What the Toyota Tundra VIN decoder shows
On a used Tundra, the engine matters more than ever. 2022–2024 trucks with the gas twin-turbo V6 are part of a large engine recall, while hybrid i-FORCE MAX trucks are not. Our decoder shows:
- Generation and model year: 1st (2000–2006), 2nd (2007–2021) or 3rd (2022–present).
- Cab style: Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab or CrewMax.
- Engine: 3.4L or 4.0L V6, 4.6L, 4.7L or 5.7L V8, 3.4L twin-turbo V6 or i-FORCE MAX hybrid.
- Drivetrain: 4x2 or 4x4.
- Assembly plant: San Antonio, Texas, or Princeton, Indiana.
- Open safety recalls: any recall on record with NHTSA for that exact VIN.
Toyota Tundra generations in the US
| Generation | US model years | Cabs | Main US trims |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd gen | 2022–present | Double Cab, CrewMax | SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, Capstone |
| 2nd gen | 2007–2021 | Regular Cab (to 2017), Double Cab, CrewMax | SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro (from 2015) |
| 1st gen | 2000–2006 | Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab (from 2004) | Base, SR5, Limited |
Good to know: there is no V8 in the 3rd-generation Tundra. Every 2022-and-newer truck has a 3.4L twin-turbo V6, with or without hybrid assist.
Which Tundra do you have? Models and engines
A badge can be changed or removed. The VIN cannot. Compare what the decoder shows with this table:
| Engine | US model years | Output |
|---|---|---|
| i-FORCE MAX 3.4L twin-turbo V6 hybrid | 2022–present | 437 hp, 583 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic |
| i-FORCE 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (V35A) | 2022–present | 348–389 hp, 10-speed automatic |
| 5.7L V8 (3UR-FE) | 2007–2021 | 381 hp, 401 lb-ft; the only engine for 2020–2021 |
| 4.6L V8 (1UR-FE) | 2010–2019 | 310 hp |
| 4.7L V8 (2UZ-FE) | 2000–2009 | 245 hp (2000–2004), up to 282 hp (2005), 276 hp (2007–2009) |
| 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) | 2005–2014 | 236 hp, 270 hp from 2011 |
| 3.4L V6 (5VZ-FE) | 2000–2004 | 190 hp |
The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is standard on TRD Pro and Capstone and available on Limited and higher trims.
How to read a Toyota Tundra VIN
Every Tundra has a 17-character VIN. Here is an example:
5TF LA5DB 7 N X 123456
Example VIN for illustration only.
| Characters | In this VIN | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 · WMI | 5TF | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (truck). |
| 4–8 · Vehicle descriptor | LA5DB | Toyota’s codes for the cab, engine, series, drivetrain and restraint system. |
| 9 · Check digit | 7 | A calculated value that confirms the VIN is valid. It can be a number from 0 to 9 or the letter X. |
| 10 · Model year | N | The model year: N is 2022. |
| 11 · Plant code | X | The Toyota assembly plant. |
| 12–17 · Serial number | 123456 | The unique production number of that vehicle. |
Tundra WMI codes and plants
| WMI | Built by | Which Tundra |
|---|---|---|
5TF | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas | Tundras built in San Antonio, Texas, the only Tundra plant since 2008. |
5TB | Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana | Tundras built in Princeton, Indiana: the 1st generation and early 2nd-generation trucks. |
Source: NHTSA vPIC (5TF and 5TB = Toyota, truck).
Toyota Tundra model year codes
The 10th character shows the model year:
| Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y | 2000 | 9 | 2009 | J | 2018 |
1 | 2001 | A | 2010 | K | 2019 |
2 | 2002 | B | 2011 | L | 2020 |
3 | 2003 | C | 2012 | M | 2021 |
4 | 2004 | D | 2013 | N | 2022 |
5 | 2005 | E | 2014 | P | 2023 |
6 | 2006 | F | 2015 | R | 2024 |
7 | 2007 | G | 2016 | S | 2025 |
8 | 2008 | H | 2017 | T | 2026 |
i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX: why it matters
The 2024–2026 engine recalls for machining debris cover 2022–2024 Tundras with the gas i-FORCE twin-turbo V6. Hybrid i-FORCE MAX trucks are excluded. Both engines look the same from the outside, so decode the VIN to see which one the truck has, then check whether the recall repair was done.
