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2013 Toyota Tundra Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Toyota Tundra carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Secondary air injection pump and valve failure.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Campaign #17V311000 · Nov 5, 2017

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles accessorized with Southeast Toyota accessory 20-inch Rockstar wheels installed by Southeast Toyota or a Southeast Toyota dealer. The Rockstar wheels were installed with lugnuts that may crack and detach.

Risk: Lugnuts that crack and detach may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install new replacement lugnuts, free of charge. The recall began June 23, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET17A.

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Campaign #14V429000 · Jul 16, 2014

Issue: Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Toyota Tundra vehicles modified by GST as part of certain vehicle packages to be equipped with a combination of non-Toyota-brand 20-inch alloy wheels and chrome plated lug nuts. The coating on the lug nuts may give, causing the lug nuts to loosen or the wheel studs to fracture.

Risk: If the lug nuts loosen, or the wheel studs fracture, the wheel may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GST will notify owners, and dealers will replace 20 lug nuts and torque them to specification, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Campaign #13V014000 · Jan 16, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Risk: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #13V123000 · Sep 4, 2013

Issue: Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #21V920000 · Nov 23, 2021

Issue: 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.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #21E103000 · Dec 23, 2021

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Toyota Tundra.

Reported to NHTSA

Secondary air injection pump and valve failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2024-03

“AIR INJECTION PUMP AND VALVE HAS A HISTORY OF FAILURE IN TOYOTA TUNDRAS.. THEIR WAS A RECALL UP UNTIL 2011 ON TUNDRAS. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 9 MONTHS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO PRICE LEBLANC TOYOTA IN BATON ROUGE LOUISIANA , AND TO REPLACE THESE PARTS AND LABOR IS GONNA BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003412
“CRANKED TRUCK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. UPON COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS, FIND OUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM - STUCK AIR INJECTION CONTROL VALVES. AFTER VISITING TWO SHOPS AND TALKING TO TWO MORE I FIND OUT THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM. THERE ARE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11091738
“TRUCK STOPPED EXCELLERATING. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD IT WAS IN SAFE MODE DUE TO THE AIR INJECTION VALUES HAD WATER IN THEM. IT WILL COST $2336.00 TO FIX IT. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208786

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Flex-fuel ECU calibration and fuel economy loss

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2019-09

“TOYOTA DEALER AND TOYOTA TECHNICAL SUPPORT ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH T-SB-0058-13. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 3 MONTHS OR SO THAT I HAVE TAKEN MY 2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA IN FOR THIS FIX. FUEL ECONOMY DROPS ON AVERAGE OF 30-40%. TOYOTA REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11076846
“INCREDIBLY POOR MILEAGE DUE TO DEFECTIVE FLEX FUEL ENGINE. I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA CREWMAX 4X4 FLEX FUEL THAT IS EPA RATE FOR 13/17. I HAVE BEEN CONSISTENTLY AVERAGING 7.4 MPG CITY UNDER VERY LIGHT THROTTLE. FOLLOWING A TOYOTA CORPORATE ESB I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10514077

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering rack power steering fluid leak

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2023-05

“I TOOK MY 2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA IN FOR A ROUTINE 55,000 MILE SERVICE AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE STEERING RACK IS FILLING WITH FLUID AND I COULD HAVE IT SIEZE UP ON ME WHILE DRIVING. I PURCHASED ALL WARRANTIES GOOD UNTIL 2020 BUT THEY FEEL THIS DESIGN FLAW SHOULD BE COVERED BY ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11051621
“I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT WHEN MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. I CHECKED THE FLUID AND THE FLUID LEVEL WAS LOW. I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE AND DELIVER IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. WHILE LOADING THE TRUCK, A SEAL POPPED ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10554809
“Steering has gone out twice in 2 months. Rack and pinion had to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519744

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt buckle latch failure

SEAT BELTS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2022-08

“Plastic piece and spring have ejected from the seat belt receiver and now the receiver does not latch on to the seat belt when it is inserted into the receiver (driver side but could happen to any/all). The seat belt no longer buckles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479628
“I HAVE ONLY 34,800 MILES ON MY 2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA. THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT IS ALREADY SHOWING SEVERE WEAR (WITH FRAYING) ON THE BELT, AND THE SEAT BELT LATCH IS ALSO LOSE AT IT'S MOUNTING POINT ON THE DRIVERS SEAT FRAME. THE WHOLE LATCH ASSEMBLY "CLUNKS" WHEN I PULL ON IT, OR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10870416
“MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT CONNECT AND UPON INSPECTION 2 PIECES INCLUDING A SPRING FELL OUT OF IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10778916

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel horn failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-07 → 2025-10

“THE TRUCK HORN DOES NOT WORK WHEN PRESSING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WILL WORK WHEN THE PANIC BUTTON IS PRESSED. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, A FRIEND OF MINE, AND HE BELIEVES IT NEVER WORKED. MY BROTHER HAS A SIMILAR TUNDRA 2014 MODEL AND HIS HORN HAS STARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10889387
“HORN STOPPED WORKING ON STEERING WHEEL. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS TRUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11181478
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that the horn failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was provided an estimate for”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691813

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cam tower seal oil leak onto exhaust manifold

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2022-11

“AT ONLY 64000 MILES MY 2013 PLATINUM TUNDRA HAS A CAM TOWER LEAK. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11204080
“CAM TOWER GASKETS (RIGHT AND LEFT) LEAKING @ 25,000 MI/5 YEARS ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING SMOKE AND A FIRE HAZARD. TRUCK WOULD NOT PASS MAINE STATE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THE OIL LEAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11064189
“Cam tower leaks oil on the heat shield below it. Cam tower uses rtv rubber seal instead of a gasket. The rubber deteriorates and the cam tower leaks engine oil on the heat shield. Not clear why Toyota used form in place rubber material instead of real gasket. Repair however is”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11493283

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1, or 10,000 miles under Schedule 2. Toyota covers the first 2 oil changes through ToyotaCare.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends rotation at every oil change to maximize tire life on FWD and AWD models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 5,000 miles. Toyota recommends measuring pad thickness at each service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 36 months. Critical for the integrity of the ABS, VSC, and brake assist systems.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Earlier under Schedule 1 if driven on unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Toyota labels ATF as 'lifetime fill' on most automatics, but recommends inspection and replacement every 60,000 miles under severe service. Use Toyota WS or Type-IV — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Toyota iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated for 120,000 miles. Earlier replacement reduces fuel economy and can cause misfires on direct-injection engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC)

Every 50,000 mi

Toyota SLLC (pink): first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it will damage the cooling system seals.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

53 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

4

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Toyota Tundra reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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