I Ditched My 2021 Ford F-150 For This Toyota Tundra, Now All My F-150 Repair Problems Are Fixed Forever, Goodbye, I’m Out (Now, How About That Tundra?)

See why one fed-up owner claims the only way to "fix" his Ford F-150 forever was to trade it in for a brand-new Toyota Tundra. Is he trading one problem for another?

A recent post by Steve Betts on the Ford F-150 Owners Facebook page, which I found while researching, highlights the extreme frustration some owners are feeling over ongoing reliability issues. Betts announced to the group that he had finally "fixed" his 2021 F-150 repairs forever, not by taking it to the mechanic, but by trading it in for a brand-new 2025 Toyota Tundra. What would you do?

Steve Betts says goodbye to the F-150 group. He says, 

"I just got all my 2021 Ford F-150 2.7L STX repairs fixed forever. I bought a 2025 Toyota Tundra. Good luck, y'all. Goodbye, I'm out."

So, now, I ask, how about that new Tundra?

The "Fix" That Cost $60,000: Leaving the F-150 Behind

When Steve Betts posted, "I just got all my 2021 Ford F-150 2.7l STX repairs fixed forever. I bought a 2025 Toyota Tundra, Good luck y'all," it resonated with a specific segment of the truck community. I have been immersed in the automotive industry for over 30 years, and I've seen this sentiment cycle between brands for decades.

However, the recent spike in 2021 Ford F-150 2.7L STX reliability issues has pushed many loyalists to the brink. The 2.7L EcoBoost is generally regarded as a stout engine, often more reliable than the 3.5L, but the surrounding components, specifically the 10-speed automatic transmission and electrical gremlins, can turn ownership into a nightmare.

For many owners, it isn't just the mechanical failure; it is the dealership experience. I recently reported on a similar frustration: a Ford F-150 owner fights a $1,500 dealer bill for snapping turbo bolts and says, "My Ford F-150 warranty repair became a nightmare." When you combine mechanical uncertainty with poor service support, switching from Ford F-150 to Toyota Tundra starts to look less like a betrayal of the brand and more like a survival strategy for your wallet.

Is The Grass Greener Over at Toyota?

Steve's move to the 2025 Tundra is a bold bet on Toyota's legendary reputation, but is that reputation still intact for the third-generation Tundra? The 2025 model year is pivotal. The 2022-2024 models suffered from significant teething pains, including the infamous main bearing failure recall. However, by buying a 2025 model, Steve is likely bypassing the worst of the manufacturing debris issues that plagued the early V35A engines.

Yet, Ford owners leaving the Blue Oval need to be aware that the Tundra is not without its own modern complexities. In another investigation, I detailed how a 2024 Ford F-150 with 2K miles has had eight different electrical issues. Now, after 60 days, four dealers, and a buyback, he's switching to a Ford Bronco. While that owner stayed with Ford, the sheer volume of electrical faults in modern trucks is a plague across the industry, not just confined to Ford. The 2025 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE engine reliability has improved, but the complexity of twin-turbocharged systems means strict maintenance is non-negotiable.

The Powertrain Gamble: EcoBoost vs. i-FORCE

The core of this debate lies in the powertrain. Steve's 2.7L EcoBoost was a potent, compacted graphite iron block engine. His new Tundra sports a 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6. Both rely heavily on forced induction. The difference often comes down to the transmission. The common Ford F-150 10-speed transmission problems, rough shifting, gear skipping, and failure, are the number one complaint I hear from readers. Toyota's 10-speed is not immune to issues, but user reports suggest it behaves more predictably in daily driving scenarios once broken in.

However, do not assume the Tundra is bulletproof just because of the badge. I wrote a report in which a 2024 Tundra Owner says, "Toyota Should Be Scared Someone Will Sue For an Accident Due to Them Knowing the 2022-2025 models have a High Chance of Motor Failure."

While the 2025 model year should feature the updated engine internals free of machining debris, the Toyota Tundra V6 twin-turbo engine recall history is something every new buyer must keep in mind. Steve is safe if his VIN falls outside the affected range, which all 2025s should, but trust is earned, not given.

My Recommendation

If you are like Steve and looking for a long-term full-size truck ownership costs solution, here is my advice:

• Verify the Build Date: If you buy a Tundra, ensure it is a late 2024 or 2025 build to avoid the engine recall population entirely.
• Don't Ignore Maintenance: Modern turbo engines punish negligence. 10,000-mile oil change intervals are for leasing; 5,000-mile intervals are for owning.
• Test Drive for Transmission Feel: Before signing for a new Ford or Toyota, drive it cold. Most 10-speed clunking happens in the first 15 minutes of operation.

Even with a reliable truck, service matters. I recently covered a service horror story where an owner took his 2025 Toyota Tundra to the dealer for the 10K Service, and says, "I'll never leave the lot before checking. There was oil all over the engine bay, and a huge puddle under the truck." A careless lube tech can ruin the best truck in the world.

Key Takeaways

1. The "Permanent Fix": Trading a problematic truck is often the only way to escape recurring "lemon" issues like transmission failures or electrical demons.
2. Model Year Matters: The 2025 Tundra is safer than the 2022-2023 models when it comes to engine failure risk, making it a smarter buy today.
3. Transmission Anxiety: The Ford F-150 vs Toyota Tundra reliability comparison often favors Toyota simply because the Tundra's transmission programming tends to be smoother, even if both have 10 speeds.
4. Due Diligence: Always check the driver's door jamb for the manufacturer's date. You want a truck built after the engine debris containment fixes were implemented at the factory.

Let's Hear From Tundra and F-150 Owners

Here is what actual owners are discussing regarding the 2025 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX hybrid and F-150 reliability on social media:

• "I hate that they chose to have the hubs lock without vacuum... The issue is literal programming! The fix is allowing enough time for the vacuum to build up BEFORE locking the system out!" Reddit user SicOne22 is discussing F-150 IWE grinding issues.
• "My 24 has 25k, no problems. My buddy's 22 has 85k with no problems, and they just offered him an engine replacement. It's being done now." Reddit user TunaWiggler, on the Toyota engine recall experience.
• "I've got a 2018 2.7 Super Crew cab STX with almost 70k miles and I've had zero problems with it... I'd buy it again in a heartbeat." Reddit user 4f150stuff offers a counterpoint that the 2.7L can be reliable.

In The End

Steve Betts made a drastic move to secure his peace of mind, and for many frustrated Ford owners, the 2025 Tundra represents a fresh start free from the specific gremlins of the 2021 F-150 era. While no truck is perfect, moving to a late-production 2025 Tundra avoids the early recall headaches. It offers a robust alternative to the Blue Oval's struggles, provided you stay vigilant with maintenance.

We Want To Hear From You

Would you trade your F-150 for a Tundra to escape repair bills, or do you think the new twin-turbo Tundra has too much to prove? Let us know in the comments below.

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

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Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Steve Betts- Facebook