The 2015 Tundra is generally tank-solid, but the 5.7L V8 has a catastrophic piston/ring design flaw that can grenade motors between 60k-150k miles. Transmission cooler lines also leak frequently, risking trans damage if ignored.
5.7L V8 Piston Ring Failure / Secondary Air Injection System Carbon Buildup
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1+ quart per 1,000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Check engine light P0018 or P0021 (cam/crank correlation), Rattling noise on cold start (carbon buildup in secondary air system), Eventual catastrophic failure with metal shavings in oil
Fix: Short-term: clean secondary air injection system and valve covers (6-8 hrs labor). Long-term: full engine rebuild or replacement with updated pistons/rings (35-50 hrs labor). Some owners attempt piston soak treatments, but success is inconsistent. Toyota extended warranty on some VINs but 2015 falls in gray area.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Red fluid spots under truck near transmission, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick, Visible corrosion/rust on metal cooler lines routed along frame, Slipping gears or delayed shifts if fluid level drops critically, Transmission overheating warning on dash
Fix: Replace corroded metal lines with OEM or upgraded stainless steel lines, flush transmission system (4-6 hrs labor). Critical to catch early — running trans low on fluid causes internal damage requiring rebuild ($3k-5k additional).
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Frame Rust and Corrosion (Rust Belt / Salt States)
Common · high severity
Symptoms: Surface rust progressing to structural rot on frame rails, Rust around rear leaf spring mounts and spare tire carrier, Corrosion on crossmembers, especially near exhaust, Frame perforation in severe cases
Fix: Preventive: undercoating and annual washing (DIY). Repair: sandblast, treat, coat affected areas (8-12 hrs labor). Severe cases require frame section replacement or full swap (not economical). Toyota had previous-gen frame recalls but 2015 not covered unless catastrophic.
Estimated cost: $1,500-4,000
Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light P0410, P0418, P2440 (air injection system), Loud grinding or squealing noise from engine bay on cold start, Failed emissions testing in applicable states, Pump runs continuously or not at all
Fix: Replace air injection pump and check valves, clean intake ports if carbon-fouled (3-5 hrs labor). Often discovered during diagnosis of oil consumption issues as carbon clogs the system. Pump itself is $400-600 OEM.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Steering Rack Leaks and Power Steering Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid leak from rack boots or lines, Groaning or whining noise when turning at low speed, Stiff or heavy steering feel, especially when cold, Low fluid reservoir requiring frequent top-offs
Fix: Replace steering rack or rebuild with seal kit (4-6 hrs labor for rack R&R). Check pressure lines and pump as well. Toyota had a recall for hydraulic assist but mainly affected earlier production runs — 2015 may need manual inspection.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Rear Leaf Spring Squeaking and U-Bolt Loosening
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud squeaking or creaking from rear suspension over bumps, Clunking sound when hitting potholes or uneven pavement, Rear axle feels loose or shifts side-to-side under load, Visible rust or looseness on U-bolts (recall check for loose lug nuts/studs also applies to U-bolts)
Fix: Disassemble leaf packs, clean, lubricate with silicone-based spray, re-torque U-bolts to spec (2-3 hrs labor). Some install poly bushings or shim kits. If springs are cracked, full replacement required (add 2-4 hrs labor, $400-800 parts).
Estimated cost: $300-1,200
Owner tips
Check oil level every fill-up if you have the 5.7L — early detection of consumption can save the motor
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually in salt states; consider aftermarket stainless replacements proactively
Undercoat the frame immediately after purchase if in Rust Belt; Toyota frames are not immune despite reputation
Use Toyota WS ATF only in the transmission — aftermarket 'equivalents' cause shift issues
If buying used, pull oil fill cap and inspect for sludge/carbon — indicates neglected oil changes or ring failure progression
Buy the 4.6L V8 if you can find it, or budget $3k-5k contingency for a 5.7L engine rebuild — otherwise a 200k-mile truck if the motor survives.
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.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; ensure proper clearance for engine cover
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Every control module on the 2014-2017 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.
📍 Center console area, under center of dashboard behind radio/climate controls
🔧 Techstream or Autel/Launch for crash data clear and VIN write
⚠️ Battery disconnect required. Crash data must be cleared. Occupant classification system calibration may be needed. Wait 90 seconds after battery disconnect.
4WD Control ECU / Transfer Case Control Module (4WD ECU)1.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, mounted on transfer case assembly or inside cabin near transmission tunnel
🔧 Techstream or Autel/Launch for initialization
⚠️ 4WD models only. Actuator calibration required. Transfer case position sensor learn procedure needed.
Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM)1.2 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall area, mounted on bracket near brake master cylinder
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ VIN registration and immobilizer pairing required. Security seed-key authentication mandatory. Aftermarket tool success varies - Techstream recommended for 2014+.
Air Conditioning Amplifier / HVAC Control Module (A/C AMP)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash, integrated with climate control panel or mounted behind glove box
🔧 Techstream or basic scan tool for actuator relearn
⚠️ HVAC actuator calibration/relearn required. Usually plug-and-play with self-calibration on ignition cycle.
📍 Driver side lower dash area, near BCM or integrated with BCM on some models
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription and security access
⚠️ All keys must be re-registered. ECM/PCM pairing required. Security seed-key authentication mandatory. Highly secure - aftermarket tools very limited.
Audio / Navigation / Multimedia System / Entune (RADIO/NAV)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center dash, integrated into center stack, accessible after trim panel removal
🔧 Techstream for VIN write, or self-initializes
⚠️ Entune system on 2014+. Anti-theft code may be required. Navigation units may need map data transfer. Bluetooth/audio settings lost.
Active Suspension Control ECU / KDSS ECU (SUSP ECU/KDSS)1.2 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, mounted on frame rail or inside cabin under rear seat area
🔧 Techstream or Autel/Launch for system initialization
⚠️ Optional equipment (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System). Hydraulic system bleeding may be required. Sensor calibration needed.
Body Control Module / Multiplex Network Body ECU (BCM)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.7 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver side kick panel area, behind lower dash trim panel left of steering column
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Controls lighting, power windows, locks, wipers. VIN registration and vehicle configuration required. Smart Key system pairing necessary.
📍 Integrated into BCM or separate module in driver kick panel area
🔧 Techstream or TPMS relearn tool (Autel, Bartec, etc.)
⚠️ Sensor ID registration required after replacement. Relearn procedure can be done with TPMS tool or Techstream. Drive cycle may be needed.
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.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 21E103000
2021-12-23
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Consequence: 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, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 21V920000
2021-11-23
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.
Consequence: 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.
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS · 17V311000
2017-05-11
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.
Consequence: Lugnuts that crack and detach may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement lugnuts, free of charge. The recall began June 23, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17A.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 16V420000
2016-06-09
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence: An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 15V315000
2015-05-27
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2015 Toyota Tundra vehicles manufactured March 11, 2015, to April 11, 2015 and equipped with Nitto Terra Grappler G2 275/60R20 116S XL tires. These vehicles have a tire placcard that incorrectly states the recommended cold tire inflation pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims and Motor Home/Recreation Vehicle Trailer Load Carrying Capacity Information for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) or less."
Consequence: If the operator inflates the tires according to the information on the tire placard, the tires may be underinflated, increasing the risk of tire failure which could result in a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a new tire placard with the correct cold tire inflation pressure information, free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET15C.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
15mpg
Highway
19mpg
Combined
17mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
Second generation (2007-2021). 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 2015 Toyota Tundra 4.6L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.