Brake Light Problems of Toyota Tundra

The vehicle's third brake light assembly has melted holes all the way through the internal plastic structure above the both cargo lamp bulbs. After investigating this problem on the internet it is apparently very common problem. There are also previous complaints filed with the u. S. Department of transportation, addressing the same issue. My concern is of fire and/or failure of the third brake light. This is a safety problem that Toyota has not addressed.

See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

The cargo/center high mount brake light housing melted above each cargo lamp. The plastic housing melted and dripped down on to the bulbs, causing the bulbs to crack and become inoperative. The fuse protecting the cargo lamp circuit did not blow, causing concern that there may be a fire hazard.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Brake lights on the dash board did not appear/ or no warning signs at all that brakes is not totally working and we almost had an accident.

See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Last week I purchased a 2003 Toyota Tundra limited 4x4 from a used car dealer. After getting the vehicle home (8. 5 hours away), I noticed the left side cargo light (exterior next to the 3rd brake light) was burned out. When I removed the lens to determine the light number needed for replacement, I found the housing to be melted. Upon inspection, the bulb was the recommended bulb by the manufacturer. My concern is that this is a manufacturer defect that could cause a fire in the vehicle. I can provide photos of the housing and the bulb if required.

Stop lamp socket failure. At 1st the bulb would stay in the socket and would only fall out every six months or so. In the last 1/2 year the bulb would fall out at least once a month. Most of the time the bulb would fall out and end up laying in the lense casing and could be plugged back in and still work. This is a reoccuring problem in the Toyota Tundra. They had a recall for the 2002 model Tundra for the exact same problem. That recall # was ssc-y01. I went to the dealer and the plug was totally cut off and replaced. The repair was covered under extended warrenty but with a $50 deductable that I had to pay. My service man did not know anything about the 2000 recall, but another service man indicated to me that is was a problem in previous years and gave the 2000 recall information above. I called Toyota and they would not do anything. The exact wording for 2000 ssc-y01 Tundra stop lamp recall said the following " the plastic bulb socket in certain rear combination lamp (includes stop lamp) may not have been molded properly in certain 2000 model year tundr's. This could cause a reduction of bulb retension force in use. In the worst case, the bulb could fall out of the socket resulting in an inoperative stop lamp. " this is exactully what occurred with my stop light bulb. What they do not indicate is the worest thing could happen would someone could rear end you since the lights are not working which could be fatal. You make the call.

See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Tundra 🔎.

Failure results in inoperative trailer lighting/signals/brake lights which is hazardous.

See all problems of the 2000 Toyota Tundra 🔎.