2018 Toyota Tundra Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Toyota Tundra, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance2720.8%
- Electrical2620.0%
- Brakes2317.7%
- Fuel system1813.8%
- Engine118.5%
- Airbags53.8%
- Steering43.1%
- Exterior lighting43.1%
- Interior & seats32.3%
- Body & structure32.3%
- Powertrain (other)21.5%
- Tires & wheels21.5%
- Other / unspecified10.8%
- Visibility10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 out to dealers under the Special Service Campaign KOB (Remedy Notice)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 review of this matter online details this problem has frequently occurred. The reason it’s not more commonly reported is that a minority of Tundra owners tow trailers, and even fewer tow with electric brakes. Regardless, this is a significant safety issue where the Tundra owners are forced pay about $1,100 to repair this defective part. This matter should be elevated to a recall since losing the functionality of one’s trailer brakes is a very dangerous situation.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 review of this matter online details this problem has frequently occurred. The reason it’s not more commonly reported is that a minority of Tundra owners tow trailers, and even fewer tow with electric brakes. Regardless, this is a significant safety issue where the Tundra owners are forced pay about $1,100 to repair this defective part. This matter should be elevated to a recall since losing the functionality of one’s trailer brakes is a very dangerous situation.
I am having problems with the integrated brake controller constantly disconnecting when pulling any type of trailer. When ever I pull a trailer I never know when the controller will disconnect and I'll lose brakes on my trailer. This happens at any speed while towing. This seems to be a thing for 2018 tundras, as I've read about many other complants.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sometimes the engine will randomly turn off while driving and become hard to restart like it’s not getting fuel.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Doesn’t want to start very good and throws misfire codes and turns off trailer breaks and precollsion sensors.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle never been crash or hit by other car, but is showing problem with the air bag system
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 steering column, and clockspring spiral cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 50,000.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 vehicle and a possible fire. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Seat back on driver side caught fire burn 2" x 2" hole in the seat back
Heated seat element and module burnt
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
3 of 4 tires LT285/75/R20 have consistant cracks around the sidewall of the tires rubber showing small shining metal strips
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
OEM Valve stem broke off on two tires at the same time causing possible collision due to abrupt loss of air.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .