2023 Toyota Tundra: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · 70,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired under the recall because there was sludge found inside the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

While operating my 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro under normal conditions, I started the vehicle and activated standard factory equipment including the seat heaters and window/mirror defrosters. Shortly thereafter, I noticed a slight acrid odor inside the vehicle, which quickly became more pronounced. I drove approximately 200 feet, and immediately returned to my driveway. Upon shutting the vehicle down, I observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood and confirmed smoke and signs of an electrical fire originating in the engine bay. I used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire and then disconnected the vehicle’s battery. No injuries occurred. The vehicle was not restarted and was subsequently towed to an authorized Toyota dealership for inspection. Visible damage is present in the engine compartment, including the main fuse/relay box and associated electrical components. The incident occurred without collision and during normal vehicle operation.

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Brakes, Fuel system · TX · fire

We recently had an engine failure in our 2023 Toyota Tundra ([XXX]). Then on [XXX] the truck caught fire while we were driving in Arkansas. The fire caused the brakes to fail completely, and we wound up jumping from the still moving truck. The truck and contents were a total loss. Since then, Toyota has completed their investigation and stated they are unable to determine the cause of the fire INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine · NH

Vehicle & Warranty Details Model: 2023 Toyota Tundra VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Failure: 34,658 miles Warranty Coverage: Factory bumper-to-bumper (3 years / 36,000 miles) — active Powertrain warranty (5 years / 60,000 miles) — active Toyota Platinum extended warranty (7 years / 100,000 miles) — active Maintenance: Oil changes every 5,000 miles (better than Toyota’s 10,000-mile recommendation) Symptoms & Failure Description Engine suddenly shut off while driving at about 50 mph with my [XXX] and [XXX] in the truck, Restarted once, then shut off again shortly after Engine now barely cranks and will not start Check engine light came on during initial failure No visible oil leak present Strong burning smell, similar to burning brakes or friction Prior to failure, noticeable hesitation on cold starts that cleared after a short time Toyota has diagnosed this issue as an Engine seizure and are NOT honoring the remedy included in the rod bearing/oil starvation failures in 2022–2023 Tundra's with the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (engine code V35A-FTS) Symptoms consistent with Toyota Recall 24V381, although this VIN is not yet listed on the recall Typical failure includes: internal machining debris causing oil flow restriction, bearing damage, and eventual engine seizure without external oil leaks or loud noises INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Engine · 28,361 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The message “Engine Power Reduced – Pull Over Immediately” was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, there was smoke coming out of the passenger's side of the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 28,361.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · SC · fire

On February 25, 2025, I took my 2023 Toyota Tundra VIN# [XXX] to Stokes Toyota Beaufort, SC, for its 45,000-mile service. Just 300 meters after leaving the dealership, my truck caught fire, causing significant damage and putting my safety at risk. I am sharing pictures of the incident and the warning messages I received on the dashboard. I was on my way back to the dealership when this happened. At first, the truck was shaking and losing power. I managed to make a U-turn to return to the dealership, but then the engine stalled. At that moment, I started seeing warning messages on the dashboard. I immediately called the dealership to inform them that I was experiencing issues with my truck. While still on the phone with the dealership, I noticed smoke coming from the passenger side of the hood. Moments later, flames started emerging from the hood. I quickly hung up and called 911. 1- What component or system failed or malfunctioned? I believe the engine and possibly the brakes failed (based on the dashboard warning messages). 2- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Within minutes, my truck burned completely. I am grateful I didn't have my children with me at the time. 3- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I received formal letters from Toyota Manufacturer, Toyota Distributor, and the dealership, stating that they are sorry for what happened but cannot offer any assistance with my claim. 4- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes, the insurance company, fire marshal, dealership, Toyota, and Engineering Analysis Associates (EAA) have all inspected the vehicle. 5- Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure? Yes, the truck was shaking, losing power, and eventually stopped completely, displaying warning messages on the dashboard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Fuel system · 63,000 miles · WV · fire

The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the fuel tank located on the driver's side had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided. A police report was filed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not available. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 18, 2024 · Transmission · FL

I was traveling south on [XXX] in Sarasota, FL, around 70-75 miles per hour and the engine shut down with warning. I coasted to a stop and was able to pull in the left emergency lane out of traffic. This could have been a tragic situation because cars were traveling 70 plus mph in that area. I tried to restart the car but all I got was a clicking sound from the starter, I also smelled a faint burning smell form the engine compartment. I had to have the vehicle towed into a local Toyota dealership and was advised several days later that the engine would have to be replaced as metal shavings were found inside of it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)