2023 Toyota Tundra experienced repeated engine stalling and vehicle lock-up while driving on public roads, including in an intersection. During one incident, the driver was thrown forward into the steering wheel. A Toyota dealer attempted repair by replacing the neutral/park safety switch, but the repair failed and the dangerous condition persisted immediately after. The vehicle has been removed…
2023 Toyota Tundra powertrain problems
moderate 73 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 73 powertrain 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.
Among the 14 model years of Toyota Tundra in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2023 Tundra powertrain has serious documented defects: sudden engine stalls at highway speed (some requiring full engine replacement), unpredictable throttle lag from stops creating collision hazards, and transmission issues including harsh shifts and fluid overheating. Multiple owners report dealers dismissing complaints as normal or unable to replicate; Toyota's official recall remedy remains unavailable and hybrid models are excluded despite identical symptoms. Buy used examples only after thorough inspection for prior stall events, engine history, and transmission performance verification.
Owners consistently report two categories of powertrain failure in 2023 Tundras: catastrophic stalls and control delays.
The stalling issue strikes without warning at highway speeds—engine shuts down completely, vehicle enters limp mode, and steering assist diminishes. Affected vehicles required full engine replacement; post-service diagnostics show metal shavings in oil, locked-up engines, and multiple control module communication faults. Hybrid models exhibit identical symptoms but Toyota excludes them from the V35A recall affecting non-hybrid trucks using the same engine platform.
The throttle lag problem is equally pervasive. Owners report 1–3 second delays when accelerating from stops, followed by violent lurches forward. This occurs unpredictably but frequently—sometimes 30% of stop attempts—and has created numerous near-miss collisions when crossing traffic or merging. The issue appears worse in cold conditions and escalates over vehicle life. Dealerships claim they cannot reproduce it or that "all trucks are like this."
Additionally, owners report harsh transmission shifts, rough idle with misfires, excessive brake squealing at low mileage, and elevated transmission fluid temperatures exceeding manufacturer limits. One vehicle required replacement of driveshaft, rear differential, and transfer case at 1,100 miles.
Across all failure modes, dealership responses remain consistent: codes are cleared without repair, issues are called normal, recalls lack available remedies (fuel tank recall unresolved after 1+ year), and comprehensive diagnostics are refused.
Same Toyota Tundra powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2024 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Engine Loss of Power / Stalling at Highway Speed
Engine shuts down or loses all propulsion without warning while driving at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by limp mode, multiple warning lights (Check Engine, Hybrid System Malfunction, Smart Stop System Malfunction), or electrical faults. Several owners report metal shavings in oil, locked-up engines, and need for full engine replacement. Dealerships report voltage drops, communication faults between control modules, and engine misfires on diagnostic scans.
When: Highway speeds (70–85 mph); varies in frequency. Some incidents occur once, others documented as recurring. Mileage range from new to 72,241 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of propulsion; Engine stall without warning; Limp mode (reduced power mode, max ~5–10 mph); Check Engine light; Hybrid System Malfunction warning; Smart Stop System Malfunction warning; Low power steering warning; Engine locked up or knocking noise followed by inability to start; Metal shavings in oil; Steering assist significantly reduced
Codes mentioned: Engine misfires (reported by dealership diagnostics), Multiple system communication faults, Electrical voltage irregularities/drops, V35A engine machining-defect recall indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required in most cases; some owners report only short-block replacement performed instead of long-block despite recall guidance. Software updates (ECM and hybrid ECU) applied but ineffective. No comprehensive mechanical inspection or turbo/hybrid synchronization testing performed by dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota V35A engine machining-defect recall (affects non-hybrid models; hybrid models excluded despite using same engine). Toyota Corporate states software update is final resolution and declines further diagnostics. Recall remedy currently unavailable (as of narrative dates 2024–2025). Fuel tank recall also mentioned but remedy not yet available.
Throttle Lag / Hesitation on Acceleration from Stop
Unpredictable 1–3 second delay in throttle response when pressing accelerator pedal from complete stop or low speeds (stop signs, traffic lights, roundabouts). After lag, vehicle lurches forward or surges rapidly. Affects both cold starts (worse in morning) and warm operation. No warning lights typically present. Occurs frequently enough to create repeated near-miss collisions but inconsistently enough that dealers cannot reliably reproduce it.
