2018 Toyota Tundra Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 26 1 crash 2 fire

“I PURCHASED A 2018 TOYOTA, TUNDRA TRUCK IN 1/2018. ON 3/5/19 AT APPRX 8 AM. I ASSUME AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BENEATH THE CENTER CONSOLE. WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, ON MY DRIVEWAY, AROUND 8 AM, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE THE TOYOTA.THE FIRE COULD NOT BE EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER AND CONTINUED TO GROW AND ONLY AFTER A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED WAS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED. THE FLAMES HAD CONSUMED THE PLASTIC IN THE CENTER CONSOLE TO THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT. THE FIRE HAD RUN ALONG THE SAME PATH THAT THE WIRE RUN WHICH COULD BE VISUALLY SEEN. WE TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE A DISTANCE FROM A BUILDING BUT COUL…”
NHTSA complaint #11205585, 2019 · fire

“I PURCHASED A 2018 TOYOTA, TUNDRA TRUCK IN 1/2018. ON 3/5/19 AT APPRX 8 AM. I ASSUME AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED BENEATH THE CENTER CONSOLE. WHILE AT A STANDSTILL, ON MY DRIVEWAY, AROUND 8 AM, A FIRE STARTED INSIDE THE TOYOTA.THE FIRE COULD NOT BE EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER AND CONTINUED TO GROW AND ONLY AFTER A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS USED WAS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED. THE FLAMES HAD CONSUMED THE PLASTIC IN THE CENTER CONSOLE TO THE AUTOMATIC GEAR SHIFT. THE FIRE HAD RUN ALONG THE SAME PATH THAT THE WIRE RUN WHICH COULD BE VISUALLY SEEN. WE TRIED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE A DISTANCE FROM A BUILDING BUT COUL…”
NHTSA complaint #11205583, 2019 · fire

“PRE-CRASH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY, AT TIMES IF A VEGICLE PASSES ME ON EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE, THE CRASH WARNING BEEPED AND BRAKES APPLIED, NOTE: NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF ME, THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, SINCE THE INITIAL RECALL FOR UPDATES, MY PRE-CRASH SYSTEM INTICATES ITS ON, HOWEVER, ITS NOT WORKING, YESTERDAY AT ABOUT 2:15 PM ON 8/27/2018 IT FAILED AND I HIT SOMEONE IN THE REAR AND SPEED UNDER 10 MPH, I WAS TOLD BY FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF SANFORD NC SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY HAVE HAD SOME THAT WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11122895, 2018 · crash

Service Brakes 22 2 crash 1 injury

“ON A QUICK HARD BRAKING..APPLIES BRAKE THEN WITHOUT LIFTING BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE THE. TRUCK AUTOMATICALLY RELEASES IT AND SLIDES FORWARD SOME DISTANCE...THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION...THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE BEFORE....THIS TIME RAN INTO A TURNING VEHICLE”
NHTSA complaint #11173636, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“PRE-CRASH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY, AT TIMES IF A VEGICLE PASSES ME ON EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE, THE CRASH WARNING BEEPED AND BRAKES APPLIED, NOTE: NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF ME, THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, SINCE THE INITIAL RECALL FOR UPDATES, MY PRE-CRASH SYSTEM INTICATES ITS ON, HOWEVER, ITS NOT WORKING, YESTERDAY AT ABOUT 2:15 PM ON 8/27/2018 IT FAILED AND I HIT SOMEONE IN THE REAR AND SPEED UNDER 10 MPH, I WAS TOLD BY FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF SANFORD NC SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY HAVE HAD SOME THAT WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11122895, 2018 · crash

“This case results from the malfunctioning trailer brake ECU on 2018-2019 Tundras. There is a Toyota service bulletin T-SB-0036-19, which specifies an updated controller to replace the defective model. Part # : Original 89547-0C020 Update/replacement 89547-0C060 Toyota will not replace this defective part outside of the original warranty period despite the issuance of an updated replacement part. The service bulletin wasn’t even issued until 4/19 possibly giving no recourse to owners whose warranty had tolled. The newer part number, suggests this was a dangerous defect that was upgraded. A…”
NHTSA complaint #11619193, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 16

“Sometimes the engine will randomly turn off while driving and become hard to restart like it’s not getting fuel.”
NHTSA complaint #11730736, 2026

