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2023 Toyota Tundra engine problems

moderate Owners of the 2023 Toyota Tundra have filed 114 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 34,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
114
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$3,100
engine complaints on the Toyota Tundra, by model year
Model yearengine complaints
2020 Tundra 4
2022 Tundra 122
2023 Tundra (this page) 114
2024 Tundra 91
2025 Tundra 18
2026 Tundra 3
1crash
1fire

When does it fail?

Of the 114 engine complaints filed for the 2023 Toyota Tundra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
1 (100%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

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

Engine accounts for 30% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.

Among the 16 model years of Toyota Tundra in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 24V381000 May 30, 2024

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX600 vehicles equipped with a V35A engine

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.

Service Bulletin T-SB-0107-20 Rev2 Feb 2025

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 11, 2025: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0021-25.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin T-SB-0021-25 Feb 2025

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (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 Global Techstream+ (GTS+) ECU flash reprogramming procedures and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard+ (CUW+). To ensure the correct ECU software is installed, ECUs will require a Security Signature before the ECU will initialize the flash reprogramming sequence. This bulletin also details the process for acquiring a Security Signature from TIS during the GTS+ ECU flash

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin T-SB-0021-25 Feb 2025

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (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 Global Techstream+ (GTS+) ECU flash reprogramming procedures and outlines use of the Technical Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard+ (CUW+). To ensure the correct ECU software is installed, ECUs will require a Security Signature before the ECU will initialize the flash reprogramming sequence. This bulletin also details the process for acquiring a Security Signature from TIS during the GTS+ ECU flash

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin T-TT-0766-24 Rev1 Dec 2024

Some vehicles in the market may require a short block repair, and in certain circumstances, Toyota may request a dealer to repair such vehicles with an Engine Assembly instead.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin T-SB-0100-24 Rev1 Nov 2024

Some 2022 – 2024 model year Tundra and Tundra Hybrid, 2023 – 2024 model year Sequoia Hybrid, and 2024 model year Tacoma and Tacoma Hybrid vehicles equipped with a premium 14-inch audio multimedia display may exhibit a condition where the radio receiver power/volume knob becomes detached. An updated radio receiver power/volume knob is available to reduce the possibility of this condition.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

Owners of 2023 Toyota Tundra trucks report multiple engine failure modes, many tied to NHTSA recalls 24V381000 and 25V767000. The most severe are sudden engine shutdown at highway speeds (55–85 mph) with zero warning lights before loss of power, requiring emergency maneuvers across traffic lanes. Several owners describe loud knocking or clamoring sounds followed by immediate shutdown, with some reporting metal debris found in oil pans post-failure. Engine seizure with spun bearings and broken connecting rods occurs as early as 8,000 to 45,000 miles. Hybrid and non-hybrid models both experience these failures despite Toyota's distinction between the two. Owners report rough idling on cold start, hesitation on acceleration, and temporary power loss that clears after restart, complicating diagnosis since dealers often retrieve no fault codes. One vehicle caught fire under the hood minutes after dealer service. Catalytic converter failure appears at 66,000 miles on a two-year-old truck. Oil cooling line routing defects cause radiator damage and pinhole coolant leaks without warning lights. Most critical: Toyota has issued recalls but states repair parts are unavailable, with some owners told not to expect remedy availability until January 2026, leaving owners driving vehicles they know are defective. Dealers deny warranty engine replacements to owners outside recall lists, offering short-block rebuilds instead, and in one case refused to perform recall repair oil changes. One owner was explicitly told the engine "pretty much has to be dead" before Toyota will process a recall claim.

Same Toyota Tundra engine reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2024 · 2025

Failure modes owners describe

Engine Seizure / Bearing Failure

Internal bearing spun, connecting rod broken, or main bearing failure causing sudden engine shutdown without warning. Metal debris found in oil pan. Owners cite machining debris left in engine from manufacturing as root cause per recall notices.

When: 8,000–45,000 miles; some failures at 25,000–35,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown at highway speed with zero advance warning; Loud knocking or clamoring sound immediately before or during failure; Loss of all motive power and power steering; Metal debris visible in oil; No warning lights illuminated before failure in many cases

Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (after failure, not before), Engine Power Reduced / Engine Power Inoperable messages, Low Oil Pressure warning (in some cases)

Repairs/costs cited: Toyota replaces engine assembly under recall or short-block rebuild under warranty for non-recall VINs. Parts for recall repair unavailable as of complaint dates. Repair timelines extend into 2026 in some cases. Owners report $27,000+ value loss.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recalls 24V381000 and 25V767000 issued; remedy requires engine assembly replacement but parts not yet available. Toyota Brand Engagement Center unable to provide timeline or schedule. TSBs mentioned as lacking. Some owners denied coverage if VIN not on recall list; short-block offered instead of full engine replacement.

Radiator / Cooling System Damage from Oil Line Misrouting

Oil cooling lines improperly routed or positioned, pressing against plastic fan shroud. Shroud deformation causes rubbing contact with aluminum radiator, creating pinhole leaks. No immediate failure but leads to coolant loss and overheating risk.

When: Damage develops over time; no specific mileage cited in narratives

Symptoms owners cite: Coolant loss or overheating occurs only after radiator damage develops; Fan shroud inward deformation visible on inspection; Contact wear and pinhole leaks on radiator; No warning lights or messages prior to failure

Repairs/costs cited: Damaged radiator and fan shroud components available for owner inspection. Dealerships have acknowledged condition but refused warranty repairs. No cost figures provided by owners.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) issued. No recall issued despite widespread reports. Warranty coverage denied by dealerships.