When: Primarily from complete stop or very low speed (<5 mph); worse in cold/immediately after cold start. Some reports from day 5,000–27,000+ miles; some from new. Frequency escalates over time (described as daily to ~30% of stop attempts).
Symptoms owners cite: 1–3 second delay in acceleration response after pressing gas pedal; Rapid lurch or surge forward once power engages; Inconsistent throttle response (unpredictable severity/duration); Worse when turning across traffic or merging; More frequent in cold conditions; No warning lights or error messages; Transmission feels sluggish in high gear at low speed; Vehicle hesitates when shifting into drive
Codes mentioned: Transmission reflash attempted (no permanent resolution), No ECM or transmission fault codes detected
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission reflash/software reset performed by dealerships but issue recurs within days to weeks. No permanent repair identified. Technical Service Bulletin fix exists but Toyota has refused application on some vehicles, and owners report TSB did not resolve the issue when applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Corporate representative verified the hesitation issue exists on at least one vehicle and stated data would be sent to engineering for possible fix; no follow-up provided (6+ weeks reported with no response). Toyota/dealerships deny issue or claim 'all trucks are like this' or hesitation is 'normal' for V6 engines.
Engine Rough Idle, Misfire, and Stumble
Engine exhibits rough idle, stumbling, and misfiring, particularly at startup or cold. Some reports include smoke from tailpipe. Diagnostics show misfires on scan. One owner reports oil consumption campaign and subsequent valve guide replacement requiring cylinder head replacement.
When: At startup, idle, and low-speed operation. Reports from vehicles with 9–14,000 miles; some from near new.
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Engine misfire and stumble; Smoke from exhaust at takeoff; Vehicle died when using 4WD on one report
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (detected on scan tool)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption campaign performed. Valve guides replaced; both cylinder heads replaced in one case (3-week repair duration).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims rough idle and misfire are 'normal' for the vehicle. No remedy offered in most complaints.
Transmission Hard Shifts, Jerking, and Clunking
Transmission exhibits harsh or jerky shifts in lower gears, loud clunking from rear at low speed, and hard engagement when shifting into drive (especially when cold). One vehicle required driveshaft, rear differential, and transfer case replacement at ~1,100 miles due to factory defects.
When: Shifts in lower gears; cold starts particularly exhibit harsh engagement. Driveshaft/rear differential failure occurred at 500–1,100 miles. Transmission temperature issues reported ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh or jerky shifts in lower gears; Loud clunking from rear while moving at low speed; Hard engagement when shifting into drive, especially when cold; Transmission feels sluggish at low speed in high gear; Jolting forward when shifting into drive
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brakes (rotors) replaced initially, then driveshaft replaced, and rear differential found damaged beyond repair (all within 1,100 miles). Short-block engine replacement performed in some cases. Transmission fluid temperatures exceed manufacturer spec (>200°F vs. normal 167–185°F); no remedy provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim clunking is due to bad rotors despite later discovery of driveshaft/differential failure. No solution for elevated transmission fluid temperatures offered.
Transmission Neutral / Reverse Engagement While Moving
Automatic transmission shifts into Neutral, Reverse, or Park while vehicle is moving, attributable to electronic control failure rather than mechanical safety interlock. One third-party report of collision caused by driver's spouse accidentally pressing Park button while vehicle in motion.
When: While vehicle moving at various speeds (reported speeds from slow to normal traffic).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts from Drive into Neutral, Reverse, or Park while moving; No mechanical interlocks to prevent shift while moving
Repairs/costs cited: One complaint mentions vehicle shifted from Drive to Reverse and Park despite driver stepping on brakes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented in narratives. Complaint raises design flaw concern regarding lack of mechanical shift interlocks.
Brake Issues: Premature Squealing and System Malfunction
Brakes squeal excessively starting around 4,000 miles, progressively worsening; owner suspects premature wear despite low mileage. One report of violent jerk and forward motion while brake pedal fully pressed at red light with no rear-end collision occurring—potentially related to brake system malfunction. One narrative reports 'Brake System Malfunction' warning light.
