2014 Toyota Tundra

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Toyota Tundra through a private sale. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 171,837. After obtaining a Carfax report, the contact discovered that the vehicle mileage was 186,000.

NHTSA ID

11707562

Incident

Dec 29, 2025

Airflow into the hood bulge strained the thinly built brackets causing them to break and subsequently causes the bulge to pop loose when driving.

NHTSA ID

11701075

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

I purchased the truck thinking it had 80k miles it’s was misrepresented by the dealer I got it from in reality it should’ve been 280k miles. I don’t have the money to go after them as I spent it on the truck and timing chains as well as some other repairs. They will likely flee the country if they find out I was to go after them anyway

NHTSA ID

11676819

Incident

May 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Tundra. The contact observed that an object was hanging down from the rear wheel well on the driver's side. The contact inspected and saw that the rear fuel tank strap had rusted and detached from the frame. The contact stated that part of the fuel tank was resting on the skid plate. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID

11672847

Incident

Jun 27, 2025

Mileage

103,000 mi

My Tundra 2014 have vibration during light to hard braking. The vibration can felt in any combination, Steering wheel, seat, and entire vehicle. To can fell over a large or short rang of speed. The truck have a new rotors and New break pads (I change twice in 2 years helps a little bit but not fix the problem). I purchased the truck on 2023 and come with this issue, i tried to many shops and no one can find the problem until i see some complaints for the same problem, this maybe to late, i hope some cam help me please.

NHTSA ID

11671854

Incident

May 1, 2023

purchased a 2014 toyota tundra on Facebook Marketplace from an individual on 4/27/2025 The seller represented the mileage as 88,461 miles, but after reviewing the vehicle history through Carfax/AutoCheck, I discovered that the actual mileage is significantly higher. The odometer appears to have been rolled back. I have filed a police report regarding this fraud and am submitting this complaint to report the tampering. I have supporting documentation including the listing, communication with the seller, and the vehicle history report.

NHTSA ID

11658704

Incident

Apr 27, 2025

Not sure how long the paint has been peeling on the truck, but the truck is immaculate except for the peeling paint. The paint was peeling at time of purchase, and we were told by dealer that it was covered as Toyota had issues with their white paint. After purchase, we were told that Toyota wouldn't cover it. The peeling paint is not localized to one spot but peeling on every panel. It is peeling off the top and all sides. The vehicle has always been stored under cover. We have never had a vehicle peel as this and have inquired with a few body shops that relate it to manufacturer defect and that the entire truck will have to be stripped and repainted to correct the problem. There were several models of Toyotas during 2014 that had the white paint related issues that Toyota corrected. Not sure, why the white paint on the Tundra’s wasn't included as it clearly has the same problems. After internet searching and speaking with dealers, this is a widespread issue. The truck is available for inspection. Peeling paint can pose several safety issues, especially with children. It also will cause premature aging of the vehicle making it more susceptible to rust and deterioration. The problem has been inspected and confirmed with a dealer.

NHTSA ID

11658175

Incident

May 2, 2024

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while comparing the real Carfax to the fake Carfax provided by the private seller, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The private seller also provided a fake vehicle title, which allowed the vehicle to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the original seller of the vehicle confirmed the mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase and registration, the vehicle mileage was 111,000, but it was later discovered that the mileage was 230,000.

NHTSA ID

11653887

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

Mileage

230,000 mi

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.

The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.