Recent Shortage of 2021 Toyota Tundra and Tacoma Trucks May Get Worse and Here is Why

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People are having trouble finding a 2021 Tundra and Tacoma to buy all over the country. Here is the problem and what comes next.

Many people enjoy the process of researching and buying new vehicles. This is a really big purchase and is certainly reason to celebrate once finalized.

However, a recent parts shortage in the automotive industry has been seriously hurting retail volume of your favorite models.

Including Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra.

The Automotive Chip Shortage

There is a massive shortage of computer chips necessary for the production of automobile systems. These may include your car or truck braking systems, power steering systems and even your multimedia systems.

This shortage has been building since COVID began and has been getting progressively worse. Without these valuable chips, your favorite vehicles like Tacoma and Tundra cannot finish being built.

If you have not already seen this “vacant lot phenomenon” in person, I encourage you to visit your local dealerships and look for more empty vehicle inventory spaces than usual.

Not just Toyota dealerships either. Many brands. Everywhere.

You may be shocked at how bare their lot looks.

How long will this last?

I wish I had better news here. I spoke with one Toyota representative today and they expect vehicle inventory to continue diminishing at least over the next four to six months.

Sorry Tundra. Sorry Tacoma. Sorry 4Runner.

Some insiders are predicting this automotive chip shortage will last well into 2022 and potentially beyond.

Hopefully, this situation will have a resolution sooner than later. Key automotive industry leaders recently met with President Biden to discuss the crisis.

One solution may be to have other industries begin producing these necessary computer chips for the automotive industry. If workable, this process may take several months to even begin, though.

What Tundra and Tacoma fans can do next

If you have been planning to buy either a 2021 Tacoma or 2021 Tundra and have decided you want to move forward with a purchase, this is what you should do next.

Contact your favorite dealership and first see if they have what you are looking for on their lot. Or maybe they have a truck with the specs you want coming in the next few weeks. If not, you can order one exactly how you want it.

Either way, I suggest you reserve one and wait for it to come in. This process typically requires you to sign a pricing agreement, a vehicle specifications sheet and leave a deposit. This way, you will have no surprises as far as what you will be paying and what you will be getting.

If you are flexible on exterior and interior colors, or on options and packages, you can let your dealership know what you will accept.

Having multiple colors and options to look for can assist your dealer in finding you a Toyota Tundra or Toyota Tacoma to buy. And it may result in you getting one faster.

Time for your Toyota Tacoma and Tundra comments

What are your observations “at the lot” recently? Have you found a shortage of Toyota or other brands? How is the supply of Tundra and Tacoma and 4Runner where you are?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I discuss potential timeline for next-gen Toyota 4Runner.

READ MORE:
- When you can expect 2022 4Runner
- New update for 2021 Tacoma that can make trips easier.
- How new suspension for 2021 Tundra can affect ride quality and performance.

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Submitted by Jason Howard (not verified) on April 15, 2021 - 12:45PM

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Glad to have read this because I did not realize, but it makes sense. I've been browsing 2021 Tundras and Tacomas for a few months, and central Michigan is very limited. And speaking of limited, the only Tundra models I can find tend to be SR5 Crewmax only. Most dealers in the region only have 2-3 choices of each with very little options. I've been getting frustrated, but now I know there's a reason behind it. I wonder how this will impact the much anticipated 2022 Tundra availability?

Submitted by Jason Howard (not verified) on April 15, 2021 - 12:56PM

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Glad to have read this because I did not realize, but it makes sense. I've been browsing 2021 Tundras and Tacomas for a few months, and central Michigan is very limited. And speaking of limited, the only Tundra models I can find tend to be SR5 Crewmax only. Most dealers in the region only have 2-3 choices of each with very little options. I've been getting frustrated, but now I know there's a reason behind it. I wonder how this will impact the much anticipated 2022 Tundra availability?

Submitted by CA H (not verified) on April 16, 2021 - 1:14AM

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I shopped for a 2021 Tacoma SR5 V6 4WD Access Cab for weeks. As of today ( 4/15/21 ) there are 58 in the entire country. When they hit the lot locally they sell in 24 hours... I bought mine the day it arrived at a local dealer. I've had it exactly 1 month and those 58 that are available now are a minimum $2,000 higher than what I paid. Love driving it by the way.

Submitted by JH (not verified) on April 16, 2021 - 4:06PM

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Carvana has been paying 2020 Tundra owners more than their previous purchase price and are still selling them for 5% over that. I traded in my 2020 Tundra for $5000 more than I paid for it after driving it 8,000 miles for 10 months. And was fortunate to get a 2021 4X2 Tacoma SR5 I wanted at a good price as well.

Submitted by Paulo Tambolo (not verified) on April 22, 2021 - 6:14PM

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On 2/01/2021 my roommate ordered a 2021 4x4 Tacoma Access cab to be built. Was give a build date of 'the month of May', no day specified. Now with the on going chip shortage no one has any further info. Will it still be built at some point in May? They don't know.

Submitted by Walter (not verified) on May 6, 2021 - 4:57PM

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I’ve been trying to buy a 2021 4Runner in the San Antonio area since December. It’s been a frustrating process to say the least. In Mar, one dealership indicated I could order the 4Runner I wanted w/o an obligation to purchase once it arrived. However, it could take 6 to 12 weeks to arrive. I agreed to order the vehicle with one stipulation. If it didn’t arrive by June, I’d rather wait for the 2022 model. Five days ago, they indicated the earliest it would be expected to arrive at port would be around 16 Jun. I declined!!!

Submitted by Dan (not verified) on May 12, 2021 - 10:08PM

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Just sold my 2021 Barcelona Red TRD Off Road with 2600 miles for 4k over what I paid out the door to Carmax. Sold to them as they were 2k higher than the local toyota dealership