2018 Toyota Tundra VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Toyota Tundra has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 94 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Toyota Tundra. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (26), Fuel Propulsion System (13), Service Brakes (9).

Tundra reliability snapshot

69/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$606

Avg annual repair cost vs $936 category avg

#6/17

Ranking in fullsize trucks · better than 65% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Toyota Tundra before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Best year to buyReliability, price and listing depth combined Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Resale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2018 Toyota Tundra issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Electrical System26
Fuel Propulsion System13
Service Brakes9
Unknown Or Other8
Vehicle Speed Control8
Electronic Stability Control (esc)6

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Toyota Tundra

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Inspect for oil leaks around cam tower and exhaust
Test pre-collision system and check for warning lights
Verify fuel pump functionality and check for past replacements
Check trailer brake controller operation while towing
Ensure steering column is noise-free and responsive
Confirm airbag warning lights are not illuminated
Check for recalls on fuel pump and electrical systems

What owners reported

2018 Toyota Tundra owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 4 crashes, 2 fires and 6 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Toyota Tundra. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Toyota Tundra, particularly involving the trailer brake controller and pre-collision system. Complaints frequently mention the trailer brake ECU malfunctioning, resulting in a loss of trailer braking capabilities, which is highlighted as a significant safety risk. Multiple owners describe the pre-collision system engaging unexpectedly, sometimes applying brakes without an apparent cause, with one incident resulting in a crash. Reports also include intermittent dashboard warning lights and electrical fires originating beneath the center console. These issues typically occur at various mileages, with some owners noting problems from as early as 20,000 miles, and are often unresolved due to unavailable recall parts.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints13

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra frequently report issues with the fuel pump, with symptoms including vehicle stalling, loss of propulsion while driving, and failure to start. Multiple complaints indicate that the fuel pump can fail without warning lights or error codes, and some owners describe electrical connections inside the pump melting. Reports suggest that these failures can occur at various mileages, sometimes shortly after previous repairs. Safety implications are noted, with instances of vehicles shutting off while driving, posing risks of traffic hazards. Several owners express frustration with their vehicles not being included in existing recalls, despite experiencing similar issues.

Owner complaints9

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report multiple issues with the 2018 Toyota Tundra's braking system, with a notable pattern involving the integrated brake controller disconnecting while towing, leading to loss of trailer brakes. This issue is frequently mentioned across several complaints, often occurring at various speeds and during multiple trips. Another significant issue involves the brake pedal becoming unresponsive or traveling to the floor, with one incident resulting in a crash and injury. Complaints also describe warning lights activating without cause, and in one case, a brake caliper becoming entangled with the wheel. These problems are noted at mileages ranging from approximately 13,900 to over 14,500 miles, posing potential safety risks such as loss of control and increased likelihood of accidents.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints8

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra frequently report issues with the factory trailer brake controller and the pre-collision warning system. Complaints about the trailer brake controller include failures to recognize the trailer braking system and difficulties setting the gain, with some owners noting that the problem is only detectable when a trailer or simulator is attached. The pre-collision system is often described as malfunctioning, with sensors warning of inoperability, or the system engaging unnecessarily, such as initiating emergency braking without obstacles present. These issues are reported even with low mileage, some as early as 300 to 1,000 miles, and can lead to potential safety risks like near-collisions or unexpected braking. Buyers should be aware that these problems may require dealership intervention and that some fixes, like replacing the trailer brake controller, may not be straightforward.

Owner complaints8

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control system, specifically related to the Dynamic Radar-Controlled Cruise Control and Pre-Collision System (PCS). Common symptoms include the cruise control disengaging unexpectedly, the PCS warning light illuminating, and the vehicle braking or accelerating without driver input, sometimes in the absence of obstacles. These issues often occur at various speeds and in different driving conditions, with some reports noting incidents as early as 1,500 miles. Safety implications are highlighted by multiple owners who describe sudden braking or acceleration that could lead to potential rear-end collisions. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported malfunctions and their potential impact on driving safety.

Owner complaints6

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra frequently report issues with the vehicle's pre-collision system (PCS), which can activate independently without a vehicle in front or illuminate warning lights indicating a malfunction. Complaints indicate that these issues occur at various speeds, with some owners noting the PCS warning light illuminates more often in colder temperatures, below 40°F. The reported mileage for these issues ranges from approximately 3,000 to 7,800 miles. Additionally, some owners mention that despite warning indicators, the system fails to function as intended, which could have safety implications, though no crashes or loss of control are explicitly reported. This information is essential for used car buyers to consider potential electronic stability control issues in their purchase decision.

Owner complaints4

ENGINE

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra frequently report engine-related issues involving oil leaks and wiring damage. Multiple complaints describe cam tower oil leaks, with oil potentially dripping onto the exhaust, posing a fire risk; these issues are noted at mileages as low as 35,000 and as high as 66,000. Additionally, some owners mention rodent damage to engine wires, possibly due to materials used in the vehicle, leading to safety risks. Another issue involves starting difficulties accompanied by misfire codes and disabled trailer brakes and pre-collision sensors. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications, particularly concerning oil leaks and fire hazards.

