RoadVitals

2018 Toyota Tundra

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
99
Latest Jun 11, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Dec 23, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 99 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Toyota Tundra, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and brakes categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 227 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Dec 23, 2021
151 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 21TH01View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM; STEERING:RACK AND PINION

Nov 23, 2021
22,462 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
The risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 21TB10 / 21TA10View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Sep 2, 2021
158,489 units potentially affected
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
The risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 21TB06 / 21TA06View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structure
Filed Jun 11, 2026

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 ID
11743578
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
Airbags
Filed Jun 8, 2026

Vehicle never been crash or hit by other car, but is showing problem with the air bag system

NHTSA ID
11742842
Incident
Mar 18, 2026
Body & structure
Filed May 6, 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 Toyota Safety Sense components located behind the grille area. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or other electronic warnings indicating a problem. There were also no visible signs of impact damage or collision that would explain the failure. The condition appears to have occurred during normal vehicle operation. The vehicle currently has approximately 76,900 miles. After researching the issue, I identified multiple reports from other Toyota Tundra owners describing similar failures involving the upper grille garnish, mounting tabs, and retaining clips on this generation of Tundra vehicles. At this time, the issue has not yet been formally inspected by Toyota, law enforcement, insurance representatives, or an independent repair facility. Dealer confirmation is currently UNKNOWN. However, based on visual inspection, the mounting clips and retainers appear to have failed under normal operating conditions.

NHTSA ID
11736050
Incident
May 6, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Apr 13, 2026

Sometimes the engine will randomly turn off while driving and become hard to restart like it’s not getting fuel.

NHTSA ID
11730736
Incident
Feb 1, 2026
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 13, 2026
Fire reported

Seat back on driver side caught fire burn 2" x 2" hole in the seat back

NHTSA ID
11717903
Incident
Feb 10, 2026
Driver assistanceElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 27, 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 along with all these codes.

NHTSA ID
11713547
Incident
Jan 26, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Dec 31, 2025

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 get my vehicle added to this recall and then try again for reimbursement. I have the repair paperwork if needed to support this claim.

NHTSA ID
11708037
Incident
Dec 26, 2025
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 18, 2025

Heated seat element and module burnt

NHTSA ID
11700087
Incident
Nov 17, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

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.

T-TT-0790-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.

T-SB-0058-23 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

T-SB-0039-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Toyota Tundra by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026221048.0
20251274057.4
202431410057.8
202338313059.4
202241813056.1
2021233052.7
2020455058.1
20197210057.6
2018Viewing999058.3
2017786157.0
20161196155.9
2015485160.0
2014925153.6
2013846155.8
20121544154.2
201113411050.2
201016316052.4
20093813047.4
200832613054.0
200738914053.7
200654513361.9
200537414563.7
200446513663.1
200339910465.2
20024826361.2
20014155157.6
20001,0117156.2
1999110

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.