2007–2021 Toyota Tundra: Oil leak at the rear of the engine (5.7L cam tower)
Likely causes, ranked
- Cam tower sealant seep (towers resealed)$2,500–$5,500Shop
- Valve cover or timing cover leaks mistaken for cam towerShop
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
Rough cost: $2,500–$5,500DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
- Cam tower sealant seep: Amazon · RockAuto
- Valve cover or timing cover leaks mistaken for cam tower: Amazon · RockAuto
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Symptom: Oil residue at the back of the cylinder heads, a burning-oil smell, or drips on the exhaust.
Likely causes
- Cam tower seal. Tundra owners report seeps from the sealant between the cam towers and heads. The repair is labor-heavy.
Rough cost range
| Repair | Reported |
|---|---|
| Cam tower reseal (dealer) | About $2,500–$5,500 reported |
DIY or shop?
Shop.
Useful steps
- Confirm the source with a dye test.
- If it's a slow seep, monitor it.
- Fix it if oil drips onto the exhaust.
Vehicle focus: 2007–2021 Toyota Tundra.
Safety / mechanic note
Oil dripping on hot exhaust can start a fire. Verify with a mechanic.
Recalls & service bulletins
No recalls or service bulletins are listed for this page yet.
NHTSA complaints: 40 keyword-matched complaints (of 1,876 unique complaints filed under NHTSA model names TUNDRA, TUNDRA CREW CAB, TUNDRA DOUBLE CAB, TUNDRA REGULAR CAB, 2007–2021; NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.