Head-to-head reliability
Toyota Tundra vs FORD F 150
How the Toyota Tundra and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Toyota Tundra vs FORD F 150: The Tundra averages 157 complaints per year vs 2,755 for the F-150. Tundra owners report cold-start throttle delay and stalling; F-150 owners report sudden power loss and park failure. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Toyota Tundra or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra averages 157 complaints per year over the past decade, far fewer than its rival. Owners report engine stalling, jerking, and throttle delay, especially when cold, along with fuel system issues. While not high-volume, these problems can leave you stranded or struggling to accelerate from a stop. Recalls cover steering assist, fuel pumps, and headlights, so check those are done.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 averages 2,755 complaints per year, a much higher rate. Owners describe sudden loss of power, transmission not engaging park, and unintended acceleration. Electrical failures can knock out all safety systems. With 141 recalls and 10 deaths reported, the F-150 has a more troubled reliability history.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Toyota Tundra | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,570 Better | 27,552 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 74 Better | 141 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 32 Better | 762 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 157.0 Better | 2755.2 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 36 Better | 714 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 10 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Toyota Tundra
- 01ENGINE515
- 02POWER TRAIN310
- 03FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM259
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER195
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM183
Owners report the engine stalling without warning, jerking and shaking from new, and complete loss of power while driving. Some say the dealer dismissed it as a 'break-in period' but the problem persisted.
A common complaint is severe throttle delay or no response when accelerating from a stop, especially when cold. This can make pulling into traffic dangerous.
Fuel system issues overlap with engine and power train complaints, including jerking and stalling. Recalls include fuel pump replacement, so verify that recall was performed.
“I bought the vehicle new in November 2025. 2026 Toyota Tubdra TRD SR5. In the first week I noticed a lot of jerking and shaking. I brought it to the dealer and was told it was a break in period and it should go away. I’ve had the truck in the shop 5-6 times s…”
“As I am driving down the pickup loses power/ has no power. Was driving down the interstate and trying to make it up the Harbor bridge I could only go 40. Then try to pass a semi that (BAD DRIVER) was dangerously close, I could not even pass him. Not to mentio…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN9,967
- 02ENGINE4,861
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3,479
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER3,210
- 05STRUCTURE1,485
The transmission may fail to engage park when the engine is shut off, leaving the truck able to roll. Also, turbo wastegate problems and driveline vibrations are reported.
Engine problems include the same park engagement issue (linked to the integrated park module) and oil-related recalls. Some owners report sudden loss of power.
Complete electrical failure while driving has been reported, disabling brakes, steering, airbags, and hazard lights. ABS issues after brake booster recall work are also noted.
“When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will…”
“My truck is a 2025 Ford F150 STX with 5,900 miles on it. This truck was purchased new at River City Ford in Lavalette, WV The component in questions seems to be involved with the turbos and more specifically the wastegate that attached to the turbos. Also, ye…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Toyota Tundra — 74 recalls
The defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling one 2026 Tundra truck. The current load carrying capacity modification label is incorrect. As such, this vehicle fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
The risk: An incorrect load carrying capacity modification label may lead to improper loading of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: SET will provide the owner with a new load carrying capacity modification label, free of charge. An owner notification letter is expected to be mailed September 4, 2026. The owner may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's…
The defect: 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.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
The defect: 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 incorr…
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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 i…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles…
The risk: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehic…
FORD F 150 — 141 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may los…
The risk: Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, 2024 Expedition and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine. The engines may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 23, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for th…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Bronco, 2024 Ranger, 2025 Mustang, Explorer, and Aviator vehicles. The transmission valve body may have been machined incorrectly, which can cause reverse gear failure, or unexpected forward movement in reverse or neutral gear.
The risk: Unexpected vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the transmission main control valve body, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S19.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2025 F-150, Expedition, and 2024 Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. The engine may have a misaligned engine cup plug, which can result in a rapid oil leak.
The risk: A rapid oil leak can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, an oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine cup plug alignment, and replace the plug if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this…
Buyer analysis
Toyota Tundra or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Toyota Tundra has far fewer complaints per year (157 vs 2,755) and fewer reported injuries and deaths. In practice, the Tundra’s issues are more about drivability annoyances, while the F-150’s problems include sudden power loss and safety system failures.
Key differences
- Tundra has 1/17th the annual complaint rate of the F-150.
- F-150 reports sudden total electrical failure while driving; Tundra does not.
- Tundra’s main issue is cold-start throttle delay; F-150’s includes unintended acceleration and park failure.
- F-150 has 10 reported deaths; Tundra has 0.
- Test cold-start acceleration: if there is a delay or no response from a stop, that’s a known Tundra issue.
- Check for open recalls on steering assist and fuel pump – these are common Tundra recalls.
- During test drive, try shutting off the engine in Drive to see if the shifter sticks and fails to engage Park.
- Ask if the brake booster recall was done and check for ABS noises or warning lights after the repair.
Before you buy
- Obtain the full recall history for both vehicles from NHTSA.gov using the VIN.
- Test drive the Tundra from a cold start to check for throttle hesitation.
- On the F-150, test the park engagement by turning off the engine while in Drive.
- Inspect the F-150’s electrical system: start and stop the engine multiple times, check all dash lights.
- For both, ask for service records showing any engine or transmission repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Toyota Tundra | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 20 | 9 |
| 2025 | 127 | 320 |
| 2024 | 311 | 597 |
| 2023 | 380 | 1448 |
| 2022 | 416 | 3285 |
| 2021 | 23 | 4942 |
| 2020 | 45 | 2530 |
| 2019 | 71 | 5718 |
| 2018 | 99 | 5505 |
| 2017 | 78 | 3198 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Toyota Tundra or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Toyota Tundra vs FORD F 150
- Toyota Tundra total complaints
- 1,570
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 27,552
- Toyota Tundra total recalls
- 74
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 141
- Toyota Tundra avg complaints/year
- 157.0
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 2755.2
- More reliable overall
- Toyota Tundra
- Toyota Tundra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN