My truck showed “Hybrid Engine Malfunction contact dealer” upon start up, then “Reduced Engine Performance Check Engine” warnings. I was not warned that I should not drive at all so I took my son to school. As I was driving home up a hill around 35 mph the temperature gauge began to climb fast towards the upper limit. At the upper red limit the car warned “Engine Overheating Stop Immediately” and I pulled over. The engine began smoking as I pulled over. I have an aftermarket Air Intake for the twin turbo and an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system but neither of these parts could have caused dramatic overheating of the main engine and failure of the hybrid system. Events happened over the span of about 15 min driving from start up to breakdown.
Toyota Tundra overheating problems
29 of the 6,967 owner complaints about the Toyota Tundra describe engine overheating, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 29
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical mileage
- 37,000
By model year
- 20252
- 20241
- 20233
- 20223
- 20161
- 20151
- 20142
- 20111
- 20101
- 20091
- 20071
- 20061
- 20023
- 20013
- 20005
Often reported together
Engine failure 3Premature wear 2Won't start 1Transmission failure 1Stalling 1Loss of power 1Jerking 1Headlights 1
What owners say
My radiator leaked engine coolant fluid while driving. The fan shroud warped from heat and rubbed against the radiator and punctured a hole in the radiator causing a slow leak. My vehicle became inoperable and had to pull over. It's been confirmed by the dealership and has a report No warnings prior to failure, though the leak look to have been a slow leak that was in the engine bay and on driveway just faintly so it had been an issue that had been progressing over time. The warnings first appeared for high temp when the coolant was totally out and mentioned the vehicle was overheating and to pull over.
I am reporting a severe thermal and electrical safety hazard regarding the OEM wireless charging pad in a 2025 Toyota Tundra. During standard vehicle operation, the integrated charging pad overheats to extreme temperatures. On a recent drive, the heat generated by the vehicle's charging pad was so intense that it physically melted, blistered, and deformed a MagSafe-compatible protective case on a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. This safety issue has been brought to an authorized dealership, Toyota of Hollywood (Repair Order #[XXX]), for a second consecutive time. The dealership officially documented the property damage in writing on the invoice, stating: 'Phone got melted from how hot it gets.' However, they refused to perform repairs or disable the system, explicitly noting: 'Vehicle was compared to another and both doing the same.' By admitting that multiple new vehicles exhibit this exact overheating behavior, the manufacturer is confirming a systemic and unaddressed design or manufacturing defect. An in-dash electrical component capable of melting plastic poses an immediate cabin fire hazard, risks triggering thermal runaway in the mobile device's lithium-ion battery, and directly threatens occupant safety. Toyota Corporate has opened Case #[XXX], but no remedy or safety recall has been provided." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Component/System Failure: The failure involves the engine cooling system, specifically the radiator, fan shroud, and oil cooling lines. The oil cooling lines are improperly routed or positioned, causing them to press against the plastic fan shroud. Over time, this pressure deforms the shroud inward, leading it to rub against the aluminum radiator and create pinhole leaks. The damaged components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This defect poses a serious safety risk due to sudden coolant loss and potential engine overheating. This can result in loss of power, engine failure, and unexpected breakdowns in traffic, increasing the risk of accidents, especially at highway speeds. Reproduction/Confirmation: This issue has been widely reported among 2023 Toyota Tundra owners and confirmed through visual inspection by owners and independent mechanics. The consistent nature of the failure indicates a design defect rather than isolated incidents. Inspection History: The vehicle has been inspected, and deformation of the fan shroud along with visible contact and wear on the radiator confirms the issue. Dealerships have acknowledged the condition but refused warranty repairs. Toyota has not issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). Warning Signs/Symptoms: There are typically no warning lights or messages prior to failure. In some cases, coolant loss or overheating occurs only after radiator damage has already developed. Additional Statement: This is a widespread defect caused by improper routing or clearance of oil cooling lines. Despite numerous similar reports, Toyota has not issued a TSB or recall and has denied warranty coverage, leaving owners responsible for repairs related to an apparent design flaw.