When: Squealing begins around 4,000 miles on vehicle with 6,400 miles total. Brake engagement failure/malfunction at traffic light on separate vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive squealing from brakes starting at low mileage; Progressive worsening of squealing; Violent jerk forward while brake pedal firmly pressed; Brake System Malfunction warning light
Codes mentioned: Brake System Malfunction (warning message)
Repairs/costs cited: Brake dust cleaning did not resolve squealing. No brake replacement performed or recommended despite squealing severity.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Infotainment System PIN Loop and Control Issues
Infotainment system continuously loops with PIN entry requests, requiring repeated entry every 1–2 minutes. Dealership claims latest software installed; Toyota support instructed multiple resets and restarts, which provided temporary relief (~1 week) but issue recurs.
When: Persistent throughout ownership; recurring every 1–2 minutes after initial temporary fix.
Symptoms owners cite: PIN entry screen pops up repeatedly; Screen appears every 1–2 minutes; User forced to repeatedly enter 6-digit PIN or close screen; Distracting and dangerous while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple password resets, PIN resets, and startup sequence changes attempted by Toyota support over 2+ hours. No permanent fix achieved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota support performed extended troubleshooting (2+ hours) but provided no permanent resolution.
Abnormal Vehicle Creep in Neutral
Vehicle rolls forward on level driveway while in Neutral and engine off, indicating potential brake engagement or transmission issue.
When: At ~1,600 miles on one vehicle; on level ground with engine off.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward in Neutral on level surface
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer and manufacturer both stated vehicle needed to be diagnosed but no diagnosis documented in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota stated vehicle needed diagnosis but no follow-up repair documented.
Elevated Transmission Fluid Temperatures
Transmission fluid temperatures consistently exceed manufacturer specification (>200°F vs. normal 167–185°F) during normal and highway driving. Owner concerned about breakdown risk, especially when towing or during long-distance or stop-and-go driving.
When: Ongoing throughout ownership; occurs in both highway and town driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid temperature exceeds 200°F; Temperature elevation occurs in both highway and low-speed operation
Repairs/costs cited: None; no remedy offered by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed proper operating range (167–185°F) but offered no solution for elevated temperatures.
Stalling or Engine Shutdown with Restart Difficulty
Engine stalls or shuts down during operation (sometimes while using 4WD or at low-speed maneuvers). Upon restart attempt, vehicle may produce only clicking from starter, emit burning smell, or fail to restart immediately. Distinct from highway stalling in that these are lower-speed or usage-specific incidents, though similarly dangerous.
When: Variable: while using 4WD, at intersections, after braking then accelerating. Mileage varies from 1,400 to 27,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or shuts down; Clicking sound from starter on restart attempt; Burning smell from engine compartment; Difficulty restarting or prolonged restart time; Vehicle immobilized after stall
Codes mentioned: Codes cleared by dealership (no specific codes documented)
Repairs/costs cited: Neutral/park safety switch replacement attempted but failed to resolve stalling issue. Codes cleared by dealership with no comprehensive repair; burning smell and metal shavings warrant engine replacement suspicion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership cleared codes and claimed issue resolved; no comprehensive diagnostics or repair performed.
Synthesized from 73 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Throttle lagging, truck won’t accelerate at low speeds and is very jerky
whenever driving my vehicle, there is noticible delay/lag when attempting to accelerate. This occurs primarily from when first starting from a compelte stop, but it also noticible in other scenarios. When stopped at a stop sign or traffic light, for example, first accelerating produces a lag and delay in movement of the vehicle. The dealership has "reflashed" the transmission which seemed to…
A few complaints: #1: First is the infotainment system continuously requests a pin be entered. I would enter the pin, but the pin screen pops up again and again whenever the system is on. Had the dealership look at it, they stated the info system has the latest software and I was instructed to contact Toyota. After a 2+hour phone call, resetting app passwords a few times, resetting pin a few…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2023 Toyota Tundra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 73 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 73 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 20,800 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/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.