2021 Toyota Tundra maintenance schedule

The 2021 Tundra is part of the XK50 generation (2007-2021), sold as a pickup. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Tundra needs, and when

1 of these 11 items comes from Toyota's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Toyota's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

Service	Interval	Source
Engine oil and filter 5,000 for towing	10,000 mi / 1 year	Independent
Engine air filter	30,000 mi / 3 years	Independent
Cabin air filter	15,000 mi / 18 months	Independent
Tire rotation	5,000 mi / 6 months	Independent
Brake fluid	Inspect, replace as needed	Independent
Engine coolant	100,000 mi / 10 years	Independent
Transmission fluid Inspect/Service heavy towing	Inspect, replace as needed	Independent
Spark plugs	120,000 mi / 12 years	Independent
Serpentine belt	Inspect, replace as needed	Independent
Differential and transfer case fluid (4WD)	Inspect, replace as needed	Independent
12V battery	Inspect, replace as needed	Manufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil: 0W-20, 7.9 qt
Coolant: SLLC
Transmission fluid: ATF WS

Powertrains in this generation

4.6L 8-cyl (1UR-FE), 310 hp, 6-speed Auto, RWD/4WD
5.7L 8-cyl (3UR-FE), 381 hp, 6-speed Auto, RWD/4WD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 Toyota Tundra

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Toyota dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Steering

NHTSA 21E103000

December 2021

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.

Steering

NHTSA 21V920000

November 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 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.

Exterior lighting

NHTSA 21V688000

September 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 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. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.

Other Tundra model years

XK70 (2022-2026)

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

XK50 (2007-2021)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 20202021

Shopping new? The Toyota Tundra guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

support.toyota.com (Manufacturer)
hodgetoyota.com (Independent)

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Tundra for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Tundra earns before you buy it.

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