2023 TOYOTA TUNDRA Engine Problems
125 NHTSA complaints on file
Engine Issues in the 2023 TOYOTA TUNDRA
125 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2023 TOYOTA TUNDRA. Of these, 1 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.
125
Complaints
1
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
All Engine Complaints
This is an engine failure recall and after multiple conversations with my service advisor, I am being told that my "vehicle is not ready for the corrective action at this time". When I ask him what constitutes "being ready", he states that "the engine pretty must has to be dead". My reply, "In other words, I need to be stranded with an inoperable vehicle before Toyota is going to allow a claim submission?" His reply, "yep, that is pretty much it." So, I am driving a car over mountain passes every weekend, late at night, just waiting for it to die for a known recall, and Toyota is not taking any action. This car only has 37,700 miles on it and it not what I expected out of purchasing a new Toyota.
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.
1-2 second period of no throttle response from a rolling stop, then a sudden lurch of acceleration. This happens all the time with my family in the car and its really scary.
Since Toyota has recalled these engines, they have failed to produce a solution. This engine was recalled due to a safety concern, but yet they have not replaced the engine, nor do they even have a timeline for when it might be replaced. We use our Tundra for long distance towing with a heavy trailer. This has created a situation that is very concerning and my wife and I no longer feel safe in a truck that an engine can just seize in seconds leaving us not only stranded, but potentially in the roadway. The engine just dies, there are no warnings. We have lost a substantial amount of money on this because now the value of our truck has declined, which is not the standard Toyota had promised. Toyota had told all of us that they fixed this problem back in Feb. 2023. My build was a June 2023...
Driving down the highway at about 50 mph. Went to pass another vehicle and engine shut off. Thank goodness was able to pull to shoulder and get towed to dealer. Could have been a catastrophic situation.
On my 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Hybrid at 72,241 miles, the vehicle started making a knocking noise. Engine turned off and wont start at all. Had the truck hauled to toyota dealership for service. After them having it a week, they called to let me know that the engine is completely locked up. Metal Shavings in the oil and motor wont turn over at all, even with a rachet on the crank bolt. Luckily I bought a extended warranty when i purchased the truck used as toyota is claiming only the non hybrid engines are under the toyota recall for the engines. After reading and researching they have the same engine just one doesnt have the hybrid assist on it. Toyota told me that the extended warranty company was coming today to check it out and would let me know where to go from here. They said its a...
Engine started knocking, complete loss of power and had to pull over immediately to avoid any further issues such as an accident
cold morning (between 32-40 degrees) come to complete stop at stop sign. lag between input and delivery
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety incident involving a sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speed. Vehicle Information: Make: Toyota Model: Tundra Model Year: 2023 VIN: [XXX] Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The vehicle immediately lost propulsion, creating a dangerous situation for myself and my family. This event occurred without warning and required immediate action to safely exit traffic. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Toyota service facility. After inspection, the vehicle required a full engine replacement. The repair was completed, and the vehicle was returned to me. However, despite the repair, the incident has caused a lasting loss of confidence in the vehicle’s safety for highway operation. My family and I now avoid highway driving due to fear that a similar loss-of-power event could...
Toyota has recalled vehicles (24V-381) with the exact same motor that I have, but my truck has not been recalled simply because it is a hybrid. Their reasoning is that the hybrid motor will allow you to still move if the internal combustion engine does not work. Many hybrid owners have stated when their motor died they could not move. Toyota needs to include ALL the motors in this recall, including the hybrid engines. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Unknown. Intermittently when merging into highway traffic from the onramp, the truck will stall and I will lose acceleration. There will be a loss in power and the truck speed will not change. instead it will just coast with no ability to change speed. I have owned the truck for 1 year and 3months. I advised the dealer and they can not duplicate the issue.
There have been multiple times, since owning the vehicle, when there is dangerous throttle lag. I step on the gas to turn and nothing happens for a few seconds. It can be pretty scary when there is a car coming and the truck just rolls for a few minutes before accelerating. It’s become a major safety concern for my family.
While pulling out into traffic, my truck will suddenly hesitate. It also caused a vehicle to hit me as the truck pulled out into the lane, then suddenly completely lost power. Dealer was unable to replicate. Has happened to me several times when at a stop light. This is slightly safer as traffic behind me is stopped or slowed. It feels like a throttle issue as it completely looses power
This has happened to me at least 6-7 times since owning as Jan 2024. Occasionally when stopped at stopped sign or red light, upon releasing brake and pressing gas pedal the engine will stall or stutter causing the vehicle to either hesitate to go and then launch or hesitate and not do anything. This is an issue as it has happened to me when trying to cross a divided highway and it stalling as I'm partially out in the middle of the road.
Since purchasing this truck in 2023, the engine or transmission has exhibited a severe throttle lag/hesitation when cold—a 2–4 second delay in acceleration from a stop after pressing the gas pedal, followed by a sudden lurch, which creates a safety hazard when merging into traffic. No warning lights, error messages, or other fault indicators appear. The dealer has been unable to reproduce the issue because the truck is warm by the time it's inspected, and no inspection has been performed outside the dealership.
Throttle lagging issues and delayed acceleration.
Throttle lag Happens 2-3 time a day in many instances due to the delay almost causing accidents
After I come to stop at a light or A stop sign, when I press the accelerator the truck lurches out into the intersection then stops and the truck will not move for 1-3 seconds even though I am pressing the gas pedal. When it finally responds, the truck jumps or lurches forward. Each time this happens I am almost hit and people have to drive around me. I have been almost hit like 50 times. This is a huge safety issue.
I get random lags in thorttle engagement when starting from complete or rolling stops. When this happens, it behaves like there is a delay between the throttle input and the engine resoponse. Push the throttle to go, and no go, and after a delay of usually part of a second, then it jerks and goes. Most times there is no problem and the throttle responds correctly, but this issue occurs randomly almost every time I drive.
Extreme throttle hesitation, and lag at low speeds. Causes a safety risk when in traffic or starting to stop situations due to the delay between when the driver presses the throttle pedal and when the vehicle moves. Often times the vehicle lunges aggressively. It happens every time you drive it.
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.
Throttle lagging, truck won’t accelerate at low speeds and is very jerky
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 conditions. I have attempted to trade out of the vehicle, but the offers I’ve received have been significantly reduced due to the widely known nature of this issue. Please advise on the next steps to address this matter. Safety is my top priority, and I believe this situation requires immediate attention. Thank you for your prompt response.
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. 552(B)(6)
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 risk due to not being able to keep at speed with traffic, and the possibility of being stuck on the side of a highway if I was unable to make it to the next exit. The vehicle experienced the same symptoms prior to the engine seizing in July of 2025. At that time the vehicle was not included in a recall campaign, and a short block replacement, rather than a complete engine replacement, was completed by...
While driving today the engine check light turned on, and the engine turned off (stalled) while in the middle of the road with a good amount of traffic around me. I pulled off to the side of the road and gave the engine a minute. I turned the truck back on again, the engine sounded very rough turning on and rough while driving. After a minute or two of driving, the engine light turned on again, and the engine stopped (stalled) again while in the middle of the road. I stopped this time for two minutes or so and turned the engine on again. I then proceeded to try to make it home, which I accomplished, but the truck's engine sounded rough and with a chattering sound (engine knocking) even when idling. I have received a recall notice letter concerning " Certain 2022-2024 Model Year Tundra Vehicles Engine May Stall...
This is ridiculous if there’s debris in the engine of a risk for it and risk for the engine to go I want a new vehicle there’s 18k miles on this truck brand new shape and I will be putting my family in this. This is a risk I’m not willing to take. This needs to be bought back
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 hazard even if limited electric propulsion remains available. Electric-only operation provides severely reduced power, limited speed, and restricted torque, making highway merging, grade climbing, or maintaining safe traffic flow unsafe while towing. Retaining minimal electric motion does not equate to maintaining safe propulsion under load. Additionally, a catastrophic engine failure may introduce metal debris, oil pressure loss, or thermal imbalance that can compromise shared drivetrain and hybrid coupling components. The presence of an electric motor does not mitigate the underlying defect risk or the secondary damage potential. Toyota’s distinction between hybrid and...
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 expeditiously? The Recall is 24V381.
The vehicle is affected by a manufacturer safety recall related to the engine. According to the recall, machining debris may not have been properly removed during engine production. This can lead to engine knocking, rough running, failure to start, loss of power, or the engine stalling while driving. The manufacturer has stated that the fix will require replacement of the engine assembly, but the remedy is not yet available. Because of this, the vehicle continues to be driven with a known engine defect and no repair timeline. The main safety concern is the risk of sudden loss of power or engine stall while driving, which could be dangerous, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealer, who confirmed that the recall applies but could not perform a repair, provide a timeline, or confirm that the vehicle is safe to drive while waiting for...
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the message to take the vehicle to the dealer to check the engine was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the messages were displayed while on a long trip. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
When accelerating from a stop it has a severe delay. I’ve read now this is not normal. Sometimes the delay can be 1-2 seconds causing confusions at like stop signs and such as I’ve pressed the gas and get nothing. Not reported to dealership but will on next oil change as this has been a persistent problem since purchase.
While driving under normal conditions, my 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Hybrid experienced a sudden and severe loss of propulsion. The vehicle abruptly entered fail-safe (limp) mode and would not accelerate beyond approximately 5–10 mph. This occurred without warning and created an immediate safety hazard in traffic. Multiple warning messages illuminated simultaneously, including: Hybrid System Malfunction, Check Engine, Smart Stop System Malfunction, and Advanced Ultrasonic Detection Malfunction. The hybrid system effectively shut down and the vehicle could not maintain normal road speed. I brought the vehicle to a Toyota dealership. The dealership performed only ECM and hybrid ECU software updates and cleared codes. No mechanical inspection, oil pressure analysis, particulate inspection, turbo system evaluation, hybrid motor synchronization testing, or engineering-level diagnostics were performed. Toyota Corporate subsequently stated that the software update was the “final” resolution and declined further diagnostics. I was advised to return to the dealership if the issue...
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal while at complete stop at a red traffic light or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the transmission software was reset; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to another local dealer, where an unknown engine recall was performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Hesitation from vehicle when pressing gas coming from a rolling stop. Late response from vehicle which may increase risk of crash or injury when vehicle does not move.
When slowing down and then accelerating OR coming to a stop on an incline and then gassing it, the truck will stall for 1-2 seconds and then launch off. This has almost caused a wreck multiple times as I get stuck in the roadway for 1-2 seconds before being able to cross the lane and complete my turn. The dealership has said they've heard of the issue but could not duplicate it. No dashboard lights came on during the power failure.
Approximately 10 minutes into an ordinary drive home from work, the engine abruptly began making extremely loud noise, as if metal or bricks were being thrown inside the engine. Within moments, the engine rapidly lost power and then completely shut down. At no time did any warning lights, engine lights, or malfunction indicators appear on the dashboard prior to or during the failure. This incident represents a serious safety hazard. This vehicle is my primary tow vehicle for transporting a horse trailer, and had this failure occurred while towing, I would have had no control, no engine power, and no ability to maintain speed, creating a high risk of a major collision or highway accident. The fact that the failure occurred with zero warning makes the danger even more significant. Toyota has confirmed that this engine failure falls under the active recall. Despite this, the mode of failure—sudden shutdown while...
The truck “detected” a warning collision when there was no one in front of me which made the engine lag. There for causing me to come to an abrupt stop from 40 mph. I stepped on the gas to get back up to speed with traffic beside and behind me and there was no power almost causing an accident. This is the 3rd time this truck has done this in 6 months.
I was driving on the highway at 55 mph when my engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and lost power. I immediately pulled over, but as I was doing so, the vehicle lost all power and the engine light came on. This was a dangerous situation because I was in the middle of traffic and almost got rear-ended as I couldn’t keep up with the traffic speed. Let alone the warning light didn’t come on until I lost all power to the engine. This is a 2023 Hybrid Limited with under 15,000 miles! I could not believe it as I just got rid of my 2022 Tundra Limited with engine issues and purposely got a hybrid to avoid engine problems. Toyota, what on earth are you doing?!
My vehicle has same engine as all the ones recalled, even built in same factory. Why isn’t there a recall on my engine as well.
Huge delay in the throttle response. You press on the throttle and there is sometimes a hesitation and the vehicle will not move or is jerky.
When accelerating from a low speed (under 15mpg) there is significant throttle lag causing risk of accident
On several occasions I have a dead pedal situation on acceleration from a brief stop. When you press the accelerator, the truck does not accelerate immediately. Instead there is a second or two pause before truck responds to accelerator input. When crossing traffic, this hesitation has caused several situations in which i have almost been t-boned.
My 2023 Toyota Tundra has an intermittent issue where the throttle lags or hesitates when accelerating from a complete stop. The problem occurs unpredictably and causes the truck to fail to respond when pressing the gas pedal. The issue appears to be related to the engine or throttle response system, and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This malfunction puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because the hesitation can occur while turning left across traffic or merging into traffic, leaving the truck momentarily stalled in the path of oncoming vehicles. The problem has not yet been officially reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center, but it has happened multiple times under normal driving conditions. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives at this time. There were no warning lights, messages, or other indicators before or during...
The truck will hesitate for a brief second while trying to accelerate from both stop and in drive where it'll jolt you forward. This will also happen when shifting into driving and it jolts you forward. This is a huge safety risk because my truck can stall when i need the truck to go. I have brought it up to the dealership which told me multiple times as "normal". No lights has popped up but I know my other cars doesn't stall when giving gas.
Over the course of ownership I have had frequent instances of loss of power and/or lack of acceleration resulting in almost stalling out while trying to take off. This causes dangerous situations when trying to pull out into traffic because you never know when the vehicle might hesitate and crest unsafe distances between you and other moving vehicles.
Throttle Lag/Hesitation when starting from a standstill. Same also occurs when slowly going up a hill, letting off throttle and then back on throttle - engine no response and causes vehicle to roll backwards before engine/transmission catch on again. No service center has looked at this issue yet.
I experience delayed throttle response and throttle lag daily. Acceleration is unpredictable. The vehicle barely moves in some cases when pressing the gas pedal. Other times, the tires will chirp. The vehicle will sometimes hesitate so long to accelerate, that I've almost been T-boned and I've held up traffic. It seems like the truck thinks I'm going to run into something, even when there's nothing in front of me. The delay is sometimes 3-5 seconds before it will allow any acceleration. This seems like a huge safety issue, not being able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic and having such an unpredictable, and often delayed throttle response.
I was driving my 2023 Toyota Tundra when the engine shutdown while going 55mph, the speed limit. Truck shutdown as I approached a long, curvy hill, felt like I was in great danger and any vehicles around me. There was no warning, had no idea what was going on. Took vehicle to dealership, after 24 hours I went back to dealership to check on it. Was told they didn’t look at it because they knew the engine was bad, needed replaced. There is a recall for this and was told there is no remedy yet. Also, they say they don’t have a vehicle for me to drive. I paid $65000 cash to have a vehicle to drive and keep me and my grandkids safe, now nothing!
October 6th 2025, I was leaving my place of work and started to here a slight banging/knocking sound, the vehicle lost instant power and I the engine quit running, I have taken the vehicle to the Toyota dealer and they have confirmed a internal bearing failure in the engine. The vehicle is not part of the engine recall but appears to be the same issue. The Toyota dealership has agreed that it is still with in the warranty period after review of there regional representative and agreed to replace the engine short block and rebuild the remaining engine components. I towed it to the dealer October 6th and have been given a rough timeline for repairs to be performed roughly around December based on the availability of parts.
Other 2023 TOYOTA TUNDRA Problem Areas
Power Train
70 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
56 complaints
Unknown Or Other
40 complaints
Electrical System
31 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
29 complaints
Service Brakes
26 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
26 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
14 complaints
Steering
10 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints
Exterior Lighting
6 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
6 complaints
Structurebody
6 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking
5 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Visibilitywiper
5 complaints
Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking
4 complaints
Wheels
4 complaints
Air Bags
3 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
3 complaints
Lane Departure Assist
3 complaints
Lane Departure Warning
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention Warnings
2 complaints
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention
1 complaint
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
1 complaint
Electrical Systemadasblindspotwarningchime
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelfuel Gauge
1 complaint
Electrical Systeminstrument Panelspeedometerodometer
1 complaint
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
1 complaint
Equipment
1 complaint
Equipmentelectrical
1 complaint
Lane Departure
1 complaint
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
1 complaint
Parking Brake
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulic
1 complaint
Structure
1 complaint
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
1 complaint
Tiressidewall
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
1 complaint