TSB: Some 2019 ? 2021 model year Tundra vehicles may exhibit a ?High Transmission Fluid Temp? warning message on the instrument cluster Multi-information Display (MID) when towing in tow/haul mode at highway speeds. The Engine Control Module (ECM) (SAE term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been modified to address this drive mode condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Toyota Tundra powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Toyota Tundra have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Tundra | 5 |
| 2017 Tundra | 6 |
| 2020 Tundra (this page) | 3 |
| 2022 Tundra | 100 |
| 2023 Tundra | 82 |
| 2024 Tundra | 82 |
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Toyota Tundra we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Owners are still filing on this — the most recent NHTSA powertrain complaint for this vehicle was logged 34 days ago.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 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 Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
When driving on the freeway at 70mph speeds during rush hour, I lost all power to the vehicle causing me to have to immediately pull to the side of the freeway with minimal control of the vehicle. I had to come to a complete stop on the freeway putting myself and others at high risk for a high speed crash. There were no warning lamps just a full system failure. There are recalls on certain VIN…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Toyota Tundra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 3,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2020/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.