Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Toyota Tundra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
I am having problems with the integrated brake controller constantly disconnecting when pulling any type of trailer. When ever I pull a trailer I never know when the controller will disconnect and I'll lose brakes on my trailer. This happens at any speed while towing. This seems to be a thing for 2018 tundras, as I've read about many other complants.
Factory Trailer Brake Controler failed nearly causing collision I was pulling a RV that is over 5 thousand pounds when not loaded we were loaded with holding tanks full when I needed to stop had to go into next lane to avoid collision
Pre-crash system does not work properly, with no vehicle in front of me while driving on the hwy, at times if a vegicle passes me on either left or right side, the crash warning beeped and brakes applied, note: no one is in front of me, this has happened a few times, since the initial recall for updates, my pre-crash system inticates its on, however, its not working, yesterday at about 2:15 pm on 8/27/2018 it failed and I hit someone in the rear and speed under 10 MPH, I was told by fred anderson Toyota of sanford nc service department that they have had some that was out of calibration and that mine should have worked wether if cruise control is on or off.. Well it doesn't not work, my truck goes into Toyota today 8/28/2018 at fred anderson Toyota to be checked again since the software recall update. …
On a quick hard braking..applies brake then without lifting brake pedal pressure the. Truck automatically releases it and slides forward some distance...the vehicle was in motion...this has happen twice before....this time ran into a turning vehicle
1st off, I drive a 2018 Tundra, my integrated trailer brake controller doesnt apply brakes on any trailer. It throws an error message and will not work on any trailer type settings. Had trailer checked and tested with other vehicles and trailer works fine. And of course the same exact issue is all over the internet since 2016 and up, with no fix or responibilites taken on toyotas part. Not habing trailer brakes is a very dangerous situation and believe that if I paid for the brake system I should have to buy an aftermarket one just to pull my trailers safely. 2nd issue is once again electrical, the radio shut on and off every 10 minutes or so...will not keep presets saved etc, told Toyota and they tried to download and update and said the radio wouldn't except the download. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. While driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver's side wheel. While approaching an intersection, the brakes seized without warning when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that the brake caliper was tangled in the wheel. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle with the emergency brake activated, but it caused more damage to the rim and rear driver's side wheel. Team Toyota of glen mills (1050 baltimore pike, glen mills, pa 19342, [phone]) diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that someone tampered with the brake system, which caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 1906060300. The failure mileage was 13,900.
Toyota informed me through mail to my address that my new 2018 Toyota Tundra "fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) no.208," "occupant crash protection," and 214, "side impact protection." when I called the customer service number provided [phone] to ask if they would be willing to cover the cost of taking the vehicle to an alternate repair facility located on my island, they refused, not only did they refuse but they claimed that only a Toyota authorized dealer could perform the repair. When I asked how I was suppose to deal with the safety recall without an option to bring my vehicle to an authorized dealer, I was told that I would just have to figure that out on my own, when I asked for the response in writing they also claimed that Toyota would not provided that.
2018 Tundra integrated brake controller intermittently disconnects truck from trailer when attempting to brake. Truck brakes stop are activated but trailer is disconnected. Tires begin to smoke and there is a burning smell from the tiresnot being able to slow or stop the trailer. We have taken 4 trips and it happens on all of them. Toyota dealership said they don't have a fix. Hundreds of the same complaint on the internet. This form only allows date entry for one incident. But the occurrence is every trip. In fact, we don't have brakes connection now and Toyota dealership says they don't have a fix.
Multiple events. 2500 miles on vehicle. While driving 70mph in cruise control the pre-collision warning came on and vehicle applied brakes forcefully without any vehicle ahead of my vehicle until I turned off cruise control. After the event the traler brake malfunction statement and warning lights were on. Pre -collision failure light reset after key cycled off and back on. Failure occurred multiple times in multiple driving conditions, currently trailer brake failure light is illuminated. Each time I had to exit or pull over and stop vehicle, cycle key to have warning clear.
Brake complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2018 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 Toyota Tundra, 22% of the model year's 100 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Toyota Tundra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2018 Toyota Tundra, though it has 8 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 2018 Toyota Tundra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 8,000 miles, and 82% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.