2023 Toyota Tundra

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine, Auto Start/Stop, and another unknown warning light illuminated. The message "Grill Shutter Malfunction Low Voltage" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery sensor, alternator, and ECU had short-circuited. The dealer replaced the battery sensor, alternator, and ECU; however, the failure persisted with the check engine and another unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who determined that the grill shutter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Multiple vehicle systems have malfunctioned, including the transmission, infotainment/display screen, and backup camera. Most recently, the backup camera has stopped functioning, preventing a rear view while reversing. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request, along with any service records documenting prior repair attempts.The transmission issues created an unsafe driving condition due to unpredictable shifting and hesitation. In addition, the backup camera is no longer functioning, significantly reducing rear visibility while reversing and increasing the risk of striking a pedestrian, child, vehicle, or object. These defects pose a safety risk to both the driver and others around the vehicle.The vehicle has been presented to an authorized Toyota dealership on multiple occasions for repair of various issues. Most recently, I sought service for the inoperative backup camera but was refused service. Previous concerns have been documented through dealership service visits.The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership during previous repair attempts. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives.The vehicle experienced ongoing drivability and infotainment issues before the backup camera failed. The backup camera eventually stopped functioning entirely.

While driving the vehicle on a public roadway at approximately 70mph, the vehicle suffered a sudden and catastrophic powertrain failure without timely warning. The check engine light illuminated, the physical engine oil pressure gauge dropped to absolute zero, and the dashboard immediately flashed a critical "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning. > This mechanical and electrical failure triggered an instantaneous, total loss of motor power while traveling live lane with traffic behind me. The vehicle immediately stalled and became a completely inoperable, unresponsive rolling hazard. The vehicle failed to restart and left me stranded on a narrow shoulder which was very hazardous as traffic coming at high speeds could have easily rear ended me. The vehicle required a flatbed tow to an authorized Toyota dealership, and after submitting a case with corporate hoping for a trade assist(as my wife no longer feels safe in this chassis), I have been told it will take up to 45 days to process this request. I made a significant investment in this vehicle in January of 2023 and have since methodically kept up with maintenance, with hopes this vehicle would last me 10+ years. I find it highly inexcusable for Toyota to not consider speedily helping a loyal customer in this situation and making it right in a timely manner. I am now being offered a vehicle the same as mine of the current year and with me having to put over 22K in equity to close the gap. I should not be left on the hook for something that put my safety at risk and now has left me without the ability to travel as my family has lost their main method of transportation. Manufacturing defects should not come at the customers expense.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid’s powertrain design may be insufficient to maintain basic safety maneuvers (specifically "limp mode" or emergency clearing) during an engine failure while operating under high-load conditions in mountainous terrain. This creates a life-threatening hazard for the occupants and other motorists. ​Statement of Fact: As an owner of a 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid, I primarily utilize this vehicle to tow a 9,000 lbs travel trailer through the high-altitude, steep-grade regions of Utah. These routes frequently consist of narrow, two-lane mountain passes with no shoulders and steep drop-offs. ​ ​Failure Under Stress: Engineering logic suggests that engine stress is highest during heavy towing on steep grades. If a primary engine failure occurs in these conditions, the hybrid system’s battery and electric motor capacity are, in my experience, inadequate to move a combined Gross Combined Vehicle Weight (GCVW) of approximately 15,000+ lbs to a safe location. ​While the hybrid system may allow a light, unladen vehicle to limp to a shoulder under "ideal conditions," it lacks the torque and sustained power to move a heavy trailer on a grade once the internal combustion engine is compromised. ​In the event of a failure, the vehicle would likely become "dead in the water" in the middle of a live, narrow lane on a blind mountain curve. Without the ability to reach a turnout or even a marginal shoulder due to the weight of the load, the vehicle becomes a stationary target for other high-speed mountain traffic, posing a severe risk of rear-end collisions and multi-car accidents. ​ I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate the performance of the Tundra Hybrid’s "fail-safe" modes specifically under maximum towing capacity on grades.

While operating my 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro under normal conditions, I started the vehicle and activated standard factory equipment including the seat heaters and window/mirror defrosters. Shortly thereafter, I noticed a slight acrid odor inside the vehicle, which quickly became more pronounced. I drove approximately 200 feet, and immediately returned to my driveway. Upon shutting the vehicle down, I observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. I opened the hood and confirmed smoke and signs of an electrical fire originating in the engine bay. I used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire and then disconnected the vehicle’s battery. No injuries occurred. The vehicle was not restarted and was subsequently towed to an authorized Toyota dealership for inspection. Visible damage is present in the engine compartment, including the main fuse/relay box and associated electrical components. The incident occurred without collision and during normal vehicle operation.

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 from use due to safety concerns. The issue is consistent with known engine stalling concerns affecting certain 2022–2024 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The vehicle is unsafe to operate.