Toyota Tundra recalls
Recalls are issued for specific VINs, so two Tundras of the same year can have different results. Repairs for safety recalls are free at any Toyota dealer, even if you are not the first owner. Important Tundra campaigns include:
- Engine machining debris (2024–2026): about 102,000 2022–2023 Tundras with the gas V35A twin-turbo V6 were recalled in May 2024 because debris can cause main bearing failure, knocking, stalling or a no-start; the remedy is a new engine. The recall was expanded in November 2025 to 2022–2024 trucks.
- Rear cross-member corrosion (2009): 2000–2003 Tundras were recalled because the rear frame cross-member can rust, letting the spare tire drop, damaging brake lines or the fuel tank.
- Accelerator pedal (2010): 2007–2010 Tundras were part of Toyota’s accelerator pedal recalls.
- Ball joints (2012): 2004–2006 Tundras were recalled for front lower ball joint wear.
- Rearview camera (2025–2026): some 2022–2025 Tundras were recalled because the backup camera image may not display.
Enter the VIN above to see every recall on record for that exact vehicle and whether it is still open.
Common Toyota Tundra problems by generation
These are issues that owners and mechanics often report. They don’t affect every vehicle, but they are worth checking on a used one:
| Generation | Often reported | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd gen (2022–) | Main bearing failures on the gas twin-turbo V6 (2022–2024), covered by recall | Engine recall status by VIN, knocking or warning lights |
| 2nd gen (2007–2021) | Secondary air injection pump failures on 2007–2010 trucks (Toyota extended coverage); rare camshaft failures on early 2007 5.7L | Check-engine light, air injection repair records |
| 1st gen (2000–2006) | Frame and rear cross-member rust on 2000–2003 trucks (Toyota replaced frames until April 2012) | Frame and cross-member condition, recall 09V-444 record |
How to verify a TRD Pro, Capstone or i-FORCE MAX
Top trims and the hybrid cost much more, and badges are easy to add. To check:
- Decode the VIN and read the engine and trim it returns.
- Compare them with the badges and the listing.
- A real TRD Pro or Capstone (2022–present) has the i-FORCE MAX hybrid.
- If the VIN shows the gas i-FORCE engine on a truck sold as a hybrid, it is not one.
Where to find the VIN on a Toyota Tundra
- Dashboard: on the driver’s side, visible through the lower windshield.
- Driver’s door pillar: on the label on the B-pillar when the door is open.
- Documents: title, registration and insurance card.
Buying a used Toyota Tundra: checklist
- The VIN on the dashboard, door pillar and title all match.
- The cab, engine and drivetrain from the VIN match the listing.
- No open safety recalls, especially the engine recall on a 2022–2024 gas Tundra.
- No salvage, flood or rebuilt title brand, and odometer readings that go up steadily.
- On a 2000–2003 Tundra, check the frame and rear cross-member for rust.
- Look for signs of heavy towing or off-road damage under the truck.
- A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust.
Before you buy, run a full vehicle history check to see title brands, accidents, odometer readings and past sales, or see a sample report.
Options and window sticker
The VIN shows the model, engine, drivetrain, plant and year. Packages, paint color and dealer-installed accessories are stored in Toyota’s build record, not fully in the VIN. A Toyota dealer can look them up by VIN.
Toyota Tundra VIN FAQs
Where is the VIN on a Toyota Tundra?
On the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, and on the label on the driver’s door pillar. It is also on the title, registration and insurance card.
What does a Toyota Tundra VIN start with?
Tundras built in San Antonio, Texas, start with 5TF. Older trucks built in Princeton, Indiana, start with 5TB.
How do I know which Tundra generation I have?
Check the model year (10th character). 2022 and newer is the 3rd generation, 2007–2021 is the 2nd and 2000–2006 is the 1st.
Is my Tundra part of the engine recall?
The machining-debris recall covers 2022–2024 Tundras with the gas twin-turbo V6, not the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Enter the VIN above to see if your truck is included and if the repair is done.
Does the new Tundra have a V8?
No. Since 2022 every Tundra has a 3.4L twin-turbo V6. The last V8 Tundra is the 2021.
Does my Toyota Tundra have an open recall?
Enter the VIN at the top of this page. We check NHTSA records and show any recall that applies to that exact vehicle.
Is the Toyota Tundra VIN decoder free?
Yes. Decoding the specs and checking recalls is free with no sign-up. A full vehicle history report is a separate paid option.
Other Toyota models
See all codes in the Toyota VIN decoder.
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Sources: NHTSA (VIN standards, WMI codes and recalls) and Toyota model information. Recall data updated October 8, 2026. HistoryByVIN is not affiliated with Toyota. Toyota and the Toyota logo are trademarks of their owner.