general problems of the 2023 Toyota Tundra - part 1

I own a 2023 Toyota Tundra that is part of the major engine recall due to machining debris in the 3. 4l v6 engine. A few days prior to the failure, I called the dealership to raise concerns that the acceleration was starting to not act right. Despite this, while driving at 70 mph on the highway yesterday (may 22, 2026), the engine suddenly failed and died without any prior warning, it is my belief that this is due to the open recall. This created a very dangerous situation as I was traveling at highway speed and could have been rear-ended or lost control of the vehicle. The truck had to be towed to the dealership. The truck now has 33,000 miles. I purchased it used for $49,000 with only 11,000 miles. This is the same known defect Toyota has issued a recall for, yet my engine still failed catastrophically. I am extremely concerned that this failure has caused additional damage to the transmission, drivetrain, or other components. I have completely lost confidence in the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Even after the planned engine replacement, I do not feel safe driving it due to the risk of future failure and the known history of this defect. I am requesting that Toyota provide a full buyback or replacement because this sudden engine failure at highway speeds poses a serious safety risk. Toyota has been notified, but I want this incident officially documented with NHTSA due to the widespread nature of these engine failures in 2022-2023 Tundras.

While driving the vehicle on a public roadway at approximately 70mph, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic powertrain failure without timely warning. The check engine light illuminated, the physical engine oil pressure gauge dropped to absolute zero, and the dashboard immediately flashed a critical "hybrid system malfunction" warning. > this mechanical and electrical failure triggered an instantaneous, total loss of motor power while traveling live lane with traffic behind me. The vehicle immediately stalled and became a completely inoperable, unresponsive rolling hazard. The vehicle failed to restart and left me stranded on a narrow shoulder which was very hazardous as traffic coming at high speeds could have easily rear ended me. The vehicle required a flatbed tow to an authorized Toyota dealership, and after submitting a case with corporate hoping for a trade assist(as my wife no longer feels safe in this chassis), I have been told it will take up to 45 days to process this request. I made a significant investment in this vehicle in January of 2023 and have since methodically kept up with maintenance, with hopes this vehicle would last me 10+ years. I find it highly inexcusable for Toyota to not consider speedily helping a loyal customer in this situation and making it right in a timely manner. I am now being offered a vehicle the same as mine of the current year and with me having to put over 22k in equity to close the gap. I should not be left on the hook for something that put my safety at risk and now has left me without the ability to travel as my family has lost their main method of transportation. Manufacturing defects should not come at the customers expense.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra hybrid’s powertrain design may be insufficient to maintain basic safety maneuvers (specifically "limp mode" or emergency clearing) during an engine failure while operating under high-load conditions in mountainous terrain. This creates a life-threatening hazard for the occupants and other motorists. ?statement of fact: as an owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra hybrid, I primarily utilize this vehicle to tow a 9,000 lbs travel trailer through the high-altitude, steep-grade regions of utah. These routes frequently consist of narrow, two-lane mountain passes with no shoulders and steep drop-offs. ? ?failure under stress: engineering logic suggests that engine stress is highest during heavy towing on steep grades. If a primary engine failure occurs in these conditions, the hybrid system’s battery and electric motor capacity are, in my experience, inadequate to move a combined gross combined vehicle weight (gcvw) of approximately 15,000+ lbs to a safe location. ?while the hybrid system may allow a light, unladen vehicle to limp to a shoulder under "ideal conditions," it lacks the torque and sustained power to move a heavy trailer on a grade once the internal combustion engine is compromised. ?in the event of a failure, the vehicle would likely become "dead in the water" in the middle of a live, narrow lane on a blind mountain curve. Without the ability to reach a turnout or even a marginal shoulder due to the weight of the load, the vehicle becomes a stationary target for other high-speed mountain traffic, posing a severe risk of rear-end collisions and multi-car accidents. ? I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate the performance of the Tundra hybrid’s "fail-safe" modes specifically under maximum towing capacity on grades.

While driving on a two-lane highway at approximately 80–85 mph and attempting to pass another vehicle, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The vehicle lost all propulsion, and steering assist was significantly reduced, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a head-on collision with oncoming traffic. Warning lights including check engine and low power steering illuminated immediately after the stall. The vehicle would not restart for several minutes and was temporarily disabled in the roadway. The vehicle was later inspected by a dealership, which confirmed through diagnostic data that multiple engine stall events occurred at highway speeds. The inspection also identified system-wide electrical voltage drops and multiple communication faults between control modules. The dealership attributed the issue to a loose battery terminal; however, the diagnostic report indicates prior voltage irregularities and multiple affected systems, suggesting a broader failure condition. This incident is consistent with an active safety recall affecting this vehicle, which states that the engine may stall during driving. The failure has not been reproduced since the initial incident, but the vehicle has documented evidence of multiple stall events and remains a safety concern. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Due to the sudden loss of power at highway speed and the inability to safely control or accelerate the vehicle, this issue poses a serious risk to the driver and others on the road.

