The 2016 Tundra is generally bulletproof mechanically, but the 5.7L 3UR-FE has a catastrophic weak point: exhaust cam tower failures that destroy the engine. Transmission cooler leaks and front suspension components round out the most common issues, but overall this generation is one of the most reliable full-size trucks if you dodge the cam tower problem.
Symptoms: Metallic ticking or knocking from top-end, Low oil pressure warning, Sudden loss of power, Metal shavings in oil, Catastrophic engine failure if driven after symptoms appear
Fix: The secondary cam tower (exhaust side) cracks or breaks loose, starving cam bearings of oil. Results in spun bearings, scored camshafts, and metal debris throughout engine. Repair requires full engine rebuild or replacement short block with updated cam towers. 30-45 labor hours for engine R&R and rebuild depending on shop. Toyota issued TSB but no recall; some goodwill coverage case-by-case.
Fix: Steel cooler lines rust through where they pass under the frame, especially in salt-belt states. Lines run from transmission to radiator-mounted cooler. Replace both feed and return lines as a pair; single-line failures often followed by the other within 10k miles. 2-3 labor hours, requires lift access and sometimes frame bracket removal.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Lower Ball Joint Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Steering wander or loose feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edge, Play in wheel when checking at 6 and 12 o'clock positions
Fix: Lower ball joints wear out from heavy-duty use and poor boot sealing. These are not serviceable separately—requires complete lower control arm replacement per side. While you're in there, inspect upper ball joints and tie rod ends. 3-4 labor hours per side including alignment.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000 per side
Rear Leaf Spring Shackle Corrosion and Binding
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi or salt-exposed vehicles
Symptoms: Squeaking or groaning from rear suspension over bumps, Harsh ride quality, Visible rust on shackle pins and bushings, Cracked or deteriorated rubber bushings
Fix: Leaf spring shackles and bushings rust in place, preventing normal suspension articulation. Especially bad on trucks in snow-belt states. Requires cutting off seized bolts, replacing shackles, pins, and bushings. While apart, inspect leaf springs for broken leafs. 4-5 labor hours for both sides, often need torch and penetrating oil soak time.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
Brake Master Cylinder Leak (Internal)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Brake pedal slowly sinks to floor when held at stop, Spongy brake pedal feel, No external fluid leaks visible, Brake fluid level slowly drops in reservoir
Fix: Internal seals fail allowing fluid to bypass back into reservoir under pressure. This is a safety-critical failure—brakes still work but with significantly reduced effectiveness and pedal travel. Replace master cylinder and bench-bleed before installation. Full system bleed required. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $400-650
Exhaust Manifold Stud Failure (4.6L V8)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking noise from engine that increases with RPM, Exhaust smell in cabin, Visible soot marks on manifold, Noise loudest when cold, may quiet down when hot
Fix: Exhaust manifold studs corrode and break where they thread into cylinder head, causing exhaust leaks. Usually see 2-4 broken studs per side. Requires manifold removal, stud extraction (often requires drilling), HeliCoil installation, new manifold gaskets. Can be done one side at a time. 5-6 labor hours per side if extractions go smoothly—more if studs break off flush or below surface.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 per side
Secondary Air Injection (AIR) Pump Failure (5.7L)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0410/P0418/P0419 codes, Loud squealing or grinding from front of engine on cold start, Pump runs continuously or not at all, Failed emissions test in states requiring AIR system
Fix: Air injection pump fails due to moisture ingestion or bearing wear. Pump runs only during cold start to help cats light off faster. Truck runs fine without it but will not pass emissions in some states. Replace pump assembly and check one-way valves in system. Some owners delete system entirely where legal. 2-3 labor hours.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Owner tips
Check oil religiously on 5.7L engines—listen for ANY top-end ticking and address immediately before cam tower destroys engine
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually if in salt states; catching rust early allows line replacement before transmission damage occurs
Flush transmission fluid every 60k miles despite Toyota 'lifetime fill' claim—cooler contamination and hard use warrant fluid changes
Undercoat leaf spring shackles and hardware if operating in rust belt to extend service life
Test brake pedal hold at stoplights—if it sinks slowly over 30 seconds, master cylinder is on its way out
Absolutely buy one used IF you can verify no cam tower issues on 5.7L engines (oil analysis history, no top-end noise) or opt for the less powerful but bulletproof 4.6L—outside that Achilles heel, these are 300k-mile trucks.
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: Some models may use Group 24F; verify fitment before purchase
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
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.
AIR BAGS:KNEE BOLSTER · 17V416000
2017-06-29
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Tundra vehicles. The affected vehicles have a passenger knee air bag module that was attached to the instrument panel mounting brackets with incorrect bolts.
Consequence: The incorrect bolts may cause the air bag module to loosen over time, affecting the performance of the knee airbag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: All of the affected vehicles have been inspected and any incorrect knee air bag mounting bolts have been replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0K.
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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS · 17V051000
2017-01-24
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Tundra vehicles equipped with a resin rear step bumper and resin reinforcement brackets (vehicles with chrome step bumpers are not affected). In the event of an impact to the corner of the bumper, the resin bracket may be damaged but not be noticed.
Consequence: If a person steps on the corner of the bumper that is damaged, a portion of the bumper may break away, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the resin rear bumper reinforcement brackets with steel ones, and replace the rear bumper tread, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0C.
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.
Performance
Horsepower
381hp
Torque
401lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.4sec
Quarter mile
14.9sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
13mpg
Highway
18mpg
Combined
15mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
10,500lb
Payload
1,660lb
Curb weight
5,680lb
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
2014-2021 generation (XK50). 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 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 3UR-FE 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.