“When starting up my truck in the morning there is rough idle that cause truck to sputter and sound horrible. It eventually smooths out but I believe the computer needs flashing. When I look online some have a recall for the engine 3UR-FBE / 2018 Toyota tundra, but when I put in my vin # it shows no recall and throws off check engine light Code. Also my radar sensor that it on for cruise control is showing up on dash please contact dealer and flashing. They have replaced this before with recall and now it’s acting up again. Also traction control is lighting up I. The dash as well blinking al…”
NHTSA complaint #11713547, 2026

“The vehicle was having issues with the fuel pump which was a known safety recall for the 2018 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The service man said that when he pulled up the safety recall for our VIN number that it didn't show anything, but we needed a new fuel pump according to the service codes that were coming up after inspection. They made us pay for the fuel pump before we left the dealership. The vehicle was too dangerous to drive without having the work performed (getting stalled out or stuck on the highway) so we had to pay for the work. Toyota said that I could file a complaint with NHTSA to…”
NHTSA complaint #11708037, 2025

Vehicle Speed Control 14

“All of a sudden the pre-collision system malfunctions and stops working and the lights go on in the dashboard and then causes the cruse control to stop working as well. I took it to Toyota and they stated they did not know what the cause of it would be.”
NHTSA complaint #11473617, 2021

“VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING A LEFT REAR SPEED SENSOR AND SPEED SENSOR WIRE WAS BROKEN DUE TO A PIECE OF PLASTIC PART CAME SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. HAVE ALL KINDS OF LIGHTS COME ON DASHBOARD AND FLASH ON AND OFF, UNTIL SENSOR IS REPLACED WITH NEW AT AN ASTRONOMICAL RATE, WHICH CANNOT BE REPLACED AT THIS TIME. FEEL THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE, AS THE WIRE IS JUST HANGING THERE, ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL UNDERNEATH AND SHOULD BE FIXED AND ATTACHED SOMEWHERE ELSE, WHERE IT IS NOT LESS LIKELY TO BE PULLED OR DISRUPTIVE ON THE FUTURE, BY OTHER VEHICLES LIKE MINE…”
NHTSA complaint #11376084, 2020

“DRIVING AT 45MPH COMMING UPON AN EMPTY INTERSECTION WITH A STOP LIGHT. BRAKES CAME ON AND WARNINGS FLASHED YET NOTHING IN FRONT OF ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11194181, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 13 1 crash

“PRE-CRASH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY, AT TIMES IF A VEGICLE PASSES ME ON EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE, THE CRASH WARNING BEEPED AND BRAKES APPLIED, NOTE: NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF ME, THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, SINCE THE INITIAL RECALL FOR UPDATES, MY PRE-CRASH SYSTEM INTICATES ITS ON, HOWEVER, ITS NOT WORKING, YESTERDAY AT ABOUT 2:15 PM ON 8/27/2018 IT FAILED AND I HIT SOMEONE IN THE REAR AND SPEED UNDER 10 MPH, I WAS TOLD BY FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF SANFORD NC SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY HAVE HAD SOME THAT WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11122895, 2018 · crash

“THE BLUETOOTH SIGNAL (PHONE CALLING) KEEP DISCONNECTING. THE DEALER, TOYOTA OF SEATTLE TRIED TO FIX 4 TIMES AND THEY REPLACED THE UNIT LAST TIME BUT I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY KEEP BLAMING ON APPLE IPHONE.”
NHTSA complaint #11352417, 2019

“DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE FOLLOWING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH SOME OF THEM FLASHING AND LOUD BEEPING SOUND, ALSO DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING ERRORS ON THE CENTER LCD. LIGHTS: ABS, BRAKE, 4LO, 4HI, HAZARD TRIANGLE, BSM, TRACTION CONTOL, RCTA. WARNING MESSAGES: DRIVE START CONTROL MALFUNCTION, VISIT YOUR DEALER. BLIND SPOT MONITOR MALFUNCTION, VISIT YOUR DEALER. TRAILER BRAKE ERROR, IF TOEING COME TO A SAFE STOP WITH MANUAL CONTROLS, CONTACT DEALER. REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT MALFUNCTION, VISIT YOUR DEALER. WHEN THIS HAPPENED I PULLED OVER TO A STOP, PLACED THE TRUCK IN PARK AND TURNED IT O…”
NHTSA complaint #11244700, 2019

Unknown Or Other 13

“Factory Trailer Brake Controler failed nearly causing collision I was pulling a RV that is over 5 thousand pounds when not loaded we were loaded with holding tanks full when I needed to stop had to go into next lane to avoid collision”
NHTSA complaint #11451616, 2022

“THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM. VEHICLE TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEM NOT WORKING”
NHTSA complaint #11383302, 2020

“COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM ENGAGED RANDOMLY WITH NO KNOWN CAUSE AT LOCATION TRAVELED ON A FREQUENT BASIS. AT BETWEEN 40-45MPH ON A SUNNY DAY AT TEMPERATURE IN UPPER 60'S AND A LOCATION THAT I TRAVEL MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK, THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM ENGAGED ON THE DASH BOARD. THERE WERE NO CARS, GUARD RAILS, TREES OR OTHER MAJOR METAL OBJECTS ON OR NEAR THE ROAD AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. TOYOTA SERVICE MGR INDICATES THAT THERE WAS NO DATA LOGGING OF THE EVENT AND TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE; INDICATES THAT WITHOUT 'EVIDANCE', THEY CANNOT MAKE A REPAIR. HOWEVER, THE EVIDENC…”
NHTSA complaint #11186833, 2019

Engine 11

“Doesn’t want to start very good and throws misfire codes and turns off trailer breaks and precollsion sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #11636256, 2024

“This is the second occurrence of "rodent" damage eating engine wires. The first incident cost me $2,000. This has now occurred again. There is something "maybe soy based" or environmentally friendly materials that are attracting rats, and mice to cause engine damage by eating essential wiring and sensors, causing a fire risk, and highway safety risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11631769, 2024

“Cam tower is leaking oil. I was told by the dealership that the oil is dripping onto the exhaust and could cause a fire! The truck is five years old with only 35000 miles on it! Apparently the sealant that is supposed to hold the cam tower together can start leaking oil! But I didn't expect it to leak with this new of a truck and this low of miles! I got on line and apparently this is happening quite a bite on tundras!”
NHTSA complaint #11534858, 2023

Forward Collision Avoidance 8 1 crash

“PRE-CRASH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY, AT TIMES IF A VEGICLE PASSES ME ON EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE, THE CRASH WARNING BEEPED AND BRAKES APPLIED, NOTE: NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF ME, THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, SINCE THE INITIAL RECALL FOR UPDATES, MY PRE-CRASH SYSTEM INTICATES ITS ON, HOWEVER, ITS NOT WORKING, YESTERDAY AT ABOUT 2:15 PM ON 8/27/2018 IT FAILED AND I HIT SOMEONE IN THE REAR AND SPEED UNDER 10 MPH, I WAS TOLD BY FRED ANDERSON TOYOTA OF SANFORD NC SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT THEY HAVE HAD SOME THAT WAS OUT OF CALIBRATION AND TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11122895, 2018 · crash

“When starting up my truck in the morning there is rough idle that cause truck to sputter and sound horrible. It eventually smooths out but I believe the computer needs flashing. When I look online some have a recall for the engine 3UR-FBE / 2018 Toyota tundra, but when I put in my vin # it shows no recall and throws off check engine light Code. Also my radar sensor that it on for cruise control is showing up on dash please contact dealer and flashing. They have replaced this before with recall and now it’s acting up again. Also traction control is lighting up I. The dash as well blinking al…”
NHTSA complaint #11713547, 2026

“The pre collision system malfunction - visit dealer warning light came on 11/15/23 Diagnosed by dealer on 11/23/23 as "pre collision radar sensor is not good" Cost paid to diagnose the problem $412.53 Estimated cost to replace the sensor and recalibrate the system $1,112.40 Total cost $1,524.93 This part should be recalled as it has negatively effected the safety of over 500,000 vehicles. It should be fixed FREE OF CHARGE as stated by the manufacturer in its letter sent o…”
NHTSA complaint #11556902, 2023

Air Bags 5 1 crash 4 injury

“The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 65mph, he was involved in a head-on collision with an unknown vehicle. The driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was provided medical attention. The occupant of the front passenger seat sustained a sternum injury and medical attention was provided. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle w…”
NHTSA complaint #11485713, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Was rear ended while at a stop in traffic. Was pushed into another truck in the front and ricochet back and was hit again by the car that hit me. After everyone came to a stop my dashboard information center stated the SRS Airbag System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer. My truck was totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11553095, 2023 · 2 injury(ies)

“Vehicle never been crash or hit by other car, but is showing problem with the air bag system”
NHTSA complaint #11742842, 2026

