Pickup trucks always come in handy for people looking to travel long distances. An example is the Toyota Tundra, which is spacious and comfortable with a powerful V8 engine. In addition to having sufficient cargo capacity, these trucks have great performance even off-road and have a good reliability record in most road conditions.
Every vehicle starts developing problems at some point and requires regular maintenance. Some vehicles need to be maintained more frequently than others, and some are even more expensive. Such vehicles are costly to their owners, and it would be smart to avoid buying them. Likewise, some Tundra models are heavy on maintenance expenses when compared to others. So, what are the worst used Toyota Tundra model years to avoid when car shopping?
1. The 2005 Toyota Tundra
Toyota logo | Getty Images
According to CarComplaints, engine problems make up many of the Tundra’s problems. The 2005 model has had the most complaints, and its main problem is that its secondary air pump fails after the car has been used for roughly 103,350 miles. Drivers notice a loud vacuuming sound coming from the pump, and this can only be repaired by replacing the pump at the cost of $1,740.
After using the vehicle for an average of 64,850 miles, the check engine light on the dashboard is sometimes activated. A catalytic converter failure is what causes this light to go on, and it is the second most common problem with this model. Fixing this issue requires a new converter and an oxygen sensor, costing $2,700.
At around 110,700 miles, the check engine light might constantly stay on when the vehicle is in use. Having issues with the air pump and emission control valves is what usually triggers this, and replacing them costs an average of $2,660.
2. The 2007 Tundra
Buying the 2007 model of the Tundra wouldn’t be a smart move since it is the model with the most problems. Primarily, the vehicle’s air injection pump fails shortly after it has reached 97,700 miles. Owners will then have to change the air pumps and emission control valve, which will cost $3,150 to repair.
Also, the vehicle’s charcoal canister often gets contaminated with fuel at around 57,200 miles. In this case, the owner will have to replace it, which costs an average of $1,090. The secondary air pump for the 2007 model has also been reported to get stuck after 44,250 miles, and repairing this issue costs $1,000.
Many of its reported problems happen too often, and the owners spend much money on maintenance. Therefore, the 2007 Tundra wouldn’t be a good choice when shopping for a vehicle.
3. The 2012 Toyota Tundra
Related
Using the 2012 Toyota Tundra has been a nightmare for its owners, as it has some of the highest maintenance costs at the lowest mileage. Firstly, the car’s air induction pump (AIP) stops working after an estimated 78,500 miles, and owners must replace the pump. Repairing this issue costs $2,980, and it is the most common problem with this model.
Next, the vehicle’s transmission starts failing after only 9,750 miles, and fixing this issue requires the transmission to be rebuilt. Owners are charged $5,500 to repair this issue, which is the most expensive problem the owner can encounter. However, few owners have to spend this amount because the issue is normally covered under Toyota’s warranty.
Lastly, this model’s secondary air injection system usually fails after 77,750 miles, and repairing it costs $3,010. Even though the Toyota Tundra has proven to be an excellent pickup truck, car buyers should be careful with these models, which have the worst maintenance issues.
Keyword: 3 of the Worst Toyota Tundra Model Years, According to CarComplaints