My 2023 Toyota Tundra hybrid's engine has expired and been confirmed by Toyota dealership and Toyota corporate. They are rebuilding the motor, which is outside of warranty but my specific truck is not on the recall list, therefor I will not get a new motor, but a rebuilt motor. I was put at risk of complete engine failure, leaving me stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to reliable Toyota dealership in springfield, mo who confirmed that I would need a new motor. They opened a case with Toyota corporate, which agreed to a rebuild motor, but not a new motor, as this model is not under the recall. There were zero warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms before the complete failure.

After coming to a complete stop to make a turn, throttle became unresponsive and then engaged. No warning lamps or noises.

Vehicle is subject to two active safety recalls, both listed as “remedy not available. ” one recall involves a potential engine defect related to manufacturing debris, which may result in engine damage and sudden loss of motive power. Manufacturer recall documentation indicates this condition may increase the risk of a stall, particularly under sustained load such as towing or highway operation. A second recall involves reverse lamp failure, which reduces rear visibility and may increase the risk of a crash when backing. No failure event has occurred. However, both safety defects remain unresolved, and no repair or timeline for remedy has been provided. The vehicle is used for towing and hauling, which requires sustained engine load. Due to the risk of engine stall under load and the absence of manufacturer guidance regarding safe operation, use of the vehicle for towing and long-distance travel has been limited. These conditions have been confirmed through manufacturer recall notices. The vehicle has not been repaired because a remedy is not yet available. No warning lights or symptoms have been observed. The concern is based on the nature of the defects described in the recall and the lack of available repair or operational guidance.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v767000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed before the vehicle stalled slow pace and the vehicle stalled. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v767000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

I received recall (Nov 2025) for engine replacement due to safety failure of the engine and Toyota still does not have replacement. Also received recall for reverse lights that are still not avaialble (Feb 2025).

My Tundra has been having lagged throttle after takeoff for a few months now going into 2026. My truck is slightly over 50k miles and did well for the first 40k miles. Last week it went limp and gave a loss of power warning and check engine light came on. Then the very next day a parking brake assist warning came on. I brought it to the dealer and after 4 days they couldn't replicate the warning light but seen that the turbo had failure. They said they could not change the turbo since theres an active engine recall on my truck. My truck is sitting at the dealer with no committed date or fix for when my engine will be replaced. Not sure what to even do as im paying on a truck I cant even drive. Aside from this major issue ive had two window motors replaced and a non working hamstring leg rest motor. They instead offered to sell me a new 2026 which felt sleazy on their part. I will not be staying with my 2023 Tundra if and when I get it back knowing we only get a 1 year warranty and crate engines are already failing. Toyota is treating their faithful clients horribly on this issue they caused. Id go as far as saying this should be part of the lemon law act and more needs to be done.

Component/system failure: the failure involves the engine cooling system, specifically the radiator, fan shroud, and oil cooling lines. The oil cooling lines are improperly routed or positioned, causing them to press against the plastic fan shroud. Over time, this pressure deforms the shroud inward, leading it to rub against the aluminum radiator and create pinhole leaks. The damaged components are available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: this defect poses a serious safety risk due to sudden coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This can result in loss of power, engine failure, and unexpected breakdowns in traffic, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at highway speeds. Reproduction/confirmation: this issue has been widely reported among 2023 Toyota Tundra owners and confirmed through visual inspection by owners and independent mechanics. The consistent nature of the failure indicates a design defect rather than isolated incidents. Inspection history: the vehicle has been inspected, and deformation of the fan shroud along with visible contact and wear on the radiator confirms the issue. Dealerships have acknowledged the condition but refused warranty repairs. Toyota has not issued a technical service bulletin (TSB). Warning signs/symptoms: there are typically no warning lights or messages prior to failure. In some cases, coolant loss or overheating occurs only after radiator damage has already developed. Additional statement: this is a widespread defect caused by improper routing or clearance of oil cooling lines. Despite numerous similar reports, Toyota has not issued a TSB or recall and has denied warranty coverage, leaving owners responsible for repairs related to an apparent design flaw.

This is an engine failure recall and after multiple conversations with my service advisor, I am being told that my "vehicle is not ready for the corrective action at this time". When I ask him what constitutes "being ready", he states that "the engine pretty must has to be dead". My reply, "in other words, I need to be stranded with an inoperable vehicle before Toyota is going to allow a claim submission?" his reply, "yep, that is pretty much it. " so, I am driving a car over mountain passes every weekend, late at night, just waiting for it to die for a known recall, and Toyota is not taking any action. This car only has 37,700 miles on it and it not what I expected out of purchasing a new Toyota.

While operating my 2023 Toyota Tundra trd pro under normal conditions, I started the vehicle and activated standard factory equipment including the seat heaters and window/mirror defrosters. Shortly thereafter, I noticed a slight acrid odor inside the vehicle, which quickly became more pronounced. I drove approximately 200 feet, and immediately returned to my driveway. Upon shutting the vehicle down, I observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood and confirmed smoke and signs of an electrical fire originating in the engine bay. I used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire and then disconnected the vehicle’s battery. No injuries occurred. The vehicle was not restarted and was subsequently towed to an authorized Toyota dealership for inspection. Visible damage is present in the engine compartment, including the main fuse/relay box and associated electrical components. The incident occurred without collision and during normal vehicle operation.

1-2 second period of no throttle response from a rolling stop, then a sudden lurch of acceleration. This happens all the time with my family in the car and its really scary.

Engine started knocking, complete loss of power and had to pull over immediately to avoid any further issues such as an accident.

Driving down the highway at about 50 mph. Went to pass another vehicle and engine shut off. Thank goodness was able to pull to shoulder and get towed to dealer. Could have been a catastrophic situation.

Toyota has recalled vehicles (24v-381) with the exact same motor that I have, but my truck has not been recalled simply because it is a hybrid. Their reasoning is that the hybrid motor will allow you to still move if the internal combustion engine does not work. Many hybrid owners have stated when their motor died they could not move. Toyota needs to include all the motors in this recall, including the hybrid engines. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed.

On my 2023 Toyota Tundra trd pro hybrid at 72,241 miles, the vehicle started making a knocking noise. Engine turned off and wont start at all. Had the truck hauled to Toyota dealership for service. After them having it a week, they called to let me know that the engine is completely locked up. Metal shavings in the oil and motor wont turn over at all, even with a rachet on the crank bolt. Luckily I bought a extended warranty when I purchased the truck used as Toyota is claiming only the non hybrid engines are under the Toyota recall for the engines. After reading and researching they have the same engine just one doesnt have the hybrid assist on it. Toyota told me that the extended warranty company was coming today to check it out and would let me know where to go from here. They said its a very very uncommon issue on the hybrids but after researching that, that was a lie.

There have been multiple times, since owning the vehicle, when there is dangerous throttle lag. I step on the gas to turn and nothing happens for a few seconds. It can be pretty scary when there is a car coming and the truck just rolls for a few minutes before accelerating. It’s become a major safety concern for my family.

Throttle lag happens 2-3 time a day in many instances due to the delay almost causing accidents.

While pulling out into traffic, my truck will suddenly hesitate. It also caused a vehicle to hit me as the truck pulled out into the lane, then suddenly completely lost power. Dealer was unable to replicate. Has happened to me several times when at a stop light. This is slightly safer as traffic behind me is stopped or slowed. It feels like a throttle issue as it completely looses power.

I get random lags in thorttle engagement when starting from complete or rolling stops. When this happens, it behaves like there is a delay between the throttle input and the engine resoponse. Push the throttle to go, and no go, and after a delay of usually part of a second, then it jerks and goes. Most times there is no problem and the throttle responds correctly, but this issue occurs randomly almost every time I drive.

Throttle lagging issues and delayed acceleration.

This has happened to me at least 6-7 times since owning as Jan 2024. Occasionally when stopped at stopped sign or red light, upon releasing brake and pressing gas pedal the engine will stall or stutter causing the vehicle to either hesitate to go and then launch or hesitate and not do anything. This is an issue as it has happened to me when trying to cross a divided highway and it stalling as I'm partially out in the middle of the road.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 25v657000 (back over prevention), 25v322000 (exterior lighting), and 25v767000 (engine and engine cooling); however, parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph in stop-and-go traffic, the engine failed to operate as needed, and the contact was able to coast into a nearby parking lot, where the vehicle became immobile. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed and not received a report from the dealer. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 34,736.

