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2018 Toyota Tundra Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Toyota Tundra carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering hydraulic power assist system and headlights. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Trailer brake controller disconnects while towing.” 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.

9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #21V688000 · Feb 9, 2021

Issue: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Campaign #20V410000 · Jul 15, 2020

Issue: 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.

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #20V012000 · Jan 13, 2020

Issue: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #18V685000 · Apr 10, 2018

Issue: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #18V711000 · Nov 10, 2018

Issue: 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.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #17V831000 · Dec 20, 2017

Issue: 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.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Campaign #18V122000 · Feb 20, 2018

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Toyota Tundra.

Reported to NHTSA

Trailer brake controller disconnects while towing

SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2024-10

“2018 TUNDRA INTEGRATED BRAKE CONTROLLER INTERMITTENTLY DISCONNECTS TRUCK FROM TRAILER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. TRUCK BRAKES STOP ARE ACTIVATED BUT TRAILER IS DISCONNECTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11339957
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566580
“THE INTRINSIC TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE GAIN COULD NOT BE SET INITIALLY. THE DEALERSHIP COMPUTER SYSTEM COULD NOT DETECT THE PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11056157

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering rack and column failure

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2022-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11473182
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11473568
“Vehicle is having same exact issues as recall 21TH01 but toyota says it's not under recall. Vehicle is currently at the dealership and is being repaired because it is not safe to drive with the steering issue. Dealer agrees that it should be covered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450114

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure causing stall or no-start

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2026-04

“FUEL PUMP. I was driving at highway speeds of about 70mph when I suddenly lost propulsion but the truck was still running. I had cars behind me and coming from the front. I shifted to neutral and back to drive to see if that would fix it and nothing changed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11653612
“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11499372
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11583132

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Pre-collision system false warnings and phantom braking

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

33 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2023-11

“PRE-CRASH SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, WITH NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY, AT TIMES IF A VEGICLE PASSES ME ON EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT SIDE, THE CRASH WARNING BEEPED AND BRAKES APPLIED, NOTE: NO ONE IS IN FRONT OF ME, THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11122895
“THE AVOIDANCE COLLISION RADAR CAN BE INTERMITTENT. SOMETIME, IT DETECTS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, THEN STOP WORKING AND MY TRUCK WILL ACCELERATE TOWARDS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11141691
“TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE SENSORS RANDOMLY MALFUNCTION AND FLASH FALSE WARNING LIGHTS. MY TRUCK WILL TELL ME TO BRAKE AND BEEP ALARMS AT ME EVEN IF NOTHING IS IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11187332

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

SRS airbag system malfunction warning

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-06

“WHILE DRIVING MY 2018 TUNDRA SR5 A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON SAYING " SR5 AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. I KNOW IT WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BACK IN 2018 BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON THAT RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11341363
“Vehicle never been crash or hit by other car, but is showing problem with the air bag system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742842
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553095

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlight recall parts unavailable

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2022-03

“The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, both front headlights would intermittently go dim without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V688000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445044
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11458218
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11450180

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Heated seat element overheating or fire

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-02

“Seat back on driver side caught fire burn 2" x 2" hole in the seat back”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11717903
“Heated seat element and module burnt”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700087
“The drivers side front seat. The heated seat over heats. The seat left a quarter size blister on my right side buttocks”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503029

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

30 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 2018 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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