Most common 2006 Toyota Tundra problems
Share of the 545 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota Tundra complaints by model year
Best Tundra years: 2015, 2021, 2020. Years to avoid: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2025, 2000. Compare all years →
2006 Toyota Tundra recalls (10)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430,…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010…
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016.
Air bags › Side/window
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470, 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia, 2004-2006 Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX470 vehicles equipped with side curtain-shield-air bags.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control module with one that has improved programming, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016.
Air bags
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015 that they are recalling certain model year 2004 Sequoia vehicles manufactured August 18, 2003, to August 19, 2004, and 2003-2004 Tundra vehicles manufactured March 18, 2003, to August 25, 2004.
Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-285 are under a Do Not Drive advisory.
Air bags
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified the agency on May 13, 2015, that they are recalling 2005-2007 Lexus SC, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sequoia, and Pontiac Vibe, and 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra vehicles that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Florida, along the Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii,…
Remedy: 2003-2004 Corolla and Corolla Matrix vehicles that are recalled under both 15V-043 and 15V-286 are under a Do Not Drive advisory.
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge.
Show 4 more recalls
Equipment › Other › Labels
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between September 1, 2005 and June 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from September 1, 2005 to May 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on August 18, 2009. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
On certain trucks and Mini vans, due to possible improper finishing of the front suspension lower ball joint, some ball joints May experience an incidental deterioration of the internal lubrication.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension lower ball joints. The recall began on February 28, 2007. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2006 Toyota Tundra:
Frame corrosion
This investigation was opened based on 20 reports of model year (my) 2000 and 2001 vehicles experiencing severe corrosion of the frame, resulting in either under-body mounted spare tire separation or rear brake failure.the failure report counts shown above are for my 2000 and 2001 vehicles only.by letter of November 16, 2009 Toyota has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (09v-444) of…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Lower ball joint failure
In a letter dated January 18, 2007, Toyota notified NHTSA of a safety defect in model year (my) 2004 through 2006 Toyota tundra and my 2004 through 2007 Toyota sequoia vehicles produced between September 15, 2003 and November 17, 2006 (NHTSA recall no. 07v-013).
What 2006 Toyota Tundra owners say
Body & structure all 169 →
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally, and the steering wheel was difficult to hold steady. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to secure the steering wheel while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the TPMS was providing erroneous operating information and alerts. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the cross member near the steering rack had a fractured in the frame. The vehicle was taken to a Toyota Collision Center, where a mechanic determined that the entire sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the Toyota Collision Center for assistance. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. …
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon servicing the vehicle at the independent mechanic, she was informed that the entire subframe was severely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely corroded and had significant holes. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her brother's residence at a slower speed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. UPDATE 06/07/2023- Consumer mailed letter stated the vehicle was in Ohio with Noxudol 300- 3 liters and 1 liter of another rust prevention product. Consumer had frame inspected. Invoice estimate is attached with letter.
Air bags all 134 →
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle which resulted in the vehicle flipping 3 times and none of the airbags deployed. The contact sustained a bruised lung, bruised arms, and bruised ribs, and sought medical treatment. The contact does not know if a police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard then was towed again to an insurance lot. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. Consumer stated the airbag/s failed to deploy.
Takata Recall. The contact owned a 2006 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the front driver and passenger-side air bags deployed independently, causing the contact to crash into a power pole. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact sustained a back injury and sought medical attention after the incident. The police did show up but the contact was not aware if they filed a police report. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V286000 (Air bags) and 16V065000 (Air bags). The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension all 91 →
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the front driver's side of the vehicle lowered unintendedly. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver's side lower ball joint had separated from the knuckle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V013000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
In 2014 Toyota had a recall on the frame rusting issue. I had Toyota of Hanover Pa review the truck frame and they said it didn't meet the requirement for a frame replacement and they applied under coating. Now in 2021 the frame is starting to show signs of rust along the main frame beside the fuel tank when I had the vehicle in for inspection. I was a little confused sense it was undercoated but then reading more about the undercoating it may have made it worse by holding the moisture in and making it rust. I contacted Toyota to see if they would replace and or help me with the cost in replacing the frame since the truck is in excellent shape with 114k. And there response was NO the recall has expired and we can not do nothing. I priced a frame replacement and its over 11k. …
2006 Toyota Tundra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Toyota Tundra a good car?
Based on 545 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Tundra rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Tundra at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
The body & structure — 169 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the air bags (134) and suspension (91).
How many recalls does the 2006 Toyota Tundra have?
There are 10 recalls for the 2006 Toyota Tundra, the most recent from October 17, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota Tundra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2021 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2025 and 2000. See the full Toyota Tundra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Tundra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.