2016 Toyota Tundra Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 13%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,450miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2016 Toyota Tundra, 13% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,450 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving at night, the activation of turn signal intermittently shuts off headlights. To re-energize headlights I have to manually switch the headlight switch from auto to on. This is very disturbing and dangerous while driving at night in rural areas. I am hoping someone addresses this with Toyota, since if they can't replicate the issue they send you home!”
NHTSA complaint #11306597, filed 2020-02, 32,000 miles“The headlights and interior dash lights randomly turn off when using the blinker. I have owned this truck for 3 months now and it has happened on four different occasions. I cannot replicate this issue on my own.”
NHTSA complaint #11311602, filed 2020-02, 30,000 miles“I have a serious safety concern regarding the lack of daytime vehicle instrument illumination on my new 2016 Toyota Tundra (while driving, stationary and on all roads) during the day. As an elder adult who wears sunglasses to protect their eyes (on the recommendation of the medical profession) the dash board (specifically the speedometer indicator) is barely discernible. Even without sunglasses the instrument panel is very dark. …”
NHTSA complaint #10926116, filed 2016-11, 100 miles“When engaging turn signal, all lights extinguish momenatarily. This is an intermitten and happens at random, but not constant. The first time I noticed was early morning before sun rise I was in a turning lane at a red light stopped, engaged left turn signal and all lights went dark. The next time I was attempting to merge and engaged turn signal in traffic all lights went dark. I searched the internet forums to find this is a common occurence with Tundra platinum and 1794 models. My vehicle has no modifications and all lighting is factory installed.”
NHTSA complaint #11279237, filed 2019-11, 30,900 miles“Bought new 2016 Tundra limited 11/16/2015 and noticed that dash lights do not come on during daylight hours unless parking lights or headlights are on. In the off/drl position or the auto position no dash lights. When I called Toyota help line I was told that this change was made because if the driver can see the outline of the numbers on the gauges they do not need to be illuminated. He could not offer any reason for changing this standard feature. Other than not seeing the gauges sharper and clearer one safety defect is present. …”
NHTSA complaint #10809604, filed 2015-12, 10 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10116436Jul 27, 2017Southeast Toyota Accessory LED Fog & DRL 2 in 1 light inoperative. Provide Accessory lamp diagnostics and manufacturing date inspection information.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 4% |
| 2024 | 34 | 10% |
| 2023 | 20 | 5% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 8% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% |
| 2018 | 4 | 4% |
| 2017 | 17 | 22% |
| 2016 | 15 | 13% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 9 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2016 Toyota Tundra
34 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Toyota Tundra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology