Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Toyota Tundra electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Toyota Tundra have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 15,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Tundra | 17 |
| 2013 Tundra | 11 |
| 2014 Tundra | 16 |
| 2015 Tundra | 7 |
| 2016 Tundra (this page) | 25 |
| 2017 Tundra | 27 |
| 2018 Tundra | 26 |
| 2019 Tundra | 12 |
| 2020 Tundra | 3 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 25 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Toyota Tundra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
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.
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version 01013E), Entune? Audio Plus (version 010156 or 01015C), or Entune? Premium Audio (versions 010171, 010170, or 01017D) may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Head unit reboots at a specific location. ?Abnormal Destination Search app operation. ?Rebooting caused by no songs on the USB-connected iPhone. ?A one-time reboot after ignition is cycled to ACC-ON. ?Audio stays muted after the key is cycled.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version 01013E), Entune? Audio Plus (version 010156 or 01015C), or Entune? Premium Audio (versions 010171, 010170, or 01017D) may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Head unit reboots at a specific location. ?Abnormal Destination Search app operation. ?Rebooting caused by no songs on the USB-connected iPhone. ?A one-time reboot after ignition is cycled to ACC-ON. ?Audio stays muted after the key is cycled. Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version 010144), Entune? Audio Plus (version 01015E), Entune? Premium Audio (version 010182), or earlier may exhibit one or m
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The integrated trailer brake controller is the most serious complaint. Owners pulling trailers consistently report that the factory controller supplies little to no braking power regardless of the dial setting (typically 1–10). Even at maximum (setting 10), trailers do not slow down and feel like they are pushing the truck. Multiple owners describe near-miss accidents while towing, and one owner had to drive off the road onto the shoulder to avoid hitting traffic. A handful of owners report that replacing a defective controller at the dealership did not solve the problem. One owner has switched to an aftermarket controller. Dealerships acknowledge awareness of the issue but tell owners there is no fix available from Toyota.
Headlight failures tied to the turn signal are widespread, particularly on Platinum and 1794 editions. Owners describe all exterior lights (headlights, taillights) and dashboard lights turning off simultaneously when the left turn signal is engaged at night, especially in cold conditions. Lights resume when the signal is released. Owners report this happening at highway speeds during lane changes, creating dangerous situations. Dealerships consistently cannot or will not replicate the problem.
Secondary electrical issues include inadequate dashboard illumination during daytime, a low-note horn that fails below 25°F, front door lock actuators that fail intermittently or burn out after two years, and a melted seat heater connector that poses fire risk. One owner reports recurring rodent damage to wiring that Toyota refuses to warranty.
Same Toyota Tundra electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Integrated trailer brake controller ineffective
The factory-integrated electric brake controller supplies little to no braking power to trailers even when set to maximum settings (8–10 out of 10). Multiple owners report the trailer feels as though it's pushing the truck, and setting the controller to manual override or maximum gain produces no noticeable braking assistance. Some owners have had controllers diagnosed as defective and replaced, but the failure persists after repair.
When: During towing, occurring at low mileage (550 miles) and throughout ownership. Failures reported even after factory replacement attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brakes produce little or no stopping force despite high dial settings; Trailer feels like it is pushing the truck during stops; No brake lockup on trailer wheels even at setting 10; Manual override mode required to achieve any braking; Trailer brake indicator lights fail to illuminate when brake pedal is depressed
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced the integrated controller with an aftermarket brake controller. Dealership diagnosis on one vehicle identified the integrated brake controller as defective and replaced it, but failure recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota has not acknowledged the issue according to owners. Dealers reportedly aware of the problem but state there is no fix available from Toyota.
Headlights turn off when using left turn signal in auto mode
When headlights are set to auto mode and the left turn signal is engaged, the headlights (and sometimes taillights and dashboard lights) turn off intermittently. Lights resume when the turn signal is released. Owners report this as a widespread issue affecting Platinum and 1794 Edition trucks, with many dealerships unable or unwilling to replicate the problem.
When: At night in cold conditions, typically occurring at highway speeds. One report at 26K miles. Intermittent and recurring.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights shut off when left turn signal is used; Headlights, taillights, and dashboard lights all turn off simultaneously; All lights resume when turn signal is deactivated; More frequent in cold weather; Occurs at night when driving at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable or unwilling to replicate; no repairs completed.
All exterior and interior lights turn off when using turn signal
A related but distinct pattern where headlights, taillights, and instrument panel lights all extinguish simultaneously when the turn signal is engaged, particularly during lane changes at highway speeds. Described as a widespread issue in 2015–2017 Tundras (1794 and Platinum editions) and occurring in cold conditions.
When: At night during highway driving and lane changes, intermittently. Multiple reports from cold-weather regions.
