Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Toyota Tundra
Our scoring places the 2016 Toyota Tundra at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.9/10. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.9/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.7/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.2/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $30,373–$35,051, 12 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tundra sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Toyota Tundra is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2016 Toyota Tundra ranks #186 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $30,373 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 14%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Tundra Year Should You Buy?
Across the Tundra model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 12 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Toyota Tundra (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Knee bolster 29/06/2017 · 17V416000
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.
Structure / Body / Bumpers 24/01/2017 · 17V051000
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…
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…
Equipment / Other / Labels 09/06/2016 · 16V420000
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…
Steering / Hydraulic power assist system 23/11/2021 · 21V920000
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.
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2016 Toyota Tundra that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Toyota Tundra
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra reliable?
We rate the 2016 Toyota Tundra's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Toyota Tundra worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #186 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 64% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Tundra cost?
The 2016 Toyota Tundra starts at $30,373 and ranges up to $35,051 across trims (MSRP when new). At 12 MPG, expect roughly $4,375/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Tundra years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Tundra years we've rated are 2015 (7.4/10), 2018 (7.5/10), 2017 (7.5/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.0/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 Toyota Tundra have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Toyota Tundra are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Structure, Wheels, Equipment (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Tundra
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