Owner complaints4

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra frequently report issues with the airbag system, including malfunctions indicated by dashboard warnings such as "SRS Airbag System Malfunction." Two complaints involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, resulting in four injuries. One report highlights a head-on collision at approximately 65 mph where airbags failed to activate, and another describes a rear-end collision with subsequent airbag system warnings. Complaints also mention difficulties with addressing recalls related to federal safety standards for occupant crash and side impact protection. The issues are reported at various mileages, with one specific case noted at around 96,000 miles. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding airbag deployment in collisions.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

Owner complaints4

STEERING

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra report several steering-related issues, with common symptoms including squeaking or thumping noises from the steering column and a potential for complete steering loss. Complaints frequently mention the need for steering column or rack and pinion replacements, with some issues arising around 50,000 miles. Multiple owners describe situations where steering components fail, leading to a loss of vehicle control, which poses significant safety risks. For potential buyers, it is notable that some of these issues are similar to those covered in a specific recall, though not all vehicles are included in this recall, and repairs may not be covered under warranty.

Owner complaints2

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Toyota Tundra report issues primarily related to the power train, with specific complaints of transmission problems and emissions control components. One owner describes a serious incident where the vehicle unexpectedly started in gear during inspection, leading to a crash and injury when the left front door closed on them. Another owner notes that the truck fails to accelerate beyond 60 mph, with further pressing of the accelerator causing the vehicle to decelerate, accompanied by a persistent service light for two weeks prior. These issues highlight potential safety concerns, particularly in the case of unintended vehicle movement and impaired acceleration, which may affect vehicle performance and safety.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

2018 Tundra recalls (9)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Tundra. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

STEERINGNHTSA 21E103000Dec 23, 2021
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
STEERINGNHTSA 21V920000Nov 23, 2021
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Consequence: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V688000Sep 2, 2021
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Tundra vehicles. The headlight electrical circuits may power the high and low beams simultaneously, which could overheat the electrical connector.
Consequence: An overheated electrical connector can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the engine wire harness assembly and replace any damaged bulb, bulb connector, and/or headlight assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB06 and 21TA06.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 20V410000Jul 15, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra vehicles equipped with LED headlight assemblies. Due to a wiring error, the front turn signals may not flash brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the turn signals or hazard lamps do not flash brightly enough, other drivers may fail to see that the turn signal or hazard lamp functions have been activated, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the wire harness connected to the front turn signal bulbs free of charge. The recall began August 17, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB12/20TA12.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 20V012000Jan 13, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 18V711000Oct 11, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra vehicles. The accessory all-weather floormats may have been counted twice when creating the load carrying capacity modification label, resulting in the capacity modification label incorrectly overstating the additional weight by 10 pounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: Since the incorrect label is not within 1% of the additional weight, the vehicles are not compliant with the FMVSS.
Remedy
All vehicle owners will be sent a corrected label. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0Z.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AIR BAGSNHTSA 18V685000Oct 4, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles. The air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may erroneously detect a fault during the vehicle start-up self check. If this occurs, the ECU may not deploy the airbags as intended, in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection," and 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequence: If the air bags do not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the air bag ECU, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0X. Note: 18V-122 was superseded by this recall. The software remedy also includes the updates to the software for 18V-122.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 18V122000Feb 20, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia vehicles. Electrical interference within the power supply circuit may cause the vehicle's electronic stability control system to be deactivated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system can increase the risk of a crash in certain conditions.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle's software, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0H. Note: This recall has been superseded by 18V-685. The software remedy for 18V-685 includes the updates to the software for this recall.
EQUIPMENTNHTSA 17V831000Dec 20, 2017
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

Used-market value

2018 Toyota Tundra resale snapshot

89.3%estimated value retained after 5 years

320listings in the model-level benchmark

$42,372median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Toyota Tundra value by year →Full Toyota Tundra market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2018 Toyota Tundra on the road

118,258 2018 Toyota Tundra units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Toyota Tundra stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Chevrolet Silverado

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Reliability: 74/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Ford F-150 Lightning

Reliability: 66/100·Rivalry score: 85

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Ford F-150

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Reliability verdict for the 2018 Toyota Tundra

With a score above the segment average, the 2018 Toyota Tundra lands in the solid, above-average reliability range. The complaint volume suggests a meaningful level of real-world friction rather than an outlier-free record, but the overall index position still points to lower-than-typical buyer exposure for the class.

Issues are not evenly spread. Complaints cluster most heavily in the electrical system, with fuel/propulsion also standing out, while brakes and speed control form a smaller second tier. That pattern implies reliability risk is more concentrated in a few systems than broadly distributed across the vehicle.

Recalls are elevated, which raises the likelihood of factory-identified corrections during ownership. Overall risk level: moderate, trending lower than the segment average but not minimal.

What you get in a 2018 Toyota Tundra report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Toyota Tundra — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Toyota Tundra reliable?

How many recalls does the 2018 Toyota Tundra have?

9 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Toyota Tundra. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Toyota Tundra problems?

The most-reported 2018 Toyota Tundra problem areas are: Electrical System (26), Fuel Propulsion System (13), Service Brakes (9).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Toyota Tundra?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Toyota Tundra, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.