Exterior Lighting 4

“Toyota corporate as well as Toyota of Kirkland Washington failed to inform me of an open recall associated with my 2018 Toyota tundra pertaining to possible engine fire due to electrical failure in headlight assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #11458218, 2022

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V688000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11448778, 2022

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V688000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not yet available. The contact called another local dealer Mike Shaw Toyota (3232 I-69 Access Rd, Robstown, TX 78380, (361) 238-8080) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about driving the…”
NHTSA complaint #11450180, 2021

Steering 4

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while making a turn she heard a squeaking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred while pulling out the parking spot and she heard a loud snap which caused the vehicle to lose control. The contact was unable to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer stated that the vehicle needed a new steerin…”
NHTSA complaint #11473568, 2022

“I had the same issue as in recall 21TH01. Had to have my Rack and Pinion replaced June 2022. Although my steering rack was not one of the "affected" units, I have seen another 2018 had to have its rack replaced one month before I had mine replaced. This is a major safety issue, if a steering rack goes bad, a complete loss of steering could occur, imagine going down a mountain when your steering rack gives out, serious injuries or death.”
NHTSA complaint #11473182, 2022

“Vehicle is having same exact issues as recall 21TH01 but toyota says it's not under recall. Vehicle is currently at the dealership and is being repaired because it is not safe to drive with the steering issue. Dealer agrees that it should be covered.”
NHTSA complaint #11450114, 2022

Seats 3 1 fire

“Seat back on driver side caught fire burn 2" x 2" hole in the seat back”
NHTSA complaint #11717903, 2026 · fire

“The drivers side front seat. The heated seat over heats. The seat left a quarter size blister on my right side buttocks. I do have a case number with Toyota. The vehicle has been inspected by one of Toyota’s field agents. I'm still waiting on the results. I can provide you with all of the complete details. My contact information. Email [XXX]/ Telephone number [XXX] “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11503029, 2022

Structure 3

“Front Upper Grille Hood Scoop becomes loose and flys off during highway speeds and can distract a driver to the point of having an accident. Has been replaced once and is loose again held down by duck tape.”
NHTSA complaint #11743578, 2026

“The upper grille and hood trim assembly on my 2018 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition failed and partially detached from the vehicle due to apparent mounting clip and retainer failure. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Photographs of the damage and detached trim assembly have been documented. This failure created a significant safety risk because the panel could have fully detached while the vehicle was in motion and become a roadway hazard to other motorists. The detached component also created concerns regarding possible interference with the front grille assembly and T…”
NHTSA complaint #11736050, 2026

“The truck under frame is rusting a lot in spots near welds.”
NHTSA complaint #11698312, 2025

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while her husband attempted to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the re…”
NHTSA complaint #11697861, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,877.”
NHTSA complaint #11499372, 2022

Power Train 2 1 crash 1 injury

“I was inspecting the vehicle for an extended warranty company the issue was the transmission. I was in the process of inspecting the vehicle when I was installing the Blue Diver to retrieve the stored codes in the system when I leaned in to turned the accessory key the vehicle started in gear and drove froward. Causing the left front door to close on me from the lift.”
NHTSA complaint #11592291, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“emissions control pump and valves.it is available for inspection. Truck would only reach 60 mph. pressing the accelerator further causes the truck to slow down. yes dealer diagnosed parts that need replacing. Not inspected by manufacturer or others. see dealer for service light would shine at engine startup for two weeks prior to this problem. I don't know if this pertained to this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11450271, 2022

Tires 2

“3 of 4 tires LT285/75/R20 have consistant cracks around the sidewall of the tires rubber showing small shining metal strips”
NHTSA complaint #11635451, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Dueler, Tire Size: 275/55/R20, DOT Number: (N/A). The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was a rumbling from the vehicle for five seconds, then the rear driver’s side tire detached. The contact pulled over and replaced the detached tire with the spare. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11434483, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 1

“I was driving on the highway and as I was entering an exit, I heard a loud bang like a shot gun blast. I was on my way back to work from lunch, so I pulled into my office's parking lot. I look at my vehicle's dash display screen to see if a tire had blown. I exited my vehicle and walked around, but didn't notice any damage. Later that afternoon on my way home I heard wind whistling in the vehicle, I checked my windows, but they were all closed. I then opened the sun screen and that is when I noticed a huge hole in the center of my sunroof. The center of the sunroof had blown out.”
NHTSA complaint #11463327, 2022

Wheels 1

“OEM Valve stem broke off on two tires at the same time causing possible collision due to abrupt loss of air.”
NHTSA complaint #11484054, 2022