Brake, fuel system and electrical issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Why do people drive the 2019 Toyota Tundra? The automaker claims that this truck is “the definition of strength.” However, customers find something different once the pickup is driven. Instead of being strong, it seems to struggle with the electrical system, fuel system and service brakes.
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The electrical system operates many of the top features in a truck, including the stereo, but it also runs the advanced safety equipment. When there are glitches, comfort is hindered and safety is put at risk.
Here is an Edmunds review with a minor electrical issue. “They have a problem with radios freezing up. They want to charge you to do an update on a radio and if the update doesn’t work you have to buy a new radio. I’ve never seen such a bunch of **** in my life. You should not have to buy a new factory radio on a two-year-old vehicle. At this time I have two 16s and one 17, all made by Toyota. You look around online and find all of the people having the same problem you would think Toyota would fix it and not charge you to buy a new damn radio. Maybe it’s time to move back to Chevy.”
On the more significant side, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V410000 talks about something more severe. It turns out that nearly 200,000 vehicles are equipped with turn signals that aren’t bright enough because of a wiring error. If others on the road can’t see the turn signals, it could lead to an accident. Toyota must feel that this “strong” truck doesn’t need to tell people which way it is going, sort of like someone that refuses to ask for directions when lost.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
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Unknown Or Other
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Fuel/propulsion System
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Electrical System
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Service Brakes
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Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
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Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
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Fuel System, Gasoline
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Structure:body
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Air Bags
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Exterior Lighting
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Going deeper into the mechanics of this truck, it becomes clear that there are issues with the fuel system as well.
One Edmunds reviewer says, “Started having issues early with fuel system. Huge loss of power at 13k miles it has 36k..Dealer said no warranty I said just fix it.”
While this customer paid to have the fuel system repaired, it’s possible it might have been covered. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V012000 talks about a failing fuel pump on almost two million vehicles. If the pump fails, owners might experience a loss of power, even in the middle of the road. How’s that for strength?
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Whatever is strong and powerful, should also be controlled and harnessed. That’s why a reliable pickup truck must also come with functional brakes, but that’s not the case with the Tundra.
Here’s an NHTSA complaint to consider. “Driving at 55 mph on a dark road with no shoulder when the truck began shaking violently in the middle of a banker left turn. Had driven approximately 2 miles from home when problem suddenly occurred. Overwhelming smell of burning brakes outside when I opened the door and the rear driver side wheel was hot. Truck towed to dealership the next day for diagnosis/repair. Dealer determined parking brake adjustment performed at 5,000 mile service was improperly done. They adjusted parking brake and released vehicle. Drove approximately 5 miles down freeway and same problem occurred after exiting freeway (after a banked right turn), but I could hear brakes screeching this time. Smelled burning brakes and rear passenger wheel was hot. Returned to dealership for further service and truck drive normally except for persistent brake squeak. Dealer replaced brakes and resurfaced rotors last week. Issue has not occurred again as of this date.”
When the brakes won’t work, owners have to rely on a solid airbag system. However, this is another system that is facing a massive recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V685000 talks about how more than 160,000 vehicles could be equipped with defective air bags. It turns out that the air bag electronic unit might detect a fault, which causes the air bags to fail. If the owner is in an accident, they might not have the protection they expect. If this is the “definition of strength,” it would be a shame to see what weakness looks like.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Toyota pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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