TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Toyota Tundra electrical problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Toyota vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0101-11 is Obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch perfor
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed with another ECU?s information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a persistent battery-drain problem that defeats multiple diagnosis and repair attempts. One owner swapped the battery three times in 18 months; the dealer found no parasitic draw, yet the truck still wouldn't start after sitting overnight. Another owner had the same issue from day one (2006 purchase), went through three battery replacements during the warranty period, replaced the alternator for $238 after being told that would fix it, and the problem recurred a week later.
Several owners encountered unexplained stalls and shutdown events: one truck shut down completely at 62 mph on cruise control with all electrical systems going dead; another experienced seven incidents of full-throttle acceleration where brakes had no effect and the only solution was cutting the ignition.
Electrical controls are flaky. The passenger power window freezes randomly in the down position. The overdrive button shuts off the transmission when shifting into Drive—fixed temporarily by jiggling the console boot where a stripped wire is shorting. The tire pressure warning light cycles on and off despite correct inflation, yet the dealership refused to service it because the issue isn't on Toyota's recall website.
Other electrical failures include a disabled passenger airbag, a broken driver door release cable, an inadequately grounded horn (painted mounting points prevented current flow), and an inoperative headlight after dealership service left the connector unplugged. One owner's aftermarket rear-seat video unit caught fire and filled with black smoke within a minute of power-on.
Same Toyota Tundra electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Battery drain / parasitic draw
Battery dies repeatedly even with functioning alternator replacement. Dealer unable to diagnose root cause despite multiple battery swaps and component replacements. One owner reports three battery replacements in 18 months; dealer testing found no draw but batteries still failed.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; reported 2006-2016
Symptoms owners cite: Battery goes dead after opening/closing passenger door only; Battery fails after extended parking; Battery dies despite new alternator installation; Truck won't start after sitting overnight in driveway
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery swaps (3+ replacements mentioned); alternator replacement ($238.36 in one case); dealer unable to pinpoint cause
Unintended acceleration / throttle control
Vehicle enters full-throttle acceleration during cruise-control resume or hard acceleration, unresponsive to brake application. Brake testing showed brakes not effective during events. Dealer found no problems on post-incident inspection.
When: Occurred on 7 occasions; last reported 01/17/2012
Symptoms owners cite: Maximum RPM acceleration when engaging cruise-control resume; Brakes ineffective during acceleration events; Engine continues at max RPMs even when shifted to Neutral; Issue resolved only by turning ignition off
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service inspection (12/2/10) found no problems
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and regional Toyota rep stated 2006 Tundra did not have acceleration problems
Headlight electrical failure
Headlight connector unplugged during service at dealership. Owner had to access light assembly requiring battery removal. Lost mounting hardware during repair.
When: Identified at dealership service visit
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight inoperative after dealer service; Connector not plugged in after dealership inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Owner repaired by reseating connector; lost battery compartment screw in engine area
Power window switch failure (front passenger)
Passenger window control intermittent; window freezes in down position randomly. Owner reports seeing power window master switch recall mentioned in news; vehicle not covered under warranty.
When: Discovered when vehicle had under 90,000 miles and was less than 10 years old; still unresolved a year later
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger window control intermittent; Window freezes in down position at random; Problem occurs both parked and while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states Toyota refused warranty repair since vehicle was not purchased new
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota declined warranty coverage for used-vehicle owner
Passenger airbag disabled
Passenger airbag shut off while vehicle was parked. Toyota's suggested workaround was to avoid having passengers in that seat.
When: Discovered while vehicle parked
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag shut off unexpectedly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota advised not to have passengers in airbag seat
Driver door release cable failure
Cable broke, preventing door from opening. Owner had to repair manually. Raises concern about entrapment risk if multiple electrical/mechanical systems fail simultaneously.
When: Occurred while vehicle parked
Symptoms owners cite: Driver door release cable broke; Door could not be opened from inside
Repairs/costs cited: Owner repaired cable themselves
Engine stall while driving
Vehicle shut down completely at highway speed with cruise control engaged. All electrical systems went dead momentarily. After 20 minutes, truck restarted. Dealer took vehicle for service but owner received no follow-up communication.
When: 05/20/06 at approximately 62 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Truck shut off completely while driving at highway speed; All electrical systems went dead; Cruise control was active at time of failure; Took 20 minutes of restart attempts before engine would start
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suggested computer module replacement; dealer had previously replaced fuel pump without resolving issue
Overdrive switch failure / wiring short
Overdrive button shuts off transmission when shifting from Park to Drive. Owner found that manipulating rubber boot at console briefly restores function. Root cause identified as stripped wire shorting from repeated shifting cycles.
When: Recurring issue affecting drivability
Symptoms owners cite: Overdrive turns off when shifting Park to Drive; Overdrive shuts off automatically regardless of speed (failed at 70 MPH); Transmission bogs down when overdrive disengages; Temporarily resolved by wiggling rubber boot at console
Repairs/costs cited: Owner identified stripped wire from shifting wear causing short circuit
Horn inadequate output / grounding design flaw
Horn extremely quiet and marginal for safety. Owner investigated and determined design flaw: horn relies on case grounding through painted surfaces with little-to-no electrical continuity. Entire horn assembly, mounting bracket, and bolt interface are painted, preventing ground connection.
When: Since new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Horn not very loud; Horn works poorly or marginally
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced with aftermarket 2-wire horns for proper grounding
Tire pressure warning light malfunction
Tire pressure monitoring warning light cycles on and off or remains on continuously despite proper tire inflation. Dealership refused to diagnose or repair, stating issue must be listed on Toyota website (not NHTSA), not recall list.
When: Ongoing problem, unresolved
Symptoms owners cite: Tire warning light turns on and off; Warning light remains on during idle and operation; Occurs despite proper tire PSI
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership refused service stating issue not listed on Toyota recall website
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused repair, citing lack of Toyota website listing
Aftermarket video entertainment system fire hazard
Rear-seat video player unit caught fire and produced black smoke within a minute of being powered on. Unit became extremely hot. Child could have been injured.
When: During use while child operating unit
Symptoms owners cite: Unit started to catch fire shortly after power-on; Produced black smoke; Unit became extremely hot
Repairs/costs cited: Owner removed unit before child was injured
Secondary air injection pump failure
Secondary air injection pump requires replacement, triggering error codes P1441 and P1444. Same issue affects 2005-2006 models but recall (campaign covering 2007-2009) excludes 2006. Owner states same problem documented in earlier model years but not covered.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Secondary air injection system fault
Codes mentioned: P1441, P1444
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost estimated over $2,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall available only for 2007-2009 models; 2006 models with identical issue not covered
Airbag recall service quality / incomplete repair
Previous airbag recall work left adhesive glue visible on dashboard and trim panels. Current Takata recall (19V741000) requires further work, but Toyota cannot guarantee they will cover dashboard replacement costs since it wasn't part of original recall remedy.
When: At time of vehicle inspection for current recall
Symptoms owners cite: Visible adhesive residue on dashboard and trim panels from previous repair
Repairs/costs cited: Previous airbag recall repair left cosmetic defects
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota supervisor stated current recall remedy responsibility unclear for related damage; dashboard replacement not guaranteed to be covered
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2006 Toyota Tundra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Toyota/Tundra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.