Symptoms owners cite: All exterior and interior lights shut off at once; Failure occurs during lane changes at highway speed; Lights return when turn signal is released; Happens more frequently in winter or cold conditions; Vehicle becomes momentarily invisible (owner testimony)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealership visits reported; dealerships unable to replicate and refuse further troubleshooting.
Instrument cluster insufficient daytime illumination
The dashboard instrument cluster, particularly the speedometer, has inadequate illumination during daytime driving. The display remains too dim to read safely, even without sunglasses, forcing drivers to rely on guesswork or remove eyewear.
When: Daytime driving; issue present from purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer indicator barely discernible in daylight; Instrument panel too dark even without sunglasses; Difficulty seeing gauges during daytime operation
Low-note electric horn inoperative in cold
The low-note horn becomes inoperative when ambient temperature drops below 25°F, while the high-note horn continues to function. Dealership was unable to duplicate the concern even when provided video evidence.
When: Below 25°F; intermittent failure during cold weather.
Symptoms owners cite: Low-note horn does not sound at temperatures below 25°F; High-note horn operates normally; Loss of adequate audible warning during cold weather operation
Repairs/costs cited: Part cost approximately $50 per owner. Dealership refused goodwill replacement despite video evidence.
Front door power lock actuators fail intermittently
Front driver-side and passenger-side power door locks fail to engage or disengage as expected. Failures occur randomly, without consistent timing or environmental triggers. One owner reports both door locks failing simultaneously, another reports a lock actuator failure after only two years, described by dealership as a known issue in newer Toyota vehicles.
When: Intermittent, recurring over 12–18 months. One reported failure at approximately two years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Front door locks fail to lock when vehicle is in motion (safety feature); Locks fail to unlock via key fob when stationary; One or both front locks may fail independently; No pattern to failure—occurs in various conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership identified as a known issue in newer Toyota vehicles. Described as costly to repair and occurring more frequently than expected.
Seat heater electrical fault with burnt connector
The seat heater connector (part number 87501-0C020, a seat heater amp connector) has burned/melted, with one pin completely melted. The component has never been serviced or disturbed since manufacture.
When: At unknown mileage; defect present from manufacture.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat heater stopped working; Burnt connector with one pin completely melted; Fire hazard concern
Repairs/costs cited: Owner identified burnt connector at part 87501-0C020.
Multiple electrical failures following lightning strike
Vehicle was struck by lightning on 8/13/17. Post-repair, the vehicle continued to malfunction with multiple electrical issues including cruise control malfunction. Dealership refused to further diagnose or repair under their stated lifetime warranty on the repairs.
When: After lightning strike and subsequent dealership repair on 8/13/17; issues ongoing as of 1/15/18.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle malfunctions without cruise control engaged; Multiple electrical system failures post-repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership provided lifetime warranty on repairs but later refused to troubleshoot recurrent issues, stating they could not recreate the problems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refused further repair or service under stated warranty.
Rodent-caused wiring damage (recurring)
Wiring damaged by rodents on two separate visits to ranch property in West Texas, totaling over $800 in damage. Toyota will not warranty rodent damage.
When: Multiple occurrences during two visits to ranch property.
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring damaged by rodent chewing; Recurring damage on multiple visits
Repairs/costs cited: Repair costs exceeded $800 across two incidents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota will not warranty rodent damage.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
On my 2016 Toyota tundra 1794 edition, with headlights in "auto" position, when I use turn signal, the headlights, taillights and dash lights all occasionally turn off. Once turn signal shuts off, lights come back on . It typically happens at night when it's cold out. It has now happened probably half a dozen times in the last six months. While problem is intermittent, it's very scary, as I'm…
My headlights shut off when using my turn signal
My 2016 Toyota tundra 1794 crewmax, during winter months in midwest - the headlights and and internal instrumentation will turn off when turning left or right with turn signal engaged. The automatic lights are engaged on column stalk and the issue occurs at night. The vehicle is in motion
I have a serious safety concern regarding the lack of daytime vehicle instrument illumination on my new 2016 Toyota tundra (while driving, stationary and on all roads) during the day. As an elder adult who wears sunglasses to protect their eyes (on the recommendation of the medical profession) the dash board (specifically the speedometer indicator) is barely discernible. Even without sunglasses…
All lights (headlamps and tail lamps and instrument panel) turn off when using turn signal. This typically happens when changing lanes at highway speed. I am not the only one experiencing this problem. Seems to occur in 2015-2017 Toyota tundras (1794 & platinum editions). See thread. Https://www.tundras.com/threads/auto-headlights-shut-off-with-turn-signal.22968/page-3
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Toyota Tundra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 5,000 and 68,000 miles, with the median around 15,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 68,000. 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/2016/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.