2014-2021 Toyota Tundra maintenance schedule

The 2014–2021 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup with V8 power: the 5.7L 3UR-FE, its flex-fuel twin the 3UR-FBE, and the 4.6L 1UR-FE, which the 2018 manual lists and the 2021 manual no longer does. Toyota's schedule is fixed-interval: a service visit every 5,000 miles or 6 months and an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months on 0W-20. Routine costs at independent shops run about $455–$815 a year.

Intervals on this page are from Toyota's 2016, 2017 and 2021 Warranty & Maintenance Guides and the 2018 and 2021 owner's manuals; no 2014 or 2015 document was checked.

Normal or Severe: Which Schedule Your Tundra Needs

Toyota's guide has one fixed schedule, plus extra items for special operating conditions. The main change under those conditions is the oil interval: Toyota says the oil and filter should be replaced at 5,000 miles or 6 months, regardless of the oil used.

Toyota's Warranty & Maintenance Guide applies the 5,000-mile oil interval when you drive under these conditions:

• Driving primarily on dirt or dusty roads
• Towing, using a car-top carrier, or heavy vehicle loading
• Repeated short trips in below-freezing temperatures
• Extended idling or low-speed driving

The second change is the transmission fluid. Toyota lists a replacement every 60,000 miles only when the truck is used for towing, with a car-top carrier, or with heavy loads.

Complete Maintenance Schedule

The table below lists Toyota's scheduled items for the 2014–2021 Tundra. Shop costs are 2026 U.S. national averages for independent shops on the 5.7L V8. DIY costs are parts or fluid only.

Oil Change: Type, Capacity, and Cost

The correct oil for the 2014–2021 Tundra is SAE 0W-20 ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil. ILSAC GF-5 is the oil grade the 2018 owner's manual names, and the recommended viscosity is SAE 0W-20; the 2021 guide notes the truck is certified with Genuine Toyota 0W-20. Oil capacity is 8.5 quarts with filter, one figure the 2018 manual gives for every engine. Toyota's interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months, and 5,000 miles or 6 months under special operating conditions.

Tundra Oil Change Cost Comparison

DIY notes: a home oil change on a full-size truck needs a catch pan that holds more than 8.5 quarts and a torque wrench for the drain plug. Check the level on the dipstick after the engine has run and settled.

Brake Service

Toyota's schedule has no brake fluid replacement interval for the Tundra; the fluid level and condition are inspected at every 5,000-mile service. Have the pads and rotors checked at each tire rotation. Towing, heavy loads and city driving wear them faster.

Signs you need pads or rotors replaced:

• Squealing or a steady squeak under braking (pad wear indicator)
• Pulsation or vibration under braking
• Deep scoring or visible grooves on the rotor surface
• Reduced braking performance or a change in pedal feel

If you tow regularly, have the brakes checked at every service visit and budget for rotors sooner.

Tire Rotation

Toyota lists a tire rotation every 5,000 miles or 6 months on the 2014–2021 Tundra. Tire sizes vary by trim; check the placard on the driver's door jamb before you buy tires.

A shop rotation costs $25–$60. Expect $180–$400 per tire for all-season or highway tires on a Tundra, and $720–$1,600 for a full set with mounting and balancing. Signs it is time for new tires:

• Tread depth at or below 4/32" for wet traction (2/32" is the legal minimum in most U.S. states)
• Uneven wear even after rotation (an alignment issue)
• Sidewall damage, bulges, or repeated punctures

The retailer that sold you the tires may include free rotations for a warranty period.

Fluids: Transmission, Coolant, Power Steering

Transmission: the Tundra uses a 6-speed automatic. Toyota's guide lists an inspection of the automatic transmission for signs of leakage every 30,000 miles. The only scheduled fluid replacement is every 60,000 miles when the truck is used for towing, with a car-top carrier, or with heavy loads. A drain and fill at a shop costs $200–$350; DIY fluid and parts cost $75–$150.

Coolant: Toyota lists the first coolant replacement at 100,000 miles or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years. A coolant service at an independent shop costs $140–$240; DIY pre-mixed coolant costs $40–$80.

Power steering: Toyota's 5,000-mile fluid check covers the power steering fluid (if equipped) along with the brake fluid level and condition.

4WD trucks: the 2014–2021 Tundra comes in 2WD and 4WD. Toyota lists extra transfer-case and front-differential items for 4WD models under special operating conditions; check your guide for them.

Known Issues and Recalls

NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns and 587 owner complaints for 2014–2021 Toyota Tundra model years (as of November 10, 2026). The recalls and the complaint categories with the highest counts are listed below.

Most recent recalls

The 5 most recent of 20 campaigns. Look up any vehicle by VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup.

