Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1)Over 60 MPH with new tires the vehicle pulses & shakes on front end, checked alignment everything OK per Mechanic. Just started to occur 2)Bluetooth when on iPhone will at any time cut out guaranteed to occur when using at any time been occurring for 2 + years. 3)Trailer brake warning light (Idiot light) comes on dashboard does not recommend trailering due to electrical issue. occurring for 2+ years Bought vehicle used in 2017 with 13k on Truck now 2024 has 91K on truck love the truck but zero recalls for any of the above?
The trailer brake controller went out. It does not supply electronic braking and the truck no longer recognizes the controller on the dashboard. Multiple on line chats and forums, along with my trailer provider, show awareness of this defect. Online individuals learned of the issue during emergency stopping. This appears to be known and wide spread.
Bought a used 2016 Tundra, unaware of the massive problem they have with their intergrated brake controller, i feel they need to do something about this or reimburse the buyer for buying a aftermarket one to replace the factory unit. Its a very unsafe problem when pulling a trailer, I love the truck otherwise but this issue needs fixed.
I purchased a new trailer to pick up my new tractor. I tested the trailer brakes knowing I was pulling a large load and didn't want an accident. The brakes appeared to apply but due to it not being loaded when testing I had it set to 5(out of 10). While pulling it back home on the interstate towing my tractor behind me there was traffic stopping ahead. I always drive in the right lane to not slow others...thank god I did. I had to drive off the road onto the shoulder to miss hitting or driving over cars ahead of me! The brakes turned up to 10 did nothing to even slow me down. I was towing 4 tons and 3 tons for the truck totaling 7 tons, someone would've been killed! Toyota needs to fix these trailer brakes! I can't tow my tractor anywhere for work due to the brakes being unsafe!
I recently bought a travel trailer and, after reading the manual, was setting up the integrated brake controller (heretofore referred to as the ibs). I was following the user manual supplied with my truck when I purchased it new step-by-step. I eventually had the gain set to "10" and was still not getting proper braking pressure from the trailer. I got out, checked all connections, restarted the truck and tried again; same issue. I connected a friends tekonsha p3 through my trucks ibc cable (using his cable adapter) and tried again without a problem. This confirms it's not a trailer or wiring issue. I reconnect the ibc and restarted the truck, trying again; same issue. I took it to the dealer and they shrugged their shoulders, said they saw before with no resolve, and suggested I buy an aftermarket brake controller, too. …
The factory supplied OEM brake controller does not function properly, and is a significant safety issue. The current design or software is too conservative, and does not provide sufficient power to trailers with electric brakes. I have towed my new trailer with new brakes several times, and the result is consistent. With the brake controller set at full power, the actual trailer braking is minimal, therefore forcing the vehicle to provide some of the braking force. This works in controlled situations on level ground. But, in the mountains or emergency stopping, this represents a safety issue where I do not feel that the vehicle and trailer will be safely stopped without incident. A friend of mine has the exact same vehicle with the exact same issue. A simple internet search will reveal hundreds of similar complaints. This issue started with the 2015 model year. …
The drivetrain on my 2016 Toyota Tundra are not allowing the wheels to rotate freely. Additionally, the wheels are locking up on the truck. On 6 dec, I picked up my Tundra from the dealership's service depart after having the rear differential repaired. The vehicle started to drive sluggish. As I neared my home, I tried to test the 2wd and 4wd functions of the vehicle. I attempted to test the repair that was done. The wheels on the vehicle started to have problems rotating freely and locking up. While in 4wd the vehicle would not move. It appeared as if the breaks were locked on the vehicle. Four days later, the vehicle still drives sluggish. While driving at speeds of 45mph, I would take my foot off the accelerator and the vehicle would almost come to a complete stop on its own. Currently the vehicle acts like it wants to drive in 4wd low and high mode. …
Integrated brake controller (ibc) on a 2016 Toyota Tundra fails to adequately stop a trailer fitted with electronic drum brakes. When the brake controller is in the electric brake mode, I get very little braking with the ibc maxed at level 10 on the gain control. I can manually stop the trailer using the manual squeeze levers and the brakes stop the trailer and truck, but provides very little braking when using the brake pedal. The trailer pushes the truck creating a very dangerous situation. If I put the brake controller in the electric over hydraulic brake mode, the brakes work by the brake pedal but grab instantly at only a gain level of (1.5). The trailer brakes have been tested and work as expected with an aftermarket brake controller. Toyota's ibc, as noted by several other owners, on many websites are not performing as expected when towing a trailer. …
Integrated trailer brake controller not functioning correctly. In electric mode, no power setting (1-10) is able to get the trailer brakes to lock up when the truck brakes are applied. This is a crucial test to calibrate the trailer brakes before going on the road, and demonstrates that the output signal from the brake controller isn't sufficient to stop the truck/trailer combo in an emergency situation. The trailer brakes are able to lock up with certain settings if you manually activate the trigger, demonstrating that the controller not only has the ability to lock up the brakes, but that the trailer itself isnt the problem. The programming of the controller is suspect.
Integrated trailer brake controller not functioning correctly. In electric mode, no power setting (1-10) is able to get the trailer brakes to lock up when the truck brakes are applied. This is a crucial test to calibrate the trailer brakes before going on the road, and demonstrates that the output signal from the brake controller isn't sufficient to stop the truck/trailer combo in an emergency situation. The trailer brakes are able to lock up with certain settings if you manually activate the trigger, demonstrating that the controller not only has the ability to lock up the brakes, but that the trailer itself isnt the problem. The programming of the controller is suspect.
Brake complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Toyota Tundra, 28% of the model year's 120 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Toyota Tundra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2016 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 2016 Toyota Tundra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 5,000 miles, and 96% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.