NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 100 owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Tundra. Most complaints involve electrical system (26) and service brakes (22). The EPA rates it 14–16 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Tundra model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1,026 |
| 2001 | 421 |
| 2002 | 511 |
| 2003 | 411 |
| 2004 | 466 |
| 2005 | 377 |
| 2006 | 545 |
| 2007 | 390 |
| 2008 | 327 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 156 |
| 2013 | 85 |
| 2014 | 93 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 120 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 100 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 432 |
| 2023 | 412 |
| 2024 | 349 |
| 2025 | 141 |
“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.”
“The vehicle was having issues with the fuel pump which was a known safety recall for the 2018 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The service man said that when he pulled up the safety recall for our VIN number that it didn't show anything, but we needed a new fuel pump according to the service codes that were coming up after inspection. They made us pay for the fuel pump before we left the dealership. The vehicle was too dangerous to drive without having the work performed (getting stalled out or stuck on the highway) so we had to pay for the work. Toyota said that I could file a complaint with NHTSA to get my vehicle added to this recall and then try again for reimbursement. I have the repair paperwork if needed to support this claim.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tundra 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 554 |
| Tundra 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $4,000 | 568 |
| Tundra 2WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Tundra 4WD FFV Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 604 |
| Tundra 4WD Auto (S6), 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 615 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (26), service brakes (22), fuel/propulsion system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Toyota Tundra at 14–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Toyota Tundra 4 out of 5 stars overall.