TOYOTA TUNDRA · model year

2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA

148 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2018TOYOTATUNDRA carries 148 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 TUNDRA is electrical system with 26 filings, followed by service brakes (22) and fuel/propulsion system (15). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 51 investigation files overlapping the 2018 TUNDRA, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

148
Complaints
7
Crashes
3
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA - NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

148 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 - Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
SERVICE BRAKES22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL14
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)13
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
ENGINE11
AIR BAGS4
EXTERIOR LIGHTING4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL3
STEERING3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS3
SEATS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
POWER TRAIN2

Recalls (9)

21E10300023/12/2021

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorr

21V92000023/11/2021

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

17V83100020/12/2017

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles

18V12200020/02/2018

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles. Electrical interference within the power supply circuit may cause the vehicle's electronic stability control system to be deactivated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req

20V41000015/07/2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor

20V01200013/01/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300,

18V71100011/10/2018

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The accessory all-weather floormats may have been counted twice when creating the load carrying capacity modification label, resulting in the capacity modification label incorrectly overstating

18V68500004/10/2018

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. If this occurs, the

21V68800002/09/2021

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.

Recent Complaints

20260213FireSEATS

Seat back on driver side caught fire burn 2" x 2" hole in the seat back

20260127FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

20260127ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20260127FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

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.

20251231FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle was having issues with the fuel pump which was a known safety recall for the 2018 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The service man said that when he pulled up the safety recall for our VIN number that it didn't show anything, but we needed a new fuel pump according to the service codes that were coming up after inspection. They made us pay for the fuel pump before we left the dealership. The vehicle was too dangerous to drive without having the work performed (getting stalled out or stuck on the highway) so we had to pay for the work. Toyota said that I could file a complaint with NHTSA to get my vehicle added to this recall and then try again for reimbursement. I have the repair paperwork if needed to support this claim.

20251118SEATS

Heated seat element and module burnt

20251110FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I had an independent service center diagnose the issue with my 2018 Toyota Tundra. My truck would not start so there was no safety concern, but if the fuel pump failed while driving then the safety concern rises. The electrical connection inside the fuel pump was melted. There was no warning signs of the issue, it just would not turn all the way over. I looked up that the 2018 Toyota Tundra w certain VIN #'s have a recall for the fuel pump, unfortunately my VIN # is not included.

20251108STRUCTURE:BODY

The truck under frame is rusting a lot in spots near welds.

20251106FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while her husband attempted to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Mileage: 103,000

20250808FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle occasionally stalls on acceleration and deceleration. Occasional stall on idle. Check engine light DOES NOT ILLUMINATE. After several stalls; warning lights for trainer brake controller, forward anti-collision, and cruise control errors illuminate. Diagnosed as bad fuel pump and fuel pump modulator. Fuel pump and modulator replaced and issues rectified.

20250712FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My fuel pump died with symptoms consistent with other 2018-2020 Tundras involved in a fuel pump recall.

20250428FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel pump out after 3 weeks.4-24-25 Three weeks ago 4-07-25 I had an issue with my fuel pump and the Toyota dealer replaced it. I also reported it here at that time. I typed up what the truck did and sent it to y'all before i ever got word of what was wrong. The report from them is not accurate. They stated I had run out of gas and the fuel pump was burnt up. As I stated I lost propulsion but the truck was still running. I will say I also know I had a couple of gallons of gas in it as I added some the day before and I know how far I drove as I put a little extra over the distance I was going and of course it had gas in it since I drove it to the gas station. Anyways they replaced the pump and now 3 weeks later 4-24-25 the new pump is out. The truck acted the same as it did 3 weeks ago and again it wouldn't start after turning it off. I had to have it towed to the dealer again. They confirmed today it was the fuel pump that had gone out. I know I had about a half tank of gas this time.

20250409FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL PUMP. I was driving at highway speeds of about 70mph when I suddenly lost propulsion but the truck was still running. I had cars behind me and coming from the front. I shifted to neutral and back to drive to see if that would fix it and nothing changed. I pulled over onto the shoulder and put it in park. I went back to drive and nothing again. I turned it off hoping for a reset and it wouldn't start after that. The starter was turning over but would not fire up the engine. Had to have it towed to the dealer and they say its the Fuel Pump. No lights or warnings ever came on the dash. The Truck is at the Toyota Dealer being fixed right now.

20250122FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My truck continues to start extremely rough and it staled out on me the other day driving down the road. The problem has persisted for several months now and I have been told that it is a problem with the fuel pump. I know that Toyota had a massive recall on fuel pumps but my truck was not under that recall and believe that it should have been.

20250116ENGINE

Doesn’t want to start very good and throws misfire codes and turns off trailer breaks and precollsion sensors.

20250111TIRES:SIDEWALL

3 of 4 tires LT285/75/R20 have consistant cracks around the sidewall of the tires rubber showing small shining metal strips

20241220ENGINE

This is the second occurrence of "rodent" damage eating engine wires. The first incident cost me $2,000. This has now occurred again. There is something "maybe soy based" or environmentally friendly materials that are attracting rats, and mice to cause engine damage by eating essential wiring and sensors, causing a fire risk, and highway safety risk.

20241010SERVICE BRAKES

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. Regardless, this is a significant safety issue where the Tundra owners are forced pay about $1,100 to repair this defective part. This matter should be elevated to a recall since losing

20241010ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. Regardless, this is a significant safety issue where the Tundra owners are forced pay about $1,100 to repair this defective part. This matter should be elevated to a recall since losing

20240603CrashPOWER TRAIN

I was inspecting the vehicle for an extended warranty company the issue was the transmission. I was in the process of inspecting the vehicle when I was installing the Blue Diver to retrieve the stored codes in the system when I leaned in to turned the accessory key the vehicle started in gear and drove froward. Causing the left front door to close on me from the lift.

Compare 2018TOYOTATUNDRA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA have?
The 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 148 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 3 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
Yes, the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA?
The most-complained component for the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 26 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.