Is a used Toyota Tundra a good deal?
Short answer: A used Toyota Tundra can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 19.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Toyota Tundra? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 15.9% | 84.1% | $34,699 |
| 5 years | 19.7% | 80.3% | $33,147 |
| 7 years | 31.6% | 68.4% | $28,230 |
| 10 years | 47.1% | 52.9% | $21,832 |
Its class (full-size pickup) averages 37% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Toyota Tundra resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10 | 74 | Fuel/Propulsion System (16), Electrical System (13), Forward Collision Avoidance (12) |
| 2020 | 5 | 46 | Engine (6), Fuel/Propulsion System (6), Electrical System (4) |
| 2021 | 3 | 24 | Electrical System (4), Seats (4), Visibility/Wiper (3) |
| 2022 | 13 | 430 | Engine (164), Power Train (104), Fuel/Propulsion System (75) |
| 2023 | 13 | 411 | Engine (165), Power Train (86), Fuel/Propulsion System (61) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V682000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 T…
- 21V920000 (Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System): 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…
- 21V688000 (Exterior Lighting:headlights): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical co…
- 20V410000 (Exterior Lighting:turn Signal): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough…
- 21E103000 (Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System): 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 …
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $3,050–$3,550 per year in fuel for 2022 Toyota Tundra versions (19–22 MPG combined across 7 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Spray-in bedliners, running boards, tonneau covers and lift or leveling kits priced well above parts cost
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Engine, Power Train, Fuel/Propulsion System. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price strong-resale models firmly.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Toyota Tundra a good deal?
A used Toyota Tundra can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It holds value better than average: iSeeCars measures 19.7% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, so used prices stay high and discounts are smaller. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Toyota Tundra depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Toyota Tundra loses 19.7% of its value after five years (15.9% after three years, 47.1% after ten).
Does the Toyota Tundra have recalls?
NHTSA lists 44 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Toyota Tundra year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2022 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (430). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Toyota Tundra cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $3,050–$3,550 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Toyota Tundra?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Toyota Tundra? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models