Toyota Tundra vs. Ford F-150
Both trucks side by side for the years they were both sold (2000–2026): owner complaints filed with NHTSA, what each generation is known for, and years with a well-known costly problem.
How to use this: complaint counts are reports owners filed with NHTSA, not a reliability score. Best-selling trucks collect more reports simply because more are on the road. Use the numbers to spot years worth a closer look, then check the specific truck you're considering.
Complaints by year
Each count is compared with the typical (middle) count of the half-ton trucks we cover from the same model year. Counts as of October 5, 2026; a year's own page uses the latest count, so it can be slightly higher. Tap a count for that year's recalls, complaints and safety ratings.
| Year | Toyota Tundra | Ford F-150 | Typical that year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0Fewer than typical | 15Fewer than typical | 65 |
| 2025 | 135About typical | 104About typical | 116 |
| 2024 | 345⚠ Known problem: V6 only: Certain V6 engines were recalled for machining debris that can cause engine failure. Confirm the recall work was done.More than typical | 214About typical | 214 |
| 2023 | 410⚠ Known problem: V6 only: Certain V6 engines were recalled for machining debris that can cause engine failure. Confirm the recall work was done.About typical | 478⚠ Known problem: Certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.More than typical | 382 |
| 2022 | 427⚠ Known problem: V6 only: Certain V6 engines were recalled for machining debris that can cause engine failure. Confirm the recall work was done.Fewer than typical | 788⚠ Known problem: Certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.More than typical | 586 |
| 2021 | 24Fewer than typical | 1,276⚠ Known problem: Certain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.More than typical | 577 |
| 2020 | 45Fewer than typical | 550⚠ Known problem: 5.0L V8 only: Some 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.About typical | 468 |
| 2019 | 74Fewer than typical | 1,005⚠ Known problem: 3.5L EcoBoost only: 3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying. 5.0L V8 only: Some 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.More than typical | 646 |
| 2018 | 100Fewer than typical | 1,913⚠ Known problem: 3.5L EcoBoost only: 3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying. 5.0L V8 only: Some 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.More than typical | 412 |
| 2017 | 78Fewer than typical | 1,125⚠ Known problem: 3.5L EcoBoost only: 3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying.More than typical | 532 |
| 2016 | 120Fewer than typical | 1,764More than typical | 792 |
| 2015 | 49Fewer than typical | 1,425More than typical | 912 |
| 2014 | 92Fewer than typical | 1,361More than typical | 1,049 |
| 2013 | 85Fewer than typical | 2,796⚠ Known problem: Recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.More than typical | 208 |
| 2012 | 156About typical | 1,716⚠ Known problem: Recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.More than typical | 186 |
| 2011 | 134Fewer than typical | 2,137⚠ Known problem: Recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.More than typical | 424 |
| 2010 | 163Fewer than typical | 841More than typical | 265 |
| 2009 | 38Fewer than typical | 324About typical | 279 |
| 2008 | 327⚠ Known problem: Known for frame rust. Toyota's frame program has ended, so inspect the frame closely.About typical | 368⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 348 |
| 2007 | 389⚠ Known problem: Known for frame rust. Toyota's frame program has ended, so inspect the frame closely.About typical | 488⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 438 |
| 2006 | 544⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying.About typical | 585⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 564 |
| 2005 | 375⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying.Fewer than typical | 1,112⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.About typical | 1,000 |
| 2004 | 464⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying.Fewer than typical | 2,029⚠ Known problem: 5.4L V8 only: The 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.More than typical | 1,045 |
| 2003 | 399⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying. | 422⚠ Known problem: Recalled for speed control switches that can start fires and, in salt-belt states, fuel tank straps that rust through. Confirm both recalls were done. | — |
| 2002 | 480⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying. | 821⚠ Known problem: Recalled for speed control switches that can start fires and, in salt-belt states, fuel tank straps that rust through. Confirm both recalls were done. | — |
| 2001 | 415⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying. | 1,235⚠ Known problem: Recalled for speed control switches that can start fires and, in salt-belt states, fuel tank straps that rust through. Confirm both recalls were done. | — |
| 2000 | 1,010⚠ Known problem: Known for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying. | 1,074⚠ Known problem: Recalled for speed control switches that can start fires and, in salt-belt states, fuel tank straps that rust through. Confirm both recalls were done. | — |
Recent years aren't compared until the typical truck that year has at least 50 complaints. “Not separable” means NHTSA files that year together with other trucks. Recall counts aren't shown here; open any year to see its recalls. ⚠ marks a well-known costly problem that complaint counts alone don't show.