2 recall notices on my 2023 Toyota Tundra has not been repaired yet. 1. Engine recall has not been remedied. 2. Back up camera still not repaired. It's been over 6 month's that my truck has been at the dealer since January 2026 and Toyota still has not made any repairs to the recall. Toyota provides the rent a car, however, I want my truck returned to me. I opened two cases with Toyota for lemon law and they said it is not qualified under the lemon law. 2. A month later, the 2nd case was for Toyota to buy back my truck and they denied it. No reason, no explanation. Please assist me in getting this problem resolved with Toyota. No one has any answers to provide in resolving the recall notices for my truck.

Extreme throttle hesitation, and lag at low speeds. Causes a safety risk when in traffic or starting to stop situations due to the delay between when the driver presses the throttle pedal and when the vehicle moves. Often times the vehicle lunges aggressively. It happens every time you drive it.

I have a 2023 I-force max hybrid and I’m concerned about the non hybrid model engine shares the same engine characteristics and parts use for the I-force max hybrid engine. I want to be on record if I have an engine failure due to debris in Toyota engine manufacturing process for my vehicle. Troy musgrove 4009 robin st bay st louis, ms 39520.

While driving today the engine check light turned on, and the engine turned off (stalled) while in the middle of the road with a good amount of traffic around me. I pulled off to the side of the road and gave the engine a minute. I turned the truck back on again, the engine sounded very rough turning on and rough while driving. After a minute or two of driving, the engine light turned on again, and the engine stopped (stalled) again while in the middle of the road. I stopped this time for two minutes or so and turned the engine on again. I then proceeded to try to make it home, which I accomplished, but the truck's engine sounded rough and with a chattering sound (engine knocking) even when idling. I have received a recall notice letter concerning " certain 2022-2024 model year Tundra vehicles engine may stall during driving. " I possess the letter with the NHTSA recall number and the Toyota recall number. In the letter, it mentions the condition for which it is being recalled. The conditions are as stated in the letter. "machining debris may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced. In the involved vehicles, this can lead to engine knocking, engine rough running, engine no start, and/or a loss of drive power. A loss of drive power while driving can increase the risk of a crash. " my truck has experienced all of the disfunctions that are stated in the recall letter. I would like for Toyota to look into this and remedy this problem before it ends in a major fatal crash or any other unfortunate circumstance. Thank you!.

On December 23, 2025, while driving at highway speeds, I began to hear a loud knocking sound. The sounds increased and a "low oil pressure" warning appeared on the dash. I began to loose power and the knocking sounds increased. I was able to carefully get the truck off the highway and parked to be towed to a local dealership. The loss of power while on the highway put myself and my family at risk due to not being able to keep at speed with traffic, and the possibility of being stuck on the side of a highway if I was unable to make it to the next exit. The vehicle experienced the same symptoms prior to the engine seizing in July of 2025. At that time the vehicle was not included in a recall campaign, and a short block replacement, rather than a complete engine replacement, was completed by Toyota.

This is ridiculous if there’s debris in the engine of a risk for it and risk for the engine to go I want a new vehicle there’s 18k miles on this truck brand new shape and I will be putting my family in this. This is a risk I’m not willing to take. This needs to be bought back.

The hybrid version of the Toyota Tundra uses the same base v35a-derived engine architecture, block casting, bearing design, and oiling system as the recalled non-hybrid vehicles. Toyota has not demonstrated that hybrid engines were manufactured differently or are immune to the defect that prompted the recall. In towing conditions, an internal combustion engine failure creates an immediate safety hazard even if limited electric propulsion remains available. Electric-only operation provides severely reduced power, limited speed, and restricted torque, making highway merging, grade climbing, or maintaining safe traffic flow unsafe while towing. Retaining minimal electric motion does not equate to maintaining safe propulsion under load. Additionally, a catastrophic engine failure may introduce metal debris, oil pressure loss, or thermal imbalance that can compromise shared drivetrain and hybrid coupling components. The presence of an electric motor does not mitigate the underlying defect risk or the secondary damage potential. Toyota’s distinction between hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles appears to be regulatory and financial rather than engineering-based. The same defect risk exists regardless of the hybrid system. I request that NHTSA evaluate whether Toyota’s exclusion of hybrid vehicles is based on actual engineering differences or solely on regulatory interpretation.

Cold morning (between 32-40 degrees) come to complete stop at stop sign. Lag between input and delivery.