Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle and steering wheel started shaking. The contact pulled over safely and inspected the vehicle and noticed there was power steering fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as an engine leak. There was initially no warning light illuminated; however, after arriving home, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle in for inspection, the vehicle failed the inspection. The contact was informed that a failure with the air injection pump had been detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
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 major. Need to take apart engine to repair. Major repair. The fix is to replace it with the same material again. Which is subject to deteriorate again. This is a know issue on the 5.7 L engine. Toyota seems to have its head in the sand hoping they shouldn't be forced to recall. However this is a know design flaw resulting in leaking oil on the heat shield. With no Toyota recommended new design or parts repair except to do it all over again and hope it doesn't leak again it's ridiculous. . Terrible design that leaks oil on the heat shield.
Mechanic stated that the secondary air injection system is a common problem in this generation of Tundra.. I have had my check engine light come on 3 different times and addressed each by replacing all the sensors to the secondary air injection system. My mechanic is a Toyota dealer mechanic. My issue is that my car has lost power to accelerate at highway speeds and came close to causing and accident. I am now at my third attempt at replacing now the actual pump. I understand that Toyota has replaced the gooseneck part where the hose is attaches to the pump. This tells me that there was a problem or else why would they change a good thing? Is there a warranty for this part?
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tundra. While driving at approximately 60 MPH, there were flames coming from the fuel lines, the engine compartment, and under the vehicle near the rear windows. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Tundra. The contact noticed smoke coming from the engine. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the cam shaft tower seal was leaking onto the exhaust. The dealer (david maus Toyota, 1160 reinehart rd, sanford, fl 32771) stated that the vehicle was not included in any recalls and did not assist. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 87,000.
My 2013 Toyota Tundra truck ( 74,734 miles) suddenly had engine failure while driving down an incline at 48 MPH. I lost power steering and power brakes. After eventually pulling the wheel with much effort and using the emergency brake I was able to get the truck off to the side of the road. I turned the key and the engine started right away and I was able to drive again but only at a reduced speed of 40 MPH or less ( it's called "limp" mode) my mechanic diagnosed it as a secondary air injection pump failure. Upon investigating this on several Tundra owner message boards, I find that this is a common failure Tundra trucks at around 75000 miles. The Toyota dealer confirmed that this has been a common problem and looked up my VIN number to see if it qualified for a warranty extension program that Toyota has offered for some 2012 and 2013 Tundra trucks. …
I would like your help in assessing the possible danger from an active excessive oil leak from the cam tower on the 2013 Tundra. This relatively new truck leaked oil all over the engine without my knowledge until I brought it in for service. I was told this could have lead to an auto fire and since I am a disabled senior this is terrifying. A brief review of the internet literature shows that this leaking cam tower seal is a common problem and can happen repetitively because of a manufacture defect in the cam tower cover and seals. My question to you is this a common problem and is there really a danger of fire? In short should I think about buying a new truck and is there any investigation taking place at this time. Thank you for your help and assistance at this time.
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 literally tens of thousands Tundra's, sequoia's, etc with the exact same problem. There has been no recall, but Toyota has set up customer support programs (csp's) to reimburse some of those affected by high repair bills $3,000 - $5,000. This was obviously a very poor design by Toyota that's been dumped on their customers. My vehicle is not covered by the csp.
Continuous oil leak from cam tower onto exhaust manifold. Dealer denied the issue even though the signs are very obvious. A call to Toyota to got me no where. They denied the issue like the dealer. There is oil on the engine block and also the exhaust manifold is black from the all of the oil dripping. After driving for awhile the car smells like it's burning. There is a very real potential for fire. The issue appears to be widespread. A quick internet search can find extensive examples. Toyota appears to be reverting to it's old ways and not taking responsibility for serious safety issues.
Engine complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Toyota Tundra, 28% of the model year's 85 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Toyota Tundra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Toyota Tundra, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Tundra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.