Generations side by side
Toyota Tundra
- 2000–2006 common problems →4.7L V8, 3.4L V6 (2000–2004), 4.0L V6 (2005–2006)
Frame rust dominates: about 4 in 10 complaints describe rusted frames; Toyota offered frame replacements and coatings on 2000–2003 trucks for a limited time. Lower ball joints and brake vibration on early trucks are the other big issues.
- 2007–2021 common problems →5.7L V8, 4.6L V8 (2010+), 4.7L V8 (2007–2009), 4.0L V6 (2007–2014)
The issues owners report most are the secondary air injection pump that can put the truck in limp mode and frame rust on 2007–2008 trucks; on forums, 5.7L owners also report cam tower oil leaks.
- 2022–2026 common problems →3.4L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE), 3.4L hybrid (i-FORCE MAX)
Certain 2022–2024 V6 engines were recalled for machining debris that can destroy the main bearings, and nearly a third of complaints describe throttle lag or hesitation when pulling away.
Ford F-150
- 1999–2003 common problems →4.6L and 5.4L Triton V8, 4.2L V6
Fire is the big theme: speed control switches that can overheat and fuel tank straps that rust through were both recalled, and the Triton V8s are known for blowing spark plugs out of the head.
- 2004–2008 common problems →5.4L 3-valve V8, 4.6L V8, 4.2L V6
Window regulators that drop the glass into the door dominate 2004–2005 complaints; the 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break or blow out and cam phaser ticking.
- 2009–2014 common problems →3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.7L V6, 6.2L V8 (2011–2014); 4.6L and 5.4L V8 (2009–2010)
2011–2013 trucks were recalled for sudden downshifts into first gear; EcoBoosts add timing chain stretch, intercooler misfires and brake vacuum pump failures, and electric power steering and throttle body problems are common.
- 2015–2020 common problems →2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L V8, 3.3L and 3.5L V6, 3.0L Power Stroke diesel
Transmissions top the complaints, from sudden downshifts on 2015–2017 6-speeds (recalled in 2026) to the 10-speed's harsh shifts; 2017–2019 3.5L EcoBoosts are known for cam phaser rattle and 2018–2020 5.0L V8s for burning oil.
- 2021–2026 common problems →2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost, 3.5L PowerBoost hybrid, 5.0L V8, 3.3L V6
Early 2021–2022 trucks have the most complaints and recalls, including 10-speed shifts into neutral and broken rear axle hub bolts on Max Tow trucks; the PowerBoost hybrid has its own power-loss reports.
Years with a known costly problem
From our owner notes. Some affect only one engine, so trucks with other engines those years aren't affected: check which engine the truck you're looking at has.
Toyota Tundra
- 2000–2006 All enginesKnown for severe frame rust. Inspect the frame closely before buying.
- 2007–2008 All enginesKnown for frame rust. Toyota's frame program has ended, so inspect the frame closely.
- 2022–2024 V6 onlyCertain V6 engines were recalled for machining debris that can cause engine failure. Confirm the recall work was done.
Ford F-150
- 1999–2003 All enginesRecalled for speed control switches that can start fires and, in salt-belt states, fuel tank straps that rust through. Confirm both recalls were done.
- 2004–2008 5.4L V8 onlyThe 5.4L 3-valve V8 is known for spark plugs that break during tune-ups and cam phaser ticking. Ask when the plugs were last changed.
- 2011–2013 All enginesRecalled for sudden downshifts into first gear that can lock the rear wheels. Confirm the recall repair was done.
- 2017–2019 3.5L EcoBoost only3.5L EcoBoost trucks are known for cam phaser rattle on cold starts, a costly repair. Listen to a cold start before buying.
- 2018–2020 5.0L V8 onlySome 5.0L V8 trucks burn oil. Ask for service records and check the oil level.
- 2021–2023 All enginesCertain trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package were recalled for rear axle hub bolts that can break. Confirm the repair was done.