2018 Toyota Tundra: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, fuel system, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 94
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes reported
- 4
- 6 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2018 Toyota Tundra: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/4
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Tundra is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Toyota Tundra. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 16 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 14–15 mpg |
| 5.7L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD | 15 mpg |
- The 2018 Toyota Tundra was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Tundra that averages well under the EPA 14 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Toyota Tundra, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical261 crash
Pre-collision system faults make up most of these reports. Warning lights come on, the system shuts itself off, and radar cruise stops working. Some trucks show this before 500 miles and keep doing it after dealer updates. Trailer brake errors often appear at the same time, and towing owners lose trailer brakes partway through a trip. Service bulletin T-SB-0036-19 calls for an updated controller, but owners say Toyota won't cover it after the warranty ends. Headlights dim under recall 21V688000, and parts were slow to arrive. A parked-truck console fire and a low-speed rear-end crash are also reported.
Fuel system13No crashes
The fuel pump fails. Trucks stall at idle or while accelerating, lose power at highway speed with the engine still running, or crank without starting. Most owners say no warning light came on first. Mechanics found a melted electrical connection in one pump and a pump melted to the tank in another. Many owners describe symptoms that match the fuel pump recall, but their VINs are not covered, so they paid for the repair. One truck past 90,000 miles was turned down. Other owners received a recall notice and waited months for a fix.
Brakes91 crash
Trailer brakes cut out while towing. The integrated brake controller disconnects at any speed, so the truck brakes alone have to stop the trailer. Owners report smoking tires, and dealers say they have no fix. False pre-collision and brake warnings also keep coming back, even after a sensor was replaced 3 times. A few reports describe the service brakes themselves: a soft pedal with a fluid leak, a pedal that sank to the floor at about 14,531 miles with no cause found, and hard braking that let go and caused a crash with 1 injury.
Acceleration and cruise control8No crashes
Radar cruise control and the pre-collision system brake hard at highway speed with nothing ahead. Cruise also cancels without warning, and one owner was nearly rear-ended by a semi when that happened. Other trucks lose track of the car ahead and accelerate toward it. Moist weather seems to trigger faults, and trailer brake error lights often appear at the same time. Problems show up early, with reports at about 1,500 and 2500 miles. Dealers say they cannot fix it, and some owners have to stop and restart the truck to clear the warnings.
Stability control6No crashes
Most reports filed here describe the pre-collision system, not stability control. The warning light comes on at startup and goes off after a few minutes, more often below 40F. Other trucks warn the driver to brake with nothing nearby. One truck failed to stop at 35 mph at about 7,800 miles. Dealers often can't reproduce the faults. One owner waited a long time for parts for recall 18V122000, and then the dealer refused the repair because of the truck's age. Bluetooth calls that keep dropping after a unit replacement are also filed here.
Airbags41 crash
A head-on collision at about 65 mph ended with no deployment, and both front occupants were hurt. Other trucks show an SRS malfunction warning, one after a rear-end crash and one during normal driving on a truck that was not part of the 2018 recall. One recall notice says the truck did not meet federal occupant crash protection and side impact standards. That owner had no authorized dealer nearby and was told only an authorized dealer could do the repair.
Engine4No crashes
Oil seeps from the cam tower, and dealers warn it can drip onto the exhaust and cause a fire. Reports put the leak at 35,000 and 66,000 miles, and owners say dealers call it a known issue but offer no help. Rodents chewing through engine wiring and sensors is also reported, twice on the same truck, with the first repair costing $2,000. Another truck starts poorly and throws misfire codes that shut off the trailer brakes and pre-collision sensors.
Steering4No crashes
The column or rack fails. Some trucks squeak while turning, then a loud snap leaves the driver unable to steer, and the dealer calls for a new column and clockspring spiral cable. Other owners report the same symptoms covered by recall 21TH01, but their racks are not on the affected list, so the rack gets replaced without recall coverage. A thump from the left side at startup is also reported, and dealers can't reproduce it.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Tundra owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
While driving, multiple warning lights come on and multiple warnings scroll on the dash. Transmission shifting becomes irregular, hard, slipping, pre-collision alert fails, adaptive cruise control fails, ABS system deactivates. I know of this occurring on multiple other Toyota vehicles as well. This has happened three times and only resolves when battery is disconnected. Weeks or months goes by and it recurs.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2022
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.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2022
Vehicle shut off while driving, had to push vehicle to the side to prevent traffic, vehicle would not start after that. Towed it home and had a mechanic look at it. Read codes for a failed fuel pump and also tested by opening fuel rail and cranking the engine, no fuel was coming out. Read online that multiple people have failing fuel pumps with the same vehicle. Dealer says there are no open recalls associated with my vin.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
The vehicle has had no other fuel issues and has always been kept up on maintenance at the Toyota dealership. Recently we had issues after getting gas and it stalling. Today after closer inspection the dealership called to say it was the fuel pump. The fuel pump has melted to the gas tank. This is obviously a huge fire and safety risk. There are no after market parts that would cause this.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
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.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
How the 2018 compares with other Tundra years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 ranks fourth for owner complaints among 8 Tundra years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical2613
- Fuel system1317
- Brakes99
- Acceleration and cruise control89
- Stability control60
- Airbags41
Where the 2018 fits in the Tundra's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2018 is the 12th model year of the Tundra's second generation (2007–2021).
It includes the 2014 update.
What changed for 2014
- Larger grille
- Redesigned tailgate and tail lights
- Completely redesigned interior
Recalls to confirm (9)
Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
21E103000SteeringDec 2021
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.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V920000SteeringNov 2021
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.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
21V688000Exterior lightsSep 2021
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.
Risk: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
20V410000Exterior lightsJul 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".
Risk: If the turn signals or hazard lamps do not flash brightly enough, other drivers may fail to see that the turn signal or hazard lamp functions have been activated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB12/20TA12.
20V012000Fuel systemJan 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
18V711000EquipmentOct 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The accessory all-weather floormats may have been counted twice when creating the load carrying capacity modification label, resulting in the capacity modification label incorrectly overstating the additional weight by 10 pounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: Since the incorrect label is not within 1% of the additional weight, the vehicles are not compliant with the FMVSS.
Fix: All vehicle owners will be sent a corrected label. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0Z.
18V685000ElectricalOct 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check. If this occurs, the ECU may not deploy the airbags as intended, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 214, "Side Impact Protection.".
Risk: If the air bags do not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0X. Note: 18V-122 was superseded by this recall. The software remedy also includes the updates to the software for 18V-122.
18V122000Stability controlFeb 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles. Electrical interference within the power supply circuit may cause the vehicle's electronic stability control system to be deactivated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems.".
Risk: Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system can increase the risk of a crash in certain conditions.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0H. Note: This recall has been superseded by 18V-685. The software remedy for 18V-685 includes the updates to the software for this recall.
17V831000EquipmentDec 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.
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