2019 Toyota Tundra: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the fuel system, electrical, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 69
- Recalls
- 10
- 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
2019 Toyota Tundra: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
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 2019 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 2019 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 2019 Toyota Tundra, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Fuel system16No crashes
The fuel pump fails. Symptoms include hard cold starts, lost prime, rough running, bogging under acceleration, no-starts, and stalling while driving. Much of this category concerns recall campaign 20V012000: replacement pumps sit on backorder, dealers confirm parts are unavailable, and some owners hear of a national shortage. Several owners with matching symptoms are told their truck is not covered, and one pays for a pump after a tow. A melted pump connector in the tank also appears. Separately, fuel sprays back out of the filler during refueling, even after the charcoal canister is replaced twice.
The engine stalls while driving, often with no warning light, and may not restart, so the truck needs a tow. Other reports describe slow starts and heavy shaking at startup. Dealers diagnose a failed fuel pump, but in most of these reports the VIN is not included in recall campaign 20V682000, and the truck goes unrepaired. Reprogramming the pump serves as a stopgap while the part is on backorder, and the stalling continues. Reported mileages run from about 36,348 to 117,000, with two near 100,000 or above.
Electrical111 crash
A "Trailer Brake Error" or "Trailer Brakes Disconnected" message appears while towing, and trailer braking fails even though the lights still work. One crash report says the truck alone cannot stop the trailer in time. The towing fault often arrives with pre-collision system malfunction messages and sometimes a full dash of warnings for ABS, blind spot, and traction control. Other reports describe false brake alerts, hard automatic braking with nothing ahead, and radar cruise shutting off. Isolated cases include total electrical loss, an engine shutdown that removes power steering, and a melted seat heater module.
Brakes5No crashes
The integrated trailer brake controller fails to detect the trailer or throws errors while towing, leaving the trailer without brakes. A rear brake also drags after a parking brake adjustment at the 5,000-mile service, causing violent shaking, a burning smell, and a hot rear wheel, and the problem returns after the first dealer fix. Rear brake pads soaked with oil from leaking shocks turn up at about 30,000 miles. A missing brake sensor is also mentioned.
Body and structure4No crashes
The bed caves in under a load of wood at about 2,000 miles, the tailgate then fractures, and the body can be pushed in by hand. A sunroof shatters at highway speed with a gunshot-like bang and no debris present, leaving glass shards on the occupants. Smaller complaints cover a chrome hood bulge that keeps blowing off and a concern about crash test ratings.
Airbags33 crashes
Airbags fail to deploy when another vehicle hits the truck's rear side and spins it into a second impact with a guardrail or a truck trailer. All three complaints involve crashes, with 5 injuries in total. These crashes happen at about 45 and 75 mph. No warning lights show beforehand in one case, while every warning light flashes after the crash in another. The third report describes a crash caused by a driver's seizure and does not clearly point to an airbag fault.
Exterior lights3No crashes
Front turn signals are hard for other drivers to see. The incandescent 4157 bulbs get washed out by the LED daytime running lights and sit deep in the headlight housing, and the mirrors have no turn signals. The LED headlights pack with wet snow, which cuts visibility sharply. Low beams are described as lighting little beyond the hood, and a dealer finds them within spec after testing only in daylight.
Steering3No crashes
Missing bolts let the wheel come off the column while driving, after a period of vibration and some looseness following dealer service. A leaking rack also needs replacement, with no recall notice received. Heavy rust on the control arms, sway bars, shocks, and struts gets flagged during a dealer inspection as a loss-of-control risk. In that case the dealer declines to help because the truck is out of warranty, and paid undercoating does not cover it.
Engine2No crashes
Both complaints describe fuel pump symptoms: hard stalling, bucking while driving, hesitation, and little or no acceleration, along with flashing engine and pre-collision lights. A dealer assembles the fuel pump recall repair incorrectly in one report, and gas drips onto the driveway. After a second fix, the truck still feels like its pump is failing. False brake warnings with nothing ahead also show up here.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Tundra owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
The vehicle is vibrating while accelerating and bogging down when the accelerator is depress, causing the car to slow down drastically. Doing research it similar to the issues that the fuel pump were having in the 2019 Toyota tundra recalls. Also at the start of the engine it seems that is bogging and causing the rpm to fluctuate, in some cases car will crank and will not start. I have vídeo prove of this issue and audio when the car is starting
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
One morning, I tried to start my truck, and it would not start. After taking it to Lipton Toyota in Fort Lauderdale, they determined the fuel pump was faulty. Unfortunately, they’ve had my truck for over two weeks and have informed me of a national shortage for Toyota fuel pumps. I have spoken to other dealerships in the area, including those in Kentucky, they are also on back order for these fuel pumps.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2024
2019 Tundra: for no reason or indication the vehicle displayed a “Trailer Break Error” and “Pre-collision System malfunction” warning asking me to pull over if towing anything (nothing was being towed) and to contact the dealership. Vehicle still operational however the menus can’t be seen as the warning is consistent.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2023
PCS ABS 4LO 4HI Brake ABS BSM Traction Control RCTA Warning Triangle christmas tree started. Along with the Precollision System Malfunction, Drive Start Control Malfunction, Blind Spot Monitor Malfuntion, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Trailer Brake Error massages
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
This is the second chrome hood bulge that I've put on it and it keep breaking with the wind and just flys off. Also the collision light will come on by itself.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
How the 2019 compares with other Tundra years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 ranks sixth 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.
- Fuel system1617
- Electrical1115
- Brakes510
- Body and structure43
- Airbags31
- Exterior lights30
Where the 2019 fits in the Tundra's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the 13th 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 (10)
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.
20V682000Fuel systemNov 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 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 assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
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.
19V244000EquipmentMar 2019
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
18V900000EquipmentDec 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Toyota Tundra standard and long bed trucks equipped with a spray-in bed liner. The load carrying capacity modification label may have been incorrectly calculated. If the label is followed, the vehicle may be overloaded. 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 overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota has notified owners, and provided corrected load carrying capacity labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2019. The recall number is J08. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
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.
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