Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, both front headlights would intermittently go dim without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V688000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
While descending a steep grade towing an 8,000lb travel trailer using appropriate hill descent braking techniques, an error message came on the dash indicating a trailer wiring, type, or connection fault. From this point forward, I had no trailer brakes and was left with truck brakes only. I got the truck/trailer combination to the bottom of the grade safely, however this could have been catastrophic for an inexperienced driver or in a different situation. Upon further investigation, this is a common problem with Toyota Tundra's, and acknowledged by Toyota in TSB # T-SB-0036-19 issued on April 1, 2019. The dealer and Toyota Customer Service will not acknowledge this, and states it is something only covered under the 3 year warranty. …
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. …
Check engine light came on and after scanning Code P2445 'Secondary Air Injection Pump Stuck Off' was the error. Vehicle went into lower power mode, which is very unsafe for highway driving. The Secondary Air Injection Pump issues have plagued Toyota V8's for many years and I had hoped they'd fixed the issue by the 2nd Generation Tundras, I guess not. Dealer replaced the Secondary Air Injection Pump for about $850 and noted that there was moisture in the pump, which caused it to short out - very similar to issues reported by other Toyota V8 owners. Toyota has a 10 year warranty on the Secondary Air Injection Pumps for 2007-2010 Tundras and 2008-2010 Sequoia models - but no other years/models. It's time that Toyota recall these vehicles and fix them properly, or extend the warranty to all years/models.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V688000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not yet available. The contact called another local dealer Mike Shaw Toyota (3232 I-69 Access Rd, Robstown, TX 78380, [phone]) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle and a possible fire. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
When starting up my truck in the morning there is rough idle that cause truck to sputter and sound horrible. It eventually smooths out but I believe the computer needs flashing. When I look online some have a recall for the engine 3UR-FBE / 2018 Toyota tundra, but when I put in my vin # it shows no recall and throws off check engine light Code. Also my radar sensor that it on for cruise control is showing up on dash please contact dealer and flashing. They have replaced this before with recall and now it's acting up again. Also traction control is lighting up I. The dash as well blinking along with all these codes.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V688000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
While driving, multiple warning lights come on and multiple warnings scroll on the dash. Transmission shifting becomes irregular, hard, slipping, pre-collision alert fails, adaptive cruise control fails, ABS system deactivates. I know of this occurring on multiple other Toyota vehicles as well. This has happened three times and only resolves when battery is disconnected. Weeks or months goes by and it recurs.
All of a sudden the pre-collision system malfunctions and stops working and the lights go on in the dashboard and then causes the cruse control to stop working as well. I took it to Toyota and they stated they did not know what the cause of it would be.
Toyota corporate as well as Toyota of Kirkland Washington failed to inform me of an open recall associated with my 2018 Toyota tundra pertaining to possible engine fire due to electrical failure in headlight assembly.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Software
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Electrical complaints in other Tundra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2018 Toyota Tundra?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Toyota Tundra, 26% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is integrated trailer brake control (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Toyota Tundra electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-685 (software, Oct 4, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Toyota Tundra electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.