• NHTSA Campaign 21E103000 (2021-12-23). Component: Steering: hydraulic power assist system

  • NHTSA summary: "The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak."
  • Remedy: "Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022."
  • Affected model years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

• NHTSA Campaign 21V920000 (2021-11-23). Component: Steering: hydraulic power assist system

  • NHTSA summary: "The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak."
  • 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."
  • Affected model years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

• NHTSA Campaign 21V688000 (2021-09-02). Component: Exterior lighting: headlights

  • NHTSA summary: "The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector."
  • 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 letters were mailed April 25, 2022."
  • Affected model years: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

• NHTSA Campaign 20V682000 (2020-11-04). Component: Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

  • NHTSA summary: "The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail."
  • Remedy: "Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012."
  • Affected model years: 2019, 2020

• NHTSA Campaign 20V410000 (2020-07-15). Component: Exterior lighting: turn signal

  • NHTSA summary: "Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”"
  • Remedy: "Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020."
  • Affected model years: 2018, 2019, 2020

Owner-Reported Complaints

• Electrical System: 122 complaints (4 crashes, 2 injuries)

  • Owners report a range of electrical issues logged in NHTSA complaints, including odometer/mileage discrepancies, instrument cluster faults, and other electrical anomalies.
  • What owners describe: examples include discovered mileage discrepancies after purchase and instrument cluster/electrical faults that affect gauges or warning indicators.
  • Connection to maintenance: have charging system, wiring, and instrument-cluster diagnostics performed by a qualified shop when electrical faults appear; confirm vehicle history on used purchases.

• Unknown or Other: 64 complaints (1 crash, 0 injuries)

  • This category contains miscellaneous owner reports that do not map cleanly to a single systems category, including isolated window regulator failures and trim/panel issues.
  • What owners describe: one-off incidents such as a rear sliding window dropping due to a broken regulator pulley cable or other unique component failures.
  • Connection to maintenance: these items are typically addressed case-by-case; pre-purchase inspections and routine checks of moving components help identify problems early.

• Service Brakes: 60 complaints (4 crashes, 1 injury)

  • Owners report brake pedal feel problems (pedal sinking or going to the floor), vibrations during braking, and reduced braking performance.
  • What owners describe: reports include pedal that "gives" at extended stops, pedal sinking after idling, and vibration felt through steering wheel and body during braking.
  • Connection to maintenance: inspect brake hydraulic components (master cylinder, lines), pads/rotors, and brake fluid condition; prompt diagnosis and repair prevent progressive safety issues.

• Fuel/Propulsion System: 58 complaints (0 crashes, 0 injuries)

  • Owners report fuel leaks from above the fuel tank or frame rail and suspected leaks from fuel pump or line fittings.
  • What owners describe: observed fuel dripping or pooling under the vehicle, suspected leaks near the fuel pump or tank area, sometimes after high mileage or underbody impacts.
  • Connection to maintenance: fuel leaks require immediate attention; inspect tank straps, lines, fittings, and replace worn components as needed.

• Structure: 48 complaints (0 crashes, 4 injuries)

  • Owners report body attachment and trim problems such as hood bulge bracket breakage, paint peeling, and other structural or trim failures.
  • What owners describe: hood bulge brackets breaking under airflow strain, areas of paint peeling noted at purchase, and other body/attachment complaints.
  • Connection to maintenance: inspect body mounts, bumper attachments, and brackets during service intervals, especially for trucks exposed to road salt or heavy use.

Annual Maintenance Cost

Full-size trucks cost more to maintain than passenger cars. Here is a sample year on Toyota's 5,000-mile oil interval for special operating conditions, with 15,000 miles driven and occasional towing:

Add the periodic items: a transmission drain and fill every 60,000 miles if you tow ($200–$350), coolant service at 100,000 miles, and brake pads and rotors when they wear out.

How to Stay on Schedule

1. Book a service visit every 5,000 miles or 6 months: rotate the tires and inspect the fluid levels, including brake fluid level and condition.
2. Change the oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20, or every 5,000 miles or 6 months if you tow, haul, drive dusty roads, or make repeated short trips below freezing.
3. Replace the engine and cabin air filters every 30,000 miles, and have the transmission checked for leaks at the same visit.
4. Log the long items now: transmission fluid every 60,000 miles if you tow, coolant at 100,000 miles, and spark plugs at 120,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil in a 2014–2021 Tundra?

Toyota's interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20 oil. Toyota's guide shortens it to 5,000 miles or 6 months, regardless of the oil used, when you drive on dirt or dusty roads, tow or carry heavy loads, make repeated short trips below freezing, or idle for long periods.

What oil and capacity does a 5.7L Tundra take?

The 5.7L V8 takes SAE 0W-20 ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil, the viscosity Toyota recommends in the 2018 owner's manual. Capacity with filter is 8.5 quarts, and the 2018 manual gives that same figure for the 4.6L V8 as well.

When should I replace transmission fluid in a Tundra?

Toyota's guide lists an inspection of the automatic transmission for leaks every 30,000 miles. It lists a fluid replacement every 60,000 miles only when the truck is used for towing, with a car-top carrier, or with heavy loads. Under normal use, the schedule has no replacement.

How long do Tundra spark plugs last?

Toyota schedules spark plug replacement at 120,000 miles on the 2014–2021 Tundra. On a V8, expect a shop replacement cost of $300–$500 for labor and parts, with parts-only DIY costs of $60–$140, because a V8 job takes more labor.

Does Toyota schedule brake fluid replacement for the Tundra?

No replacement interval is listed. Toyota inspects the brake fluid level and condition every 5,000 miles at the regular service visit. Replace the fluid if it is contaminated or discolored, or after the system has been opened for repairs; expect $80–$140 at a shop.

How much does Tundra maintenance cost per year?

Plan about $455–$815 per year for routine maintenance at an independent shop if you follow the 5,000-mile oil interval for towing and other special conditions. Transmission fluid, coolant and brake work come on top of that, in the years they fall due.

Track your Tundra's maintenance schedule with Pinion — it loads Toyota's recommended intervals by VIN and sends reminders before each service is due.