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Toyota · Pickup Truck · 2007–2021 Custom Search

Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen is available with 2 engine variants — from 310 to 386 hp.

4.6L V8 · Petrol· 310 PS
2007 2021

4.6L V8 with 310 hp — the smaller Tundra V8. Same cam tower oil leak issue as the 3UR-FE, but less prevalent. Solid engine for moderate truck use.

  • !! Timing Chain Tensioner Failure from 200,000 km

    Hydraulic chain tensioner can fail suddenly. Chain develops slack, unstable engine operation.

    Symptoms: Metallic noise on cold start, unstable idle
    1,200–3,000 $
    Ad timing chain tensioner 1UR-FE
  • !! Same RTV sealing issue as the 3UR-FE, but less common. Oil on exhaust manifold possible. from 150,000 km

    Same RTV issue as the 3UR-FE, but less prevalent. Oil on exhaust manifold possible.

    Symptoms: Oil smell, oil trail at front of engine
    2,500–4,000 $
    Ad cam tower seal Toyota 1UR-FEcam tower Tundra 4.6
  • !! Water Pump Fails Early (under 60k mi) from 95,000 km

    Short water pump life — leaks often before 60,000 miles. Proactive replacement recommended.

    Symptoms: Coolant leak, temperature rise
    400–900 $
    Ad water pump 1UR-FE Toyota 4.6

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

5.7L V8 · Petrol· 381 PS
2007 2021

5.7L V8 with 381 hp — Toyota's last big V8 in trucks. Cam tower oil leak is the known concern: RTV sealant ages, oil drips onto exhaust manifold. No recall despite widespread occurrence. Otherwise rock-solid, 250k+ mile lifespans documented.

  • !! Ventile im Emissionssystem korrodieren fest. Fahrzeug drosselt auf ~50 km/h. Besonders frühe 2nd Gen (2007-2010) in feuchtem Klima. from 100,000 km

    Emission system valves corrode stuck. Vehicle throttles to ~30 mph. Especially early 2nd Gen (2007-2010) in humid climates.

    Symptoms: Check engine light, drastic power loss, limp mode
    500–2,000 $
    Ad emission valve Toyota TundraEVAP valve 3UR-FE
  • !! Air Injection Pump Failure (THE 3UR-FE Issue) from 100,000 km

    Nearly universal on 2007-2013: moisture intrusion into pump, codes P0418/P2440-P2443. Toyota warranty extended to 10yr/150k for 2007-2010. Dealer repair $2-3.5k, Hewitt Tech bypass kit ($300-500) is the community fix.

    Symptoms: Check engine light, power loss, worse fuel economy
    1,500–3,500 $
    Ad 17610-0S010 air injection pumpHewitt Tech AIP bypass kit
  • !! RTV sealant between cam tower and cylinder head ages and leaks oil. from 120,000 km

    RTV sealant between cam tower and cylinder head ages and fails. Oil drips onto exhaust manifold — fire and smoke risk. Toyota has not issued a recall. 20 labor hours at the dealer.

    Symptoms: Oil smell/smoke from hood, oil stain up front, burning odor
    3,000–4,500 $
    Ad cam tower seal Toyota 5.7 V8cam tower RTV Tundra 3UR-FE

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖$3.4 billion class-action settlement. Frame replacement program for select US states (salt belt). Program ran 15 years from manufacture date.

$3.4 billion class action settlement. Frame replacement program for certain US states (salt belt). Program ran 15 years from manufacture date.

Symptoms: Rust-through on frame, structural weakening
from 80,000 km
Ad frame rust Tundra 2nd genframe replacement Tundra
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,679 complaints · 2007–2021
  1. 01 Electrical
    234 ⚠ 6
  2. 02 Engine
    220 ⚠ 2
  3. 03 Body Structure
    195 ⚠ 6
  4. 04 Cruise Control
    193 ⚠ 29
  5. 05 Powertrain
    192 ⚠ 14

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (234 complaints)
⚠ Engine (220 complaints)
⚠ Body Structure (195 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen (2007–2021) — 10 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 3UR-FE (5.7L V8). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Body, Electronics.

Tundra (3UR-FE, 2007–2021) — Stay Away!: Ventile im Emissionssystem korrodieren fest. Fahrzeug drosselt auf ~50 km/h. Besonders frühe 2nd Gen (2007-2010) in feuchtem Klima., Air Injection Pump Failure (THE 3UR-FE Issue), RTV sealant between cam tower and cylinder head ages and leaks oil.. Power: 381 PS.

Tundra (1UR-FE, 2007–2021) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Tensioner Failure, Same RTV sealing issue as the 3UR-FE, but less common. Oil on exhaust manifold possible., Water Pump Fails Early (under 60k mi). Power: 310 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Tundra? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen have? +
The Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen has 10 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 1UR-FE (4.6L V8). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 3UR-FE (5.7L V8). Problem engine: 3UR-FE (5.7L V8) — stay away!
Which Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen — rated: "Decent". {description} Toyota's last big V8: powerful, reliable, with the notorious cam tower oil leak as its Achilles heel. Frame rust on 2007-2008 models. Keep both in check and this truck lasts decades.
Is the Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen? +
The Toyota Tundra 2nd Gen is available with engine variants from 310 to 386 hp. Petrol: 3UR-FE (5.7L V8), 1UR-FE (4.6L V8).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee