NHTSA Complaint #11619193 — 2018 TOYOTA TUNDRA

This case results from the malfunctioning trailer brake ECU on 2018-2019 Tundras. There is a Toyota service bulletin T-SB-0036-19, which specifies an updated controller to replace the defective model. Part # : Original 89547-0C020 Update/replacement 89547-0C060 Toyota will not replace this defective part outside of the original warranty period despite the issuance of an updated replacement part. The service bulletin wasn’t even issued until 4/19 possibly giving no recourse to owners whose warranty had tolled. The newer part number, suggests this was a dangerous defect that was upgraded. A review of this matter online details this problem has frequently occurred. The reason it’s not more commonly reported is that a minority of Tundra owners tow trailers, and even fewer tow with electric brakes. Regardless, this is a significant safety issue where the Tundra owners are forced pay about $1,100 to repair this defective part. This matter should be elevated to a recall since losing the functionality of one’s trailer brakes is a very dangerous situation.