Toyota Tundra Safety Rating
The Toyota Tundra reigns supreme in the large crew-cab pickup segment. No, it has nothing to do with horsepower or towing capacity. Pickup trucks are not noted for their safety, but that is about to change with the Toyota Tundra safety rating might very well make it the safest truck in the US. It outdoes its competitors, which isn’t surprising for Toyota as they’ve continually innovated regarding safety features and technology.
Keep reading to discover how the Tundra outshone its competition under stringent safety tests and requirements.
Toyota Tundra Safety Rating
How safe is the Toyota Tundra? Let’s examine the Toyota Tundra safety rating to learn how it performed with the standard crash tests.
The NHTSA has tested the four-wheel drive variant of the 2022 hybrid model. The Toyota Tundra safety rating from the NHTSA is 5 stars overall. It scored 5 stars in the frontal crash test, including the front driver- and front-passenger sides. Meanwhile, the side crash test on the Toyota Tundra scored 5 stars, while earning 5 stars on the side pole and side barrier ratings. It failed to secure a 5-star rating on the rollover crash test, after scoring 4 stars during the tests. The Toyota Tundra rollover risk is at 18.50%.
The Toyota Tundra safety rating from the IIHS is so impressive that it earned a Top Safety Pick award. This award applies to the 2022 and 2023 Tundra models in the large pickup segment. For this purpose, we’ll look at the latest safety rating available from the IIHS, which is the 2023 model.
Let’s start with the Crashworthiness tests for the Toyota Tundra, specifically the small overlap front tests. The Toyota Tundra safety rating is Good on the small overlap front tests for the driver-side and the passenger-side. Meanwhile, it scored Good on the moderate overlap front test for the original test, but it scored Poor on the updated test. It’s a different story for the side crash testing, though, since the Tundra scored a Good rating on the original and updated tests.
The Tundra’s roof strength is excellent, earning it a Good rating. It also performed well on the head restraints & seats, seat belt reminders, and headlights. The Superior rating on front crash prevention for vehicles and pedestrians helped it earn a Top Safety Pick recognition.
What is the biggest problem with a Toyota Tundra?
While known for its power, advanced technology, and reliability, the Toyota Tundra is not immune to issues. In fact, you can check a full list of Toyota Tundra recall issues for reference. Some of the most commonly reported problems for Tundras include:
Oxygen Sensor Problem
This issue is often identified through a Check Engine light. A problem with the oxygen sensor suggests that the vehicle’s exhaust is no longer properly monitored. Depending on the year model and your location, repairs for this issue costs around $300 to $375.
Failed Exhaust Manifold
Another issue common to Tundra is a failed exhaust manifold, which often happens when the engine is still cold. The exhaust manifold collects gases from multiple sources before sending them to the exhaust pipe. One of the common symptoms of this problem is a ticking or leaking sound, which is caused by a failed exhaust manifold.
Fuel Pump Issues
Some 2018 and 2019 Tundra models were identified for recalls due to fuel pump problems. The problem caused the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of accidents. However, newer Tundra models (2020 and the latest) no longer experience this problem.
Air Injection Pump
Issues with the air injection pump or any part of the secondary air injection system can increase fuel consumption, emissions, drivability, and Check Engine light activation.
How long will a Toyota Tundra last?
Known for their durability and reliability, a well-maintained Toyota Tundra is expected to last at least 150,000 to 250,000 miles, many even reaching 300,00 miles. There were at least two documented cases of 2007 Tundras exceeding over a million miles. This kind of milestone doesn’t only highlight the Tundra’s astonishing longevity. Still, more importantly, it underscores Toyota’s commitment to building robust and well-engineered vehicles that are expected to last the test of time—provided, of course, they get consistent and proper maintenance.
Is the Toyota Tundra expensive to maintain?
The Tundra’s durability and reliability mean lower average maintenance, even lower for many vehicles of its class. The typical maintenance and repair cost for a Tundra is around $6,738 for its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average by $3,580. As with other vehicles, however, the true cost for Tundra’s maintenance varies depending on many factors, such as driving habits and conditions, adherence to recommended maintenance schedules, etc.