Temporary Power Loss / Stalling with Intermittent Restart

Engine stalls or loses power temporarily while driving, then restarts after a few minutes or after turning off and restarting. Occurs at various speeds without consistent pattern. Often no fault codes retrieve from dealer diagnostics.

When: 17,400–50,000+ miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls or loses motive power while driving at 45–70 mph; Check Engine light may or may not illuminate at time of failure; Vehicle restarts after seconds or minutes; Hesitation when accelerating from stop or depressing accelerator; No fault code retrieved by dealer scanner in many cases; Failure irregular and non-reproducible during dealer test drive

Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (inconsistently present), Engine Power Reduced messages, Pull Over in Safe Place messages

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failure or retrieve codes; vehicle returned to owner unrepaired. No parts replaced in most cases. Owners report lost confidence in highway driving.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recalls 24V381000 and 25V767000 apply to many affected VINs. Recall remedy parts unavailable. Dealers offer no remedy until parts arrive.

Cold Start Rough Idle and Hesitation

Engine idles roughly when first started in cold conditions. Vehicle hesitates before responding to accelerator pedal input, especially during takeoff from stop or at traffic lights. Issue clears after brief time.

When: Occurs on cold start; resolves within short driving time. Reported at 17,400–50,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle when vehicle is cold-started; Hesitation when pressing accelerator, vehicle slow to respond; Abnormal vibration at various speeds when releasing accelerator; Issue clears after vehicle warms or after brief driving

Codes mentioned: No warning lights reported in most cases

Repairs/costs cited: One narrative cites computer system replacement recommendation, but vehicle not repaired. Oil changes deferred by dealer due to recall status. Most owners report no repair attempted or available.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V381000 applies; parts unavailable. Oil changes withheld pending recall remedy availability.

Engine Fire

Engine compartment fire occurred minutes after routine 45,000-mile service at Toyota dealer. Smoke visible from under hood; fire department called and extinguished fire. Vehicle declared total loss by insurance. No injuries reported.

When: Approximately 45,000 miles; immediately after dealer service

Symptoms owners cite: Erratic shaking of vehicle; Multiple warning lights illuminated; Loss of motive power; Interior extreme heat; Smoke from under hood; Fire under hood

Codes mentioned: Multiple unknown warning lights illuminated

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle declared total loss. Personal items inside vehicle damaged.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; case filed. No further details in narrative.

Catalytic Converter Failure

Catalytic converter failure on two-year-old truck at 66,000 miles. Owner reports premature failure with no clear cause and states warranty coverage expired at 35,000 miles.

When: 66,000 miles on 2-year-old vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: Engine warning light illuminated; Different smell from exhaust

Codes mentioned: Engine warning light

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $2,143.15 for catalytic converter replacement. Owner states converter failure unusual for vehicle age and mileage with regular maintenance history.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty expired at 35,000 miles per dealership; owner responsible for replacement cost.

Hybrid System Malfunction Messages

Hybrid-specific warnings and reduced-power limp mode triggered during startup or driving. Owner reports alerts for Hybrid System Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Check Engine, and Traction Control Turned Off. Vehicle enters creep mode and cannot exceed 15 mph until restart.

When: Reported in 2023 Tundra Hybrid models

Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid System Malfunction alert; Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction alert; Check Engine light; Traction Control Turned Off; Vehicle enters creep mode and will not accelerate above 15 mph; Issue clears after restart in some cases

Codes mentioned: Hybrid System Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Check Engine, Traction Control Turned Off

Repairs/costs cited: Toyota service claims one-time start sequence issue; no repair offered. Owner reports similar issues reported by other Tundra Hybrid owners online.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota claims fluke or one-time event; no recall or service bulletin identified for hybrid system malfunction in narratives.

Synthesized from 114 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 7 most recent

engine · 9,000 mi · filed 12/29/2025

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal and clamoring sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V767000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was…

engine · filed 12/29/2025

I am writing to report a serious issue with my vehicle’s throttle response. When accelerating from a stop, the vehicle consistently hesitates and feels as though it may stall, leaving me vulnerable in traffic or at intersections. This problem has already resulted in three very close calls, two of which required police involvement. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle under these…

engine · filed 12/29/2025

I have a 2023 I-force max hybrid and I’m concerned about the non hybrid model engine shares the same engine characteristics and parts use for the I-force max hybrid engine. I want to be on record if I have an engine failure due to debris in Toyota engine manufacturing process for my vehicle. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.…

engine · filed 12/26/2025

On December 23, 2025, while driving at highway speeds, I began to hear a loud knocking sound. The sounds increased and a "low oil pressure" warning appeared on the dash. I began to loose power and the knocking sounds increased. I was able to carefully get the truck off the highway and parked to be towed to a local dealership. The loss of power while on the highway put myself and my family at…

engine · filed 12/26/2024

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V381000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The…

engine · filed 12/23/2025

The hybrid version of the Toyota Tundra uses the same base V35A-derived engine architecture, block casting, bearing design, and oiling system as the recalled non-hybrid vehicles. Toyota has not demonstrated that hybrid engines were manufactured differently or are immune to the defect that prompted the recall. In towing conditions, an internal combustion engine failure creates an immediate safety…

engine · filed 12/18/2025

My Toyota Tundra (2023) has a recall notice due to possible debris in the engine that is over a year and a half old. This still has not been repaired by the manufacturer. I can hear sounds like knocking coming from the engine and I am concerned that the vehicle could stall or stop while driving on the highway with my children and cause a severe crash. How do I get the vehicle engine replaced…

Had engine trouble with your 2023 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 engine problem on the 2023 Toyota Tundra?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 114 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 21,498 and 43,000 miles, with the median around 34,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,498; a quarter make it past 43,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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/2023/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.
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