ToyotaTundra2021Overview/toyota/tundra/2021/base/

2021 Toyota Tundra

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Tundra.

Transmission Automatic (S6)

The 2021 Toyota Tundra is equipped with an automatic (S6) transmission, carries an EPA rating of 13/17/15 mpg, and specifies 8.5 quarts of 0W-20 engine oil. Set against the model’s 1999–2026 complaint history—which spans from 1 complaint in 1999 to 1,032 in 2000—this model year generated only 23 owner complaints and 3 recalls, with seats representing the top complaint area. That low volume places the 2021 Tundra well below the model’s historical peak, making it a comparatively stable reference point in the model’s documented reliability history.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity8.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torqueAluminum: 97.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 154.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy13/17/15 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 585 CCA battery, OE oil filter 9030179006. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 585 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnHEADOEM · verified
Tire sizeP275/55R20 111HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter9030179006 alt 9672335028
Engine air filter178010P100 alt 178010S010
Spark plug9091901191
Front wiper blades852220C031 alt 852120C031
Serpentine belt90916A2033
Thermostat1632670020 alt 160310S010
Cabin air filter8713950100 alt 8713907020

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length226 in
Overall width79.9 in
Overall height76 in
Wheelbase145.7 in
Curb weight5633 lb
Track (front / rear)68.1 / 68.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)58/42

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined13 / 17 / 15 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Tundra of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.80 sec — 2021 TRD Pro CrewMax Cab (5'6.7" Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021TRD Pro CrewMax Cab (5'6.7" Bed) 5.7L V86.80 sec15.20 sec381 hp4x4
2020TRD Pro CrewMax Cab (5'6.7" Bed) 5.7L V86.40 sec15.00 sec381 hp4x4
2018Limited TRD Off-Road Double Cab (6.5 ft. Bed) 5.7L V86.50 sec15.10 sec381 hp4x4
2017SR5 CrewMax Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.7L V86.40 sec15.10 sec381 hp4x4
2015TRD Pro CrewMax Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.7L V86.60 sec15.20 sec381 hp4x4
2014Limited CrewMax Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.7L V86.40 sec15.10 sec381 hp4x4
20141794 Edition CrewMax Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.7L V86.70 sec15.20 sec381 hp4x4
2014Platinum CrewMax Cab (5.6 ft. Bed) 5.7L V86.70 sec15.30 sec381 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 8.5 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, SAE 75W · API · GL-5 in the differential, SAE J1703 · Dot 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to Aluminum: 97.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 154.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 30.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity2.2 qt
Brake FluidSAE J1703 · Dot 3
Differential Gear OilSAE 75W · API · GL-5
Differential Gear OilSAE 75W · API · GL-5
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity11.4 qt
Engine Oil0W-20

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.0 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts221.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)14.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsIntake to Cylinder Head: 15.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs96.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFront: 29.0; Rear: 36.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFront: 29.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 36.0 ft-lbs
Lug NutsAluminum: 97.0 ft-lbs; Steel: 154.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug15.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 Transmission in Neutral, A/C off. rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)±50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerDenso
Spark Plug TypeSK20HR11
Spark Plug GapNew: 0.0394-0.0433 in.; Used: 0.0512 in
Spark Plug Torque15.0 ft-lbs
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance2, 8.5 degrees

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.368-1.493 lbs
Oil TypeND-12 or equivalent
Standard BCI Group Number24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance585 cca
Optional BCI Group Number27F
Optional BCI Cranking Performance710 cca

Service checks

RPM38.0-44.0 @ Idle rpm
Residual Pressure21.0
Engine Compression145
Engine Oil Pressure10.1 psi minimum @ Idle psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM32 psi minimum @ 2,500 RPM

Brakes

Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.0394; Rear: 0.0394 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9030 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
127.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°, Step 3: 90°, Step 4: 12mm Head: 15.027 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9022 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°22 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolt A7 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs at 120,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
At 15,000 miCabin Air Filter (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning Condenser (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Driveshaft Flange Yoke (torque)
Every 30,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra represents a notable inflection point in the federal record for its generation, particularly as the final model year before the full redesign introduced in 2022. Complaints dropped to 23—one of the lowest figures in the dataset—while recalls fell to just 3, a sharp decline from the 5-10 recalls typical of preceding years (2018-2020) and far below the 13 recalls seen in 2022 and 2023. This suggests Toyota addressed lingering issues in the outgoing generation, though the data does not specify root causes for the remaining complaints, which were scattered across minor areas like seats and visibility. The 2021 model’s crash and fire complaints (1 each) are also minimal, reinforcing its relative reliability compared to the surge in post-redesign feedback. However, the 2022-2024 spike in complaints and recalls implies potential teething problems for the new generation, making the 2021 a lower-risk choice. **Takeaway: The 2021 Tundra is a strong used buy, offering matured reliability with minimal federal red flags.**

3
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
134
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
23
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 23 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Seats4
Unknown Or Other3
Visibility/Wiper3
Steering2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Air Bags1
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V688000Exterior Lighting:HeadlightsReported 02/09/2021

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… Remedy: Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification…

21V920000Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist SystemReported 23/11/2021

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 134 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
T-SB-0106-22 Rev22026-01-30Electrical SystemOBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0001-262026-01-28Electrical SystemSome 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic…
T-SB-0055-24 Rev22026-01-07Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…
T-SB-0058-23 Rev12025-06-13Electrical SystemThe air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…
T-TT-0780-252025-04-02Electrical SystemTo assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Tundra. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Tundra take?

8.5 qt of 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Tundra have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Tundra get?

EPA figures are 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined mpg.