Toyota Tundra
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
Every control module on the 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
ABS Actuator / Brake Control Module (ABS)1.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side inner fender area near master cylinder
🔧 Scan tool with ABS bleed function
⚠️ Brake bleeding required after replacement; VSC-equipped models have integrated skid control
📍 Behind instrument cluster or integrated into ECM (varies by year)
🔧 Toyota Techstream
⚠️ All keys must be registered during replacement; maximum 4 keys; early models have separate module, later integrated
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Maintenance Schedule — 2006 Toyota Tundra
No maintenance entries for this vehicle.
Wiper Blade Sizes — 2006 Toyota Tundra
🌧️ Wiper Blades
2006
22″
Driver side
20″
Passenger side
Attachmenthook
📝 First generation (2000-2006). Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain aftermarket ball joints for 2004-2007 Toyota Sequoia and 2004-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles, MOOG part number K80521, K80522, NAPA part number NCP2601633, NCP2601634, ACDelco part number 45D2344, and 45D2345. The ball joint housing may have inadequate hardness, causing premature failure.
Consequence: A ball joint failure may cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DRiV will work with distributors to return unsold parts. Dealers will inspect and replace the ball joint as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact DRiV customer service at 1-877-489-6659 or at [email protected].
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 19V741000
2019-10-17 · EA15001
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles.
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · 16V065000
2016-02-05
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags. The affected vehicles have an air bag control module that may be improperly programmed, causing the side curtain-shield-air bags to deploy inadvertently.
Consequence: If the side curtain-shield-air bags deploy unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-271-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is G0C and GLB.
AIR BAGS · 15V285000
2015-05-13 · EA15001
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004. On June 16, 2015, Toyota expanded the recall to include an additional 1,270,468 vehicles, including model year 2002-2003 and 2005-2007 Sequoia, 2005-2006 Tundra, 2003-2007 Corolla, 2003-2007 Corolla Matrix, 2003-2007 Pontiac Vibe and 2002-2007 Lexus SC vehicles. This is to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag inflator which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag. This recall addresses both the passenger side frontal air bags that were originally installed in the vehicles, as well as replacement air bags that may have been installed as replacement service parts. A replacement air bag may have been installed, as one example, if a vehicle had been in a crash necessitating the replacement of the passenger side frontal air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag. The recall began on July 13, 2015. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Pontiac owners may call 1-800-762-2737. NOTE: This recall supersedes recall 14V-312 in its entirety.
AIR BAGS · 15V286000
2015-05-13 · EA15001
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On June 16, 2015 Toyota expanded the recall to cover an additional 769,055 vehicles, including certain model year 2002-2004 Lexus SC, Toyota Sequoia, 2003-2004 Toyota Corolla Matrix, Toyota Corolla, Pontiac Vibe, and Toyota Tundra vehicles, as well the vehicles covered by the May 13, 2015 notification in the portions of Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas that were not previously included. The inflators in the front passenger air bags are susceptible to rupture in the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the front passenger air bag.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory. Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify their owners. Pontiac Vibe owners will be notified by GM. Dealers will replace the passenger side front air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota began the recall on July 13, 2015. Pontiac Vibe owners may contact GM at 1-800-762-2737. GM began the recall on June 29, 2015. NOTE: This recacll supersedes recall 14V-655 in its entirety. For vehicles located in the U.S. states not listed above, please see Toyota recall 15V-285 which covers all other U.S. states.
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.
Consequence: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V035000
2010-02-03
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 10V036000
2010-02-03
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 09V223000
2009-06-15
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 07E023000
2007-03-29
CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND MINI VANS, DUE TO POSSIBLE IMPROPER FINISHING OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINT, SOME BALL JOINTS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INCIDENTAL DETERIORATION OF THE INTERNAL LUBRICATION. THIS MAY CAUSE THE BALL JOINT TO WEAR AND LOOSEN PREMATURELY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, REDUCED VEHICLE SELF-CENTERING, AND NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION.
Consequence: IN EXTREME CASES, IF THE VEHICLE IS CONTINUOUSLY OPERATED IN THIS CONDITION, THE LOWER BALL JOINT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE KNUCKLE AND COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER BALL JOINTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 28, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · 06E049000
2006-05-24
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Vehicle Info — 2006 Toyota Tundra
Wiper blades
First generation (2000-2006). Pickup trucks do not have rear wipers.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2006 Toyota Tundra 4.0L V6 1GR-FE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.