Brakes - When descending down a hill at speed the brakes on my truck pulsate as if the rotors are warped. My family was put at risk due to the brakes not functioning properly and causing me to let off the braking system in order to prevent overheating. I asked my dealer to review the brakes and they indicated nothing is wrong, I can reproduce this action anytime for the dealership with a simple ride up and down the mountain. This could result in a crash harming myself, my family, or other motorists. The problem began between 5k-10k miles and is getting worse. My truck currently has 16k miles. The brakes should last 40k-60k miles with no problem. Engine/fuel system - Since new, my truck has never met the window sticker EPA ratings listed. 22-23 models being recalled due to engine failure leads me to believe my engine is not performing at peak performance, thus, affecting fuel economy. I am afraid my model (built in 2023) is slowly experiencing the same main bearing failure as the 22-23 models suffered, having catastrophic results and was recalled to have a full engine replacement. My engine failing while driving could result in a crash harming myself, my family, or other motorists. I prefer not to wait for my engine to fail, given the fact that 22-23 models have all been recalled due to this manufacturing defect. Some, if not all 2024 models should also be recalled out of abundance of precaution.
Transmission overheating while driving uphill in 4x4.
Inaccurate Fuel gauge or fuel consumption tracking to protect a fuel pump. Vehicle equipped with a 32 Gal tank. Vehicle indicates zero miles after 27 gallons are consumed. This leaves 5 Gallons remaining or 15.62% fuel remaining which is excessive error. If you know you have over 100 miles remaining when the software say you are at zero you tend to drive "Past" zero as a matter of normal operation. It would not be unreasonable to wait until 2 gallons remains to refill tank as that would still be 30-46 miles remaining. It was explained to me that the fuel pump uses the "excess" 5 gallons of fuel to keep the fuel pump "Cool" since the fuel pump is a submersed type pump. An overheating pump inside a tank full of fuel vapor might be a significant problem.
The car auto adaptive cruise control does not use the transmission for downhill breaking. It just rides the brakes coming down now. The car started shaking from overheating the brakes and I said realizing that it just not working in tune with the transmission. This is very dangerous. I have to turn off the cruise control and he manually downshift so break system of start working again. It was shaking so violently wouldn't stop.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then towed to the dealer, where unknown parts of the engine were replaced. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The vehicle was taken to another dealer Keating Toyota (4233 Del Bello Blvd, Manvel, TX 77578) where the contact was informed that the cooler bracket and cooler line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
On 11/25/22 I meet with American Auto Mall to buy a used truck I was assured through text, website and window sticker that the truck was in excellent condition inside and out.. I have all this documents proofing this.. I did van limited inspection at the lot and a test drive.. found nothing that stuck out.. other than the radio not working but the dealership said he would reimburse me if I got it fixed..so after that a down payment was made of $5550 dollars and paperwork was signed.. I drove the truck home and the next week I got in it and it wouldn't start, turns out it needed a battery and alternator, so I took it to a shop and was told that this vehicle was badly rusted and had a lot of hidden rust damage.. and improperly installed brakes., coolant leaks and exhaust leaks.. after finding this out I tried to call the dealership and he hasn't been replying.. I was also told this truck wouldn't pass a legal VA inspection.. so the current one was fraudulent I have all documents that support my case. I will like to turn this vehicle back in and given a full refund
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Tundra vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause a main bearing to fail, which can result in an engine stall and loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 23, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB14 and 25TA14. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall numbers 24V381 and 25V767.
Recall number 26V320000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX, and 2024 Lexus GX vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause the main bearings to fail, which can result in an engine stall and loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an inspection on the #1 main bearing using vehicle inspection software and drive data, and if necessary, replace the engine. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 28, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB14 and 25TA14. Lexus' numbers for this recall are 25LB07 and 25LA07. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 24V381.
Recall number 25V767000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX600 vehicles equipped with a V35A engine. Debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause the main bearings to fail, which can result in an engine stall and loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engine assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed between December 17, 2024 and February 19, 2025. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB07/24TA07 and 24LB04/24LA04.
Recall number 24V381000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup trucks equipped with both vehicle stability control (vsc) and the trd dual exhaust systems. The trd dual exhaust system met all clearance specifications on models without vsc, however the driver's side exhaust located in a position where contact between a brake line found only on vehicles with vsc and the trd exhaust pipe might occur.
- Risk
- In this condition, the exhaust pipe flange may rub against the right rear brake line, which could cause brake fluid leakage. This could lead to an increase of vehicle stopping distance, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and, if so equipped, will replace the trd dual exhaust system free of charge. During this replacement, the dealer will also inspect the specific brake line to assure it has not been damaged and replace it if necessary. The recall began on may 31, 2005. Owners should contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 05V123000 · Recall details
Questions about the Toyota Tundra overheating
Which Toyota Tundra years have engine overheating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (5 complaints), 2001 (3 complaints) and 2002 (3 complaints).
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